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Former University of North Florida President Dr. Anne Hopkins Passes

AnneHopkinsHeadshotIt is with great sadness that the University of North Florida announces the passing of former UNF President Anne H. Hopkins this past weekend. Dr. Hopkins served as the fourth president of the University from 1999 to 2002 and as a political science professor for many additional years. 

As president, Dr. Hopkins placed strong emphasis on increasing opportunities for students to engage in transformational learning experiences, faculty-mentored research projects and study abroad programs. She focused on developing new academic offerings, expanding the honors program and enhancing professional development for faculty members.

Dr. Hopkins initiated the University's first capital campaign “Access to Excellence.” At the time, the campaign was the largest philanthropic effort in Jacksonville’s history, raising more than $100 million.

“Dr. Hopkins will be remembered elevating the student engagement opportunities, faculty research projects and the overall prominence of the University as well as spearheading a capital campaign that greatly contributed to the University’s ongoing growth and development,” said UNF President David Szymanski. “Years after her retirement, she frequently attended UNF functions to engage with students and faculty and continued to give back to the University. She will be greatly missed.”

Prior to serving at UNF, Dr. Hopkins was the provost and executive vice president for academic affairs at Miami University in Ohio. She also served as vice president and vice provost of arts, sciences and engineering at the University of Minnesota and as provost, assistant provost and associate professor of political science at the University of Tennessee at Knoxville.

Dr. Hopkins began her academic career in 1968 as an assistant professor and chair of political science at Hobart and William Smith Colleges in New York. She earned her doctoral, master’s and bachelor’s degrees in political science from Syracuse University. 

A memorial service for Dr. Hopkins will take place from 10 to 11 a.m. on Friday, July 16, 2021 at Palms Presbyterian Church, located at 3410 3rd St S. in Jacksonville Beach.