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UNF’s Michelle Drinks named a ’40 Under 40’ by Jacksonville Business Journal

Headshot of Michelle DrinksMichelle Drinks, director of development for UNF’s College of Education and Human Services, has been named a “40 Under 40” honoree by the Jacksonville Business Journal for her business success, leadership skills and outstanding professional achievement.

Drinks oversees development efforts for the college, including alumni engagement and community partnerships. She was instrumental in creating and implementing EXPLORE – a pipeline program at UNF that aims to recruit students of underrepresented backgrounds – and publishing “The RACE to Philanthropy.” Drinks joined UNF over three years ago as the Brooks College of Health assistant director of development and was later promoted to associate director, before taking her current role.

Prior to UNF, Drinks worked in development roles at various non-profit regional organizations, including United Way of Northeast Florida and the Alzheimer’s Association. She is dedicated to helping others and passionate about the equality and inclusion of all.

Drinks is a Jacksonville native and holds a Bachelor of Applied Science in Supervision and Management from Florida State College at Jacksonville. She is very active in the community and currently serves on the board for the Women’s Center of Jacksonville and Extensionz, a transition home for past offenders.