Josh Gellers appointed as Professional and Lifelong Learning dean
The University of North Florida is proud to name Dr. Josh Gellers as dean of UNF Professional and Lifelong Learning (PLL), which provides practical skills and meaningful learning experiences to help people in the community grow personally and professionally.
Gellers is a professor of political science and public administration, director of the Digital Humanities Institute and the University’s first Faculty Fellow for Artificial Intelligence for the 2025-26 academic year.
“Dr. Gellers brings scholarly excellence, innovative thinking and a deep commitment to community engagement, making him an ideal leader for PLL,” said Dr. Karen Patterson, UNF provost and executive vice president for academic and student affairs. “His vision for expanding access to high‑quality learning opportunities, strengthening workforce partnerships and advancing UNF’s role in emerging fields like artificial intelligence gives tremendous confidence in his ability to elevate PLL and broaden its impact across the region.”
As the dean of PLL, he will provide visionary leadership and strategic direction for UNF's non-credit, certificate and alternative credential programs. He will be responsible for advancing professional education, workforce development and lifelong learning initiatives that serve adult learners, working professionals and community members.
PLL offers professional development programs that serve a wide range of industry sectors with courses and certificates available in topics including artificial intelligence, computer programming, transportation and logistics, business, leadership, data science and project management. UNF’s AI for Work and Life Certificate launched last year and has seen more than 48,000 people registered from 150 countries. Other offerings include customized learning solutions for employers with tailored corporate training and workforce development programs; Enrich Jax personal enrichment classes that invite adults to learn for fun, connection, and creativity; the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute for adults 50 and better; and youth programs and summer camps.
Gellers’ initial goals for the PLL include growing current successful programming, expanding its presence in the community through youth programs, community workshops and similar programs, strengthening relationships with corporate partners and creating pathways from non-credit to credit-bearing programs.
“Lifelong learning is essential to building a resilient workforce that can evolve with conditions in a dynamic economy,” said Gellers. “With emerging technologies like AI, it is more important than ever to invest in options beyond the traditional degree to stay competitive. I look forward to expanding UNF PLL offerings to help individuals and organizations meet this challenge.”
Gellers joined UNF in 2014 and has been a transformative leader in both environmental and AI education. As Faculty Fellow for AI, Gellers has helped lead campus efforts to expand AI literacy, support interdisciplinary AI research and foster community and industry partnerships that position UNF as the hub for AI innovation in the region. A recognized expert in environmental politics, human rights and AI ethics, he is the author of two books, including “Rights for Robots: Artificial Intelligence, Animal and Environmental Law,” which was named Book of the Week by the AI with AI podcast and cited by the United Nations Environment Programme.
His extensive scholarship includes over 40 publications on AI, justice, law and sustainability. Gellers is currently co-editing two volumes focused on AI—one for Oxford University Press and another for Edward Elgar. He has received numerous honors, including a Fulbright award to Sri Lanka, the Jacksonville Environmental Protection Board’s Environmental Achievement Award, UNF’s Outstanding Faculty Scholarship Award, and the US Green Building Council’s Green Teacher of the Year. Gellers also serves on Jacksonville’s Environmental Protection Board and Data Advisory Committee.
Gellers holds a Ph.D. and M.A. in political science from the University of California, Irvine, a M.A. in climate and society from Columbia University, and a B.A. in political science from the University of Florida, where he was valedictorian of his graduating class.