UNF Journal: Fall 2019

“Tough, tolerant and promising.” That is how Dr. Mike Aspinwall, biology professor at UNF, describes switchgrass, a native plant species he is researching. According to Aspinwall, the plant is adaptable to many climates, grows well without fertilizer and is considered by many to be a leading candidate for plant-based biofuel production.

UNF student-athletes began competing in intercollegiate athletics in 1983 at the NAIA level, later moving to Division II and finally, in the 2005-06 season, moved to Division I — the highest level of college athletics. UNF is now playing in its 15th season at the DI level; and last year marked the end of a decade of competing for postseason championships. Whichever milestone you choose to celebrate, it’s been an era of success, marked with many memorable moments.

UNF student-athletes make high academic marks and averaged a 3.4 GPA during the spring 2019 semester. In fact, the cumulative average GPA of student-athletes has been over 3.0 for 16 consecutive semesters! The Student-Athlete Center for Excellence at UNF helps students stay focused and provides the resources they need to succeed.

It has been an important year for UNF’s School of Computing. Not only did the school receive a very generous gift, its students are competing at high levels against top universities and the School just received a significant national designation. Indeed, UNF’s School of Computing is not only keeping up, but working hard to set the pace.