Alumni Spotlights

Vanessa Baffour-Singletary ('16) knows a thing or two about juggling responsibilities. She serves as Director of Communications and Public Relations for the Duval County Property Appraiser's Office, runs a career strategy business helping professionals land new opportunities, creates local content for her growing social media audience and, perhaps most impressively, is raising four children under the age of four.

At the University of North Florida, Vanessa learned much more than her business management degree from the UNF Coggin College of Business. As a resident assistant for three years, she learned how to lead, solve problems and connect people with resources. Mentors across campus helped shape her confidence and professional identity. She credits faculty and staff with teaching her not to let her disability define her future, helping her recognize she was capable of pursuing any path she chose.

After graduating, Vanessa's career took her from education to advocacy and eventually into public relations. She worked with Teach For America on public policy initiatives before becoming Vice President of Public Relations for a Jacksonville agency. That experience led to an opportunity with Duval County Property Appraiser Joyce Morgan, where she now helps connect residents with critical information about property taxes, legislation and community resources.

But communications was never just about press releases for Vanessa. A self-starter by nature, she attended a national conference and began creating videos and social content simply because she saw an opportunity to engage people differently. The content caught attention, earned recognition from a national professional organization and sparked another venture as a local content creator. Today, she shares everything from Jacksonville attractions and small businesses to career advice, while continuing to grow a platform dedicated to helping others succeed.

That same passion for helping people extends beyond her day job. Through her career strategy business, Vanessa helps job seekers navigate everything from resumes to salary negotiations. This year alone, she has helped clients secure millions of dollars in collective salaries, a measure of success she finds especially rewarding because of its direct impact on people's lives.

UNF is also a family affair for Vanessa. Her younger sister Vera (’25) earned her health science degree from the UNF Brooks College of Health, her older sister, Tamara (’23) completed the university's CRNA program, and her husband, Denver Singletary (’18) completed his degree in electrical engineering.

Looking back, Vanessa would tell her college self to worry less about the future and focus more on taking care of herself. The confidence, relationships and life skills she developed at UNF became the foundation for everything that followed, from leadership to entrepreneurship and motherhood.

(Written by Maranda Leone, Published on 7/6/26)

There’s something about the Sunshine State that brings out the best in Bryan Baker. From Fort Walton Beach to Jacksonville to Tampa Bay, he’s continued to deliver on route to his first All-Star Game selection!

As a two-sport athlete at Choctawhatchee High School, Baker was actually drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates, but he made the commitment to join the North Florida Ospreys after meeting recruiters from a handful of schools and falling in love with the UNF campus.

Playing year-round at the University of North Florida, he got stronger and faster, in addition to becoming more mature as a pitcher. Following back-to-back all-conference selections and a regular season title, he was prepared for the big leagues.

After finishing his collegiate career in 2016, his draft position skyrocketed up to the 11th round as he was selected by the Colorado Rockies. However, his debut as a starter in the farm system was less than ideal. This served as a wake-up call, and he discovered that a reliever’s mentality suited him better. He no longer needed to reserve his energy or his best pitches. The late-game adrenaline fueled him.

After making his MLB debut with the Toronto Blue Jays, they traded him to the Baltimore Orioles, who had lost 100 games in the last 3 seasons. In his first season, they improved their record by 31 wins but still fell short of the postseason. In 2023, the Orioles were again projected to finish last in the division, but Baker said the foundation set them up for success. They took pride in their underdog mentality to outperform expectations and clinched the AL East title for the first time in a decade!

While their playoff run ended with a loss to the eventual World Series champions, Baker headed into Spring Training with a tweaked changeup grip, excited for the year ahead. However, the Tampa Bay Rays were desperately seeking bullpen help, and Baker surfaced as an intriguing trade candidate.

“The changeup and the progression of that pitch's development, we felt like it gave Bake the chance to be a really good reliever for a few years ahead,” said Erik Neander, Rays President of Baseball Operations.

The craziest part about Baker’s All-Star selection is that the Rays weren’t even supposed to have a closer this season. They planned on deploying a four-pitcher unit for high leverage situations, but after injuries and struggles, Baker remained the lone bolster at the end of the bullpen. Save opportunities kept coming his way and he kept converting.

“He's pitched like an All-Star for us all season long,” said Rays manager Kevin Cash. Now, he officially earns that accolade. “Definitely not something that I expected coming into the year or anything like that,” Baker said. “It’s a pleasant surprise, for sure.” Tune in to FOX tonight at 8pm to see him in action!

(Written by Alex Achorn, Published on 7/14/26)

Skylar Catherwood (’25) serves as the Social Media Coordinator for the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp.

A Jacksonville local, Catherwood wanted to stay close to home to help her family business. Plus, she knew her hometown market had plenty of ways to get involved. As a multimedia journalism major in the UNF School of Communication, she was involved both on and off campus. She served in a number of roles for Kappa Delta, including VP of Events and Programming, and her first internship consisted of writing and producing for 1010 XL Jax. She also shadowed local stars, WJXT4 Vic Micolucci & Catherine Ritter (’20), before joining the latter as a sideline reporter & content creator for the Jacksonville Sharks. Catherwood has also served as a sideline reporter for ESPN+ during North Florida Ospreys athletic events.

Catherwood started with the Jumbo Shrimp last season as a Multimedia Intern, where she put her degree to use writing recaps and press releases, in addition to creating hype videos and social media content. She could also be seen on camera conducting post-game interviews with the players and hosting the Shrimp Show with fellow alumnus Adam Glover (’24). She celebrated the off-season with a Minor League Baseball championship ring and a well-deserved promotion.

This season in her new role, she’s excited to take the Jumbo Shrimp’s social media to the next level. We’re also excited for her take our platform to the next level with tomorrow’s takeover. So tune in on Tuesday to see what a day in Skylar’s life looks like and be sure to follow the Jumbo Shrimp socials to see all the fun she’s got going on all season long!

(Written by Alex Achorn, Published on 6/1/26)

(Written by Maranda Leone, Published on 7/21/26)

(Written by Maranda Leone, Published on 6/18/26)

ICYMI: With the 7th pick in Round 2, the Detroit Pistons selected Chaz Lanier (‘24), who made history as the first Men's Basketball alumnus NBA draft pick!

After 3 seasons with the Ospreys, the Nashville native broke out during his senior campaign, leading the ASUN Conference in points per game as a First Team All-ASUN selection, becoming only the 2nd D1 Osprey to eclipse the 600pt mark.

After earning his bachelor’s degree in Sport Management from the UNF Silverfield College of Education and Human Services, Lanier used his grad transfer to return closer to home to play for the University of Tennessee, where he led the Volunteers to the Elite Eight in the NCAA tournament. In his lone season, he averaged 18ppg and set the Tennessee single season record with 123 made 3-pointers.

Lanier joins Women's Basketball star Jazz Bond (‘22) as the second UNF basketball alum to be selected in the draft.

(Written by Alex Achorn, Published 6/27/25)

Morgan McClure (’16) didn't come to the University of North Florida planning a career in communications. In fact, she arrived interested in coastal biology and photography. But one conversation during a campus visit changed everything.

When Sarah McElrea (’13) graduated from the University of North Florida with a degree in education, she never imagined she would one day be known around Jacksonville as “the salt lady.” But sometimes the most meaningful careers begin in the most unexpected ways.

Though she entered college undecided, a random introductory education course changed everything. “I instantly knew I’m good at this,” she said. Encouraged by a professor who saw her potential, McElrea joined UNF Silverfield College of Education and Human Services' then-new middle school math education program. She graduated in four years and went on to teach for seven.

Then came COVID-19... Like many educators during that time, McElrea made the difficult decision to step away from the classroom. What she didn’t know was that a small hobby she had started at home would grow into something much bigger.

From Backyard Basil to a Bustling Booth

During the pandemic, McElrea began experimenting in her kitchen, using herbs from her backyard garden and peppers grown by her husband. What started as small batches for friends quickly gained attention. “We take fresh herbs or peppers, grind them into the salt, and slow-dry them,” she explained. “It’s an old-school preservation method. There’s no secret. Just salt and herbs. No anti-caking agents, no sugars, no preservatives.” That simple, intentional process became the foundation of Summa Salts, her business built on flavor and community.

The name itself has a playful origin. Her husband used to call their daughter “sweet summa child,” a lighthearted nod to a quote from Game of Thrones. When McElrea was brainstorming names for her finishing salts, the phrase inspired a pun that stuck. What began as a creative outlet soon evolved into a mission-driven business. For McElrea, Summa Salts is not just about seasoning food. It is about strengthening Jacksonville’s local food system.

A Mission Bigger Than Salt

After leaving teaching, McElrea found herself without the tight-knit community she once had in schools. Farmers' markets became her new gathering place. Today, she is a full-time vendor at the Riverside Arts Market, where she was named Maker of the Year in 2025. She sets up her booth 52 weeks a year and considers the market both her home base and her grocery store.

Her passion for local food is deeply personal. While trying to source fresh, local ingredients for her family, she became increasingly aware of how difficult it can be to access locally grown products. “My mission is making sure every single person knows our farmers' markets exist,” she said. “It’s about keeping the whole system healthy. Farmers' markets do not work unless we have every kind of vendor and people supporting them.”

Summa Salts has grown in popularity, with bestsellers like “Vampire Killer” garlic salt, ranch blend, and a coffee-infused salt originally created for steak rubs that has since found a loyal following in cookies, brownies, and espresso martinis. Her pickle salt even went viral after a customer shared it in an online pickle-lover group. Still, growth for McElrea is measured differently.

“My North Stars are my family and spreading the good word of local food,” she said. “As long as those are in balance, I am open to whatever this business becomes.”

An Osprey at Heart

Though she no longer works in education, McElrea still feels a connection to UNF. She has returned to campus as a vendor for market days and occasionally drives through simply to reminisce. “It feels like this little island,” she said. “When you have spent so many hours there, it never really leaves you.”

From a first-year elective class that sparked a teaching career to a kitchen experiment that blossomed into a thriving local business, McElrea’s journey reflects the unexpected paths many alumni take. And whether she is grinding fresh herbs with salt, educating customers about local sourcing, or setting up her booth at RAM, one thing is clear. Her Osprey spirit, rooted in community and purpose, is still very much alive.

You can find Summa Salts at the Riverside Arts Market each Saturday or follow along as McElrea continues seasoning Jacksonville, one jar at a time.

(Written by Maranda Leone, Published on 3/4/26)

UNF alumna turns love of wildlife into career at Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens

From sun-soaked days on the St. Johns River to global conservation partnerships, Shannon McNeil’s journey began at the University of North Florida and continues to make an impact far beyond campus. 

A 2023 graduate, McNeil credits UNF with helping her turn a lifelong love of Florida’s waterways and wildlife into a meaningful career. As a Coastal Environmental Science student, she found both academic challenge and a sense of belonging. 

“I wanted to go to UNF because I love the nature preserve that was around it. Gorgeous trees, lakes and wildlife. It couldn’t get much better than that,” McNeil shared. “Aside from that, they had a great program, and I was incredibly happy with it the entire time.” 

That environment shaped her experience inside and outside the classroom. Growing up in Florida, McNeil knew she wanted to study the water that surrounds the state. What she did not know was how clearly UNF would show her the path toward protecting it. 

Mentorship played a defining role in her journey. Faculty members like Dr. Quincy Gibson, associate professor of biology at UNF, helped guide her academic growth while offering insight into future careers. Their classrooms emphasized hands-on learning and real-world applications. 

Experiential learning was central to McNeil’s UNF experience. Through summer field courses, McNeil tracked alligators and studied bottlenose dolphins in the St. Johns River. These immersive opportunities confirmed her passion and strengthened the skills she would later bring into her career. 

McNeil discovered the conservation field through UNF’s Environmental Leadership Program, which exposed her to career possibilities she had not previously considered. That program also connected her with the Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens, where she completed a student project focused on invasive species. After graduation, that connection led to a full-time role in the zoo’s conservation department. 

Dr. Gibson recalls McNeil’s impact clearly. 

“She was an extremely bright and highly motivated student,” Gibson said. “She is clearly passionate about animal conservation and willing to work hard to make a difference. The Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens is very lucky to have her on its team.” 

Today, McNeil works with more than 45 conservation partners locally and globally. She collaborates with education teams, supports conservation initiatives, and helps staff turn ideas into action. She is also mentoring a current UNF student through the same leadership program that helped launch her own career. 

(Written by Maranda Leone, Published on 5/6/26)

We say that once you earn your degree from UNF, you become part of our family for life. For Bobbie Jo Mentz (’00, ‘02), her Osprey family and her biological family are one and the same. As we celebrate MothersDay, this month’s AlumniSpotlight proves that the nestling doesn’t fall far from The Nest!

With an associate’s degree under her belt, Mentz attended the UNF Brooks College of Health to earn her bachelor’s in Sports Medicine, while working full time at the UNF Student Union Bookstore. After completing her program, she returned to The Graduate School to earn her Master of Physical Therapy. She’s now the COO at Jacksonville’s River Garden Senior Services, and serves on BCH’s Center for Aging and Research Advisory Board.

Mentz’s older sister, Maria Knapp (’96), helped pave the way. She earned her bachelor’s in business management from the UNF Coggin College of Business while also working at the UNF Bookstore. She was also a founding member of UNF’s Students in Free Enterprise, now ranked among the best in the nation. She’s now the president of the Florida Sheriff’s Youth Ranches.

When Bobbie Jo gave birth to her daughter Alexis, she grew up visiting the UNF Nature preserve, attending preschool at the UNF Development Center and competing in North Florida Ospreys sports camps during the summers. When it came time to pick a college, there wasn’t a doubt. Alexis Schad (’17) earned her bachelor’s in political science. She was a sister of Alpha Chi Omega Sorority and inducted into the Order of Omega. She also founded the Domestic Violence Awareness Club. After graduating, she earned her JD from the University of Miami and now serves as an associate for Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick.

However, we’ve still yet to reach the start! Bobbie Jo and Maria’s first cousin, Mollie Bergeron (’90), was the first of the family to attend UNF, earning her bachelor’s of arts in sociology and criminal justice. While looking for opportunities to pay her way through school, she saw a job posting at the UNF Bookstore, which then opened the door for the rest of the family. On campus, Mollie met William Bergeron (’90) who was pursuing a psychology degree. William is a retired US Army Colonel and spent nearly 18 years working for CSX. The two quickly fell in love and soon after gave birth to their daughter, Bailey Rivera (’21) who earned her bachelor’s in health administration and now works at MD Anderson.

As you can see, while most Ospreys stay connected with our University, some family trees dug their roots a little deeper.

(Written by Alex Achorn, Published on 5/7/26)

This month’s alumni spotlight takes us from the football field to the classroom as we highlight Melissa Metz (’04, ’10), two-time Silverfield alumna, former captain of The ROAR and current principal of the Coppergate School of the Arts.

X’s and O’s

Metz originally planned to attend FSU, but after talking with Dr. John Kemppainen during a SCOEHS Open House, she learned about UNF’s high pass rates on the state board exam. “That conversation ultimately shifted my decision — I was confident that UNF’s COEHS offered a stronger and more supportive program,” she said.

Meanwhile, Metz had tried out for The ROAR during her senior year of at Terry Parker high school, and although she advanced to the last day, she didn’t make the final cut. The same thing happened the following year. But the third time proved to be the charm. “I was determined,” she said. “I kept practicing, improving my dance technique and focusing on my overall fitness.” She officially joined the team in 2003.

Metz graduated from UNF in December 2004, and by January 2005, her teaching career began at Ed White High School, teaching math for the World of Work, Career and Job Preparation and Intensive Reading. In 2007, after marrying her husband, John, she transferred to Loretto Elementary to be closer to home.

School of Hard Flocks

After cheering on the Jaguars for six incredible seasons, she retired her pom poms to focus on obtaining a master’s degree. When it came to deciding on a program, returning to the UNF Graduate School was a natural decision. She started at Loretto as a teacher but over time transitioned into their middle school literacy specialist. Working at the district level helped her grow professionally, which paved the way for her next role as assistant principal. Three years later, she became the principal at Chimney Lakes Elementary.

During her tenure, Chimney Lakes was recognized as an A-rated Title I school and received national recognition from Magnet Schools of America as a School of Distinction their Multicultural Magnet Program. After 15 years in the Duval County Public School system, the pandemic shutdown gave way to a moment of reflection and transition, as her current role became open. “It was not an easy decision to leave DCPS after so many years,” she said, “but I couldn’t pass up the chance to lead an arts-integrated school.” Coppergate felt like a full-circle moment where she could reconnect with the creative roots that helped shape her. She also had an opportunity to join Project PREP and pursue a doctorate, so she decided to return to UNF. She’s looking forward to joining the alumni association for the third time in 2027.

ROAR Galore

When she’s not running the school or working on her own studies, she’s still able to connect with The ROAR as president of The ROAR Alumni Association. “Being part of the team was never just about performing,” Metz said. “It was about representing something greater than ourselves.” The culture of service and connection drew her into the program, and now she and her fellow alumnae help carry that legacy forward, ensuring they remain connected to each other, the organization and their mission. She creates opportunities for them to give back, whether it’s organizing charitable events, supporting causes or mentoring current team members.

“Caring for each other, our community, and our kids isn’t just a tagline—it’s a mindset we lived then and one we carry with us for life,” she said, “and I’m so proud to still be part of that.”

(Written by Alex Achorn, Published 6/3/25)

(Written by Maranda Leone, Published on 7/8/26)

Catherine (Cavallo) Ritter (’20) graduated summa cum laude from the UNF School of Communication, earning her degree in multimedia journalism with double minors in sport management and leadership, but her journey with the Jacksonville Sharks started in high school taking photos at the games. As a Multimedia Intern, she got to be a part of the team when the Sharks were named “NAL’s Best Media Department.”

In 2022, she was able to return to the Sharks in her current role, Director of Multimedia, coming full circle as she led her team to be once again named “NAL’s Best Media Department.”

“The Best Media honor means everything to me,” she said. “It solidified that I am doing exactly what I’m supposed to be doing.”

As multimedia director, her role consists of managing a team of interns, creating press releases, running the website and social accounts, doing community outreach, and fulfilling sponsor contracts and gameday advertising. Ritter focuses on content interaction to stand out, which includes creating a humorous admin persona and integrating new video features.

Since then, there’s been quite a few changes. The Sharks won’t win any more NAL awards since they joined the Indoor Football League (IFL), but in addition to adapting to differences in game rules and league requirements, she’s figured out how to deliver an even better fan experience in this new league. There’s also been a change in last name, as she and her new husband tied the know this past December!

(Written by Alex Achorn, Published on 4/27/26)

This Sunday, the Jacksonville Jaguars look to keep their streak alive as they host the Seattle Seahawks. However, before they kick off, they’re calling on alumnus Andrew Sapin (’14) to set the tone and get the fans excited with the pregame show at Daily's Place.

A Jacksonville native, Sapin grew up playing sport after sport but never imagined one day becoming a musician. He stayed local to attend the University of North Florida where he was on the basketball scout team before later landing a role with the North Florida Ospreys Communications department. “I found myself learning how to live input stats, write player bios, craft weekly stories, do post-game recaps, edit videos and even manage the interns,” he said. While he was working on his business management degree, he taught himself how to play the guitar and slowly built up the confidence to perform and sing in front of people. One of his first gigs was made up almost entirely of Ospreys coaches, staffers and student-athletes in the crowd.

After talking with a friend who was a full-time musician, he realized he had a chance to turn his passion into a career. Once he graduated, he decided to go all in pursuing music. “No backup plan, no other job, just fully betting on myself,” he said. Fast-forward to 2023, Sapin is performing for a near sold out Wembley Stadium connected by EE before the Jaguars UK host the Falcons in London. “There’s something really special about how music brings people together,” he said as he connected with people from all over the world. While that show was a dream come true, he says it doesn’t matter if there are tens of thousands in the stadium or one guy at a bar, he’s always going to give everything he’s got. “The real highlight is simply performing for anyone willing to take time out of their day to listen to me play.”

Sapin has grown as a businessman as he grew as a musician, figuring out how to pitch himself to venues, negotiate contracts, design flyers and run his social media. He said his experience at the UNF Coggin College of Business helped guide him in the right direction.

“I was my own marketing team, HR department, legal advisor and graphic designer,” Sapin said. He credits his amazing support system of friends and family, who helped wherever they could, saying he’s forever grateful for everyone who’s been on this journey with him.

Sports meant everything to Sapin growing up, so he feels like he’s come full circle. While the original dream may have been to play in stadiums as an athlete, playing as a musician is just as special. In addition to Jaguars games, he’s also performed at THE PLAYERS Championship, NASCAR and All Elite Wrestling.

As he continues to perform live shows throughout the state, he is currently working on an album he plans to record and release in 2026. Afterward, he plans to hit the road for a tour, so take advantage of this opportunity to see him perform while you can!

(Written by Alex Achorn, Published 10/10/25)

This Osprey is “goal-oriented” in more ways than one. Our next #AlumniSpotlight takes us to the pitch as we highlight Zara Siassi (’25), defender for the newly formed Sporting JAX soccer team.

The Lake Worth native, Siassi joined the North Florida Ospreys women’s soccer team in 2020. After talking with Eric Faulconer and the coaching staff, she realized that not only did they care about her success on and off the field, but they truly believed she could grow the program and leave her legacy. “I felt like I was joining an environment where I was going to be valued as a person and a player,” she said.

She made the most of her opportunity, starting all 82 matches of her UNF career to set a D1 program record. The five-year veteran ended her career as a three-time All-ASUN honoree, including a pair of selections to the first team, to go with an ASUN All-Freshman recognition in the spring of 2021. She completed an illustrious collegiate career as a three-time ASUN Defensive Player of the Week recipient helping secure six clean sheets this past season, scoring her final goal of her career off a penalty kick on Senior Day.

Off the pitch, Siassi excelled in the classroom as a biomedical sciences major. She was twice named to the ASUN Conference All-Academic Team and to the CSC Academic All-District Team, and was a four-time ASUN Academic Honor Roll recipient. It was challenging trying to balance classes with trainings, lifts and extracurriculars, but she said, “I think it fostered skills like time management, communication and discipline that will serve me well for the rest of my life.”

Besides academics and athletics, Siassi also loves to bake. After sharing her culinary creations with her teammates, there was such a high demand that she opened up Rize and Grind for Ospreys to purchase her baked goods. She said, “It’s been a super fun side quest that I enjoy doing during my time off the field.” She’s also recently taken up golf as an outlet to stay active outdoors.

This summer, Siassi was signed by Sporting Club Jacksonville, joining alumnae Carmel Oliveira, Thais Reiss and Karina Bermudez as UNF players currently on the professional circuit. “I feel incredibly blessed to have the opportunity to live my dream of playing professional soccer,” she said. “The fact that my career can begin here in Jacksonville is icing on the cake.”

After being awarded a franchise in 2022, Sporting Cub Jacksonville joined the MLS NEXT Pro’s Jacksonville Armada FC to grow soccer in Duval, with their men’s and women’s teams playing in the USL Championship and Super League respectively. Their inaugural season is now underway following an exhilarating match last month at Hodges Stadium.

With over 7,000 minutes played in Hodges, Sporting JAX hopes Siassi will bring a young defensive energy to protect her home field. “The coaches and support staff at Sporting Jax have been exceptional…and it is a great environment to be a part of.” She described the chance to begin her professional journey on the same field as "a little surreal" and said she hoped to represent the Jacksonville community with pride. “There has been so much buzz and excitement about this team, and I’m looking forward to being a part of all we accomplish as the club continues to grow.”

(Written by Alex Achorn, Published 9/10/25)