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Recent Spotlights
Alumni Spotlight: Ellen Cottrill (’19, ’22)
Most people don't return to college after raising six children, opening a restaurant, and building a career. Most people aren’t Ellen Cottrill (’19, ’22).
Decades after first enrolling in college, our future alumna returned to the classroom as a nontraditional student, earning both her bachelor's degree in communication and master's degree in communication management before putting those skills to work helping shape Jacksonville's cultural and civic landscape.
Long before she arrived at the University of North Florida, Ellen's path had already taken her far beyond a traditional college experience. After beginning her education at Drexel University in Philadelphia, she lived in Israel, studied at Tel Aviv University, started a family, and later became part of a blended family with six children.
In 2014, Ellen and her family opened Hobnob, a restaurant in Jacksonville's Brooklyn area, years before the area became the thriving destination it is today. Drawing on her background in art and gallery work, she helped create a unique space filled with original artwork and community events. As she worked to promote the restaurant and connect with city leaders, she discovered a passion for communications.
When Hobnob eventually closed, Ellen saw an opportunity to finally finish what she started. She enrolled in the UNF School of Communication and pursued a bachelor's degree in communication with a concentration in public relations.
One unexpected bonus? Sharing the experience with her stepdaughter, Andrea Little ('18), who was pursuing the same major at UNF at the same time.
After earning her bachelor's degree, Ellen continued into the UNF Graduate School, completing a master's degree in communication management with a concentration in nonprofit leadership.
Since graduating, Ellen has combined her passions for communication, the arts, and community development. She worked in communications for the Cultural Council of Greater Jacksonville, served on the Thomas G. Carpenter Library Dean's Council, and helped spotlight local artists featured throughout UNF's library collection.
Today, she serves on the boards of Scenic Jacksonville and Downtown Vision, Inc. while helping lead the redevelopment of historic properties throughout downtown Jacksonville. Most recently, Ellen and her husband, Alan, purchased two long-vacant buildings on Laura Street with plans to transform them into new residential and restaurant spaces in the heart of downtown.
(Written by Maranda Leone, published 7/21/26)