Recent Spotlights

Alumni Spotlight: Kevin Wilson ('21)

With the Midsummer Classic on the horizon, it’s time to select one of our All Stars in the MLB, Kevin Wilson (’21), to get his recognition.

Wilson’s journey is unconventional to say the least. He tried the college experience at first, but didn’t think it was for him, so he ended up becoming a youth pastor. After he got married, he started taking life a little more seriously. He would always tell his students to chase their passions, and he finally listened to his own advice. He enrolled at UNF as a religious studies major but reflected about the impact he wanted to make. “I was living with the idea that I only have one shot at a career,” he said, “I need to make the most of it.” He realized that a big part of his life was experienced through sport, so he transitioned into sports management.

At this point, things got even more unorthodox as the pandemic hit, and it was hard to get “real-world experience” when most sports teams were in a state of limbo. He credits SCOEHS’ Dr. Kristi Sweeney and Career Services’ Patti Palmer for helping him succeed while the practicum and internships were seemingly in flux. While many others might’ve viewed the pandemic as a limitation, they viewed it as an opportunity. They were able to schedule virtual meetings and internships with industry veterans across the nation who normally would’ve been unapproachable. Wilson said he was inspired by “how much the faculty poured into their students to set them up for success.” They helped him prepare his application and his resume, and then it was Kevin’s turn to make it happen.

For his internship, he applied for a highly coveted position with the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio. Out of over 4,000 applicants, only two would be selected, but he said he wouldn’t let that deter him. He applied for their youth and education internship and interviewed with human resources, where he advanced to the next round. He then had a group interview where he emphasized the importance of sport in the community and how his work with nonprofits and youth in a church setting gave him unparalleled experience. He advanced to the final interview where he got to meet with the hiring managers, and after talking with Jerry Csaki, the director of youth and education, he felt like the perfect candidate for this role.

Throughout the internship with the Hall of Fame, he learned a lot about the industry and a lot about himself. He knew he wanted to stay in sports, but his mentors kept suggesting he might be great in a sales position. As the internship was wrapping up, Wilson started interviewing with other organizations, but one conversation was unique. While Wilson worked in Canton, he lived in a dorm at the nearby Malone University, which also happened to be the exact same dorm that Haydon Dotson, the inside sales manager for the Detroit Red Wings and Tigers, had spent his college years in. The more they talked, the more it sounded like Dotson valued Wilson as a person rather than just a professional. He convinced his wife to move to the Motor City and he started in inside sales for both the Red Wings and Tigers. He became a leader on the staff and was quickly promoted to executive. “I may not be the best seller,” he said, “but no one is going to outwork me.” He moved into B2B sales and became a top seller, leading the team in deposits. He then became a premium seller and was among the Tigers’ leaders in suite leases.

While he enjoyed sales, a piece was missing. He still loved to teach, and soon after, got the opportunity. The LEAD Program, an opportunity for young professionals to hit their goals to find out if leadership is right for them, needed a mentor, and Wilson was able to step in to work with the entry level members of his team, helping them through their journey just like he was helped a few years prior. His leadership skills were put on display, and by 2024, he became the inside sales manager, leading 12 individuals on his team.

His team is consistently hitting their metrics, but his favorite part of the job is the recruiting aspect, finding and equipping the future sales rockstars. “It’s incredibly rewarding, seeing their growth,” he said. The trust he’s gotten from his team is a huge part of why he’s stayed with the organization.

Between baseball and hockey, there’s not really an offseason, but he just bought a new smoker, so he’s trying to spend some quality time in the backyard with the family and his goldendoodle Groot, introducing the locals to some Southern cooking. He feels like he’s where he needs to be at this point in his life, but their whole family is in Florida, so he isn’t ruling out a move one day.

(Written by Alex Achorn, published 7/10/25)

Local Business Showcase: F & R Cleaning

(Written by Maranda Leone, Published 8/5/25)

Schoolhouse Flock: Michele Purvis

There’s something to be said about loyalty, and while many teachers are often forced to bounce around from school to school, alumna Michele Purvis (’94) just celebrated 30 years with the only institution she’s worked for, Lake Forrest Prep, which serves as this month’s #SchoolhouseFlock.

Ever since she was a little girl, Purvis knew she wanted to be a teacher. After attending Fletcher High School, she wasn’t quite ready to leave Jacksonville. She applied to the University of North Florida, honestly expecting to attend for a year or two before transferring to a larger school, but got heavily involved with organizations like Alpha Chi Omega and loved her experience. She served as an officer on the Panhellenic council and in her sorority, which is where she discovered she had a knack for leadership. She ended up staying until she completed her degree in elementary education. “I was fortunate to have professors who loved what they did, which had an enormous impact on me as a student and as an educator,” she said.

After graduation, she landed her first teaching job at Lake Forrest Preparatory School – a school that had recently opened in 1991 in the Orlando area. She quickly made an impact, and as the school grew, the administration asked her to take on more responsibilities. For several years, she was teaching full-time while also overseeing the elementary grades. In 2004, the owner sadly discovered she had cancer and asked Purvis to fill in as principal. “I was honored, sad and terrified all at the same time,” she said. At nights, she would attend classes at UCF to earn her master’s degree.

Located in Casselberry, Lake Forrest Preparatory School is a private school with infants through 8th grade, with 310 students and about 60 staff members. “This is a small school where everyone knows everyone and students feel safe,” said Purvis. “We strive to help students build strong character education and love learning.”

“I love so much about my job!” she said. “It is tough, but the rewards outweigh the challenging times.” The excitement and genuine love of learning that sees in her students in incomparable, and she loves helping the teachers to grow as well. She and her husband Joey raised two daughters, Paige and Avery, through LFPS, who have now graduated from UCF and FSU respectively. After 30 years, she’s starting to see her former students come back to enroll their children.

(Written by Alex Achorn, Published 4/8/25)

Donor Spotlight: Ed Jones

Can you believe it’s been five years since our alumni had to virtually cross the stage to get their degrees? Well, while the Coronavirus pandemic made the world hit pause, healthcare workers were stuck on fast forward. In today’s #DonorDeepDive, we home in on Edward Jones (’94, ’99), who witnessed the effects of COVID-19 firsthand in his role as President and CEO of the Houston Methodist Research Institute (HMRI).

While others were stockpiling toilet paper, Jones and his wife, Sara Lynn (’95, ’99), responded by investing in the future frontline. They established the Edward and Sara Lynn Jones Endowed Scholarship for Nursing at the University of North Florida.

“We just thought it was really important to try and give something back in a difficult time, but more importantly to try and do a little bit to help people going into healthcare,” Jones said.

The decision to support nursing students at the UNF Brooks College of Health was a no-brainer, as both Edward and Sara are double Ospreys. Edward earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a Master’s Degree in Business Administration, while Sara graduated with her Bachelor and Masters of Science in Nursing.

“I would encourage those who have an interest in healthcare to strongly consider a career in nursing,” Jones said. “Think about it as a way of serving others, a way of serving the community.”

The scholarship is available for all nursing students, but a strong preference is given to students with a military or law-enforcement affiliation, in honor of both Edward’s father, a navy veteran, and Sara’s father, a former Police Officer.

When Simone Covington enrolled at UNF to pursue a nursing degree, she had the passion, but like many students, she also faced financial uncertainty. That changed when she became the first recipient of the Edward and Sara Lynn Jones Endowed Scholarship for Nursing.

“Receiving the scholarship was incredibly empowering,” Covington said. “It gave me the encouragement to believe in myself, even during moments when I didn’t think I could succeed in such a rigorous program. Knowing that someone saw my potential and was willing to invest in my future pushed me to do my best.”

That investment stretched far beyond tuition. Covington participated in an externship at Houston Methodist Hospital. That experience introduced her to new horizons in healthcare and ultimately opened the door to her current role as a Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit (CVICU) nurse at the same hospital.

“Moving to Houston from Jacksonville by myself was a big step,” she said. “But that opportunity allowed me to see how advanced we are in healthcare and to grow in ways I never expected.”

Throughout her journey, this scholarship meant so much to her, not just because it lightened a financial burden, but because it gave her the confidence and resources to pursue opportunities she hadn’t imagined possible.

“It’s motivating to know someone is in your corner,” she said. “Even now, on tough days, I remind myself that this path was made possible by people who believed in me. They wouldn’t have invested in me if I wasn’t capable.”

“To give a little bit of financial support, professional advice, open a few doors for somebody and watch them thrive in that environment is incredibly rewarding,” Jones said. “To watch her (Covington) come full circle and be at the same place where we’re working is kind of a cool.”

Jones went on to urge anyone to find ways to support their community. “I think everybody can figure out a way to give back…whether it’s with time, mentorship or helping someone out,” Jones said. “I think we all need to look and try and find a way that we can give back.”

Today, Covington encourages current nursing students completing clinicals on her unit to explore beyond their comfort zones and take full advantage of the opportunities available while still in school.

“I tell them to look outside of their immediate surroundings. To explore externships, travel and see what else is out there,” she said. “UNF gave me that vision. I want them to have that, too.”

Covington’s story is a powerful reminder of the impact a single scholarship can have. From the classroom to the clinic, to an entirely new city and career. For her, it’s more than a financial gift; it’s a lifelong source of empowerment and purpose.

In recognition of his professional leadership and community impact, Jones was honored with the University of North Florida’s Distinguished Alumni Award in 2022, the highest honor given to a graduate of the university.

(Written by Maranda Leone and Becca Rios, Published 7/21/25)

Oz For A Cause: Sarah Roberts

In this month’s edition of #OzforACause, we are highlighting a triple alumna who’s not only dedicated her life’s work to helping others through counseling and art therapy but has also staunchly advocated for herself and others living with diabetes. November is Diabetes Awareness Month, and we recently sat down with Sarah Roberts, RMHCI (’21, ’21, ’24), to discuss her career and advocacy. She currently works as an associate therapist at Elite DNA Behavioral Health in Jacksonville.

A Third-Degree Swoop

As an Osprey, Roberts stayed active on campus and in the classroom, earning dual bachelor’s degrees in psychology and interdisciplinary studies, focusing on ceramic art therapy. This year, she completed her master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling and incorporates her UNF education into her work, primarily counseling children aged 9 and up.

Art therapy, in many ways, inspired Roberts to become a therapist. During undergrad, while taking 17 credit hours one semester, she struggled with stress as she pursued forensic psychology aspirations. Practicing ceramics during this time helped her manage the pressure and persevere through her studies.

“I thought, ‘How cool would it be for me to be able to use the tools that I’ve learned to put my stress into something and create something out of nothing and teach that to people.’”

During undergrad, Roberts also worked as an orientation leader, senior mentor, and development associate for UNF’s University Development and Alumni Engagement office after graduation.

She speaks highly of her master’s program, noting classes such as Expressive Arts Counseling, Equestrian Therapy, and Sexology as enjoyable and beneficial for helping clients. Currently, she holds a Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern (RMHCI) designation and will need to pass an exam after two years of client work and 1,500 direct-client hours to become a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC).

Diabetes at a Glance

Diabetes is a group of diseases affecting how the body uses glucose (blood sugar), according to Mayo Clinic. Glucose provides energy for muscles, tissues, and the brain, but diabetes can lead to excess blood sugar, causing severe health issues.

With Type 1 diabetes (T1D), the pancreas makes little or no insulin, the hormone that allows glucose to enter cells and produce energy. There is no cure for T1D, which is often caused by genetics or viral infections and typically appears in childhood or adolescence but can develop in adults.

In Type 2 diabetes (T2D), the pancreas produces insufficient insulin, often due to inactivity, obesity, or insulin resistance in fat, muscle, and liver cells. While T2D usually occurs in older adults, rising obesity rates have led to more cases among younger people, including children.

Roberts was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at age 3 after a severe strep throat infection triggered an autoimmune response that temporarily shut down her pancreas. She uses two medical devices to manage her blood sugar: a Dexcom Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM) and an insulin pump. These devices create a closed-loop system, acting as an external pancreas, she explained.

“I like to call myself part robot,” she said.

Insurance coverage for these devices can be challenging, and rising insulin costs remain a major issue for the diabetic community. Roberts said she’s had to fight her insurance provider to access the care she needs, while legislators often fail to grasp the life-or-death nature of insulin access.

“I think a lot of the time it’s seen as a luxury,” she said. “If you don’t have insulin, you can’t eat, you can’t function. You need insulin to survive.”

She also noted research showing that COVID-19 has triggered autoimmune responses in some adults, leading to late-onset Type 1 diabetes diagnoses.

“I know a lot of people in the mid-to-late 20s who got COVID and now they have Type 1, so it’s definitely something to pay attention to.”

Advocacy and Diabetes Camp

Roberts uses her T1D diagnosis to educate others and encourage younger generations to persevere despite their condition. As a child, she wrote a letter to President George W. Bush advocating for stem cell research, a potential avenue for curing diabetes. She received a reply with a presidential stamp, which she still has to this day.

Since age 5, Roberts has been involved with the Florida Camp for Children and Youth with Diabetes (FCCYD), returning frequently as a counselor. The camps offer a safe space and community for children with T1D.

Recalling her childhood, she faced bullying from peers who joked about her condition or mocked her medical devices. She said she often hid in school bathrooms to check her blood sugar.

“To be able to go to a space at least once a year [where] I didn’t have to hide part of myself is the best part about it,” she said.

Diabetes Camp provides a refuge where kids can participate in activities without worry, supported by trained counselors and professionals. The camps also offer diabetes education and mental health counseling. Roberts’ favorite, Camp Winona in DeLeon Springs, features lakeside cabins and is run by the YMCA.

Roberts advocates for person-first language, encouraging people to say, “I have Type 1 diabetes” instead of “I’m diabetic.” She explains that this distinction emphasizes that individuals are more than their condition—a principle she also applies to mental health and autism.

Living with diabetes requires constant decision-making, from monitoring blood sugar and food intake to managing devices and insulin. Roberts acknowledges this can be exhausting, especially after difficult fluctuations in blood sugar.

When she is not working as a counselor or volunteering at Diabetes Camp, Roberts enjoys pottery, spending time with friends, searching for shark teeth, visiting local breweries, and growing her vinyl collection.

(Written by Tyler White, Published 11/19/24)