Year-End Update 2024
Dear friends, alumni, colleagues, and community partners,
As we close another successful year at the Brooks College of Health, we celebrate the outstanding achievements of our students, faculty, and staff. From innovative research and community partnerships to academic excellence and service, 2024 has been a year of growth and impact. Together, we have strengthened our commitment to advancing health education, improving lives, and fostering a culture of collaboration. Thank you to everyone who contributed to our shared success—your dedication and hard work continue to inspire and shape the future of health care and wellness.
As we all prepare for the holiday season and New Year, we wanted to share a few highlights from this past year.
In 2024, we proudly graduated 900 students—622 with Bachelor's degrees, 180 with Master's degrees, and 98 with Doctorates—from the departments of Clinical and Applied Movement Sciences, Health Administration, Nutrition and Dietetics, Physical Therapy, Public Health, and the School of Nursing.
As of today, our college's enrolled credit hours have increased by 6.2% compared to the same time last year, marking the highest growth rate at UNF.
In partnership with the , we hosted the third annual , which focused on personalized healthcare in an evolving digital environment. This multidisciplinary conference aimed to educate, engage, and connect healthcare professionals across various disciplines, offering sessions that addressed the challenges and opportunities within the healthcare industry. The Symposium brought together thought leaders to explore current trends and challenges while envisioning the future of healthcare. The two-day event attracted nearly 800 participants.
Outstanding Faculty Recognition at UNF
The following five faculty members were recognized by President Limayem and Provost Patterson for their consistent record of extraordinary efforts in support of UNF’s mission and Strategic Plan.
Clinical and Applied Movement Sciences
Health Administration
Physical Therapy
Public Health
Public Health
Unit Highlights
School of Nursing
- The School of Nursing received nearly $1.42 million in matching state legislative funding, recognizing its successful healthcare partnerships with Mayo Clinic and HCA Healthcare South Atlantic Division.
- Family Nurse Practitioner (BSN-DNP) students achieved a remarkable 100% pass rate on their certification exams, allowing them to begin practice immediately upon graduation.
- Despite significant growth in its undergraduate BSN programs, the school maintained its high standards of quality and welcomed 15 new faculty members over the past two years.
Clinical and Applied Movement Sciences
- The inaugural cohort of Kinesiology Admit Freshmen (KAF) launched in the Fall of 2024 with 15 students. This concentration, designed for first-time-in-college students, offers fall admission annually. Beginning in their junior year, students will be fully immersed in Kinesiology coursework.
- Students contributed over 39,000 hours of patient care and volunteer service to the Jacksonville community over the past year.
- The MS in Health Kinesiology and Lifestyle Medicine Program completed its comprehensive accreditation site visit and was found in compliance with all CAAHEP/CoAES Standards.
- was hired as Director of the MS in Athletic Training Program.
- Athletic Training (MSAT) students achieved a 100% pass rate on the Board of Certification examination.
Health Administration
- The department launched the first Doctor of Health Administration (DHA) program in the Florida State University System in Fall 2024, welcoming a record-breaking inaugural cohort of 22 students.
- The Master of Health Administration (MHA) program experienced a 46% enrollment increase for 2024-2025 and earned national recognition from U.S. News & World Report, Money Magazine, and CAHME.
- The Executive MHA program was ranked among the top 50 nationwide by EDUMED.
- The Master of Science in Health Informatics program, now in its second year, admitted 65 students between Fall 2023 and Fall 2024.
Nutrition and Dietetics
- Our DCN faculty, and , presented their research at this year’s in Minneapolis, showcasing the impactful work happening within our program.
- Through the Meals on Wings program, the department recovered nearly 150,000 pounds of food, delivering over 170,000 meals to the community.
- Meals on Wings is on track to deliver 200,000 meals by Spring 2025.
- The Nourish to Flourish program has been active in the Jacksonville community offering a free program to improve childhood health by addressing the critical links between food insecurity and obesity.
Physical Therapy
- received an NIH R03 grant to advance mobility for children with cerebral palsy. Read more about the study.
- Students contributed nearly 50,000 hours to patient care within the community over the last year.
Public Health
- Faculty actively support Duval County's “” initiative, addressing the HIV epidemic. Read More
- Secured a five-year, $1.33 million CDC DOH-Duval , which includes paid fellowships, internships, and employee training opportunities.
- The Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC) program receives approximately 200 applications annually but admits only 24 students due to accreditation limits. A growth plan for this program will be implemented next year.
- earned the second-highest number of positive student comments among all 海角社区faculty.
Counseling Center
- Expanded counseling services, serving 1,891 unique clients and conducting 9,677 individual counseling appointments over the past year.
- Hired two new full-time counselors, including one embedded within the School of Nursing. Meet our staff.
Student Health Services
- In collaboration with FDOH-Duval, SHS provided free Rapid HIV testing, conducting 429 tests since Summer 2023. This initiative increased student testing rates from 11.8% to 13.3%, aligning with Healthy People 2030 goals.
- Partnered with the Exercise is Medicine (EIM) program, referring 173 students for physical activity support, which led to a 17% increase in clinic appointments and earned Gold Campus status.
BCH Academic Advising
- Thanks to effective advising efforts, BCH’s Fall 2024 full-time, first-time-in-college cohort achieved a retention rate of over 95%.
- Total registered credit hours increased by 6.2% compared to the same period last year.
BCH wrapped up the year with a celebration party that drew over 100 attendees. Each guest received a special gift showcasing the BCH and 海角社区logos.
To get timely news about the Brooks College of Health, please connect with us on social media.
Mei Zhao, Ph.D.
Interim Dean
Brooks College of Health
海角社区