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Inside º£½ÇÉçÇø— December 17, 2024

Recent graduates embrace new opportunities

On Friday, Dec. 13, the º£½ÇÉçÇøfamily celebrated an important milestone — the graduation of the fall class of 2024. The day marked the culmination of years of hard work, dedication and perseverance. As each graduate steps forward into the next chapter of their lives, we look forward to the bright futures they will undoubtedly create. Learn more about UNF's fall 2024 graduates.
 
º£½ÇÉçÇøstudents in caps and gowns smiling at fall 2024 commencement º£½ÇÉçÇøgrads seated facing the stage at the fall 2024 commencement º£½ÇÉçÇøfemale grad smiling and waving at the fall 2024 commencement
º£½ÇÉçÇøfall 2024 commencement attendees standing outside the º£½ÇÉçÇøArena º£½ÇÉçÇøgrads posing with a faculty member at fall 2024 commencement Four º£½ÇÉçÇøgrads smiling and posing with their diplomas

º£½ÇÉçÇøguarantees experiential internships for all students

Student looking into a microscopeStarting in fall 2025, the º£½ÇÉçÇø will guarantee that all incoming students participate in an immersive, hands-on experience, such as an internship, research project or leadership opportunity – all catalysts to professional success after college. Only a small number of universities across the nation have similar experiential learning commitments. 
 
“Connecting our students with these real-world, hands-on opportunities is already ingrained in our DNA at UNF,” said º£½ÇÉçÇøPresident Moez Limayem. “UNF’s enhanced experiential learning program will distinguish our University as a national leader in connecting classroom learning to career aspirations for each of our students. As a key provider of talent in our region and state, we are committed to equipping our graduates with the practical skills needed to thrive in the workforce." 
 
As No. 1 in the State University System for graduates with a bachelor’s degree employed in Florida, º£½ÇÉçÇøalready provides enriching, immersive, hands-on experiences for students. Currently, 85% of students report participating in at least one experiential learning experience, and º£½ÇÉçÇøwill soon guarantee this for 100% of students. 
 
 
Info provided by º£½ÇÉçÇøMedia Relations

National Park Service and º£½ÇÉçÇøramp up coastline restoration efforts

º£½ÇÉçÇøPresident Moez Limayem and NPS representativesThe º£½ÇÉçÇø and National Park Service announced the NPS has awarded nearly $800,000 to º£½ÇÉçÇøto ramp up efforts to restore local coastlines and battle shoreline erosion at three national parks in Florida and Georgia.   
 
º£½ÇÉçÇøPresident Moez Limayem, NPS representatives, members of the º£½ÇÉçÇøInstitute of Environmental Research and Education community council, and students and faculty made the announcement today at Kingsley Plantation at the Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve, one of the project sites.  
 
“It’s inspiring to see the years of research and dedication from º£½ÇÉçÇøfaculty and students that brought this impactful restoration project together,” said President Limayem. “We look forward to continuing to work with the National Park Service to protect and preserve our coastlines for future generations.”  
 
The project is based on research by Drs. Raf Crowley, civil, coastal and port engineering professor, and Kelly Smith, biology associate professor emerita, utilizing pervious oyster shell habitat (POSH units) that create living shorelines that help restore coastal ecosystems and sustain against the impacts of coastal erosion.
 
 
Info provided by º£½ÇÉçÇøMedia Relations

Faculty Feature: Dr. James Beasley

By Joy Batteh-Freiha
 
Growing up in Chicago, Dr. James Beasley said he was deeply influenced by his parents. His father was a union shop steward, who had a profound love for history, while his mother always encouraged the children to read. 
 
“This environment naturally led me to a passion for researching rhetorical histories and applying them to the teaching of writing,” said Beasley, professor of English and director of the º£½ÇÉçÇøDigital Humanities Institute. 
 
Dr. James Beasley, English professor at UNFBeasley’s journey from Chicago to Jacksonville and eventually º£½ÇÉçÇøwas driven by his desire to be part of a faculty that could create tailored programs for students. 
 
“At UNF, our MA in Composition and Rhetoric focuses on teaching within Florida's educational environment, while our Concentration in Professional and Public Writing addresses the needs of Jacksonville's tech and cultural sectors,” explained Beasley. “The similarities between Chicago and Jacksonville, such as the presence of Navy personnel and diverse immigrant populations, also drew me to this city.” 
 
The longtime º£½ÇÉçÇøprofessor admits teaching wasn’t on his radar at first, until a conversation he had with his advisor. 
 
“A pivotal moment in my educational journey occurred on the last day of my final class as a prelaw undergraduate,” explained Beasley. “I asked my advisor what career options were available if I chose not to attend law school. He suggested teaching, as attorneys often educate others on how the law applies to various situations. This advice resonated with me, and I decided to pursue a career in academia instead of law.” 
 
He says he never looked back. 
 
“As a professor, the most rewarding aspect of my job is witnessing the ah-ha moments when students grasp complex concepts,” explained Beasley. “Rhetoric scholar Kenneth Burke describes this as ‘earning our increment,’ where there is a clear transition from confusion to understanding.” 
 
Recognizing the value of exploring the past to move forward, Beasley said his students will enhance the field of teaching. 
 
“Professors play a crucial role in shaping students' futures by connecting them to the rich history of their fields and helping them see their place within that heritage,” Beasley said. “I firmly believe that my students will contribute to making our field even better." 
 
One experience that reaffirmed his decision to teach involved a student who was considering a job that didn't match her training at UNF. 
 
“I advised her to wait for a better opportunity, and she eventually secured a position that she truly loves,” said Beasley. “This experience highlighted the value of slow, deep learning, which is often overlooked in our fast-paced world but is highly sought after by our communities.” 
 
Alongside his teaching duties, Beasley assumed the role of president of the º£½ÇÉçÇøFaculty Association (FA) in September. The position comes with numerous responsibilities. 
 
“In this leadership role, I’m the chief presiding officer of the FA advocating on behalf of my colleagues,” said Beasley. “Taking on a leadership role was a natural step for me. The word 'faculty’ shares its root with ‘facilitate,’ and I enjoy turning the challenging work of committees into tangible outcomes.”
 
In addition to continuing to protect teaching and academic freedom, as the FA President, Beasley is focused on three primary goals that will help him navigate changing circumstances and challenges within the academic environment.
 
  1. Provide a conduit of dialogue for faculty at º£½ÇÉçÇøwith administration, faculty union, Board of Trustees and other faculty senates.
  2. Close the feedback loop on many of these conversations, making sure that when dialogue is initiated, it is followed up on.
  3. Revisions to the Instructional Satisfaction Questionnaire, where students evaluate course instruction.
 
“It is easy in academic labor that many initiatives aren’t seen to completion,” explained Beasley. “Getting committee work that has been conducted, often for years, to the finish line — such as the Instructional Satisfaction Questionnaire (ISQ) — is of particular importance to me. It’s my white whale.” 
 
Beasley said º£½ÇÉçÇøPresident Moez Limayem and his team are good at collaboration and reaching out to the FA for input on state requests and sharing articles about higher education policy both on a local and national level. Still, he said it’s important that all faculty have the opportunity to provide input. 
 
“I want to make sure that the feedback loop is closed,” Beasley said. “Not everyone can be in every meeting at the same time, therefore, communicating faculty input to all parts of º£½ÇÉçÇøadministration — not just the President and Provost, but also general counsel, legislative liaisons and others is vital.” 
 
 
FACT BOX:
Name: Dr. James P. Beasley, professor of English
º£½ÇÉçÇøfaculty: 16 years
 
What are you curious about? I love knowing what other people are reading. I’m reading a few books right now, Ursula LeGuin’s “Lavinia,” John McPhee’s, “Tabla Rasa” and Giorgio Agamben’s “When the House Burns Down,” on political rhetoric.
 
One thing my colleagues may not know about me: I was a first-generation college student, like many º£½ÇÉçÇøfaculty and students. My father was the union shop steward of the Painters and Allied Trades, Gary, Indiana. I come from a blue-collar family, like many other º£½ÇÉçÇøfaculty and students. I grew up and lived in Chicago, a city of immigrants and refugees, a city like Jacksonville, and I see many similarities of how º£½ÇÉçÇøcan be the battery of Jacksonville in the way in which Chicago’s universities power the intellectual curiosity, financial markets, technological innovation, and cultural resources of my hometown, as well.

Hodges Stadium to host home games for women's pro soccer team

Sporting JAX at the Hodges StadiumSporting Club Jacksonville, also known as Sporting JAX, alongside the º£½ÇÉçÇø, announced at a press conference Tuesday, Dec. 3 that UNF's Hodges Stadium will serve as the home site for the Division 1 USL Super League program's inaugural season beginning in August 2025.
 
Sporting Jax comes to the 904 as the area's first-ever women's pro soccer team, highlighting a historic partnership that expands the professional sports market in the city as well as UNF's visibility beyond Jacksonville.
 
Hodges Stadium will serve as the interim home for the women's team from Fall 2025 through Spring 2026, inclusive of regular season matches and friendlies.
 
 
Info provided by º£½ÇÉçÇøAthletics and º£½ÇÉçÇøMedia Relations

Osprey Spotlight: Maria Atilano

By Byron E. Jones

Nearly 20 years have passed since Maria Atilano arrived on the º£½ÇÉçÇø campus in 2006 as a library services associate in the Thomas G. Carpenter Library. Today, Atilano serves as the library’s student engagement librarian, spearheading student outreach efforts to promote the library through hosting events, teaching students how to use the library’s resources, offering one-on-one research consultations and more.
 
Maria Atilano, º£½ÇÉçÇøstudent engagement librarian“Outreach, marketing and instruction are the main parts of my job,” said Atilano. “In everything that I do, it’s all about teaching students how the library can help them.”
 
While Atilano says that she is fond of all the outreach events and programming she is involved in, there is one initiative that is near and dear to her heart — Tommy G’s Haunted Open House. This annual Halloween event is the first event she planned after her promotion to librarian in 2013. A longtime dog lover, Atilano also says starting the bi-weekly Campus Canine Library Visits, developed from an earlier initiative titled "Paws Your Stress” that began in 2014, is another proud initiative.
 
“These events get students in the library and let them know that we are here to support them emotionally and academically,” she said.

Early career interests and becoming a librarian at UNF

Although her family moved several times during her childhood, including a stint living in Mayport, the self-described “Navy brat” cites Norfolk, Virginia as her hometown. She developed an interest in theatre during high school and began her tenure at the University of North Carolina Greensboro as a theatre major. She quickly realized she enjoyed reading plays more than acting, so she became an English major. To earn money, she took a job in the campus library during her freshman year and continued to work there throughout college. While attending UNC Greensboro, she began dating her husband, who happened to be a º£½ÇÉçÇøstudent.
 
After earning a bachelor’s degree in English, Atilano moved to Jacksonville. Given her experience working at an academic library, she applied for several library positions and accepted an offer to work at º£½ÇÉçÇøand she has been a staple at Tommy G’s ever since.

Professional organizations and life beyond the library

In addition to her duties at the library, Atilano maintains a busy schedule as a member of several organizations, including her recent appointment to serve as vice president of the º£½ÇÉçÇøFaculty Association. She is a member of the American Library Association (ALA), often attending and speaking at conferences. Since 2015, she has attended the annual Library and Marketing Communications Conference (LMCC), a two-day conference that is the only one of its kind for library marketing and communications professionals. As board president and programming committee chair of the Library Marketing Conference Group, the nonprofit organization that oversees the LMCC, she was responsible for leading a dedicated group of volunteers to plan the LMCC’s 10th anniversary conference in November. This year’s conference, held in St. Louis, sold out early and was attended by 440 professionals.
 
As the first librarian at º£½ÇÉçÇøoperating in a position solely geared toward outreach and marketing, Atilano found herself in unchartered territory and says attending the inaugural LMCC conference in 2015 was life changing.
 
“That first conference just blew my mind,” said Atilano. “I found myself taking notes at every session.”
 
Atilano says the networking opportunities she gains from her involvement with the ALA and the LMCC allow library professionals like herself to share valuable insights to grow outreach efforts and learn about effective marketing strategies.
 
“It’s all about the sharing of ideas,” said Atilano. “Librarians are very open because we’re champions for free access to information.” Atilano says she is always willing to share marketing efforts that were successful for her with her colleagues, and in turn, seeks input from others about their successful outreach initiatives.
 
Beyond her professional interests, Atilano and her husband volunteer with Florida Bulldog Rescue, a nonprofit organization committed to rehabilitating and re-homing neglected bulldogs. They have fostered six dogs through the program and currently help with the organization’s fundraising efforts.
 
To unwind, Atilano says she enjoys reading, watching movies and spending time with her husband and their three-and-a-half-year-old female Old English bulldog named Charlie.
 
 

More About Maria

  • Considered a career in publishing before realizing being an academic librarian was her true calling 
  • Holds a master’s degree in English from º£½ÇÉçÇøand a master’s degree in library and information science from FSU 
  • Serves as library liaison to the School of Communication, Department of English and Department of Sociology, Anthropology and Social Work 
  • Promoted to University Librarian status in August 2024 
  • Motivation at work: “What motivates me is knowing that my work makes a difference in the lives of our students.” 

Fuel for Finals: Local employers help fuel student success

By Joy Batteh-Freiha
 
In today's competitive job market, employers who invest in college students play a crucial role in shaping the future workforce. These forward-thinking companies recognize the value of nurturing young talent and often provide internships, scholarships, mentorship programs, and other opportunities to support students' academic and professional growth. By investing in º£½ÇÉçÇøstudents, these employers not only help bridge the gap between education and employment but also cultivate a pipeline of skilled, motivated, and innovative individuals who are ready to contribute to their industries. This commitment to developing future leaders demonstrates a dedication to both the success of the students and the long-term prosperity of their organizations.
 
Representatives from a few organizations braved early December cold temperatures, as they set up tables outside the library the week before finals to pass out "fuel" — coffee and donuts to students headed to the library to study for finals. According to Career Services, more than 400 students came through and met with employers at the event.
 
Enterprise Mobility reps passing out food and drinks at UNF Corporate Traffic Logistics reps passing out coffee and donuts to º£½ÇÉçÇøstudents Speaker at the head of a classroom talking to an audience
 
Corporate Traffic Logistics, a local logistics company, was one of the businesses who passed out  treats to students.
 
“As a company, we believe it is essential to invest in future success by connecting with students early in their academic journeys,” said Madison Youngblood, human resources administrator with Corporate Traffic. “Events like ‘Fuel for Finals’ provide an excellent opportunity to showcase our company, engage with talented individuals, learn about their aspirations, and share insights into the logistics industry. Building these relationships is not only crucial to our growth but also helps students explore diverse pathways toward fulfilling careers.”
 
Also in early December, UNF’s Career Services hosted an Employer Orientation at º£½ÇÉçÇøfor 34 representatives from 19 local and regional employers. Most of the companies were looking for interns to fill positions and many who were scouting, were º£½ÇÉçÇøalumni.

º£½ÇÉçÇøContinuing Education unveils new name

Osprey FountainThe º£½ÇÉçÇø (UNF) Division of Continuing Education is thrilled to unveil its new office name, Professional and Lifelong Learning (PLL). This effort underscores UNF’s focus on delivering top-tier educational and training programs that cater to the evolving needs of individuals, professionals, employers and the broader community. 
 
PLL emphasizes professional and workforce development at the core of its mission, offering a comprehensive suite of programs to promote personal growth, professional advancement and corporate success.
 
UNF’s lifelong learning programs have opportunities for all from ages 9 to 99. Over 6,000 students enrolled in the nearly 650 courses offered by PLL in fiscal year 2024.
 
 
Info provided by º£½ÇÉçÇøMedia Relations

Osprey Profile: Elma Bektic

By Joy Batteh-Freiha
 
Elma Bektic’s love for math at an early age eventually led her to the º£½ÇÉçÇø, her hometown university.
   
º£½ÇÉçÇøfall 2024 graduate Elma BekticUNF’s connections with local businesses opened doors to three internships and a hands-on case study for Bektic, before her graduation last week with a double major in marketing and finance, and a minor in international business.
 
What she learned along the way set Bektic up for a lifetime of success.
 
As the first in her family to graduate from college, she relished the idea of staying in Jacksonville to be close to her family while attending college.
 
“I enjoyed the challenge of solving math problems with my dad, which brought out the analytical side of me,” Bektic said. “I was equally interested in marketing and the creativity behind it, so I decided to fuse them and double major.”
 
A self-professed planner, Bektic took a proactive approach with her college journey. She sought out classes, clubs, activities, internships and events that would not only enhance her college experience but help leverage a promising career.   

Projects, internships and study abroad

While Bektic said there are so many proud moments during her years at UNF, a real-world case study for Money Pages, a project she worked on as part of the Honors in Marketing program, stands out most.
  
“This project gave me great insight into the world of marketing,” said Bektic. “I was able to help Money Pages increase user engagement within their mobile app by conducting preliminary interviews, analyzing survey data, and creating visual representations to be presented during our Marketing Advisory Council meeting with executives, CEOS, managers and others from various companies.
 
Dr. Andrew Thoeni, who teaches the program, recalled Bektic’s assertiveness and confidence.
  
“Elma has a good deal of natural ability in this area and the Honors Marketing Program develops these skills,” said Thoeni. “The program is designed to give students both community engagement and experiential learning, so they can chart their own course and work toward it. Elma is a great example of this.”
 
Securing an internship is a crucial step for college students to gain practical experience and to build a professional network. Bektic secured three and said each provided their own set of growth opportunities and valuable insights.
 
Her first internship was with the Jacksonville Business Journal where she collaborated with teams working on marketing projects from event management to email marketing, working with and meeting influential leaders in Jacksonville along the way.
 
Other internships included helping to facilitate events and working with community partners during the early days of º£½ÇÉçÇøMedNexus, and a summer internship with Dun & Bradstreet, where she led a team of 10 interns as a project manager as they helped Dun & Bradstreet increase their social media presence utilizing Power BI, a business intelligence tool that helps businesses analyze and visualize data to make informed decisions.
  
“My involvement in these organizations taught me about leadership and the power of influencing others to accomplish a common goal,” said Bektic. “They provided advancement opportunities and community connections.”
 
Through her case project, internships and other marketing activities, Thoeni feels confident Bektic is ready to tackle the real-world after graduation.
 
“Elma worked on a case project with Money Pages and did an internship with the Jacksonville Business Journal, attended executive forums as well as coordinated many marketing activities,” continued Thoeni. “As a result, she has, what I like to think of as, excellent ‘interview stories.’ These are the answers Honors students can give when an employer asks, ’Tell me about a time when . . .” She has real-world 'I solved this problem'  answers, giving her experience solving problems but also the confidence that she can.”
 
In addition to her internships, Bektic held part-time jobs throughout college, including a student assistant positon working in UNF’s Career Services, where she says working with faculty and staff exposed her to varied opportunities to build more relationships and connection with industry partners.
 
“By working on campus, I’ve met more people, learned more about º£½ÇÉçÇøprograms, clubs and events, and taken advantage of what Career Services has to offer,” Bektic said.
 
She said Career Services helps students in many ways, including improving their resumes or strategizing job or internship searches.
 
Staying true to her commitment to take advantage of every opportunity that came her way, Bektic participated in networking opportunities through multiple career fairs, attended speaker forums, held leadership positions in several student clubs, and participated in a study abroad in France during a summer semester in 2022 with the Coggin College of Business.
 
“There is so much to experience when you open yourself up to new opportunities and cultures,” Bektic said. “The study abroad experience led me to minor in International Business.” 

Finishing one adventure and embarking on the next 

As her educational tenure at º£½ÇÉçÇøhas ended, Bektic said she gets emotional when she thinks about the sacrifices her parents made to ensure she got a college education.
 
“We all want someone to be proud of us and I’ve always wanted to make my parents proud,” said Bektic. “When I walked across the stage, looked out into the sea of people and saw my parents, I knew they were very proud — it’s a very humbling experience.”
 
She said she is thankful for all the professors, advisors and mentors who have guided her along the way and who want to help every º£½ÇÉçÇøstudent succeed.
 
“College is what you make of it,” Bektic said. “And taking initiative is the first step. There are so many opportunities and wonderful people ready to help you succeed.”
 
What’s next? Bektic says her options are endless, whether it’s continuing her education or securing a full-time position. She’s ready to grab the possibilities as they come.    

Fun and easy Christmas recipes

Brussel Sprout SaladShaved Brussel Sprout Salad

Ingredients

  • 2 lb. Brussels sprouts
  • 1/2 c. olive oil
  • 1/4 c. lemon juice
  • 2 Tbsp. Dijon mustard
  • 1 Tbsp. honey
  • 2 tsp. kosher salt, divided
  • 1 tsp. ground black pepper, divided
  • 1 c. dried, sweetened cranberries
  • 1 c. grated sharp white cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 c. toasted, sliced almonds
  • 1/4 c. chopped parsley leaves

Directions

  1. Trim the stem end of each Brussels sprout. (Save the bright green leaves that fall off and transfer them to a large mixing bowl.)
  2. Place the Brussels sprouts cut side down on a cutting board and slice very thin (about 1/8-inch thick.) Transfer to the mixing bowl with the leaves.
  3. Combine the olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper in a mason jar with a tight-fitting lid. Seal and shake well to combine. Pour over the Brussels sprouts. Season with the remaining 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper and mix well to combine. Let rest for 15 minutes.
  4. Add the cranberries, cheddar cheese, almonds, and parsley. Toss and serve immediately, or store, covered, in the refrigerator for up to 4 hours.

Chocolate trufflesDark Chocolate Avocado Truffles

Ingredients

  • ⅔ cup mashed avocado, about 1 avocado
  • 1 cup dark chocolate chips
  • Pinch of sea salt
  • 2-3 tablespoons cocoa powder

Directions

  1. Add avocado and a pinch of sea salt to a food processor and pulse a few times to combine.
  2. Melt chocolate chips by placing them in a small microwave-safe bowl and microwaving for 30 seconds. Stir and microwave for another 20 seconds or until all the chocolate chips have melted. (You can also do this with a double boiler).
  3. Pour melted chocolate into food processor with the avocado and pulse until mixture is completely combined and avocado is no longer visible. If you don’t have a food processor you can mash the avocado with a fork and combine with the chocolate until smooth and lump-free.
  4. Place truffle mixture in the refrigerator to chill for 30 minutes.
  5. Once the mixture has firmed up a bit, remove from fridge and make the truffles. Scoop mixture with a tablespoon or small cookie scoop and roll into a 1-inch ball. You should get about 20 truffles.
  6. Fill a shallow bowl with cocoa powder and roll each truffle until coated. Place on parchment paper. Store in the fridge until ready to serve.
 
Submitted by Sierra James, RDN, LDN, Campus Dietician

Inside News Roundup

Virtual Health & Vitality Lunchtime Chat: Jan. 28, 2025, Noon to 12:30 p.m.

The next Virtual Health & Vitality 30-minute Lunchtime Chat is scheduled for Jan. 28, from noon to 12:30 p.m., featuring Sierra James, registered dietitian for º£½ÇÉçÇøDining Services. During this session, Sierra will highlight the importance of maintaining a balanced and nutritious diet essential for overall health and well-being. She will share practical tips and strategies for making cost-effective and healthy food choices while shopping at the grocery store. The presentation will be about 15 minutes followed by a Q &A. Please . Registered attendees will receive the Zoom link on Jan. 27. All present attendees will have a chance to win a $10 Amazon gift card at the end of the presentation.

Faculty/Staff Mixer Feedback Survey

Dining Services is excited to continue the Faculty/Staff Mixers on the first Thursday of each month. These events are a great opportunity to connect, network and enjoy light refreshments in a welcoming atmosphere. Please take a moment to to share your feedback and suggest ideas for future mixers.

Road Scholars

º£½ÇÉçÇøalum Thelma Young, produced a video, Road Scholars, documenting the voices of young black men. The documentary will air nationally on all PBS stations on Monday, Jan. 13, 2025. As a º£½ÇÉçÇøstudent, Young received a Transformational Learning Grant, and the documentary series is based on that work. She will return to º£½ÇÉçÇøon Thursday, Feb. 6 to speak to students as part of a planned Creative Nonfiction Symposium.

Family Weekend 2025 Involvement

Family Weekend 2025 is approaching quickly, and volunteers are being sought to help welcome parents and families to UNF. The Campus Showcase will take place on Friday, Feb. 7, from 3 to 5 p.m. If any department is interested in tabling, they are encouraged to join the list. Additionally, there is a need for 10 volunteers during the weekend.

New Authenticated Qualtrics Surveys

º£½ÇÉçÇøhas implemented an authenticated Qualtrics Survey template. Survey actions, branches or logic can require SSO login and validation. This provides all the benefits of a unique survey link without creating or sending out a unique link, plus identity validation. , or . For details, .

Faculty and Staff News

Osprey Fountain on º£½ÇÉçÇøcampus

Brooks College of Health

Dr. Elissa Barr, professor, along with coauthors Dr. Zhigang Xie, assistant professor, Dr. Michelle Moore, professor and dean of the Graduate School and Kate Simmons, CMHC graduate student, presented, “Advocating for Comprehensive Sex Education: Giving Voice to the Silent Majority,” at the National Healthy Teen Network Annual Conference in Phoenix, Arizona.   
 
Dr. Sericea Stallings-Smith, associate professor and Dr. Beomyoung Cho (UT Knoxville), in collaboration with MPH graduate students Yining Pan and Mariel German, published “Cancer Information Seekers’ Comprehension Level and the Association with Preventable Cancer Risk Factors: A Cross-sectional Analysis from a Nationally Representative U.S. Adult Survey” in The American Journal of Health Promotion, Nov. 2024. 
 
Dr. Alireza Jahan-Mihan, associate professor and Eileen Myers, adjunct, will present at the North Florida Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics on Jan. 13, 2025, via Zoom. The topic will be Innovations in Obesity, Diabetes and Metabolic Health.    
 
Dr. Tes Tuason, professor, along with X. Zhou and A. Nikalje, presented at the Indigenous Healing Symposium at the Asian American Psychological Association in Atlanta, Georgia, Oct. 2024. 
 
Dr. Guilherme Cesar, assistant professor, co-authored a manuscript published by Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics in July.
 
Dr. Elizabeth McCarthy, professor, will speak at the American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology Assembly of Didactic and Clinical Educators Conference in February 2025.

College of Education and Human Services

Dr. Luke Cornelius, associate professor and Samantha Feaster, COEHS Accreditation Coordinator, presented “Florida Higher Education Legal Update: Recent Legislation & Litigation,” at the Education Law Association's 70th Conference in Orlando, in November.
 
Marlena Jenkins, director of USOAR, presented “Too Scared to Try: Helping Young Children Overcome Nervousness” at the TEACH Conference.

Dr. Elizabeth Hale, associate professor, presented, “The Power of Language: Using Talk to Better our Teaching & Ourselves,” at the recent TEACH conference in Jacksonville.

John Miller, visiting professor, editor for two published books,”So You Want to Work in Sports?: An introduction to Sport Management” and “Safe at First.” and two articles published in peer-reviewed journals, “Call me by my name: The impact of instructor knowing student names on inclusion” in The Physical Educator, 82(1), 61- 79 and "Short yardage: A case study of college football, fiscal responsibility, and institutional brand implications. Case Studies in Sport Management, 13(1),35. Additional faculty on the article included: Dr. Elizabeth Gregg, Dr. Jason Lee, professor, and Dr. Luke Cornelius.
 
Dr. Dione Thomas Webber, clinical assistant professor, presented the current research, “Perspectives on teaching overage students: A review with implications for effective instructional practices. at the International Conference for Urban Educators in Cancun, Mexico November.
 
Dr. Dawn Wessling, assistant professor, presented “What Mentoring Matters. Attrition and the loss of our young” at the Conference of Interpreter Trainers held in Berkeley, California in November. Dr. Wessling also was a lead presenter on two poster sessions with colleagues: “Academic Freedom in Interpreter Education: Teaching Communication Access in a Culture of Censorship and “Leveraging Online Technology to Improve Student Language Learning.”
 
Dr. Lunetta Williams, professor, and 5th grade teacher Sharon Bradley, co-presented "Motivation Matters" at Jacksonville's TEACH Conference in November.

Dateline

º£½ÇÉçÇøDateline balloons

Milestones

Congratulations to the following employees with a milestone anniversary in December 2024:

25 Years

Shawn Faulkner, Law Enforcement Sergeant, University Police Department

*Angela Simmons, Financial Systems Analyst, Controller, General Accounting

20 Years

Kelly Reeder, Admissions Processing Specialist, Admissions

5 Years

Nathaniel Farley, Telecomm Tech III, Network and Telecommunications

Janet Mollan, Office Assistant, Mathematics and Statistics

Patricia Palmer, Associate Director, Industry Engagement, Career Services

Welcome

Evan Baker, IT Analyst I, Cyberinfrastructure

Helen Dunn, Admissions Recruiter, Admissions

Jason Green, Visiting Instructor, School of Nursing

Lais Guimaraes, Admissions Recruiter, Admissions

Gerald Lee, Senior Custodial, Physical Facilities

Thina-Marie Lemaitre, Investigator, Equal Opportunity and Access

Gloria Martinez, Museum Registrar, MOCA Jacksonville

David McCoy, Custodial Worker, Physical Facilities

William McMahon, Assistant Director, Campus Sustainability, Physical Facilities

Stephen Ruddell, Senior Business / Financial Coordinator, Small Business Development Center (SBDC)

Ahmed Sayed, IT Analyst II, Enterprise Development

Michael Schindler, Project Manager, Facilities Planning

Jessica Taylor, Mental Health Counselor, Counseling Center

Michelle Taylor, Coordinator, Academic Support Services, Department of Psychology

Jayson Willman, Admissions Recruiter, Admissions

Great Job

The following employees were recently promoted:

Lamar Boyde, Coordinator Administrative Services (COAS), Department of English

Tori Miller, Assistant Director, Military and Vetereans Resource Center

*November Anniversary

Free Things to Do

Black and white art print featuring faces of several peopleArt + Politics

Exhibit on view now through Jan. 5, 2025, MOCA Jacksonville
Enjoy a selection of prints created by students in the Printmaking course “Art + Politics” at º£½ÇÉçÇøled by Professor Sheila Goloborotko. Additionally, prints by Florida State College (FSCJ) printmaking students are on display also. Learn more .

A Century of Contemporary: 100th Anniversary Exhibition

Exhibit on view now through Jan. 12, 2025, MOCA Jacksonville
This small exhibition traces the history of MOCA Jacksonville, which first began as a series of exhibitions by artists of the day, used as a fundraising tool to support public school education; then as a guild; and later as an art museum and educational leader. Learn more .

Art with a Heart in Healthcare: The Power Within

Exhibit on view now through Jan. 12, 2025, MOCA Jacksonville
Sponsored by the Florida Blue Foundation, this exhibition is organized by Art with a Heart in Healthcare in collaboration with MOCA Jacksonville, and features art created by local pediatric patients. Learn more .

º£½ÇÉçÇøSenior Exhibition graphic adSenior Exhibition Fall 2024

Exhibit on view now through Jan. 23, 2025, º£½ÇÉçÇøGallery of Art and Lufrano Intercultural Gallery
The Senior Showcase allows graduating º£½ÇÉçÇøseniors to exhibit their research and celebrate their artistic achievements. Learn more .

Here Comes Tomorrow: Cinema of the Last Century

Wednesday, Dec. 18, 2025, 6:30 - 9 p.m., MOCA Jacksonville
As part of its 100th anniversary, MOCA Jacksonville looks back at the last century of artistic expression in film with this captivating film series. The final event in this film series features a presentation of the sci-fi film Last and First Men (2020). Space is limited and registration is required. Learn more .

Historical Trumpet Presentation

Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025, 7:30 p.m, Recital Hall of the Fine Arts Center
Join Dr. Randy Tinnin and his guests Vince DiMartino, Stanley Curtis, Robert Apple and Warren Apple for an evening of music for trumpet from the 17th through 19th centuries. Learn more .

Man in a suit singing on a stageº£½ÇÉçÇøVoice Faculty Recital

Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025, 7:30 p.m., Recital Hall of the Fine Arts Center
This recital features the musical talents of Sachiko Frampton and Denise Wright, piano. Learn more .

VLC Drop In Faculty Consultations

Friday, Jan. 10, 2025, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m., Thomas G. Carpenter Library, Third Floor, Room 3401
Faculty are welcome to drop in to the Virtual Learning Center to explore immersive learning opportunities. Learn more .

Botanical Life, Art and Culture Garden Tour

Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025, 10 - 11:30 a.m., Starts at the Thomas G. Carpenter Library
Explore the lush gardens and admire the stunning flora and fauna that surround UNF's beautiful campus. Learn more .

Swoop Summary

º£½ÇÉçÇøbaseball players gathered on the field for practice and posing for pictures

Baseball Announces 2025 Schedule

North Florida baseball announces its 2025 schedule featuring 56 games, 32 at home and 30 in league play. The Ospreys open the season with a three-game series against Notre Dame Feb. 14-16. Learn more .

Upcoming events:

Men's Basketball vs. Austin Peay
Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025, 2 p.m.  |  º£½ÇÉçÇøArena  | 
 
Men's Basketball vs. Lipscomb
Saturday, Jan. 4, 2025, 2 p.m.  |  º£½ÇÉçÇøArena  | 
 
Women's Basketball vs. Florida Gulf Coast
Saturday, Jan. 9, 2025, 7 p.m.  |  º£½ÇÉçÇøArena  | 
 
Men's Tennis vs. Troy
Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025, 1 p.m. |  º£½ÇÉçÇøTennis Complex  |  Free Admission
 
Women's Basketball vs. Stetson
Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025, 2 p.m.  |  º£½ÇÉçÇøArena  |