¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ

Skip to Main Content
A-Z Index
Marketing and Communications
oneColumn handbook

Inside ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ — February 13, 2025

Scenes from Homecoming 2025

Homecoming 2025 was a big hit this year! Take a look below at some photos from the fun events that took place on campus last week.
 
¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ Homecoming king and queen Two female ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ student laughing on a carnival ride ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ students posing with Ozzie the mascot at a basketball game
¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ band performing at Homecoming event ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ students at Homecoming Concert Two ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ students conversating at Market Day event at Student Union
¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ basketball player shooting a shot over an opponent Volunteers at ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ homecoming event passing out t-shirts Crowd inside the ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ Arena for Homecoming basketball game

¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ alumni honored at annual awards ceremony

¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ Alumni Award recipients standing together holding their awardsThe ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ Alumni Association honored distinguished graduates and prominent members of the community for their outstanding service and contributions to the University at the annual Alumni Recognition Awards Ceremony during Homecoming Week.
 
This year’s honorees include alumni Sam Inman (‘88), president and CEO of Community First Credit Union; Rhianna Scyster (‘17), community equity and policy manager at 904WARD; Suzette Wilhelm (‘99), senior learning leader at Eduscape, Inc.; David Main (‘14), founder of Main Made Studios; and honorary alumni Sam Garrison, speaker designate for the Florida House of Representatives.
 
 
Information provided by ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ Alumni Association and ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ Media Relations

Faculty and staff celebrated for their service

¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ faculty and staff were recently celebrated at the annual Service Recognition Breakfast held in the Adam W. Herbert University Center on Friday, Feb. 7. The event was attended by over 100 employees celebrating service milestones.
 
¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ employees seated at the Annual Service Recognition Breakfast ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ President Moez Limayem at a podium speaking to an audience Group of ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ employees at an event posing for a picture

College of Education and Human Services has a new name

¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ Silverfield College of Education and Human Services bannerThe ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ recently celebrated the newly named Silverfield College of Education and Human Services with a dedication ceremony.
 
The naming of the college – only the second College of Education named in the State University System – follows a transformational gift from Gary and Laine Silverfield, both longtime supporters of the University, along with their sons and their spouses, Leed and Becky Silverfield and Ryan and Katie Silverfield.  
 
The Silverfields’ vision for naming the College is to continue enhancing the quality of education in the community and better prepare teachers to meet classroom demands.
 
 
Information provided by ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ Media Relations

Faculty Feature: Dr. Zhigang (Shay) Xie

By Joy Batteh-Freiha
 
Dr. Zhigang (Shay) Xie, an assistant professor of Public Health in the Brooks College of Health, found the perfect match for his expertise and interests at ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ.
 
During his interview and campus visit, Xie recalled how impressed he was by the faculty and staff he met in the department, the College and University.
 
¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ assistant professor Shay Xie“I immediately felt that ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ would be my future home,” said Xie.
 
Originally from Changsha, China, Xie’s motivation to pursue a career in public health stems from his time growing up in a community with limited access to high-quality healthcare.
 
“I witnessed the suffering caused by communicable and noncommunicable diseases, especially among those with lower socioeconomic status,” Xie said. “This inspired me to seek answers and solutions to address these healthcare issues.”

Motivation for a Career in Public Health

After graduating from medical school in China in 2005, Xie worked for international nonprofit organizations focusing on global health issues such as HIV/AIDS, malaria, tuberculosis and child health in developing countries, and watched the positive impact these projects had in the local communities.
 
“From observing these positive causes, I was motivated to pursue higher education in the U.S., hoping to become an educator or researcher in public health,” explained Xie. “My goal is to share my experiences and empower the next generation of public health leaders, working towards a vision where everyone has access to high-quality healthcare, including public health services.”
 
At ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ, Xie teaches both undergraduate and graduate level courses and enjoys planting the seeds about public health in the hearts of students and watching them grow through the semester. He feels a great responsibility to help guide the next generation of leaders to the public health arena.
 
“Like other instructors, I feel fulfilled and worthwhile when students learn something new from my courses and take a step closer to their life and career goals,” said Xie. “I thrive on engagement and connecting with others — it's in the nature of public health.”
 
He uses community role models and leaders, and his own experiences and those he witnessed, to inspire and motivate his students.
 
In addition to teaching, Xie collaborates with colleagues at other universities and says research and scientific evidence are the best ways to influence health policy and practice. He invites students to join his research projects.
 
“My research aims to produce such evidence using rigorous scientific methods to support the policy-making process and practice guidelines,” Xie said. “For instance, one of our studies found that receiving timely palliative care may reduce unnecessary healthcare use, lower healthcare costs for patients with late-stage dementia and improve health-related outcomes. This evidence helps us understand the importance of integrating palliative care into dementia care and can potentially influence health policy and practice.”
 
Most recently, Xie has been focused on a 9-month project in collaboration with the Florida Department of Health (FDOH) to ensure the effectiveness of a public health intervention program.
 
“Our department has a strong partnership with FDOH Duval County,” explained Xie. “Together, we train future public health leaders, many of whom are our graduates who go on to work for the FDOH.”
 
The project includes training future leaders to monitor program objectives, collect evidence of program effectiveness and assess its impact within public health settings.
 
“As part of the public health workforce development program, we specifically aimed to empower early-career public health professionals in FDOH Duval County with the skills needed to design and implement public health program evaluations,” Xie said.
 
Xie said he is still working on how best to balance teaching, research and other professional responsibilities.
 
“For me, the key is that I genuinely enjoy teaching and research,” Xie said. “Even if I'm reading the latest published article or writing a manuscript at midnight, it doesn't feel like a burden — it's an integral part of my life that I fully embrace. However, I make sure to take a complete vacation at least once a year to avoid burnout and reward myself.”
 
Xie said what he likes most about ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ is the work environment, his colleagues and students.
 
“What energizes me at work is the opportunity to make a positive impact through my teaching, research, and service,” said Xie. “I thrive on collaborating with my colleagues and learning from their diverse perspectives – seeing tangible results of our efforts, whether it's a successful research project completion or a student's achievement, gives me a profound sense of fulfillment and motivation. The dynamic and supportive work environment also plays a crucial role in keeping me energized and passionate about my work.”
 

FACT BOX:

Name: Zhigang (Shay) Xie, Ph.D, B.Med, MPA
Title: Assistant Professor
College/Department: Brooks College of Health, Department of Public Health
How long at ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ: 2.5 years
Hometown: Changsha, China
 
Best work-related accomplishment: Proud to have assisted several students publish their first peer-reviewed articles in high-impact journals under my supervision. 
 
Best advice given: Believe in yourself and take action and you will achieve your goals. This advice from one of my mentors empowers me to pursue my life and career goals with confidence.
 
What inspires you: I'm inspired by my mentors, colleagues and students. I like to find role models that I personally know, some for my career and some for my personal life. Dr. Paul Edward Farmer, who was an American medical anthropologist and physician, has inspired me with his dedication to global health and humanitarianism. His expertise, leadership, and altruistic devotion to public health continually motivates me to be a better professor, researcher and person.
 
What’s one thing about you that others may not know: I'm a fan of Japanese movies and TV series that center on ordinary people. Their storytelling is so unique, highlighting the beauty in everyday life and the value of each ordinary moment.

Future Ospreys explore excellence at Hicks Honors College Day

Speaker addressing audience at ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ Hicks Honors College DayOn Jan. 24, approximately 400 high school students and their parents from across Florida attended the Hicks Honors College Day, aimed to provide already-admitted seniors with a better understanding of the College. 
 
The Hicks Honors College at ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ, with its 950 students, stands as a beacon of academic excellence from freshmen year through graduation. It offers high-achieving students an enriched experience through research, experiential learning and service opportunities. Students come from diverse backgrounds and disciplines, all sharing a common drive and commitment to achieving distinction. In addition, Honors Residence Hall will open this fall, serving as a living-learning community for honor students. 
 
The daylong event included a welcome from President Moez Limayem, a presentation by Hicks Honors College Interim Dean Dr. Scott Brown, a panel discussion with current honors students, course demonstrations, a campus tour and a resource fair. 
 
 

Staff Spotlight: Alex Santiago

By Byron E. Jones
 
At the ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ, ensuring that students succeed is the No. 1 priority, and Alex Santiago, a success advocate in the Office of Student Success, is proud to play a pivotal role in making student success a reality at ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ.
 
¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ student success advocate Alex Santiago“My job is to support students in whatever way they need to be supported,” Santiago said.
 
Thanks to the efforts of dedicated faculty and staff such as Santiago, ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ reached impressive retention rates of 95.7% from fall 2024 to spring 2025 — a direct result of a strategic campuswide collaboration between the Office of Student Success, colleges and academic departments to offer additional support to all students, particularly those facing various challenges.
 
In his role, Santiago helps students navigate the rigors of college life to reach their full potential. He works with faculty and staff throughout the University to identify students who are struggling.
 
Santiago and his colleagues work with those students to help them identify strategies to reduce stress, improve study habits and more.
 
He says receiving feedback from students and witnessing them overcome their challenges is very satisfying.
 
“I enjoy hearing students tell me something we discussed was really helpful to them,” said Santiago. “To be that person that can help students is rewarding.”

Discovering A Career in Higher Education

A native of East Hartford, Connecticut, Santiago says he grew up in a traditional, blue-collar community and didn’t seriously consider pursuing a college education. His initial career aspiration was to work with his father in construction.
 
During high school, he took a psychology course that piqued his interest — leading him to enroll at the University of Connecticut (UConn) in 2018, eventually graduating in 2022 with a bachelor’s degree in psychological sciences and a minor in Latino Studies. To help pay for college, Santiago worked part-time at a local fast food chain. As a first-generation college student of Latin descent, Santiago says there were times he felt out of place and admitted to struggling socially. To make friends, he committed to getting more involved on campus heading into his sophomore year and joined UConn’s First Year Experience (FYE) program, eventually becoming a student leader mentoring freshmen. That’s when it clicked, and Santiago said he found fulfillment in helping students navigate their first year of college.
 
“That experience led me to pursue a career in higher education,” he said. He also credits Sarah Scheidel, former director of UConn’s FYE program, for encouraging him to consider a career path in higher education.
 
“She [Sarah] created a space for me to experience college better than I previously had, and that truly changed my life.”
 
After graduating from UConn, he enrolled at the University of Florida and earned a master’s degree in higher education administration in spring 2024. During his time at UF, Santiago secured an internship working with North Carolina Central University’s TRIO Upward Bound Summer Bridge program. Through this experience, he discovered his niche for working with at-risk student populations such as first-generation, low-income and minority students.

Landing at The Nest

While finishing his master’s degree, Santiago began to look for higher education administrative positions in Florida. In his search, he discovered and applied for an open student advocate position at ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ and was hired in April 2024. Since arriving on the ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ campus, Santiago says he has been impressed by the unwavering love everyone has for the University.
 
“Everywhere you look, there are people that really care about ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ and care about seeing it grow,” he said.
 
As he continues to dedicate his time and energy toward student success, Santiago says all faculty and staff have the opportunity to positively impact a student’s campus experience and outlook on life.
 
“We play a critical role in shaping how students view life,” said Santiago. “A student can carry an interaction that we have with them for the rest of their lives.”
 
 

More ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ Alex:

  • Vacationed in Florida with his family while growing up
  • Briefly considered a career as a social worker; interned with the Connecticut Department of Children and Families
  • Enjoys watching sports; cites the Celtics, Patriots and Red Sox as his favorite sports teams
  • Favorite athlete is Tom Brady
  • Loves to explore Jacksonville with his girlfriend and their dog Missy

Discover a wealth of Black History Month resources at the library

Thomas G. Carpenter LibraryIn celebration of Black History Month, the Thomas G. Carpenter Library offers a collection of recommended readings and resources for all to explore and appreciate. 

Books – look for these titles at the Carpenter Library or your local public library:

  • – Richard Otha Sullivan
  • – Heidi Ardizzone
  • – Stephen L. Harris
  • – Maya Angelou
  • – A graphic novel – Kwame Alexander
  • – James Baldwin

Video and Digital Commons Exhibits – digitized photos and documents of prominent, historical African American figures and events.

Databases – primary and secondary sources on African American history and literature:

  • - The history of African American life and religious organizations documented from materials published between 1829 and 1922.
  • - Primary and secondary sources, leading historical Black newspapers, archival documents, government materials, video, writings by major American Black intellectuals and leaders, and essays by top scholars in Black Studies.

Virtual Reality Experiences — Available for viewing in the Virtual Learning Center on the 3rd floor of the library using the Meta Quest platform. . 

  1. The World War II Foundation presents The Tuskegee Airmen
  2. Visit Jacksonville 360 video-African American heritage Trail
  3. 360 tour of National Museum of African American History
  4. IN PROTEST
  5. Hulu's Your Attention Please

Osprey Profile: Megan Dunton

By Amanda Ennis
 
When Megan Dunton, a lieutenant commander in the U.S. Navy, was put in charge of leading the port damage repair unit for the Navy in 2020, her position hadn’t previously existed.
 
She oversaw working with military construction workers, big cranes and large machinery as well as divers in the water to build a bulkhead at Camp Pendleton.
 
¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ alum and U.S. Navy officer Megan Dunton“The port damage repair unit was new territory, and I had to design and implement solutions as I experienced challenges in the field,” said Dunton.
 
She realized she and other civil engineers in the Navy needed a better understanding of how the ocean interacts with facilities onshore.
 
The Navy’s Civil Engineer Corps has been sending dive officers to ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ’s coastal and port engineering graduate program since 2017. After Dunton’s request, the Navy opened two annual opportunities for Civil Engineer Corps officers who are non-divers to pursue ocean engineering degrees. She was the first one to apply.
 
Dunton graduated in fall 2024 from ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ with her master’s in coastal and port engineering.
 
¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ a dozen of the Navy’s best and brightest officers in its Ocean Facilities Program have come to ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ for a master’s degree to learn innovative coastal resiliency and construction methods. Navy officers have their choice of schools around the country, but many pick ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ due to its high caliber program and proximity to the ocean, NAS Jacksonville and the Navy base at Mayport.

Dreams on hold

Dunton received her bachelor's in civil engineering from the University of Dayton in Ohio in 2002. At a job fair event, she remembers seeing a Navy booth with the phrase “Join the Navy and see the world.” For a girl from Ohio who grew up loving to visit the Florida coast, joining the Navy was like a dream come true.
 
However, her Navy dreams were put on hold when her mom got sick with breast cancer. She decided to stay at home in Columbus, Ohio to help her through cancer treatment, working for eight years at a small consulting firm as a transportation engineer designing roadways, sidewalks, street lighting and storm sewers. During that time, she finished a master’s degree in urban planning at The Ohio State University and got her Professional Engineer (PE) license.
 
After not being considered for another position in the company, Dunton started thinking about a career change.
 
Her mother, now in remission from cancer, suggested she give her Navy dreams another chance.
 
She enlisted as a sailor and went to boot camp even though she already had two degrees.
 
“I was raised to believe that you start at the bottom and work your way up,” said Dunton. “I spent three years enlisted with the United States Naval Construction Battalions (Seabees) and absolutely loved working in the field and the hands-on construction projects.”
 
Dunton did one tour in Afghanistan while enlisted, came home and put in an application for officer candidate school, got accepted and got commissioned in 2013. She spent six years in Washington DC and completed three tours at Camp David, Walter Reed, and the Washington Navy Yard.
 
After she left DC, she went to California to serve as an officer in the Seabees. After two years in the Seabees leading the port damage repair unit and one year in Hawaii as an admiral’s aide, her next mission was to enroll last fall as a graduate student at ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ.

Coming to ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ

Dunton picked ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ largely to be near her 90-year-old grandma, who lives in Ponte Vedra. Her grandparents had a big role in raising her because her dad was a busy police officer who worked two jobs, and her mom often worked late nights. She has fond memories of vacations in Jacksonville when she was young and couldn’t wait to return to the Northeast Florida shores.
 
For her thesis, she worked with Dr. Rapheal Crowley, ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ Taylor Engineering Research Institute professor, and other Navy students on a microbially induced calcite precipitation project that uses naturally occurring bacteria to harden the sand and make it stronger against erosion. Her research focuses on the relationship between surface area that’s going to be treated and how much of the treatment to use to prevent coastal erosion on intracoastal waterways or beaches.
 
Following her graduation, Dunton’s current orders are in Jacksonville at Mayport as the facilities engineering and acquisition director.
 
“I look forward to continuing to work to improve the shorelines in Jacksonville and hope to encourage the Civil Engineer Corps to support graduate program research projects that will promote coastal resilience and sustainability,” said Dunton.

ITS warns about using AI-based transcription tools

Microsoft Teams and Zoom logosAI-based transcription and meeting assistance tools often process and store sensitive data, which can pose security and privacy risks, including unauthorized data access, compliance violations, and potential breaches. Many of these platforms operate on third-party servers, which do not align with the University’s data protection policies, increasing the risk of exposure to cyber threats.
 
Using AI for transcription in online meetings, such as Microsoft (MS) Teams or Zoom, is an amazing way to save time and resources. There is a frequent and growing need to generate transcripts and/or meeting minutes from online meetings or courses at ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ.
 
Learn how to use .
 
Information provided by ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ Information Technology Services

Inside News Roundup

THE PLAYERS logoTHE PLAYERS Volunteer Opportunity

THE PLAYERS Championship, one of the PGA’s premier tournaments played annually at the celebrated Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass, will be held March 11-16, 2025. ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ and THE PLAYERS have partnered for more than three decades, and this year, ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ has been invited to be a key institutional volunteer partner for the tournament’s merchandise tent (Fan Shop)!
 
¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ faculty, staff, alumni and students — as well as family and friends — are invited to volunteer (must be age 18 or older). As an added benefit for faculty and staff, volunteer hours will be considered paid hours for full-time Executive, A&P and Support Employees for shifts that overlap with your normal work hours. Supervisor approval is required. 
 
Shifts during the week and weekend are available. Volunteers are asked to consider working multiple shifts (2+), which are typically 7-8 hours and are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Volunteers will receive a uniform including a PLAYERS polo, jacket, a meal each shift and a discount on merchandise. Volunteers will also have access to attend the tournament after they volunteer on the day of their shift. Those who volunteer 36+ hours will receive substantial discounts on rounds of golf at both the Stadium and Dye’s Valley courses. If you would like to volunteer and have received approval from your supervisor, please click here to register.

Brown Bag It

The Department of Psychological & Brain Science presents: The Brown Bag Speaker Series, Tuesday, Feb. 18, from 12:15 to 1:15 p.m. in Room 2102A at the Thomas G. Carpenter Library. The featured speaker is Dr. Elizabeth Brown, associate professor and assistant chair. Dr. Brown will speak on “Some Things Never Change? How Stereotypes Impact Our Sociopolitical Environment.”

Instruction Request Podcast flyerInstruction Request Podcast: Episode 9

¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ Librarians Beryl and Lauren will be discussing Languages & Linguistics and the , the Language Lab VR experiences and will interview this episode's VR Champion, Martha Garcia-Languages, Literatures & Cultures Instructor, COAS! Click the link to watch this episode or view the entire playlist: . To learn more about the Instruction Request Podcast, visit the .

Librarian Open Office Hours - Drop In, Get Help!

Drop in using the Zoom Link during office hours to get research assistance from the Instruction Librarians or to ask a quick question! Designated open office hours and the Zoom link will be posted in the .

Scholar Profiles

Promote your Scholarship and Creative Activities: Introduction to ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ Scholar Profiles presented by the Carpenter Library in collaboration with the Office of Faculty Enhancement (OFE) March 7, from 10  to 11 a.m. — virtual event/registration required. .

Club Grant Applications are Now Live

The Alumni Association Club Grant provides funding for two student organizations to fund a specific project, trip or cause. The deadline to submit the forms is Friday, March 7. Learn more on the Student Awards, Scholarships and Grants webpage.

¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ Ready for Research digital badge logoReady for Research Course and Osprey Digital Badge

The Thomas G. Carpenter Library developed the Ready for Research Course Module and Digital Badge to help students learn library academic research skills to efficiently gather, evaluate, and synthesize information. Faculty can use this module as an assignment or for extra credit! .
 
To earn this badge, learners must:
  • Complete 6 online modules
  • Pass module quizzes
  • Demonstrate proficiency in a final assignment that librarians assess

Senior Service Award Nominations are Live

Nominations are now open for the Senior Service Award, a prestigious award presented to a graduating senior who made significant contributions through volunteerism while maintaining an outstanding academic record. The winner receives a paver in the Student Union and recognition during graduation. All ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ faculty, staff and community mentors are encouraged to nominate any student who meets the criteria. Students may also nominate themselves. Visit the Student Awards, Scholarships and Grants webpage to apply before the deadline on Friday, March 7.

Logo for ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ Department of Psychological and Brain SciencesName Change

The Department of Psychology has a new name – the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences. This change better aligns with the department’s academic and research mission which reflects the growing interdisciplinary nature of the field as a science hub. Students currently enrolled in psychology and behavioral neuroscience programs will not see any changes to their major. This is strictly a name change that better aligns with our academic and research mission.

Spring Break 2025

President Limayem has designated two days off for budgeted employees during spring break 2025. All support, law enforcement, administrative, nine- and 12-month faculty, and executive service employees will receive paid holiday leave for the last two days of spring break: Thursday, March 20 and Friday, March 21. Note from HR: The holidays of March 20 and March 21 designated by the president will be loaded in Workday automatically for those who are eligible. In addition to being in a position eligible for holiday pay, an employee must be in pay status before and after the holiday to be eligible. If you have already requested the use of paid leave on March 20 and 21, you will need to rescind those leave requests in Workday for the holiday hours to appear. Questions concerning holidays or timesheets can be directed to .

LIFTS - Library Instruction for Transfer Success

LIFTS outlines instructional support services provided by the Thomas G. Carpenter Library, plus links to other sources for the specific needs of transfer students. To learn more, or to share with students, .

¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ Connections Student Mentoring ProgramCall for Connections Faculty/Staff Mentors

The Connections Student Mentoring Program connects students to supportive faculty and staff to enhance their college experience. View the Connections website to learn more or complete the to become a faculty/staff mentor during Spring 2025.

MedNexus Research Innovation Fund: Application Opens

The MedNexus Research Innovation Fund aims to support faculty conducting research integrating emerging technology to improve health outcomes, care delivery or direct clinical impact. Proposals will be funded up to $20,000 each. Proposal applications are open from Friday, Jan. 31 to Monday, March 3. For more information or to apply, visit the MedNexus Research Innovation Fund webpage.

Dean’s Leadership Council Library Research Prize

The Carpenter Library is accepting applications for the Dean’s Leadership Council Library Research Prize. This prize recognizes outstanding scholarship achieved through effective research strategies and the demonstrated use of the library’s resources, services and staff. There are two prizes of $1,000 each; one for undergraduate students and one for graduate students. by Monday, March 10.

Nursing Impact Conference

The School of Nursing’s 3rd Annual Nursing Impact Conference is scheduled for March 4, from 4-7:30 p.m. at the Adam W. Herbert University Center. Keynote speakers include Dr. Tammy Daniel and Dr. Amanda Brown.  A networking event will take place from 4 to 6 p.m. for students to engage with local and regional employers followed by the keynote speakers and two panels.

Faculty and Staff News

Osprey Fountain on ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ campus

Brooks College of Health

Dr. Jenifer Ross, associate professor and program director and Dr. Casey Colin, assistant professor, will be presenting a session, “Fostering Authentic Inclusivity in Dietetic Practice: A Student-Centered Adaptive Feeding Lab” during the in July in Indianapolis. Dr. Andrea Arikawa, professor and interim chair of the Nutrition and Dietetics will be the session moderator.
 
Dr. Elissa Barr, professor of Public Health, was featured in an NBC National News special as a “Florida’s health expert” for adolescent health and sex education.
 
The second-year DPT students will have their White Coat ceremony on Saturday, March 8. This is an annual event to mark the transition between classroom learning and clinic learning. These 30 students will go out on their first two of four full time clinical rotations this summer at clinics around the city, state, country, even as far away as Italy. In addition, a new cohort of students will start in August as a result of two days of interviews as part of the admissions process. 
 
Dr. Katherine Meuti, assistant professor and recent Standerline Bernadin Vincent, DNP, represented Brooks College of Health at the National Society of Black Women in Medicine Conference in Jacksonville.
 
In preparation for the upcoming legislative session, Dr. Amy Binder, clinical assistant professor and Dr. Carlene Taylor, clinical assistant professor, were invited and are collaborating with the University of Florida Medical School and the Florida Legislature appointed Child Forensic Interview Task  Force to assist in developing a white paper substantiating  the legal and clinical justification for the inclusion of dogs in all phases of the forensic process during interviews and subsequent criminal prosecution of alleged perpetrators of crimes against children.

Hicks Honors College

Will Pewitt, associate instructor and assistant director, published a poem, Al-Buḥturī. “Signal Fire” in Hayden's Ferry Review, No. 75, 2025 and was interviewed about the translation done from the Classical Arabic by the Abbasid era poet Al-Buḥturī.

Silverfield College of Education and Human Services

Marlena Jenkins, director of USOAR, presented “Supporting Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Intellectual Disabilities in Inclusive Resource Classes” at the 32nd Annual CARD Conference Pre-Conference Day for Educators in January.
 
Dr. Terrie Galanti, associate professor and Dr. Nancy Holinceck (George Mason University) published an article in Education Sciences titled "Dominant Discourses ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ What It Means to Be “Good” at Mathematics: How High-Achieving Young Women Negotiate Tensions Within Their Evolving STEM Identities.”
 
Dr. Rakesh Maurya, assistant professor, conducted a webinar on AI-Driven Mental Health Education at the National University of Singapore.
 
Dr. Jennifer Renee Kilpatrick, associate professor, presented research findings from two recent collaborative studies at the Annual Conference of the Association of College Educators – Deaf and Hard of Hearing in Washington, D. C., in January.

Free Things to Do

Animal skull illustrationSymbionts: Science and Illustration

Exhibition on view now through Feb. 19, Lufrano Intercultural Gallery
For three summers, the Department of Biology has offered a course entitled Scientific Illustration. This show represents some of the outstanding efforts by undergraduate biology majors.

Jim Smith: A Retrospective

Exhibition on view now through March 5, ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ Gallery of Art
The gallery highlights local Sculpture and Multimedia artist Jim Smith's long career, showcasing major themes and artistic approaches using assemblage, photography and metal sculpture. This exhibit will focus on the last 20 years of his production, a period that has left a profound impact on the local Jacksonville art community.

Fill My Heart With Hope: Works From The Gordon W. Bailey Collection

Exhibition on view now through March 23, MOCA Jacksonville
This inclusive exhibition features exceptional artworks from the collection of the noted Los Angeles-based scholar and collector. Learn more .

Dustin Sims, "P.O.E.," 2024.Dustin Sims: Nature Re:Wired

Exhibition on view now through May 4, MOCA Jacksonville
MOCA’s Fall 2024 ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵStudent Artist-in-Residence exhibition features the work of recent graduate, retired military veteran, and sculptor Dustin Sims. In Nature Re:Wired, Sims reimagines discarded technology, transforming it into captivating animal sculptures that celebrate the brilliance of nature’s design.” Learn more .

Project Atrium: Rafael Lozano-Hemmer

Exhibit on view now through June 1, MOCA Jacksonville
Spectral Subjects is an interactive, thermal observatory showing a constantly updating map of the room's temperature on three colossal wall-projections. Learn more .

Herbal Tea Tour

Friday, Feb. 14, 3 - 4 p.m., Ogier Gardens
Discover how to grow, harvest, dry and make your own fresh herbal teas. Learn more .

Relaxing Yoga

Tuesday, Feb. 18, 6 - 6:55 p.m., Stident Wellness Complex, Room 1800
unwind and find your inner peace with slow movement, gentle stretching, and deep breathing. This class is perfect for those looking to clear the mind. Learn more .

MOCA Free Movie Night: Problemista (2024)

Wednesday, Feb. 19, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m, MOCA Jacksonville
From writer/director Julio Torres comes a surreal adventure through the equally treacherous worlds of New York City and the U.S. Immigration system.Learn more and .

¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ students in concert playing various wind instruments¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ Wind Symphony presents: Bury and Rise

Wednesday, Feb. 19, 7:30 p.m, Lazzara Performance Hall
Featuring the winner of the 2025 ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ Wind Symphony Concerto Competition with music by Catherine Likhuta and Karel Husa. Dr. Erin Bodnar, conductor. Learn more .

Lawson Ensemble 10th Anniversary Concert Series presents: Large Chamber Works

Sunday, Feb. 23, 3 p.m., Recital Hall of the Fine Arts Center
Featuring Brahms’ B flat Major Sextet, Schubert’s Octet with members of the Jacksonville Symphony, cellist Grace Gavin and bassist George Speed. Dr. Nick Curry, coordinator. Learn more .

Osprey Stitches and Sticks: A&P Employee Interest Group

Wednesday, Feb. 26, 4 - 5 p.m., Housing and Residence Life (Building 14B, Room 1501)
A&P employees are invited to participate in the biweekly meetings. Osprey Stitches and Sticks provides an opportunity for knitters, crocheters, and other handicrafters to gather and enjoy one another's company. Feel free to bring along a project you are working on. Learn more .

Kokomo City movie flyerMovies on the House Presents: Kokomo City (2023)

Wednesday, Feb. 26, 7:30 - 9:30 p.m., Andrew A. Robinson Jr. Theare (Room 1314)
MOTH presents a free screening of Kokomo City (D. Smith, 2023) [Rated R]. Doors open at 7:00 p.m. for custom preshow video and film starts at 7:30 p.m. Free snacks and drinks provided. Learn more .

William Evans Jr.: The Brown Wonder (Opening Reception)

Thursday, Feb. 27, 5 - 7 p.m., Lufrano Intercultural Gallery in the John A. Delaney Student Union
Join us for the opening reception of local hip-hop pioneer and digital artist Willam Evans Jr.'s multimedia exhibition titled "The Brown Wonder." Learn more .

Weed Wrangle Florida: Coral Ardisia Invasive Weed Removal

Saturday, March 1, 9 a.m. - noon, Parking Services (Building 52)
Join in and play a role in in this statewide volunteer effort to help rescue our public greenspaces from invasive species through hands-on removal of especially harmful trees, vines and flowering plants. Learn more .

A MidSpring Sing with the ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ Choral Program

Sunday, March 2, 4 p.m., Recital Hall of the Fine Arts Center
Dr. Cara Tasher, conductor. Learn more .

Swoop Summary

River City Rumble flyer with several mens basketball players
Men's Basketball Ready for Round Two of the River City Rumble
Following an 81-78 victory against the Dolphins at JU in early February, ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ Men's Basketball is ready to defend their home court against their hometown rivals on Thursday, Feb. 20 at 8 p.m. in the ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ Arena. .
 
Softball Sweeps Saturday Slate of Opening Weekend
North Florida softball took care of business during its River City Leadoff opening weekend at home with victories against Jacksonville State, 2-1, and Western Carolina, 8-0, for a sweep on Saturday evening. Learn more .

Here are a few upcoming events:

Baseball vs. Notre Dame
Saturday, Feb. 15, 3 p.m.  |  Harmon Stadium  | 
 
Women's Tennis vs. South Florida
Sunday, Feb. 16, 11 a.m.  |  ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ Tennis Complex  |  Free Admission
 
Softball vs. Florida
Wednesday, Feb. 19, 6 p.m. | ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ Softball Complex  | 
 
Women's Basketball vs. Eastern Kentucky
Saturday, Feb. 20, 5 p.m.  |  ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ Arena  | 
 
Men's Basketball vs. Jacksonville (River City Rumble)
Saturday, Feb. 20, 8 p.m.  |  ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ Arena  | 
 
Women's Soccer vs. Embry-Riddle
Sunday, Feb. 23, 1 p.m.  |  Hodges Stadium  |  Free Admission
 
Men's Basketball vs. Eastern Kentucky (Senior Night)
Wednesday, Feb. 26, 7 p.m.  |  ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ Arena  | 
 
Beach Volleyball vs. Saint Leo
Friday, Feb. 28, Noon  |  The Cooper Beach Volleyball Complex  |  Free Admission