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Inside ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ — January 16, 2025

Get ready for Homecoming 2025 at The Nest

¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ Homecoming 2025 flyerIt's almost here! Homecoming 2025 is scheduled for Feb. 1 — Feb. 9. There are many fun events and activities planned that are sure to make this year's Homecoming one to remember. So, come out and treat yourself to a good time and mingle with fellow Ospreys during one of the many on-campus events including the Alumni Recognition Awards Dinner, Homecoming Village and more.
 
From the Ozfest kickoff to the student government mixer, the Super Bowl watch party and everything in between, this annual campus favorite tradition will be buzzing all week long with events that give alumni the chance to reconnect with their alma mater and for students, faculty, and staff to show off their Osprey pride!
 
Mark your calendars and prepare to enjoy the fun festivities coming your way. Don't miss out on the chance to soar with your Osprey family!

For a list of this year's events, visit the Homecoming website.

Hume Foundation gift to advance leadership initiatives

Students volunteering for CAMP Osprey standing on stepsThe ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ proudly announces a transformative gift from the Warren and Augusta Hume Foundation to support and enhance leadership initiatives across campus. The generous contribution will establish the Warren and Augusta Hume Foundation Endowed Professorship in Leadership and the Warren and Augusta Hume Foundation Excellence in Leadership Fund. 
 
The endowment, housed within the College of Education and Human Services, aims to strengthen ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ’s commitment to leadership excellence through innovative programs, faculty support and student engagement opportunities. 
 
The gift was provided in recognition of the significant work the University is doing through the Taylor Leadership Institute and Collegiate Achievement Mentoring Program (CAMP) Osprey, led by Dr. Matthew Ohlson.
 
 
Information provided by ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ Media Relations

Faculty and Staff Mixers returning in 2025

¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ Ozzie mascot table decorationFirst Thursday Faculty and Staff Mixers are back in 2025!
 
Unwind after your workday and join your colleagues each month for camaraderie and fellowship! The mixers are a great place to reconnect with ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ friends and meet new faculty and staff.
 
First Thursday Mixers are held each first Thursday of the month from 4 – 6 p.m. in the Talon Room, Osprey Commons (Building 16). Mark your calendars!
 
Upcoming First Thursday Faculty and Staff Mixers for 2025
— Feb. 6, March 6, April 3

New Year's reading suggestions

¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ librarians posing togetherThe library staff and faculty provided the following suggested reading list to kickoff 2025. Some books are available in the Carpenter Library catalog through direct circulation or interlibrary loan. Enjoy!
  • by J. Sheridan and Le Fanu (2020)
  • and Frankenstein by Coco Mellors (2024)
  • by Kate Beaton (2014)
  • by K. Cardoza, K. Kearns, & S. Palma (2024)
  • by Ellen Forney (2012)
  • by Barbara Kingsolver (2000)
  • by Catriona Ward (2022), ISBN  978-1250812681
  • by Meg Shaffer (2024), ISBN 978-0593598870
  • by Iman Mersal (2024), ISBN 978-1945492846
  • by Silvia Moreno-Garcia (2019), ISBN 978-0525620778

¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ to enhance its Military and Veterans Resource Center

Two MVRC students reviewing paperworkThe Jacksonville City Council recently approved support for ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ’s Military Veterans Resource Center (MVRC), including educational opportunities, transportation and other resources. City Council member Will Lahnen introduced the bill.  
 
“We are deeply grateful to Will and the entire Jacksonville City Council,” said ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ President Moez Limayem. “Their support helps us better serve our community’s veterans and those connected to the military.”
 
¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ has been named as Top Military Friendly School for 15 years by Military Friendly, which honors educational institutions nationwide that do the most to embrace the nation’s military students and dedicates resources to ensure their success both in the classroom and after graduation. 
 
 
Information provided by ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ Media Relations

¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ Army ROTC leader receives promotion

Captain Christopher Ricciardi in the middle of his family
Captain Christopher Ricciardi, commanding officer of the ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ’s Army ROTC program, was promoted to the rank of Major in the U.S. Army on Thursday, Jan. 9. Officiating the promotion ceremony was US Army Colonel Jason Dumser, brigade commander for the US Army Cadet Command’s Southeast Region, which is the highest point in the chain of command for ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ's ROTC program.
 
“It is an honor to come to ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ to recognize Major Ricciardi on his special day,” said Dumser. “Promoting into the field grade officer ranks is a tough cut and Chris’ selection demonstrates his strong potential to lead soldiers at the next rank.” 
 
The ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ Army ROTC is on track to be amongst the top-performing ROTC programs in the nation. The program first opened in the 1980s and was re-established in 2009. Over 160 officers have been commissioned since 2009. 
 
 
Info provided by ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ Media Relations

Faculty Feature: Sheila Goloborotko

By Joy Batteh-Freiha
 
Sheila Goloborotko's life and career are a testament to resilience, creativity and the power of community.
 
The ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ fine arts professor said that though she was born and raised under the hardship of a dictatorial military regime in São Paulo, Brazil, being introduced to art at an early age was a refuge.
 
¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ professor Sheila Goloborotko working in her studio“I was very fortunate to be surrounded by emergent artists dedicated to integrating arts into the progressive curriculum during my formative years,” Goloborotko said. “After-school art classes and creative projects at home further nurtured my artistic inclinations.”

By age 6, Goloborotko said she was inspired by the landmark buildings in her neighborhood, and decided she wanted to be an architect.
 
Goloborotko was immersed in theater, music, visual culture, domestic handicraft and literature. This multidisciplinary approach fostered a sense of “porousness” — absorbing  her creative process and allowing her thoughts to flow across different artistic boundaries. 
 
That trait stayed with her into adulthood.
 
“My early years were shaped by a progressive and experimental education that emphasized humanistic values such as social and economic justice, integration and community,” said Goloborotko, who earned a Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Architecture and Urban Design in São Paulo. “Art was a natural part of my upbringing, permeating every aspect of my life.”
 
After earning her degree, Goloborotko found it difficult to find work and make a living in Brazil, under what she says was “an autocratic regime with strict censorship, racial and social inequalities.” She decided to immigrate to the U.S. and landed in Brooklyn, New York, where she earned a master's in fine art from Brooklyn College in 1985.
 
Later, she found work in a studio that printed for Keith Haring's Pop Shop and became an adjunct professor at Brooklyn College teaching printmaking until 1998. She rented a studio at the Brooklyn Waterfront, later renamed DUMBO. Goloborotko said the studio served as a place where artists with limited exposure to printmaking worked alongside more well-known artists.
 
While in architecture school and working on her thesis, Goloborotko created a book illustrating colonialism and the Portuguese occupation of Brazil. She published 30 books and sold out in a gallery opening a week before presenting her thesis. She says that project, along with opening her studio, were the two main factors that helped open doors for her in the art market and kick start her career as a professional artist.
 
She began teaching at the Pratt Institute in Brooklyn in 2004 and moved her studio to the Red Hook area of Brooklyn in 2009.
 
Though Goloborotko’s early education inspired her approach to art, modern and contemporary artists, and architects, along with world events and politics, were influential to her as well.
 
“My work had a pivotal transformation in the early 1990s during the AIDS pandemic,” Goloborotko said. “I became an activist, and my work gained an auto-ethnographic tone. I let my work in the printmaking studio speak for AIDS. I created a series of prints, a chain of fragmentary eyes that narrated the fear that my younger brother, who suffered from the disease, was losing his vision and life.” 
 
She said that before he passed away, her brother wrote the prologue to the portfolio of 10 prints, Eyes That Saw and Became Fish. The series was later purchased by The New York Public Library, Rare Books and Manuscripts Collection and was exhibited there.
 
Goloborotko came to ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ in 2015, to teach printmaking in the Department of Art, Art History and Design.
 
As a multidisciplinary artist, she began experimenting with heavy asphalt paving machines in her art and has guided her students through creating large hand-carved woodblocks printed with a steam roller.
 
“This collaborative project addresses current issues relevant to students while teaching them valuable skills,” explained Goloborotko.
 
Throughout her career, she has embraced new techniques and materials. Her recent work with laser cutters led to an installation for the Florida Prize in Contemporary Art at the Orlando Museum. Although not selected as the winner, the recognition marked a significant milestone in her career.
 
Her advice to emerging artists is to keep mastering techniques and developing research and narratives valuable to their community, spirit and soul.
 
“Printmaking changed the way I think and make art,” Goloborotko said. “Life, as does the printing press, exerts pressure on us. I feel that I am seeking, through process itself, a kind of redemption, an alchemy by which we, in the artmaking community and the world at large, find — and heal — ourselves and each other. 
 
 
Fact box:
NAME: Sheila Goloborotko
TITLE: Professor, Master of Fine Arts
YEARS AT ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ: 10
HOMETOWN: Born in São Paulo; works in Jacksonville; lives in Ponte Vedra Beach 
 
WHAT IS ONE THING ABOUT YOU THAT YOUR COLLEAGUES MAY NOT KNOW:
I honor the practice of "tikkun olam," a Hebrew expression that means "repairing the world." According to this Jewish belief, humans are responsible for actively improving the world around them through social justice, ethical actions and caring for the environment, essentially leaving it in a better state than we inherited it. 

Lend-A-Wing and Lend-A-Fit accepting donations

Two students stacking shelves in the Lend-A-Wing PantryAs the spring semester kicks off, the ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ’s Student Government agency is calling on members of the community to ensure that all Osprey students have the necessities they need.
 
Founded in 2012 by ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ students for ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ students, the Lend-a-Wing pantry and Lend-a-Fit closet is a Student Government executive agency designed to combat food insecurity on campus and assist with professional business clothing items for interviews or networking events.
 
Donations to the Lend-A-Wing pantry or Lend-A-Fit closet make a meaningful difference by turning care into action.
 
 
Information provided by ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ Media Relations

Staff Spotlight: Virginia Kemption

By Byron E. Jones
 
When it comes to making sure ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ campus events are an enjoyable experience for all, look no further than to Virginia Kemption (‘17, ‘21).  
 
Virginia KemptionAs the assistant director of event services for the John A. Delaney Student Union, she supervises student staff and oversees event logistics for various internal clients including ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ Student Life, the President's Office, the Provost's Office, Board of Trustees and more. She also works with external clients, collaborating with community organizations such as Dreams Come True of Jacksonville, Inc. for their annual 5K event and the Alzheimer’s Association for their annual Walk to End Alzheimer's. 
 
“My overall goal each day is to make sure the events taking place in our facility are presented well,” Kemption said. 
 
The Jacksonville native and two-time Osprey alum joined the Student Union staff in fall 2021 as an event planning specialist, eventually transitioning to a coordinator role before assuming her current position in 2023. 
 
Kemption says attention to detail and strong people skills are essential to succeeding in her role. 
 
“What has helped me be successful is having strong interpersonal skills,” said Kemption. “It’s all about maintaining policies and procedures, while also helping peoples’ vision come to life.” 

Discovering a new career path

Initially planning to secure a career in the medical field, Kemption majored in healthcare administration at ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ and completed an internship at Nemours Children's Health, Jacksonville, stating it’s in her nature to help people. 
 
Following her internship experience, she decided to shift her career focus to helping people in other ways. After seeking the advice of some of her mentors at ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ, she was encouraged to pursue a career path in higher education administration, specifically student affairs. 
 
When she learned of an event planning specialist position in the Student Union in the summer of 2021, she applied and was hired on her birthday — Aug. 9. Later, Kemption earned a master’s degree in higher education administration from ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ in fall 2021.

Love for Osprey Nation and discovering a new hobby

Since joining the staff at the Student Union, Kemption says she has enjoyed the team-first attitude of her colleagues. 
 
“We are a department that very much supports one another,” Kemption said. 
 
Looking to further solidify her ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ legacy, Kemption recently returned to the classroom to pursue a Doctor of Education in educational leadership. 
 
“When I say I bleed blue and gray, it is very factual,” she said. 
 
Although most of her time these days consists of work and school activities, Kemption says she finds time to unwind by reading science fiction literature and indulging in a newly discovered hobby, playing golf. 
 
 
More ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ Virginia
  • First-generation college student
  • Proud member of Kappa Alpha Theta
  • Enjoys walking the path around the J.B. Coxwell Amphitheater to relax
  • Currently helping to plan the Florida Board of Governors Meeting at ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ later this month

MOCA Jax Fall 2024 Student Artist-in-Residence exhibition opens

¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ graduate and sculptor Dustin SimsDustin Sims Nature Re:Wired
MOCA Jacksonville's Fall 2024 ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ Student Artist-in-Residence exhibition features the work of Dustin Sims, a recent ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ graduate, retired military veteran and sculptor. In Nature Re:Wired, Sims reimagines discarded technology, transforming it into captivating animal sculptures that celebrate the brilliance of nature’s design. The exhibition will be available to view at MOCA Jacksonville beginning Friday, Jan. 17.
 
Exhibition Opening Celebration | Wednesday, Feb. 5, 6 - 9 p.m. 
Visit MOCA Jacksonville during First Wednesday Downtown Jacksonvile Art Walk to celebrate the opening of Nature Re:Wired with ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ Student Artist-in-Residence Dustin Sims. Meet the artist and learn more about his work and process, from gathering discarded objects that he pieces together to create animals to 3D printing the perfect crane skull.
 
Learn more .
 
Information provided by MOCA Jacksonville

Recent graduate finds purpose through psychology research

By Mattison Hansen
 
For as long as she can remember, Abby Pruitt has been fascinated by understanding people. Growing up, her family often commented on her ability to read others and listen with empathy, but like many students, her journey to finding her passion was not a straight line.
 
Abby Pruitt posing next to her research poster“I kind of went back and forth for a while,” she said. “At one point in late high school, I even thought about becoming a pharmacist. I was trying to figure out what I liked and what I wanted to do.”
 
That search, along with wanting to attend an institution where she could form lasting relationships and grow both academically and personally, eventually led her to the ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ’s psychology program.
 
“I chose ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ because I had an attachment to it already,” said Pruitt, who had briefly lived in Jacksonville as a child for about three years. “When I had to decide where to go for college, I knew I wanted to go somewhere I could be on my own, and Florida gave me this nostalgic vibe.”
 
She graduated in December 2024 from ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ’s accelerated pathway program with a bachelor's in psychology and master’s in psychological science.

Discovering a passion for psychology 

Pruitt originally envisioned a career in clinical therapy, but a second-semester research methods course opened her eyes to new possibilities. She always liked science, but she felt it would be a challenge. After the course, she changed her direction and shifted goals from therapy to research.
 
As her focus shifted towards psychology, Pruitt immersed herself in various academic and extracurricular activities.
 
She worked as a research assistant for psychology faculty Drs. Charles Fitzsimmons and Dominik Guess for the last two years, contributing to projects such as a pilot study that investigates math anxiety and how people process numbers.
 
“I met Abby when she took my Lifespan Developmental Psychology course,” said Fitzsimmons. “She stood out as a high achiever and an active participant in class discussions. When I heard she was interested in research, I was happy to recruit her to join my research lab. Her go-getter attitude will undoubtedly take her far, and I’m excited to see where her journey leads.”
 
Pruitt’s research focuses on cognitive processes and how specific study strategies influence both performance and performance awareness. She was a recipient of a Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship from the College of Arts and Sciences and presented her research at ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ’s SOARS and ARISE conferences this year.
 
“I got the idea for this research during a developmental psychology class,” Pruitt explained. “I’ve always been fascinated by learning, especially how adults learn and interpret their own learning processes. Traditional learning environments often suggest there’s only one ‘right’ way to approach a task. I want to help people understand they can adapt their learning methods to what works best for them, enabling better outcomes.”

Abby Pruitt Cap and Gown HeadshotLeadership and legacy 

In addition to research, Pruitt also served as a teaching assistant for Fitzsimmons’ Lifespan Development class and played a pivotal role in revitalizing ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ’s chapter of the psychology honors society, Psi Chi, after the COVID-19 pandemic.
 
“I wanted to be part of something where I could connect with others who shared my passion for psychology,” Pruitt said. “When I went to the first Psi Chi meeting, there were about six of us and a new professor. I wasn’t sure if we were going to be able to build the honors society back up, but I could sense that there was something there and I felt motivated to be on board.”
 
Pruitt took on leadership roles including president and social media manager. Since then, Psi Chi at ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ has grown significantly.
 
“It’s wonderful to work with Abby,” said Guess, who also advises Psi Chi. “She is organized, always prepared, curious and open-minded. It can be quite challenging to be part of a research team where we study cultural influences on decision making, but she masters the challenges very well.”
 
Pruitt’s contributions extend to organizations like the Phi Kappa Phi Honors Society and the Research Ambassador Club, where she volunteered and helped organize conferences. 
 
Her next goal is to further her career in psychology, potentially working as a research assistant or in industries where she can focus on teaching others self-advocacy and contributing to building a better place for people to work.

Inside News Roundup

Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Pay Schedule

Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday, Monday, Jan. 20, is a recognized University holiday. Since most University offices will be closed, the payroll processing schedule for the pay period Saturday, Jan. 4, to Friday, Jan. 17, has been modified. This is necessary to process payroll in a timely manner and meet benefit contribution submission deadlines. See the revised schedule below. 
  • Friday, Jan. 17: Workday and Accu-Time timesheets submission at Noon; approval at 1 p.m. 
  • Friday, Jan. 24: Checks will be released at the Payroll Office, Hicks Hall, Building 53, 2nd floor, Suite 2850; payroll direct deposits will be credited to the employee's bank account.
Questions concerning the pay schedule should be directed to the Payroll Office at payroll@unf.edu. 

New Office Location?

If your office location has changed and you’ve moved to another area, please update your office location in Workday or have your manager, office manager or unit partner do it. This is important to update in the event of emergencies. Please allow time for updates to appear in Outlook and Teams. Instructions can be found in ServiceNow. Contact Workday Operations at workdayoperations@unf.edu if you have any questions.

Marathon runners gathered at the startling lineEarly Bird Registration for Swoop the Loop 5K

Whether you like to run, walk or jog, all are invited to on Saturday, Feb. 22 at 8 a.m. at the J.B. Coxwell Ampitheater. Early bird $30 registration deadline is Friday, Jan. 31, and day-of-registration is $50. Those who register by midnight on Wednesday, Feb. 19 will receive a t-shirt. If you have any questions, contact Michael Harrison at michael.harrison@unf.edu.

Be a Mentor

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 fill out the to become a student mentee during spring 2025.

Covey LeaderU digital badge iconLeadership Digital Badge Challenge

Encourage your students to earn the by Friday, Jan. 31 to enhance their marketable skills. Completing the badges by this date will enter them into a prize draw, sponsored by the Taylor Leadership Institute and Blackstone LaunchPad, with prizes including an exclusive leadership session at the Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island and one of six $50 gift cards.

Library Guide Usability Surveys

The next Carpenter Library usability survey is Tuesday, Jan. 21 from 10 a.m. to Noon. This walk-up survey will take approximately 10-15 minutes to complete. Packaged snacks will be provided to survey participants. Three survey participants will be randomly selected to win $10 gift cards. For more information, contact Jim Rickerson at j.rickerson@unf.edu or (904) 620-4020.

Gilman Scholar

Congratulations to ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ Coggin College of Business student Sari Dailey, who has been awarded the prestigious Gilman Scholarship. Dailey is preparing to study abroad in Beppu, Japan this spring semester. Administered by the Institute of International Education since 2001, the U.S. Department of State’s Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program aims to assist students in their pursuit of study or internships abroad. As a result, students benefit in the areas of personal growth, professional readiness, and citizen ambassadorship, all while supporting American economic competitiveness and national security.

¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ Spring A Intramural Sports flyerIntramural Sports Spring A Registration Open

Registration for Spring A will close at noon on Wednesday, Jan. 22. To register for sports including flag football, volleyball, cornhole or all three, download the ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ Competitive Sports App. Students, faculty and staff play for free; alumni can pay to play. Learn more by visiting the .

Arena Garage 1st Floor and Lot 18 Reserved Parking - Jan. 16 to Jan. 18

The first floor of the Arena Garage (Garage 38) will be blocked off for Osprey Club parking on Thursday, Jan. 16 from 4 to 8 p.m. and Saturday, Jan. 18 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Also, 156 Gray spaces in the southwest section of Lot 18, closest to Hodges Stadium (Building 46), will be reserved for tailgating on Thursday, Jan. 16 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Faculty/Staff, reserved permit holders and disability may still park on the first floor of the Arena Garage but anticipate some parking congestion prior to campus arrival.

Virtual Health and Vitality Chat

The next Virtual Health & Vitality 30-minute Lunchtime Chat is scheduled for Tuesday, Jan. 28 at noon, and will feature Sierra James, a registered dietitian for Dining Services, who will discuss the importance of maintaining a balanced and nutritious diet essential for overall health and well-being. The presentation will be about 15 minutes followed by a Q&A. All present attendees will have a chance to win a $10 Amazon gift card at the end of the presentation. by Friday, Jan. 24.

Blind Date with a Book event flyerBlind Date with a Book

Beginning Feb. 1 through Feb. 14, students, faculty and staff are invited to go on a "" for Valentine’s Day. Popular reading titles have been selected from the Carpenter Library's collection and decoratively wrapped and labeled with keywords to provide the best blind date experience. The books are on the Library's first floor, near the Information Desk. Those who check out a book can complete a "Rate Your Date" survey for a chance to win a prize. For more information, contact Maria Atilano at m.atilano@unf.edu or (904) 620-1564.

2025 Homecoming Office Decoration Contest

The 2025 office decoration theme is "Find Your True North." All campus departments and offices are eligible to participate in the office decorating contest. will be open until Wednesday, Jan. 29 and judging will take place Monday, Feb. 3 and Tuesday, Feb. 4. The most creative office will win a Homecoming swag bag and bragging rights on the Student Life webpage.

Online Access to The Florida Times-Union

The Carpenter Library's online access to the Florida Times-Union now covers 1883 to the present. This collection lists all Times-Union formats, including full-color newspaper pages, full-text articles, blog posts and content only published online. Access this collection at or the .

MedNexus Research Innovation Fund: Call for Proposals

The MedNexus Research Innovation Fund supports 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.

Faculty and Staff News

Osprey Fountain on ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ campus

Brooks College of Health

Dr. Tes Tuason, professor ofmental health counseling, along with Dr. Dominik Guess, professor of psychology and student, E. Peters, published “A Fascinating World of Different Cultures: International Experiences and Creativity in the Biographies of Nobel Laureates” in the Journal of Creativity.
 
Dr. Elissa Barr, professor of public health, Dr. Carmen Smotherman, visiting instructor of public health, Dr. Michele Moore, Dean of the Graduate School, Zhigang Xie, assistant professor of public health, and Emily Balaguer, MPH student, published a research article “Data Supporting a Comprehensive Approach to Reproductive and Sexual Health Education to Meet the Needs of Youth” in Medical Research Archives, January 2025.
 
Dr. Elissa Barr, professor of public health, developed and presented an online training, “The 10 Essential Public Health Services,” for the Duval County Department of Health.
 
Dr. Bethanie Simmons-Becil presented her abstract “Creating Therapeutic Relationships Using Intentional Presence in Development of Safe Spaces for the LGBTQIA+” for presentation at the 45th Annual American Holistic Nurse Association Conference in June 2025.
 
The following nursing faculty/clinical supervisors received recognition during the Faculty Appreciation days (Office of Institutional Effectiveness partnered with the Office of Faculty Excellence & Academic Engagement giving students the opportunity to share a comment or two about these faculty: Belinda Monnig, adjunct instructor, Teresa Linck, adjunct instructor, Jennie Robinson, clinical supervisor, Sandra Shapiro, assistant professor, Sarah Knowles, instructor and Whitney Howell, clinical supervisor.
 
Dr. Raine Osborne, assistant professor, physical therapy, was awarded two grants: Foundation for Physical Therapy Research and as a member of a team from Encompass Rehabilitation for an internal Encompass Therapy grant, last fall.

College of Education and Human Services

Dr. Nile Stanley, associate professor, published a book chapter, "Words, I like to say them," in D. Harrison and, T. (2024, Eds,) Routledge Publishing.
 
Dr. Christine Weber, professor, has been invited to participate in the revision initiative for the Advanced Standards in Gifted Educator Preparation endorsed by the Council for Exceptional Children, The Association for the Gifted (CEC-TAG), and the National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC).
 
Dr. Dione Thomas Webber, clinical assistant professor, published an article, “Perspectives of Overage Graduates: Issues that Affected their School in Description: Publication Vol. 61 No. 2 (2024): Florida Journal of Educational Research, Dec. 2024.
 
Dr. Laura Boilini, clinical associate professor, along with graduate student, Jayla Adams, visited Ronald McDonald House to deliver a $225 check from a COEHS fundraiser and a tub of pop tabs that the faculty and staff collected.

Dateline

¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ Dateline balloons

Milestones

Congratulations to the following employees with a milestone anniversary in January 2025:

35 Years

Debra Murphy, Professor, Department of Art, Art History and Design

Sandra Rosa, Accounting Associate, Controller's Office, Student Financial Services

25 Years

Donald Barker, Associate Director, Institute of Police Technology and Management

Frederick Dale, University Instructor, Department of English

Lance Hunt, Game Day Assistant, Athletics Marketing

David Jaffee, Professor, Department of Sociology, Anthropology and Social Work

Peter Lowe, Assistant Director Institutional Research

James McGuffey, ERP Analyst III, Student Information Systems

Kathy Westberry, Institutional Effectiveness Specialist, Institutional Effectiveness

20 Years

Meghan Courtney, Associate Director Academic Support Services, Enrollment Management

15 Years

Rebecca Douberly-Gorman, Adjunct, Department of Sociology, Anthropology and Social Work

Meghan Niemczyk, Instructor, Department of Nutrition and Dietetics

Annie Tuttle, Adjunct, Department of Sociology, Anthropology and Social Work

10 Years

Jeremy Baker, Assistant Director, Academic Support Services, Coggin College of Business

Elizabeth Brown, Associate Professor, Department of Psychology

David Fisher, Maintenance Mechanic, Housing and Residence Life

Melissa Leone, Assistant Child Development Teacher, ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ Preschool

Amber Oliveira, Adjunct, Department of Teaching, Learning and Curriculum

John Price, Adjunct, Hicks Honors College

Ashley Washington, Assistant Director Alumni Engagement, Engagement and Stewardship Management

5 Years

NKosi Alexander, Adjunct, Department of Mathematics and Statistics

Claire Basco, Adjunct, School of Nursing

Travis Bishop, Assistant Director, One-Stop Student Services

Julie Braun, Visiting Instructor, Department of Physical Therapy

Jamey Burns, Post Doctoral Associate, Department of Teaching, Learning and Curriculum

Nick Cirell, Help Desk Technical Assistant, Help Desk Operations

Kerri Conklin, Student Welcome Desk Receptionist, Housing and Residence Life

Jeremiah Doody, Adjunct, School of Computing

Isaiah Dorado, ARLC Graduate Assistant, Housing and Residence Life

Eva Rhonda Espique-Bueno, Research Integrity Specialist, Research and Sponsored Programs

Aniyah Freeman, Resident Assistant, Housing and Residence Life

Jesse James, Grader, Department of Political Science and Public Administration

Ava Larson, Graduate Research Assistant, Department of Biology

Maria Ramirez-Avila, Student Interviewer, Public Opinion Research Lab

Brooke Sanford, Instructor, School of Engineering

Brad Stringfellow, ASL Lab Assistant, LSCSM, American Sign Language/Deaf Studies

Charles Williams, Instructor, Department of Clinical and Applied Movement Science

Pamela Williamson, Professor, Department of Teaching, Learning and Curriculum

Welcome

The following employees were either hired by ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ or were promoted from OPS positions recently:

Matthew Bernanke, Administrative Support Specialist, Department of Biology

Luke Bigelow, Academic Advisor, College of Arts and Sciences

Corbin Blair, Maintenance Mechanic, Housing and Residence Life

Heather Bumbalough, Senior Library Access Services Associate, Library, Instruction

Jackson Butikis, Coordinator Residence Life, Housing and Residence Life, Facilities Management

Denise Clark, Data Analyst, College of Arts and Sciences, Administration

Analis Evans, Post Doctoral Associate, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry

Timara Gore, Assistant Athletic Director, Athletics Marketing

Tim Jenkins, Maintenance Mechanic, Housing and Residence Life

Dimitra Kantemiri, Office Manager, Office of Student Success

Ravyn Mette, Administrative Support Specialist, Department of Political Science and Public Administration

Gwendolyn Rivera, Program Assistant, Career Services, Student Engagement

Katrin Villinger, Coordinator, Research Program Services, Department of Biology

Great Job

The following employees were recently promoted:

George Androuin, Assistant Vice President, Administration and Finance

Ralph Felix, Senior Control Systems Technician, Physical Facilities

Stephanie Grant, Card Services Coordinator, Procurement Services

Ethan Hray, Assistant Athletic Director, Athletics

Aaron Leedy, Associate Director, College of Arts and Sciences

Latoya Pierre, Assistant Child Development Teacher, ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ Preschool

Free Things to Do

¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ Senior Exhibition flyerSenior Exhibition Fall 2024

Exhibit on view now through Jan. 23, ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ Gallery of Art and Lufrano Intercultural Gallery
The Senior Showcase allows graduating ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ seniors to exhibit their research and celebrate their artistic achievements.

Emil Alzamora: Starship Abundance

Exhibit on view now through Feb. 2, 2025, MOCA Jacksonville
New York-based artist Emil Alzamora (b. 1975 Lima, Peru) presents a multidisciplinary exhibition, intended “as a nod to the seemingly unending richness that abounds on planet Earth.” 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 .

Image of Astronomy Night: Seeing Alien EarthsAstronomy Night: Seeing Alien Earths

Friday, Jan. 17, 8 - 9 p.m., Science and Engineering Building (Room 1112)
The ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ Physics Department is looking forward to the first Astronomy Night of 2025! Julie Sheffler from the University of Wisconsin-Madison will give a short presentation. The talk will be followed by an hour of stargazing with telescopes. Everyone is invited. Learn more .

Henry Louis Gates, Jr.: "Finding Our Global Roots"

Tuesday, Jan. 21, 7 - 8 p.m, Lazzara Performance Hall
Henry Louis Gates, Jr. is the Alphonse Fletcher University Professor and Director of the Hutchins Center for African and African American Research at Harvard University. Finding Your Roots, Gates' groundbreaking genealogy and genetics series, completed its 10th season on PBS in 2024. ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ is proud to partner with the World Affairs Council of Jacksonville to bring distinguished speakers to our campus. Learn more about this event and register to attend.

Intro to Organic Gardening

Friday, Jan. 24, 10 - 11 a.m., Ogier Gardens
Learn the basics to starting your own garden with the Ogier Gardens Coordinator Kevin Anderson. Learn more .

Back to Nature Saturday: Native Garden Tour and Coral Ardisia Roundup

Saturday, Jan. 25, 8:30 a.m. - Noon, Parking Lot 7
The ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ Botanical Garden will host a Native Garden Tour followed by a volunteer coral ardisia invasive weed removal roundup. Learn more .

Osprey Stitches and Sticks: A&P Employee Interest Group

Wednesday, Jan. 29, 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 .

Close (2022) movie posterMovies on the House Presents: Close (2022)

Wednesday, Jan. 29, 7:30 - 9:30 p.m., Andrew A. Robinson Jr. Theare (Room 1314)
Enjoy a free screen of the Belgian film, Close, exploring the topics of friendship and responsibility. Free snacks and drinks provided. Learn more .

Cummer Family Foundation Chamber Music Series

Friday, Jan. 31, 7:30 p.m., Recital Hall of the Fine Arts Center
Sidney Outlaw, baritone and Warren Jones, piano. Dr. James Hall, artistic director. Learn more about .

37th Annual Great American Jazz Series

Thursday, Feb. 6, 7:30 p.m., Lazzara Performance Hall
Composers Forum featuring Saxophonist and Composer Mike Tomoro with ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ JE1 and ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ JE2. JB Scott, artistic director and director, ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ JE1. Learn more .

 

Swoop Summary

INFLCR x ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ graphic
North Florida Athletics, Teamworks Influencer Launch SWOOP Exchange
North Florida Athletics, in partnership with Teamworks Influencer, have collaborated to launch SWOOP Exchange to connect student athletes and businesses for name, image and likeness (NIL) opportunities. .

Here are a few upcoming events:

Swimming vs. Georgia Southern
Saturday, Jan. 18, 11 a.m.  |  ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ Competition Pool Complex  |  Free Admission
 
Men's Tennis vs. Florida Atlantic
Saturday, Jan. 18, 1 p.m. | ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ Tennis Complex | Free admission
 
Men's Basketball vs. North Alabama
Saturday, Jan. 18, 2 p.m.  |  ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ Arena  | 
 
Men's Tennis vs. South Carolina
Tuesday, Jan. 21, 1 p.m.  |  ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ Tennis Complex  |  Free Admission
 
Women's Basketball vs. Queens
Thursday, Jan. 23, 7 p.m.  |  ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ Arena  | 
 
Men's Basketball vs. Stetson
Wednesday, Jan. 29, 7 p.m.  |  ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ Arena  |