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Inside ÀÏ°ÄÃÅ×ÊÁÏ â€” October 4, 2024

Finding Your True North

On Tuesday, Oct. 1, the ÀÏ°ÄÃÅ×ÊÁÏ celebrated with faculty, staff, students, alumni and the Northeast Florida community, as we launched our new brand expression and told our ÀÏ°ÄÃÅ×ÊÁÏ story like never before — that ÀÏ°ÄÃÅ×ÊÁÏ is where we can all find our direction and our place — our True North.
 
Four female ÀÏ°ÄÃÅ×ÊÁÏ students holding up North or Nowhere shirts in front of the ÀÏ°ÄÃÅ×ÊÁÏ library foam drink in a tea cup with the ÀÏ°ÄÃÅ×ÊÁÏ abbreviation spelled in foam Ozzie and President Limayem stand in front of a ÀÏ°ÄÃÅ×ÊÁÏ ad at the Jacksonville Airport
 
The daylong, citywide celebration recognized ÀÏ°ÄÃÅ×ÊÁÏ’s impact to our region and included special messaging on digital billboards across the city, bold ads at Jacksonville International Airport and visits to local businesses who employ large numbers of ÀÏ°ÄÃÅ×ÊÁÏ alumni by President Limayem, Ozzie and other ÀÏ°ÄÃÅ×ÊÁÏ leaders. Area businesses with ties to ÀÏ°ÄÃÅ×ÊÁÏ also offered discounts to students, faculty and staff.
 
Around campus, Osprey Ambassadors — members of the Marketing and Communications team — celebrated with faculty, staff and students by giving away t-shirts, snacks and other items on both Tuesday, Oct. 1 and Wednesday, Oct. 2 — ÀÏ°ÄÃÅ×ÊÁÏ’s 52nd anniversary of the first day of classes in 1972.
 
Three ÀÏ°ÄÃÅ×ÊÁÏ students sitting at a coffee shop smiling and having drinks ÀÏ°ÄÃÅ×ÊÁÏ swag bags positioned in front of a Jaguars statue at the Jacksonville Jaguars stadium Ozzie the Mascot at Angie's Subs conversing with an employee holding a "Swoop Sub" sign
 
“ÀÏ°ÄÃÅ×ÊÁÏ is proud to have more than 112,000 alumni, many of those living and working right here in the Jacksonville area or in the state,” said ÀÏ°ÄÃÅ×ÊÁÏ President Limayem. “We wanted to take the time to thank those alumni and our current faculty, staff and students, who are instrumental in driving transformational change on our campus and in our community.”
 
As one of 12 universities in the State University Systems, ÀÏ°ÄÃÅ×ÊÁÏ has the highest percentage of graduates with bachelor’s employed around the state, with most ÀÏ°ÄÃÅ×ÊÁÏ graduates using their expertise here in Jacksonville.
 
Ozzie and President Limayem visiting Haskell and posing with Haskell employees ÀÏ°ÄÃÅ×ÊÁÏ luggage tag Ozzie and Gate gas station reps giving away ÀÏ°ÄÃÅ×ÊÁÏ North or Nowhere shirts at the gas station

Faculty members recognized for creating engaging learning environment

By Joy Batteh-Freiha
 
When students feel heard and valued by their educators, it creates for a more positive learning environment. ÀÏ°ÄÃÅ×ÊÁÏ faculty and University leadership posing together at an eventLikewise, knowing that students appreciate their efforts and find their classes valuable, can be a powerful motivator for faculty, often encouraging them to continue and expand their practices.
 
Each semester, graduating students are asked to complete on online survey, which includes the option to identify a faculty member who has “supported the academic, professional, and/or personal success of students at ÀÏ°ÄÃÅ×ÊÁÏ.”
 
During the Faculty Association luncheon on Thursday, Oct. 3, ÀÏ°ÄÃÅ×ÊÁÏ Provost Karen Patterson acknowledged six faculty members who were identified by graduating seniors over the past year as individuals who made an unforgettable impact on their lives.
 
Read about the six faculty members and a compilation of what some students wrote about each.
 

Dr. Andrew Barnes,*** assistant professor, Construction Management, College of Computing, Engineering and Construction

“Dr. Barnes encourages growth in all his students in all the courses he teaches. He has a true passion for teaching and construction and wants to see his students succeed. He is always positive and gives words of wisdom in every class we have. I have always felt that I left class better than I arrived when I have him.”
 
“Dr. Barnes consistently makes an effort to know each student by name and understand their unique abilities  . . . He facilitated my enthusiasm for participating in clubs and networking with fellow students, teachers, and external groups by highlighting the significant impact it could have on my personal growth and career.”
 
“Professor Barnes has been the most impactful professor in my time of learning . . . He has been monumental in not only developing my academic and professional skills for work after graduation, but also in preparing me as a person to deal with the stress and responsibility of life ahead.”
 

Dr. Kassie Terrell,** associate professor, Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Brooks College of Health

“She is a fantastic instructor, caring and understanding . . . yet still challenging in a way that never makes me doubt that she has full trust and faith in my capabilities. She was a joy to have as a professor.”
 
“Dr. Terrell is a gift to counseling students and the field as a whole. She never fails to advocate for her students. She always holds space for her students . . . and fosters learning on a deeper level than I have experienced before.” 
 
“Shows up to extracurricular events, replies quickly to any and all concerns, encourages our professional development, and challenges us regularly.”
 

Dave Reed,* instructor, Leadership and Management, Coggin College of Business

“Dr. Reed really cares about seeing his students succeed past college. He prepares us for life and a career after” . . . “he is the best professor I have had.”
 
“Went above and beyond in our Leadership course to instill the importance of connecting with others and honoring our values in careers . . .”
 
“Created a healthy environment to practice speaking to crowds, a top fear among many.”
 

Jeffrey Gottleib,* associate instructor, Accounting and Finance, Coggin College of Business

“There is no other professor I have had who is as dedicated to success beyond college for students as he is, and countless students can say the same.” And “he is practical, fun, professional, and helpful!”
 
“[Gottleib] dedicated to the success of students in his class” . . . 
 
Uses “his connections to professionals such as partners and managers to engage directly with students for their ultimate success.”
 

Dr. Katherine Meuti,* assistant professor, Nurse Anesthesiology Program, Brooks College of Health 

[Dr. Meuti] is “literally always willing to help or take time to explain complex topics.” 
 
“She is a light in this program, often a voice of reason,” and “always approachable and open to assisting her students when they have questions.” 
 
[Dr. Meuti] is “compassionate, empathetic, and dedicated to her craft,” . . . “the backbone of our program who always lends a compassionate ear, helps solves problems, and is a phenomenal professor.”
 

John Scott Kelly,* adjunct professor, School of Computing, College of Computing, Engineering and Construction

“This professor has been the best teacher and mentor I’ve encountered in my school career. . . he truly loves teaching. I strive and aspire to be like him in the future.”
 
[Scott Kelly] is “the best at engaging his students and being as down to earth as possible.”
 
“His techniques for introducing topics . . . and his dedication to his students and his work made his course an absolute joy to take.”
 
*Each received nine student commendations
 
**Received the second highest number of student accolades from 12 students
 
***Named by 16 different students as the professor who was the most instrumental in their success.

Convocation 2024 Core Value Awards

By Joy Batteh-Freiha
 
ÀÏ°ÄÃÅ×ÊÁÏ President Moez Limayem speaking on stage at Convocation 2024To kick-off the new academic year, ÀÏ°ÄÃÅ×ÊÁÏ hosted its new and reimagined Convocation: The State of Osprey Nation, on Friday, Sept. 20, and recognized individuals who embody the University’s core values: accountability, integrity, excellence, civility and a culture of care. These new awards celebrate outstanding contributions within our University community that reflect these fundamental principles.
 
Read on about the five awardees and why they were nominated:
 

Accountability: Jacqueline Piazza, Director, Student Success Systems

“Jacqueline was pivotal in the implementation of myNest, helping the University to launch an excellent system on time and within budget with no hiccups. Her leadership of this implementation modeled the highest levels of accountability, ensuring the delivery of a transformative tool for ÀÏ°ÄÃÅ×ÊÁÏ students, staff, and faculty for years to come. She did this while also leading her Student Success processing team, which rebuilt transfer credit processing so that incoming students' transcripts/credit are evaluated faster and accurately. Improving transcript evaluation means students are onboarded better, can be advised with better precision, and reduce excess hours from unneeded courses. Jacqueline's leadership, attention to detail, and superior sense of accountability have led to transformative changes at ÀÏ°ÄÃÅ×ÊÁÏ that are easily overlooked because they are behind the scenes but are hugely important to ÀÏ°ÄÃÅ×ÊÁÏ reaching greater heights in student success." — Dr. Erin Richman  
 

Civility: Dr. Bryan Knuckley, Professor and Chair, Department of Biology and Biochemistry

“I am delighted to nominate my colleague, Dr. Bryan Knuckley, for the ÀÏ°ÄÃÅ×ÊÁÏ Civility Award.  In his roles as a faculty member and an administrator, Dr. Knuckley is unfailingly courteous and respectful of the students, faculty, and staff with whom he works.  While I admire his positive outlook and demeanor, I am most inspired by his willingness to engage thoughtfully with ideas and experiences different from his own as well as his genuine care and compassion for all members of the ÀÏ°ÄÃÅ×ÊÁÏ community." — Dr. Jennifer Spaulding-Givens 
 

Culture of Care: Charles McRoy, Recycle/Refuse Worker

“Charles not only fosters a culture of care with his fellow employees, but he extends that service to students, faculty and staff.  Charles has a warm smile and friendly words for everyone he interacts with. Without exception, every time I’ve seen him, rain or shine, newly starting his shift or 12 hours in, he always offers to help, whether it’s to set up and break down events, clean up and he’s solutions oriented.  But more importantly, connected to this specific award, when he sees you, he asks how you are doing, intently listens to your answer, he is genuinely interested in each person, helping ÀÏ°ÄÃÅ×ÊÁÏ feel warmer, more connected, encouraging a sense of welcome and belonging. He has an encouraging word for everyone.  I’ve seen him do this again and again, exuding this core value.  By doing so, he makes those around him want to do more and makes our campus a warmer, friendly place.” — Teresa Nichols 
 

Excellence: Megan Kuehner, Assistant Vice President, ITS

“Megan Kuehner consistently prioritizes the well-being and success of ÀÏ°ÄÃÅ×ÊÁÏ students, faculty, and staff in all her work. Her constant commitment to the university community and her exemplary leadership serves as an inspiration to us all.” — Brian Verkamp   
 
“Megan Kuehner was one of the key players in the Osprey Rising Workday implementation project. She is always willing to lend a helping hand and truly exemplifies the core values of ÀÏ°ÄÃÅ×ÊÁÏ in all she does. She is an ally and champion for many people at ÀÏ°ÄÃÅ×ÊÁÏ spanning most, if not all, the departments, and divisions across campus. Megan is a great example and representative of the ÀÏ°ÄÃÅ×ÊÁÏ community, and I am truly thankful to work with her. She is so deserving of recognition even though she would be the first to turn that down and bring someone else to the forefront. Megan is an Osprey through and through and I am so proud to call her a co-worker and a friend.” — Erin Byrd 
 
 

Integrity: Maurisha Bishop-Salmon, Victim’s Advocate

“I nominated Maurisha for the Integrity award based on her unconditional work to better students, specifically those impacted by victimization. Maurisha works well with both campus and community partners, but advocates for students and the process and expects everyone to uphold the values of their role. One of the most amazing ways that Maurisha succeeds at her role as Victim Advocate and embodies integrity is by always doing her best but building relationships built on trust and transparency. She supports everybody and advocates for her students but also does not make false or empty promises. She is fair and responsible in her advocacy work to ensure that students are supported, but also moving forward in their healing journey as well." — Rachel White
 
During Convocation, President Limayem outlined how the University will achieve its strategic goals while maintaining the supportive and nurturing environment that helps empower success for students, faculty and staff.
 
“With our clear vision for the future, our talented faculty and staff, and our relationships with key industry partners, we look ahead to how we will continue to elevate everything we do at ÀÏ°ÄÃÅ×ÊÁÏ.” Limayem told students, faculty, staff and guests.

ÀÏ°ÄÃÅ×ÊÁÏ receives ranking in U.S. News and World Report

ÀÏ°ÄÃÅ×ÊÁÏ signs on the ÀÏ°ÄÃÅ×ÊÁÏ campusFor the sixth consecutive year, the ÀÏ°ÄÃÅ×ÊÁÏ landed on U.S. News & World Report’s 2025 Best Colleges list.
 
ÀÏ°ÄÃÅ×ÊÁÏ moved up to No. 231 in the National Universities category and to No. 126 in the Top Public Schools rankings. The University also moved up in rankings for its nursing, psychology and business programs.
 
U.S. News’ data-driven rankings help guide many prospective students and their families during their search for higher education opportunities. The rankings are based on academic reputation, cost of attendance and return on investment.
 
 
Information provided by ÀÏ°ÄÃÅ×ÊÁÏ Media Relations

Dr. Heather Barnes Truelove wins Distinguished Professor Award

By Joy Batteh-FreihaDr. Heather Barnes Truelove with ÀÏ°ÄÃÅ×ÊÁÏ President Moez Limayem holding an award
 
Dr. Heather Barnes Truelove, professor of psychology in the College of Arts and Sciences, was named the ÀÏ°ÄÃÅ×ÊÁÏ’s 2024 Distinguished Professor.  
 
Nominated by her peers, this significant honor in academia recognizes Truelove’s outstanding achievements in teaching, research and service to the community.  
 
“Being nominated for Distinguished Professor among my amazing colleagues is truly an honor,” Truelove said.    
 
Truelove is a ÀÏ°ÄÃÅ×ÊÁÏ alum — earning her master’s in general psychology — and says she understands firsthand the impact faculty can have on their students. Soon after earning her master’s in 2003, she was invited to teach as an adjunct. It was that experience that she says changed the trajectory of her life.  
 
“After graduating with my master’s, I ‘adulted’ — got married, bought a house and got a good paying job,” explained Truelove. “It was the experience teaching that made me determined to become a professor.” 
 
With her mind set, she and her husband sold their house, quit their jobs and moved to Washington state so she could study for her doctorate degree. After a stint at Vanderbilt University for her postdoctoral fellowship, Truelove and her husband moved back to Jacksonville in 2012, where she accepted a position as assistant professor at ÀÏ°ÄÃÅ×ÊÁÏ. In 2022, Truelove was appointed a full professorship.     
 
Throughout her tenure at ÀÏ°ÄÃÅ×ÊÁÏ, Truelove has received numerous recognitions and awards for her field of study. From her substantial body of published works to teaching and mentoring work with undergraduate and graduate students, Truelove embodies the attributes of what it takes to be a leader in academia. 
 
The Distinguished Professor Award is presented annually to a ÀÏ°ÄÃÅ×ÊÁÏ faculty member with a balanced record of distinction at ÀÏ°ÄÃÅ×ÊÁÏ in all three areas of teaching, scholarship and service. The award includes a $6,000 honorarium, a commemorative plaque and a listing of the recipient’s name on a permanent University plaque.

ÀÏ°ÄÃÅ×ÊÁÏ 2025 Benefits Fair is fast approaching

ÀÏ°ÄÃÅ×ÊÁÏ benefits fair event with people visiting vendor tables begins Oct. 14 through Nov. 1, 2024, and the 2025 Benefits Fair is slated for Friday, Oct. 25, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Adam W. Herbert University Center. Swoop over to the University Center and choose a benefits plan that suits your unique needs for the next year and beyond. During the fair, you will not only build a plan that includes your traditional benefits such as health and retirement, but you’ll learn about various other benefits you might not be aware of, including from many of our University departments. Student Health Services has partnered with CVS to host a vaccine clinic for ÀÏ°ÄÃÅ×ÊÁÏ faculty, staff and contractors during the event. to receive a flu or vaccine shots.
 

What You Can Expect:

  • Blueprint for Benefits: Explore various “building blocks” of our benefits, including healthcare, retirement and wellness options. 
  • Expert Consultations: Speak with representatives from our benefits providers for personalized insights.

Why Attend?

  • Design Your Benefits: Learn how to assemble the best options for you and your family to select during Open Enrollment from Monday, Oct. 14 through Friday. Nov. 1, 2024.
  • Fun Activities: Participate in Candy Bingo and when you Bingo, pick up a fun construction themed give away. Tons of raffle prizes donated by the President’s Office, various vendors and several University departments including Athletics and MOCA.
  • Connect with various ÀÏ°ÄÃÅ×ÊÁÏ departments: Visit with colleagues and learn about all the benefits of being a ÀÏ°ÄÃÅ×ÊÁÏ employee.

ÀÏ°ÄÃÅ×ÊÁÏ School of Music staffer and violinist shares how music has shaped her life

Courtney Diaz
By Byron E. Jones
 
There is never a dull moment for ÀÏ°ÄÃÅ×ÊÁÏ School of Music’s marketing, publications and recruitment specialist Courtney Diaz (’19), whose responsibilities include marketing and promoting the School’s robust event schedule, which includes nearly 80 events per year, via social and print media, plus updating the School’s webpage, fielding questions from patrons, communicating with prospective students about upcoming auditions and much more.
 
As a trained musician with a background in English and art and design, Diaz says the role is a perfect fit for her, and her coworkers help make the work even more enjoyable.
 
“I love music and being allowed to work in an environment where we’re always talking about making music, enjoying music and everything in between is such a joy,” she said, referring to ÀÏ°ÄÃÅ×ÊÁÏ as her “second home.”
 
Hailing from Burrell Boom, Belize, Diaz has been a fixture in the School of Music for nearly a decade. She enrolled in the School in 2016 as a post baccalaureate student — eventually earning a bachelor’s degree in music performance as a violinist in 2019. She began playing the violin at age 10 and says the instrument has positively impacted her life experiences.
 
“As a violinist, I love that I can make music with people from all walks of life; I’ve traveled all over the world because of my violin,” said Diaz. “Playing the violin has given me so much appreciation for the work that other musicians do in their respective communities.”
 
Following graduation, she intended to teach at a local elementary school, but when she learned the ÀÏ°ÄÃÅ×ÊÁÏ music department had an opening for an office manager, she applied and served in that role before transitioning to her current position in 2021.
 
Diaz says returning to work in the School following graduation was unexpected, but a welcomed occurrence.
 
“I was a Federal Work Study student employee in the music department, and I already knew everyone here and how the office operated,” said Diaz. “It was an excellent transition for me.”
 
In addition to her professional duties, Diaz remains active on campus and in the community as a member of both the ÀÏ°ÄÃÅ×ÊÁÏ African American Faculty and Staff Association and the Civic Orchestra of Jacksonville. She is also pursuing a master’s degree in music performance.
 
Diaz says the discipline and focus she has gained as a musical performer has positively impacted her life. “My love for the performing arts has shaped my life in numerous ways – especially understanding how to channel confidence.”

More ÀÏ°ÄÃÅ×ÊÁÏ Courtney:

  • Aspired to be an actress and screenwriter
  • Holds several degrees including a bachelor’s degree in English from Xavier University (Cincinnati, Ohio) and a master’s degree in democracy and democratization from University College London (London, UK)
  • Has taught English, literature, history and music at both the secondary and tertiary levels in Belize.
  • In addition to the violin, Diaz plays the viola and piano and sings
  • Met her husband while doing music theory homework in the Thomas G. Carpenter Library

Documentary film to debut at ÀÏ°ÄÃÅ×ÊÁÏ

Beyond Triathlon documentary poster"Beyond Triathlon," a documentary film presented by the Jacksonville Film Festival, will make its debut Saturday, Oct. 12 in the ÀÏ°ÄÃÅ×ÊÁÏ Fine Arts Center's Lazzara Performance Hall. The film, directed and producted by Chuck Malkus and Brian Bayerl, showcases the inspiring journeys of women who have shaped the sports world and continue to lead in their communities.
 
Following the film, attendees will enjoy "A Triumphant Toast To Excellence," a reception sponsored by Bacardi.
 
All proceeds from the screening will benefit scholarships for ÀÏ°ÄÃÅ×ÊÁÏ female athletes.
 

ÀÏ°ÄÃÅ×ÊÁÏ to host International Healthcare Symposium 2024

International Healthcare Symposium 2024 brand logoThe International Healthcare Symposium 2024 is a two-day multidisciplinary conference aimed at educating, engaging and connecting healthcare professionals in all disciplines through relevant sessions about challenges and opportunities in the healthcare industry.
 
The Symposium, which will be held in the Adam W. Herbert University Center on Wednesday, Oct. 9 and Thursday, Oct. 10, is jointly hosted by the ÀÏ°ÄÃÅ×ÊÁÏ and the Duval County Medical Society Foundation.
 
The event will cover various topics including Digital Health and AI, Improving Access to Healthcare and more.
 

Teen scholar soars as a junior at ÀÏ°ÄÃÅ×ÊÁÏ

By Joy Batteh-Freiha
 
In many ways, Cameron Robinson is like any other 13-year-old. He likes video games, playing basketball with friends and going to the trampoline park. 
 
ÀÏ°ÄÃÅ×ÊÁÏ student Cameron Robinson in the ÀÏ°ÄÃÅ×ÊÁÏ BookstoreWhat sets Robinson apart from most of his peers, however, is that while they started high school this fall, he started his junior year at the ÀÏ°ÄÃÅ×ÊÁÏ. 
 
His parents, Greg and Sandy Robinson, noticed something extra special about Cameron when he was about 2 — that’s around the time they started teaching the toddler sign language. 
 
“We knew Cameron had a gift early on and wanted to nurture that uniqueness,” said Sandy, who is the senior vice president of revenue operations for Patra, an insure-tech company. “From the beginning, we didn’t allow him to sit mindlessly in front of the television. We made sure he was engaged, learning various concepts and exposed to the right things.” 
 
Learning and being engaged is what Cameron has been doing his entire life. Approved television shows included "Little Einsteins,” based on the travel adventures of four characters and “Dora the Explorer,” for its Spanish-speaking benefits. Playing video games and basketball with his friends were “rewards” for after he completed his schoolwork.  
 
At age 7, he mastered the concepts of algebra with the help of his father, who passed on his love of math to his son. It worked. Cameron’s favorite subject is math, which will be beneficial as he majors in engineering. 
 
“We wanted Cameron to think and learn — to be inquisitive and disciplined,” said Greg, who has a doctorate in applied econometrics and is the chief technology officer with Titan Health. “Math was the vehicle to help him learn discipline.” 
 

Seeking resources

Recognizing the need to find opportunities where their son would be challenged enough in school, Greg and Sandy sought out and researched various educational options — including gifted programs at school that proved not to be beneficial and private online courses with Khan Academy. That’s when they went the college-level route.  
 
“We hit a wall with conventional options,” Sandy said. “When you have a kid as bright as Cameron, we needed to find programs and schools that would engage him to the level he needed to be in, and college level was the next option.”  
 
Easier said than done. Greg and Sandy contacted administrators at Florida State College at Jacksonville to inquire about college courses for their 7-year-old.  
 
“We were told ‘no’ many times,” Sandy said. “But we persisted. Cameron had to prove himself, but once he did, the barriers were broken.” 
 
Dean Billy Thomas at FSCJ was instrumental in opening doors for Cameron.  
 
“He saw Cameron’s potential and what he could do, and everything started to take shape,” Greg said. 
 
Still enrolled at Fruit Cove Elementary School for the socialization benefits with his peers, Cameron took his first college class — Intermediate Algebra — at age 7 at FSCJ and earned an A in the class. Being so young and in a college class made him nervous at first, but he said he felt more at ease and in his element once he started to answer the questions. 
 
“Being 7 and in college was really crazy,” Cameron said. “I was nervous at first, but then I started answering questions in class, and it felt good to be there. Plus, my dad was by my side in class with me.”    
 
Indeed, Sandy and Greg took turns driving and accompanying Cameron from his elementary school to his classes at FSCJ.

The college experience

As time passed, Cameron moved on to middle school while continuing to take college courses and applying for dual enrollment — typically reserved for high school students — with assistance of administrators at FSCJ.  
 
When a job assignment relocated the family to Wisconsin, Cameron enrolled at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. The family moved back to Jacksonville in 2020, and Cameron re-enrolled at FSCJ, earning his associate of arts degree this past spring.  
 
“We are incredibly proud of Cameron for earning his associate in arts degree before he even finished eighth grade,” Sandy said. “We debated whether to keep him in high school while he was attending ÀÏ°ÄÃÅ×ÊÁÏ but decided there really was no productive reason to do so. He has built a network of relationships with his peers.”

Finding his place to soar

When asked how he feels about attending ÀÏ°ÄÃÅ×ÊÁÏ, Cameron said he’s excited to start this chapter in his educational journey.
 
ÀÏ°ÄÃÅ×ÊÁÏ student Cameron Robinson standing outside of a classroom“I’m happy to be at ÀÏ°ÄÃÅ×ÊÁÏ and I’m looking forward to my classes,” said Cameron, who’s taking 14 hours including a lab. “I’m continuing my goal to earn my Ph.D. at Massachusetts Institute of Technology.” 
 
Dr. Allan Merino, assistant professor of mathematics & statistics, is Cameron’s Linear Algebra professor, and while he was unaware his student was 13 years old, he said the junior is one of his best students in the class.  
 
“I didn’t even know Cameron was 13, quite impressive,” said Merino. “With what I have seen since the beginning of the semester, he’s able to do all the exercises we have done in class and is doing great.”
 
Greg and Sandy said they feel confident their son is at the right university in this stage of his educational journey.
 
“We are pleased that Cameron is at ÀÏ°ÄÃÅ×ÊÁÏ and that he’s excited to be here,” said Sandy. “We believe this is just the beginning of a transformative academic experience for him.”

Department of Physics accepting submissions for 2024 photo contest

Hand holding a clear glass ball reflecting treesThe ÀÏ°ÄÃÅ×ÊÁÏ’s Department of Physics is now accepting submissions for its 2024 Physics Photo Contest. This annual competition challenges students to take original photos that demonstrate, encompass and/or involve a natural or contrived concept of physics. 
 
The contest is open to any student in the greater Jacksonville area, including any interested college, high school, middle school and elementary students. Middle and elementary school participants should have their parents submit their entries or have a class entry made through their teacher. 
 
In addition to the photo, students must include a title, the name of their school/university and a short description of the physical concept involved in the photograph. 
 
Submissions can be sent to Dr. Jason Haraldsen, associate professor of physics, via email to j.t.haraldsen@unf.edu with “ÀÏ°ÄÃÅ×ÊÁÏ Photo Contest” listed in the subject line. The deadline to submit entries for the contest is Friday, Oct. 18 with first, second and third place winners announced in November.
 

Inside News Roundup

Promotional flyer stating for the ÀÏ°ÄÃÅ×ÊÁÏ Writing Center "Let's Celebrate 10 Years of the Writing Center"Writing Center 10 Year Anniversary Party

The Writing Center's 10-year celebration is Wednesday, Oct. 9 at 11 a.m. in Building 4, Room 2501. Join the Writing Center in celebrating a decade of supporting writing on ÀÏ°ÄÃÅ×ÊÁÏ’s campus with food, beverages and great company.
 

Phone Changes

Starting on Thursday, Oct. 10, when calling other ÀÏ°ÄÃÅ×ÊÁÏ extensions from a ÀÏ°ÄÃÅ×ÊÁÏ number, you must use the four-digit extension instead of the 10-digit phone number. External callers can still dial the full 10 digits to reach ÀÏ°ÄÃÅ×ÊÁÏ extensions. This change is for security reasons, as scammers have been known to "spoof" organizational phone numbers by using a similar number sequence to make it seem like someone on campus is calling. For more information, please visit the .

 
The Art of Hope Exhibit Opening

Operation New Hope, an organization that provides job readiness training and other reentry services to incarcerated individuals, is hosting, The Art of Hope, at ÀÏ°ÄÃÅ×ÊÁÏ’s Lufrano Intercultural Gallery. The exhibit will be on display from Thursday, Oct. 10 through Friday, Nov. 8, and will feature artworks created by individuals impacted by the criminal justice system. Learn more and . Free for ÀÏ°ÄÃÅ×ÊÁÏ students.
 

Open Enrollment for the 2025 Plan Year

The state will begin mailing 2025 Annual Enrollment Benefits statement to your home address beginning the first week of October. Please ensure that your home address and personal email is correct on your Workday profile. Contact Benefits and Retirement at benefits.retirement@unf.edu or (904) 620-2903.


The Greta Challen Berg Opera Aria Competition

For the fifth year, the ÀÏ°ÄÃÅ×ÊÁÏ Opera program is hosting an Opera Aria Competition for voice students, offering professional development awards for first, second and third place winners. The competition's initial round is slated for Saturay, Oct. 19 with presentations, audition workshops and other events taking place Friday, Oct. 25 through Sunday, Oct. 27. For more information, please contact John Daugherty, assistant professor of voice and opera program director at john.daughherty@unf.edu.        
 

Volunteers with shovels working in a yardSwoop Into Service

Join fellow Ospreys for a day of service in honor of ÀÏ°ÄÃÅ×ÊÁÏ's birthday on Saturday, Oct. 19, at 9 a.m. at the Student Union. Students, alumni, faculty, staff, family and friends are all welcome to volunteer with various service projects throughout the University. closes on Wednesday, Oct. 16.

 
Community Food Drive

Join the ÀÏ°ÄÃÅ×ÊÁÏ in supporting the Jacksonville community and partnering with DCPS high schools to collect nonperishable items for those in need. Food is a human right and an immediate and tangible way to help someone. Every donation helps. The drop off location for donations is located in Ann and David Hicks Hall, Building 53, Suite 2700. Suggested items include canned foods, dry cereals, dry pasta and sauce and nonperishable snacks. Donations will be accepted through Friday, Oct. 25.
 

ÀÏ°ÄÃÅ×ÊÁÏ Preschool Trunk or Treat

The ÀÏ°ÄÃÅ×ÊÁÏ Preschool will host its annual fall costume parade trunk or treat on Friday, Oct. 25 from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Faculty and staff from various departments are needed to decorate their vehicle and hand out non-candy items (stickers, erasers, pencils, goldfish and more) to an estimated 75 children. Contact Latoya Luczyszyn at (904) 620-2374 to register your department by Friday, Oct. 18.

Faculty and Staff News

Osprey Fountain on ÀÏ°ÄÃÅ×ÊÁÏ campus
Brooks College of Health

Dr. Sandy Shapiro, assistant professor, and Yashira Sanchez, BSN alum, presented a workshop session on "Family Engagement in Early Childhood Development: Love Growing Love" at the 2024 Florida Children and Families Summit in Orlando, Sept. 2024.

Dr. Rachel M. Thomas, assistant professor and Dr. Sandy Shapiro, assistant professor, will present their oral presentation on "Promoting Resilience Among Forensic Nurses Who Work in High-Risk Areas for Burnout" at the Academy of Forensic Nursing National Virtual Conference in November.

Dr. Brittany Nettles, assistant professor, has been approved by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing to become an exam development volunteer for 2024-2026.

Dr. Ryan Shores, assistant professor, completed 15 years of service to ÀÏ°ÄÃÅ×ÊÁÏ and received a beautiful star-shaped crystal award for his office.

College of Arts and Sciences
Biology
Dr. David Waddell, professor, was awarded a four-year National Institutes of Health grant to study the functional role of an enzyme called dual-specificity phosphatase 4 (Dusp4) in skeletal muscle atrophy. 
 
College of Education and Human Services
Dr. Mark Halley, associate professor of ASL/English interpreting, Dr. Linda Connelly, former nursing faculty, along with graduate assistant Kelly Gagain, published an article “Can you hear me now?” Evaluating Virtual Interpreted Healthcare Simulations” in the .
 
Dr. Matthew Ohlson, professor and director of the ÀÏ°ÄÃÅ×ÊÁÏ Taylor Leadership Institute, was a guest on the podcast.

Free Things to Do

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 .
 

Cutting The Rug painting by Ruth Mae McCraneFill My Heart with Hope

Exhibit on view now through March 23, 2025, MOCA Jacksonville
MOCA Jacksonville is pleased to present "Fill My Heart With Hope: Works from the Gordon W. Bailey Collection," an exhibition featuring artworks from the collection of Los Angeles-based scholar and collector Gordon W. Bailey. Learn more . (@ Ruth Mae McCrane, Cutting The Rug, ca. 4-30-1991, acrylic on wood, 48 x 48 in. (121.92 x 121.92 cm), Gordon W. Bailey Collection.)
 

Introduction to ÀÏ°ÄÃÅ×ÊÁÏ Scholar Research Profiles in Pure

Friday, Oct. 4, 9 - 9:45 a.m., Virtual
ÀÏ°ÄÃÅ×ÊÁÏ Scholar Research Profiles provide faculty with personal sites that include records for scholarly publications, datasets, grants, collaborations and more! This virtual workshop provides an overview of the new platform. Learn more and register now to attend this event.
 

ÀÏ°ÄÃÅ×ÊÁÏ Astronomy Nights

Friday, Oct. 4, 8 - 9:30 p.m., Sciences and Engineering Building (Event starts in the lobby)
The public is invited by the Physics Department to learn about the wonders of the night sky and view them through telescopes. This event features guest speaker and graduate teaching assistant Zane Cable discussing the topic, "."
 

ÀÏ°ÄÃÅ×ÊÁÏ student wearing purple holding "Take Back the Night" signTake Back the Night Resource Fair and Programming

Tuesday, Oct. 8, 4 - 8 p.m., John A. Delaney Student Union, Osprey Plaza
​​​​​​Take Back The Night is a worldwide initiative to take a stand against domestic violence. This evening will include a resource fair to help raise awareness, a march across campus and more. Learn more .
 

Reporting and Taxes: How QuickBooks Can Help Your Banking (Webinar)

Thursday, Oct. 10, 10 - 11:30 a.m., Adam W. Herbert University Center
One of the greatest benefits of using QuickBooks Online to manage a business is the reporting capabilities of the program. Learn how these reports are an integral part of your banking relationship and what your banker is looking for when they send financial statements to underwriting. Presented by the Florida Small Business Development Center at the ÀÏ°ÄÃÅ×ÊÁÏ. Learn more and signup for this free webinar.
 

Lawson Ensemble 10th Anniversary Concert Series presents: Music by Mozart and Dvorak

Sunday, Oct. 13, 1 p.m., Recital Hall of the Fine Arts Center
In collaboration with the Amelia Island Chamber Music Festival Directors and featuring pianist William Ransom and violist Nina Knight. Dr. Nick Curry, coordinator. Learn more .
 

Author Talk: Michael Wiley

Tuesday, Oct. 15, 5 - 6 p.m., Thomas G. Carpenter Library (Special Collections Reading Room)
This inaugural Author Talk event features Dr. Michael Wiley, author and professor of English at ÀÏ°ÄÃÅ×ÊÁÏ, who will read selections from his works and participate in a Q&A. Dr. Wiley is the Shamus Award-winning author of twelve novels in four series. The most recent series features Franky Dast, an exonerated convict who investigates crimes involving the unjustly accused. Learn more .
 

Fintech Seminar

Tuesday, Oct. 15, 5:30 p.m., Adam W. Herbert University Center
Attend a fintech seminar on campus featuring Sam Maule, an influential thought leader speaker who will discuss the human aspect of digital and banking innovation. With a background as a U.S. Navy submariner, the former Google employee, banker, start-up executive and entrepreneur, has more than 25 years of expertise in the payments, mobile and banking sectors, working across North America and Europe for global banking and technology firms, as well as within the start-up ecosystem.
 
Currently, Maule is the Head of Business Development at , a company founded by Wade Arnold with funding from Andreessen Horowitz and other venture capitalists. Moov is unique in the fintech space as it openly teaches developers how to build payments through its open-source libraries. By eliminating the labyrinth of payment providers, Moov has created the first all-in-one payments platform, making it easy to accept, store, send and spend money.
 
The 30-minute seminar will be followed by a Q&A session and a reception.
 
Please email Chip Klostermeyer to register for this free event.
 

Astronot in a red suit inside of a space shuttleHere Comes Tomorrow: Cinema of the Last Century

Wednesday, Oct. 16, 6:30 - 9 p.m., MOCA Jacksonville
This month's cinematic feature is "Children of Men" (2006), a sci-fi epic from Alfonso Cuaron that imagines a future world that has fallen into anarchy after an infertility epidemic has affected the world’s population and made humankind face the likelihood of its own extinction. Learn more and .
 

"Introduction to AI" Digital Badging Learning Session

Thursday, Oct. 17, Noon, Virtual
The Writing Program & Center will host a virtual informational session, demo and Q & A about ÀÏ°ÄÃÅ×ÊÁÏ's "Introduction to AI" digital badge on Thursday, Oct. 17 at noon. Learn about best practices for incorporating the digital badge into the course curriculum, facilitating discussions with students about AI and its educational and practical uses, and accessing resources about the possibilities and uses of generative AI. Attendees must .

Swoop Summary

ÀÏ°ÄÃÅ×ÊÁÏ women's basketball team member pointing and holding a basketball during outside photoshootWomen's Basketball Releases Full 2023-24 Schedule

North Florida women's basketball officially announces its full 31-game schedule in late August for the 2024-25 season. and learn who the Lady Ospreys will face in the upcoming season.
 

Beach Volleyball Receives Tara VanDerveer Fund for the Advancement of Women in Coaching Grant from the Women's Sports Foundation

North Florida beach volleyball is excited to announce that it has received a Tara VanDerveer Fund for the Advancement of Women in Coaching grant from the Women's Sports Foundation. Learn more .

Upcoming events:

Women's Swimming vs. West Florida
Friday, Oct. 4, 10 a.m.  |  ÀÏ°ÄÃÅ×ÊÁÏ Competition Pool Complex  |  Free admission
 
Volleyball vs. Florida Gulf Coast
Saturday, Oct. 5, 6 p.m.  |  ÀÏ°ÄÃÅ×ÊÁÏ Arena  |  Free admission
 
Women's Soccer vs. Lipscomb
Sunday, Oct. 6, 1 p.m.  |  Hodges Stadium  |  Free admission
 
Softball vs. FSCJ (Doubleheader)
Friday, Oct. 11, 4 and 6 p.m.  |  ÀÏ°ÄÃÅ×ÊÁÏ Softball Complex  |  Free admission
 
Men's Soccer vs. Bellarmine
Saturday, Oct. 19, 7 p.m.  |  Hodges Stadium  |  Free admission