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Inside ³ÉÈË´óƬ— April 24, 2025

Mayor signs bill supporting ³ÉÈË´óƬEsports Arena

Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan signed a bill Tuesday granting $3 million in support for the ³ÉÈË´óƬ Esports Arena. The Flight Deck Esports and Innovation Arena will be located on the second floor of the John A. Delaney Student Union.
 
The new facility will help ³ÉÈË´óƬattract more students to pursue STEM careers in science, computing and engineering, host national competitions that bring visitors and economic development to Jacksonville and contribute to the city’s efforts to develop a highly skilled workforce prepared for careers in high demand fields.
 
 
Information provided by ³ÉÈË´óƬMedia Relations
 
Jackonville Mayor and ³ÉÈË´óƬPresident seated at an event Jax Mayor Donna Deegan shaking hands with a ³ÉÈË´óƬstudent Jax Mayor Donna Deegan shaking hands with a ³ÉÈË´óƬstudent

Ospreys enjoy North Florida football

Osprey Nation showed up this past weekend at the VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena to support the Jacksonville Sharks playing as the North Florida Ospreys for the organization's alter ego night. Hundreds of Ospreys enjoyed watching the game, which included participation from the ³ÉÈË´óƬArmy ROTC, ³ÉÈË´óƬCheerleaders, Drumline, Pep Band, Swoopin' Ospreys, President Limayem and Ozzie. The Osprey jerseys were auctioned off after the game with all proceeds benefitting both the ³ÉÈË´óƬFoundation and the Jacksonville Sharks Foundation.
 
³ÉÈË´óƬdrumline members Band performing on a football field ³ÉÈË´óƬcheerleaders running onto the football field
Jax Sharks players standing for national anthem ³ÉÈË´óƬcheerleaders with Ozzie mascot and Jax Sharks mascot Jax Sharks lined up at the line of scrimmage to run a play
Jax Sharks player catches a touchdown over a defender Jax Sharks player on the ground in the end zone with the ball Jax Shark kicker kicking a field goal
 
Photos provided by ³ÉÈË´óƬAlumni Association

³ÉÈË´óƬstudents help open playgarden for local families

Playgarden at 2007 N Market St, Jacksonville, FL 32206Jacksonville families have a new way to connect with nature, thanks to a unique partnership between the ³ÉÈË´óƬ’s Leadership and Service in Early Childhood course and First Coast Urban Ag.
 
The vibrant, agriculturally immersive playgarden is open to the public and located in Jacksonville’s historic Springfield neighborhood.
 
Funded by the Cummer Family Foundation, the playgarden offers a safe, interactive environment where children can engage all five senses, explore local flora and fauna and access fresh produce. As the first project in a broader initiative to establish playgardens along Jacksonville’s Emerald Trail, this space fosters community spirit, promotes health and encourages green living.
 
 
Info provided by ³ÉÈË´óƬMedia Relations

Local teachers honored with Gladys Prior Awards

Nicola Gibson holding her check with co-teachersThe ³ÉÈË´óƬ Silverfield College of Education and Human Services (SCOEHS), on behalf of philanthropist Gilchrist Berg, today surprised four local Jacksonville teachers with the 2025 Gladys Prior Awards for Career Teaching Excellence and $17,000 each, one of the largest monetary awards for teachers in the nation.
 
The 2025 award winners are Nicola Gibson from Annie R. Morgan Elementary School, Moises Ramos from Beauclerc Elementary, Maika Watson from Paxon School for Advanced Studies and Myra Wright from Riverside High School. The four teachers have over 95 years of combined experience serving students in the classroom.
 
 
Info provided by ³ÉÈË´óƬMedia Relations

³ÉÈË´óƬearns 2025-26 Military Friendly School designation

Military students in trainingThe ³ÉÈË´óƬ has once again been recognized as one of the nation’s top institutions for military-connected students, earning the 2025-26 Military Friendly School designation for the 16th consecutive year. In addition to receiving gold recognition status for its exemplary commitment to military-connected students, ³ÉÈË´óƬhas also been named among the Top Ten Military Spouse Friendly Schools.
 
The Military Friendly Schools list is compiled each year by Viqtory, a service-disabled, veteran-owned business, using extensive research and a data-driven survey administered to over 8,800 postsecondary institutions nationwide.
 
Representing more than 13% of the student body, ³ÉÈË´óƬsupports over 2,210 military-connected students with 1,482 utilizing VA education benefits.
 
 
Info provided by ³ÉÈË´óƬMedia Relations

SOARS 2025 showcases student research endeavors

The annual Showcase of Osprey Achievements in Research and Scholarship (SOARS) 2025, took place earlier this month at the ³ÉÈË´óƬ featuring 127 poster presentations and 30 oral presentations. Dr. Sebastian Alvarado, assistant professor and co-director of the URISE Program at Queens College, City University of New York, served as the event's keynote speaker. View online. This year's award recipients include:

Audience Choice Presentation Awards

  • Poster Session I: Daniela Amalfi Ojeda (graduate student), “MBE-Grown Josephson Junctions with a Ferromagnet as the Weak Link,” Dr. Maitri Warusawithana, mentor (³ÉÈË´óƬPhysics)
  • Poster Session II: Alexandra Dimesa (undergraduate student), “Engineered TIMP-1 Variants Targeting MMP-9 with Enhanced Specificity: A Dual-Targeting Strategy for Improved Breast Cancer Therapy,” Dr. Evette Radisky, mentor (Mayo Clinic Department of Cancer Biology, U-RISE)
  • Oral Session I: Ziena Baker (graduate student), “Using Heat Maps in Assessment Data Visualization: Performance Information at a Glance,” Dr. Amanda Kulp, mentor
  • Oral Session II: Robin Bossinger and Stephanie Clemons-Kirby (graduate students), “Designing Research to Study Outcomes Across a School-University Partnership,” Dr. David Hoppey, mentor (³ÉÈË´óƬDepartment of Leadership, School Counseling, & Sport Management)
  • Oral Session III: Ashley Mezzano (graduate student), “Absence to Access: Providing Equitable Solutions to Period Poverty for Adolescents Across the United States,” Dr. Amber Barnes, mentor (³ÉÈË´óƬDepartment of Public Health)

High Activity Research Mentorship Awards

  • Graduate: Dr. Amber Barnes (11 student presentations) and Dr. Guilherme Cesar (8 student presentations)
  • Undergraduate: Dr. William Pewitt (18 student presentations) and Dr. Maitri Warusawithana (6 student presentations)

Research Mentor of the Year

  • Graduate: Dr. Greg Ciesielski (Department of Biology) and Dr. Guilherme Cesar (Department of Physical Therapy)
  • Undergraduate: Dr. Jacqueline Meier (Department of Sociology, Anthropology and Social Work)
Information provided by the Office of Undergraduate Research
 
Student pointing to a poster discussing his research to onlookers Students posing with their research poster Student standing next to research poster conversing with onlookers
³ÉÈË´óƬprofessor Will Pewitt and his research students ³ÉÈË´óƬstudent explaining her research poster Dr. Jackie Meier and her research students

Staff Spotlight: Jennifer Mendoza

Jennifer Mendoza seated outside of ³ÉÈË´óƬHicks HallBy Byron E. Jones
 
Every day at the ³ÉÈË´óƬ is a great day for Jennifer Mendoza, an IT support coordinator in the ³ÉÈË´óƬInformation Technology Services (ITS) service management team. Mendoza, who has 20 years of IT experience, says her current position allows her to do what she genuinely enjoys doing – interacting with others. 
 
“I like helping people, and I like meeting new people,” Mendoza said. 
 
In her role, she provides IT support services to administrative personnel in Hicks Hall, Alumni Hall, The Flats at ³ÉÈË´óƬand Osprey Fountains. Her duties include, but are not limited to, handling ticket requests, managing PC moves, maintaining equipment inventory and ensuring smooth operations for her team. 
 
One of her favorite things to do is coordinate large-scale PC migrations – having most recently helped One-Stop Student Services and the Welcome Center migrate from Hicks Hall to the main campus. 
 
“Helping plan and coordinate moves is my jam,” said Mendoza. “That’s particularly what I like to do.”

Early years and discovering a career in IT

A Jacksonville native, Mendoza’s parents migrated to the U.S. from the Philippines. Her father served in the Navy and her mother is a nurse. Although her mother encouraged her to consider a nursing career, Mendoza says she remained undecided about her career path in her early years. While completing her associate’s degree at FSCJ, she developed an interest in computers. 
 
“I thought to myself, ‘I’m good at computers, let me see what I can do in that field,’” Mendoza said. 
 
She then enrolled at a technical college, earning an associate degree and a bachelor's degree in internet information systems. She then landed her first IT job as a help desk technician at Community Hospice. After several years of working there, she transitioned to working as an independent contractor in 2016.

Finding a home at UNF

While performing contract work, Mendoza discovered an open tech support position in UNF’s Division of ITS. Intrigued by the role, she applied and soon joined the team. Since arriving at ³ÉÈË´óƬnearly two years ago, Mendoza has fallen in love with the campus community. She enjoys the camaraderie among her colleagues, often helping to coordinate social gatherings including weekend volleyball games, picnics and cornhole tournaments. An avid lover of sports, she likes to stay active by competing in faculty/staff intramural volleyball, and she's always looking to recruit new players. 
 
According to Mendoza, working at ³ÉÈË´óƬis an enjoyable experience that she will always cherish. 
 
“I feel like ³ÉÈË´óƬis my home,” said Mendoza. “I’ve made lifelong friends here.”
 

More ³ÉÈË´óƬ Jennifer

  • Grew up participating in dance and sports
  • A graduate of Sandalwood High School
  • Enjoys crafting with her Cricut Maker® machine
  • Designed t-shirts for her intramural volleyball team
  • Fond ³ÉÈË´óƬMemory: Attending the "Convocation: State of Osprey Nation" in Sept. 2024
    • “I was in awe with UNF's visual presentation and felt lucky to have found an amazing manager and team at UNF.”

Student-Athletes Celebrated at The Ozzies

Group of ³ÉÈË´óƬstudent-athletes posing at a formal eventNorth Florida Athletics celebrated the various achievements of its student-athletes in and out of the classroom with the sixth edition of The Ozzies hosted at the ³ÉÈË´óƬArena earlier this week.
 
Award winners were nominated based on their achievements, statistics and through collaboration between coaches, sports administrators, strategic communications staff and senior staff.
 
.
 
Information provided by ³ÉÈË´óƬAthletics

Osprey Profile: Katie Lewis

By Byron E. Jones
 
As a child, ³ÉÈË´óƬ senior Katie Lewis wanted to follow in her father’s footsteps and become a veterinarian. Healthcare was an interest in part because her mom was a nurse. Today, Lewis works as a certified nursing assistant (CNA), her twin sister is a combat medic in the Army and two other siblings have careers in healthcare.
 
When her father experienced a health scare during her teen years, Lewis witnessed the attentive care he received from hospital nurses. She decided she wanted to pursue a career in nursing.
 
³ÉÈË´óƬnursing student Katie LewisNow as a standout student in the ³ÉÈË´óƬSchool of Nursing, the Hilliard, Florida native will earn a BSN degree in May with minors in psychology and religious studies.
 
“When I visited my dad in the hospital, I saw how the nurses took care of people in their worse times, and I decided I wanted to do that,” said Lewis. “I’m incredibly empathetic and that’s something I pride myself on. I like to take care of people in their worst times and help make their day a little bit better.”
 
In preparation for a nursing career, she obtained a CNA license through a course offered at her high school, Hilliard Middle-Senior High School.

Choosing ³ÉÈË´óƬand School of Nursing experiences 

Desiring to remain in Florida to attend college, Lewis began her tenure at ³ÉÈË´óƬin fall 2021. She decided ³ÉÈË´óƬwas the best choice due to its strong nursing program and proximity to home.
 
“I looked at several programs and ³ÉÈË´óƬhas one of the better nursing programs in the state of Florida,” Lewis said.
 
It also helped that Jacksonville is home to numerous high-ranking hospitals.
 
“I liked the idea of being at the epicenter of a lot of the best hospitals in the country,” she said.
 
Since joining the Osprey community, Lewis has juggled her course load while working full-time as a CNA, first at Ascension St. Vincent's Riverside beginning her freshman year and then last year joining UF Health Jacksonville, where she works in the Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit.
 
She had many of her initial courses and labs in the ³ÉÈË´óƬMedNexus Simulation Center. She said the facility offers innovative technologies that help students feel as close as possible to working on real patients without being in an actual hospital. She said that experience can help students get over any anxiety they might have about working in healthcare.
 
³ÉÈË´óƬfaculty also helped open the doors to other experiences, such as visiting Wolfson Children's Hospital in downtown Jacksonville.
 
Lewis says balancing school and work obligations is both challenging and rewarding, but she enjoys the process — saying forensic nursing and anatomy have been some of her favorite courses.
 
Getting the Presidential Gold Scholarship, in addition to having a Florida Prepaid Tuition Plan and Bright Futures, helped Lewis have peace of mind financially during college.
 
Lewis has consistently impressed her instructors with her leadership qualities, knowledge application and volunteer efforts.
 
“Katie’s inquisitive nature and thirst for knowledge are qualities that will help her to be successful in the nursing field,” said Nursing Instructor Trina Taylor. “She actively seeks opportunities to expand her knowledge while showing a desire to excel in the nursing profession and provide her patients with the best care possible.”
 
Thanks to a recommendation from Taylor, Lewis spoke to the ³ÉÈË´óƬBoard of Trustees (BOT) at ³ÉÈË´óƬMedNexus in fall 2024 about her experiences in the nursing program and how it effectively prepares its students to succeed in the medical field.
 
“The School of Nursing’s faculty are really good at instilling confidence and preparing you to become a registered nurse,” Lewis said.
 
Lewis said she is grateful for the support she receives from her professors, citing Dr. Sandra Shapiro, assistant professor of nursing, and Dr. Julie Baker-Townsend, clinical associate professor of nursing, among those who have had a positive impact in her nursing journey.
 
Baker-Townsend commends Lewis for her strong work ethic, which has landed her in the top 5% of her class.
 
“Katie’s outstanding attitude, along with her preparation for every situation including class attendance, tests, clinicals and clinical simulations, has propelled her to the very top of her class,” Baker-Townsend said.

Hobbies and Future Plans

Despite her busy schedule, Lewis has forged meaningful bonds with her fellow nursing students. She and several nursing students enjoy participating in intramural volleyball — Lewis played the sport competitively throughout her middle and high school years. To unwind, Lewis says she loves to read.
 
As she looks toward the future, Lewis is preparing to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) to become a registered nurse following graduation in May. Her career goal is to become a nurse practitioner working in an ER, where she can continue taking care of others.
 
“I want to stay in Jacksonville and serve my community through helping them in their times of sickness,” said Lewis. “I am only able to do this because of the education I got here at UNF. I am so thankful that I chose to go here four years ago. It was always UNF.”

Inside News Roundup

AI Innovation Grants

The AI Council, Campus Technology Committee, Office of Research & Sponsored Programs, Office of Faculty Excellence and Information Technology Services announces a Request for Proposals (RFP) from faculty for innovative projects focusing on AI in various academic and research domains. For details, visit the Innovation in AI Grants webpage. Proposals are due by Wednesday, May 7.

OER Summer Initiative

UNF’s Open Educational Resources (OER) Initiative is a joint project by the Center for Instruction and Research Technology (CIRT) and the Thomas G. Carpenter Library that seeks to lower college costs for ³ÉÈË´óƬstudents by encouraging ³ÉÈË´óƬfaculty to adopt quality open resources in their courses. Submit your application by Wednesday, April 30, to be considered for participation in OER. The program kickoff will take place on Friday, June 13. Learn more and submit your application today by visiting the OER webpage.

Florida Retirement System logoFlorida Retirement System Workshop

FRS is hosting an in-person workshop, on Monday, April 28 at 5 p.m. at the Duval County Administrative Building, Cline Auditorium. “Understanding the FRS Investment Plan,” will help members learn about plan features, payment options, investment choices and available tools for making selections. Register today or view all available FRS workshops by visiting the .

EEP/TSP Summer Semester Enrollment

The submission forms for the Employee Education Program (EEP) and Tuition Scholarship Program (TSP) will open for the 2025 summer semester for eligible University employees and their dependents on Friday, May 9. Employees will submit their requests via the Employee Self-Service portal in myWings. Remember to rank your courses. If using the TSP, make sure the Parent Portal is set up before submitting the request. For any issues or questions, please create a .

A&P and USPA Merger Voting

The A&P and USPA Associations will be voting to merge during an open voting period taking place between Monday, April 28 and Friday, May 2. Members can refer to their email for copies of the voting documents and further instructions.

Osprey Print and Ship

The UPS Store on campus will close permanently on Wednesday, April 30. In its place, Osprey Print & Ship Services will open soon, providing the same mailing and printing services. For questions or further information, please contact Shane Borden at (904) 620-1337.

Faculty and Staff News

Osprey Fountain on ³ÉÈË´óƬcampus

Brooks College of Health

During the Brooks College of Health annual Excellence Awards, the following were recognized for their excellence: Sarah Knowles, instructor, Excellence in Teaching; Dr. Zhigang Xie, assistant professor, Excellence in Scholarship; Megan Niemczyk, instructor, Excellence in Service; and Deborah Kochanowski, Staff Excellence.  
 
Dr. Lauren Boardman, assistant professor, will present her abstract “Creating Caring Cultures: A Blueprint for Future Nurse Leaders” for oral presentation at the 9th edition of Nursing World Conference, Oct. 2025 in Orlando. 
 
Dr. Shyam Paryani, clinical professor, along with Dr. Michael Mayo, adjunct and Kay Thiemann, instructor, presented “Transition from Hospital and Healthcare Leadership to Academia” at the American College of Healthcare Executives Annual Congress on March 25. 
 
Dr. Debra Harrison, adjunct, was the keynote speaker at the 2025 Spring Leadership Lecture on April 8. Dr. Harrison presented “Leadership Lessons from a Lifelong Learner.”  
 
Dr. Lillia Loriz, professor, along with five others, published an article “Community-Based and Public Health Initiatives Drive Cardiovascular Disease Prevention: A State-of-the-Art Review” in the Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing. 
 
Dr. Sericea Stallings-Smith, associate professor, along with Yining Pan, MPH alumnus and Dr. Beomyoung Cho (University of Tennessee), presented a research project, “Association of stress level with heavy drinking and smoking by sex and COVID-19 infection: A cross-sectional analysis of a nationally representative US adult survey, at the American Academy of Health Behavior conference in San Diego, California, March 2025. In addition, Dr. Stallings-Smith, along with Dr. Zhigang Xie, assistant professor and Jennifer Wells, MPH student, presented “Association of Telehealth Encounters with Lung Cancer Screening Consultation in the United States.”
 
Dr. Chaka Brittain, assistant professor, was interviewed by Health Progress for a feature entitled “Supporting Patients and Their Loved Ones Coping with Serious or Terminal Illness.” 
 
Dr. Patricia Richards, assistant professor in the School of Nursing and nurse practitioner in Student Health Services, is retiring in May after several years.

Hicks Honors College

Will Pewitt, assistant director and professor, received a high activity research mentorship award at SOARS 2025 for his contribution mentoring 18 students.

Silverfield College of Education and Human Services

Dr. Adrien Malek-Lasater, assistant professor, was named principal investigator for a research project, “Plan Bee: A Pilot Study Examining a Preschool Curriculum Unit on Bees and its Influence on Children's Learning and Parents' Environmentally Responsible Behaviors.” Co-principal investigators include Dr. Katrina Hall, associate professor, Dr. Erin Largo-Wight, professor, IERE, Dr. Pam Williamson, professor, Dr. Heather Truelove, professor (COAS), Dr. Gigi David, director of ³ÉÈË´óƬPreschool, Kevin Anderson, senior coordinator, Ogier Gardens, and ³ÉÈË´óƬalum Caroline Kiely. 
 
Dr. Adrien Malek-Lasater, assistant professor, escorted six SCOEHS students to Tallahassee for Children’s Week at the Capitol. The group participated in Children’s Day on April 15, which was focused on literacy-based activities. The next day, the ³ÉÈË´óƬstudents were invited to attend the Early Learning Leadership Breakfast with legislators and leaders in the field. Students attending included: Natalie Cantlay, Josseline Leiba, Dominick Fram, Meg Norvell, Rhian Willis and Gency Todd.  
 
Dr. David Hoppey, professor, and Dr. Pam Williamson, professor, presented their research, “Coaching Interaction Quality: A Critical Component for Elementary Teachers Implementation of High Leverage Practices” with Duval County Public School partners, Dr. Megan McMillan, Leila Jenkins, and Schantel Minton, as well as Syracuse University doctoral student Rebekah Wallis, at the 2025 Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) Convention in Baltimore in March 2025. 
 
Dr. David Hoppey, professor, along with doctoral students Robin Bossinger and Stephanie Clemons-Kirby, with Dr. Jennifer Shepard of the Clay County District Schools, presented their research, “PREP to Transform: Designing Research to Study Outcomes Across School-University Partnerships” at the 2025 National Association of School University partnership (NASUP) conference in New Orleans, March.  
 
Dr. Matthew Ohlson, executive director and associate professor Taylor Leadership Institute and Dr. Ali Badibanga (SCOEHS alum), coauthored “Start with Happy: How Positive Leadership Impacts the Workplace.” 
 
Nicholas Roshkind, director of Academic Advising, presented, “Roots to Results: How Shared Backgrounds Shape New Leader,” at the 2025 NACADA Region 4 Conference in Jacksonville in April.  
 
Dr. Yuting Sun, assistant professor, co-authored an article, “The Association Between Classroom Dialogic Interaction and Student Reading Performance: A Mixed Methods Study of Teacher Stance, Discourse Moves, and Reading Achievement” in Reading Research Quarterly, April 2025. 
 
Dr. Nile Stanley, associate professor, presented a workshop, “Connecting Verses: Enhancing Poetic Impact Through Networking and Publishing” at the annual conference of the National Poetry Therapy Association in Portland, Oregon. 
 
Dr. Jason Lee, professor, gave two presentations at the Alabama State Association of Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance Conference, March 2025.

Thomas G. Carpenter Library 

Dr. Sarah Moukhliss, assistant university librarian, published “Enhancing student agency and self-efficacy using ADDIE’s evaluate phase for LIS 1001 course refresh” in the Journal of Creative Library Practice. In addition, Dr. Moukhliss published “Unlocking Educational Potential: The Free LGAS Rubric for Transforming Library Guides into Pedagogical Powerhouses—A Replicable Model for Universities,” and presented a workshop “Promoting your Research Ideas Across Audience Platforms” at the Conference of Meaningful Living and Learning in a Digital Age, in Savannah, Georgia, 2025.    
 
Dr. Dan Koo, professor/chair, Department of Construction Management, along with Dr. Jonghoon Kim, associate professor, Dr. Sarah Moukhliss, assistant university librarian, Soomin Park and Kwonsik Song, published a case study, “Perceptions of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the construction industry among undergraduate construction management students: Case Study – A study of future leaders” in Buildings.

Dateline

³ÉÈË´óƬballoons for dateline

Milestones

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

15 Years

Carl Schumacher, Automotive Equipment Mechanic Supervisor, Physical Facilities, Landscape and Grounds, Vehicle Maintenance and Recycle
Jeanette Toohey, Assistant Director Continuing Education, Professional and Lifelong Learning

10 Years

Olga Igolnikov, Associate VP Foundation Operations and Accounting, University Development and Alumni Engagement
Randy Jones, Telecommunications Manager, Network and Telecommunications
William Whittaker, Coordinator IT Support, Academic Technology Support

5 Years

Brett Butler, Director, One Stop Student Services-Enrollment Management
Aronette Gebhard, IT Service Management Engineer, IT Service Operations
Alarie Gibbs, Assistant Director Educational Services, MOCA Jacksonville
Anita Grant, Executive Secretary, Physical Facilities
Berani Mendez, Custodial Worker, Physical Facilities

Welcome

The following employees were either hired by ³ÉÈË´óƬor were promoted from OPS positions recently:
Michael Diaz, Law Enforcement Officer, University Police Department
Raheem Isabell, Custodial or Grounds Worker, Housing and Residence Life
Eleanor Lara, Office Manager, Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice
Kathryn Lee Hunt, Assistant Director, Military and Veterans Resource Center
Nathaniel McAdams, Associate Athletic Director, Library Access Services
Juan Perez, Stores Receiving Clerk, Housing and Residence Life
George Scott, Law Enforcement Officer, University Police Department
Amy Stone, Junior Analyst, ADA Compliance
Megen Strubberg, Assistant Director of Academic Advising, College of Arts and Sciences
Gabriel Volz, Coordinator International Student Affairs, International Center

Great Job

The following employees were recently promoted:
Mary Ankenbauer, Manager, Institute of Police Technology
McKenzie Bengry, Coordinator Administrative Services, College of Arts and Sciences
Andrea Hoa Teyechea, Employment Coordinator, Human Resources
Nathaniel Jarrett, Associate Athletic Director, Athletics
Glenda Kelsey, Library Access Services Manager, Library
Jacob Mark, Senior Accounts Payable/Receivable Representative, Housing and Residence Life, Budgets
Nathaniel McAdams, Senior Library Access Services Associate, Library
Gina Meuti, Supplier Onboarding and Sourcing Analytics Coordinator, Procurement Services
Michelle Rancharan, Assistant Treasurer, Treasury
Scott Shoemaker, Maintenance Superintendent, Physical Facilities
Peter Templeton, Senior Employment Coordinator, Human Resources
Mark Ward, Maintenance Supervisor, Physical Facilities

Free Things to Do

Beneath the Skin, A New Shape Emerges by ³ÉÈË´óƬalum Patricia Muniz VillanuevaSpring 2025 Senior Exhibition

Exhibition on view now through May 5, ³ÉÈË´óƬGallery of Art and Lufrano Intercultural Gallery
The ³ÉÈË´óƬGallery of Art and the Department of Art, Art History and Design are proud to present the Spring 2025 Senior Showcase.

Honoring Joan Mitchell

Exhibition on view now through June 15, MOCA Jacksonville
MOCA Jacksonville is celebrating the centenary of the birth of Joan Mitchell with a small exhibition of her works in the MOCA permanent collection. Joan Mitchell (1925, Chicago – Vétheuil, 1992) had a career that spanned more than four decades, from her first professional solo exhibition in New York in 1952, until her death in her adopted home France in 1992. Learn more .

All Hands on Deck: 15 Years of Collection at Small Craft Advisory Press

Exhibition on view now through Aug. 29, MOCA Jacksonville
Experience an exhibition of artist books created in the past fifteen years by Small Craft Advisory Press (SCAP) at Florida State University. Founded by Professor of Art Denise Bookwalter, SCAP brings together artists, writers, designers and scholars to work collaboratively on projects that challenge the conventions of what books are and do. Each book has an entirely unique form reflecting methods ranging from historical hand-sewn bindings to laser-cut wood blocks and 3D printing. Learn more .

© Henry Fitch Taylor, Still Life, 1917. Oil on canvasThe Armory South: The 1924 Jacksonville Woman’s Club Exhibition Rediscovered

Exhibition on view now through Nov. 23, MOCA Jacksonville
This exhibition reassembles core works from a forgotten but seminal Modernist exhibition mounted in March 1924 by the Woman’s Club of Jacksonville and the newly founded Jacksonville Fine Arts Society (now MOCA). Planned to mark the beginning of the museum’s second century in 2025, The Armory South tells several related stories of essential importance to the history of women in Modern art, the introduction of Modernism to the American South, and the ideas and relationships shaping American art in the mid-1920s. Learn more . © Henry Fitch Taylor, Still Life, 1917. Oil on canvas, 36 x 54 1/4 in. (91.4 x 137.8 cm). Chrysler Museum of Art, Norfolk, VA Gift of Walter P. Chrysler, Jr. 71.2244.

Project Atrium: Rafael Lozano-Hemmer

Exhibit on view now through Sept. 14, 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 .

Coffee with a Curator | Armory South

Saturday, April 26, 11 a.m. - noon., MOCA Jacksonville
Sit and chat with curator Dr. P. Scott Brown, Ph.D. and MOCA Senior Curator Ylva Rouse to learn more about "The Armory South: The 1924 Jacksonville Woman’s Club Exhibition Rediscovered." Curator conversations includes drinks and snacks from Setlan Coffee Co. Learn more and .

Violin and Viola Studio Concert

Saturday, April 26, 3 p.m., Recital Hall of the Fine Arts Center
Students of Dr. Simon Shiao perform various solo and chamber pieces. Learn more .

Lawson Ensemble, a chamber music groupLawson Ensemble 10th Anniversary Concert Series presents: Best of Lawson

Sunday, April 27, 3 p.m., Recital Hall of the Fine Arts Center
Performing Lawson Ensemble and audience favorites from over the last 10 years. Learn more .

Navigating Interfolio in the Promotion Process for Tenure Track Faculty

Wednesday, April 30, 1:30 - 2:30 p.m., J.J. Daniel Hall, Room 1401
If you are planning to submit a case for promotion to Full Professor or Tenure and Promotion to Associate Professor, Academic & Student Affairs and OFE are hosting two Interfolio workshops for those preparing cases. Learn more and .

Grow Your Business with AI-powered Tools by Google

Tuesday, May 6, 9:30 - 11 a.m, Adam W. Herbert University Center
Developed with input from experts at Google, this free workshop will explain the basics of AI and how AI-powered tools by Google can help small businesses be more efficient, enhance customer experiences and drive growth. Learn more and .

Ospreys Assemble banner2025 Professional Development Forum

Wednesday, May 7, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m., Adam W. Herbert University Center
This forum is a free, all day professional development and training event for ³ÉÈË´óƬemployees. Learn more .

Osprey Stitches and Sticks: A&P Employee Interest Group

Wednesday, May 7, 4 - 5 p.m., Housing and Residence Life (Bulding 14B, Room 1501)
Osprey Stitches and Sticks provides an opportunity for knitters, crocheters, and other handicrafters to gather and enjoy one another's company. Learn more .

North Florida Philosophy Slams presents "Surprise"

Wednesday, May 7, 6:30 - 8 p.m., Sahare Cafe & Bar ()
North Florida Philosophy Slams are facilitated communal ponderings on philosophical issues related to life. Each slam begins with a 10 to 15-minute presentation, followed by an informal open discussion. Learn more .

Swoop Summary

³ÉÈË´óƬsoftball player standing on a base

Softball Clinches ASUN Graphite Division Title With River City Rumble Sweep

North Florida softball clinched the Atlantic Sun Graphite Division title after a 4-1 victory over JU to complete the season sweep of the River City Rumble over the weekend at ³ÉÈË´óƬSoftball Complex. Learn more .

Here are a few upcoming events:

Baseball vs. Stetson

Friday, April 25, 6:30 p.m.  |  Harmon Stadium  | 
Saturday, April 26, 3 p.m.  |  Harmon Stadium  | 

Softball vs. Queens

Saturday, April 26, 2 & 4:30 p.m. (Doubleheader)  |  ³ÉÈË´óƬSoftball Complex  | 
Sunday, April 27, Noon (Senior Day)  |  ³ÉÈË´óƬSoftball Complex  | 

Track & Field East Coast Relays

Day 1: Friday, May 2, 2 p.m.  |  Hodges Stadium  |  Day 2: Saturday, May 3, 9 a.m.  |  Hodges Stadium  |