Jacksonville Sharks to play as the Ospreys April 19
The Jacksonville Sharks and the ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ are teaming up for the University's “first football game.” On Saturday, April 19, the Sharks will use the "North Florida Ospreys" moniker for an official Indoor Football League game at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena. The collaboration was officially announced Saturday at ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ’s Swoop the Loop 5K, where the Sharks were also the presenting sponsor.
“I am so proud to announce the first Osprey football game will be played by the Sharks,” said ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ President Moez Limayem. “I am grateful to the Sharks for their partnership and support of ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ. We look forward to the game and celebrating the fun-loving spirit of our ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ community."
For the alter-ego night, the Sharks will don custom jerseys featuring the "North Florida Ospreys" emblem in school colors, and the announcer will refer to the team as such throughout the game. ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ cheerleaders, the Pep Band and fans will rally behind the team, creating a spirited game-day experience. The jerseys will be auctioned off at the end of the game, with proceeds benefiting the ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ Foundation and the Jacksonville Sharks Foundation.
Information provided by ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ Media Relations
³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ kicks off Career Week
The ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ kicked off its bi-annual Career Week on Tuesday, Feb. 25 with a lineup of more than 340 employers visiting campus this week.
Held each fall and spring semester, ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ’s Career Week is a flagship recruiting event that offers students from all majors and career interests the chance to explore a wide variety of opportunities, including internships, part-time and full-time positions.
Student Michelle Pairan, a digital video production major who will graduate this fall, said she was pleased with the array of businesses and options. "I spoke to at least 12 different company representatives and feel like I have several great prospects for an internship this summer," said Pairan.
Senior Alejandro Ramos, a Transportation & Logistics and Business Intelligence double major who will graduate in the spring, said although he's currently interning with Suddath, he wanted to keep his options open.
"The ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ career fairs are so helpful in meeting people and learning about the various companies in Jacksonville," Ramos said. "It's good to see what's out there."
This was sophomore Stefan Ink's first career fair and said he wanted to get a head start on making contacts. "I met a few good contacts that I plan to keep in touch with throughout," said Ink.
Dun & Bradstreet's Megan Lawson, university recruiter, said the company is recruiting interns for a variety of roles. "We're currently recruiting interns for product marketing, sales, data analytics, cybersecurity and others. We've been pleased with the caliber of students coming through."
Organized by ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ Career Services, the week-long event features six unique recruiting events and spans multiple career pathways, bringing together industry-leading employers from fields such as STEM, business, healthcare and more.
Information provided by ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ Media Relations
President Limayem joins JAXUSA panel discussion
In today’s rapidly evolving economy, the connection between education and industry has never been more critical, said Aundra Wallace, president of JAXUSA Partnership during the State of the Region event for investors held earlier this month at the ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ.
“JAXUSA engages stakeholders and the region’s talent ecosystem through its Earn Up Initiative, ensuring students have the tools and resources needed to enter the workforce and achieve success in the real world,” said Wallace. “This ecosystem is a partnership between education, business and community leaders focused on a shared framework to optimize workforce development, support economic growth and enhance the quality of life in Northeast Florida. This initiative prepares the talent pipeline to meet the current and future needs of Northeast Florida.”
The JAXUSA event included a panel discussion about “The Workforce of Tomorrow: Building Northeast Florida’s Talent Pipeline” with President Moez Limayem and other area education leaders.
Information provided by ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ Media Relations
³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ first in U.S. to join international consortium on AI and logistics
The ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ is the first university in the United States to enter the DesCartes project's international consortium on artificial intelligence and logistics solutions.
Faculty member Dr. Chady Ghnatios, mechanical engineer and advanced manufacturing and materials innovation (AMMI) assistant professor, is a specialist in model order reduction and data-driven modeling technologies. He is one of approximately 300 global experts in model order reduction, a field that simplifies the complexity of mathematical models in numerical simulations. He works to advance simulation and data-driven modeling technologies to deliver faster and more reliable solutions for collaborators.
Ghnatios’ unique expertise led to his involvement in the DesCartes program consortium. The group includes around 30 universities and organizations from mostly France and Singapore.
Information provided by ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ Media Relations
Join your colleagues at the March Faculty and Staff Mixer
Join your colleagues and meet new friends at the next Faculty and Staff Mixer Thursday, March 6 from 4-6 p.m. in the Talon Room, Osprey Commons (Building 16).
Unwind and enjoy FREE light bites and beverages as you visit with fellow ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ employees. A cash bar is also available.
Stop by and mingle with your fellow during the second mixer event of the year!
Ospreys and Community: Swoop the Loop
Approximately 500 alumni, students, faculty, staff and friends of ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ participated in the annual Swoop the Loop 5K run/walk on Saturday, Feb. 22. Prior to the race, ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ President Limayem and the Jacksonville Sharks owners — the event's presenting sponsor, announced the first-ever ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ "football game" to be played at VyStar Memorial Arena on Saturday, April 19. The Sharks will use the "North Florida Ospreys" moniker for the official Indoor Football League game.
Brown Bag Seminar
The Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences held its latest "Brown Bag Seminar" in the Thomas G. Carpenter Library earlier this month featuring Dr. Elizabeth Brown, associate professor of psychology and assistant department chair, discussing the topic "Some Things Never Change? How Stereotypes Impact our Sociopolitical Environment."
Photos provided courtesy of Daniel W. Baker, Library Services Specialist, Thomas G. Carpenter Library
Staff Spotlight: Erin Richman
By Joy Batteh-Freiha
Jacksonville native Dr. Erin Richman has been an integral part of the ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ community since 2003. She began her journey as a visiting assistant professor in psychology before transitioning to a teaching and administrative position at Florida State College at Jacksonville. While there, she continued to teach part-time at ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ before making a full return in January 2022.
Today, Richman is associate vice president of Student Success and holds roles as an adjunct professor in the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences and an instructor for Coggin Executive Programs, bringing a wealth of knowledge and experience to her multifaceted roles.
Her passion for education and student success isn’t just her job, it’s in her DNA.
“I love that I get to do work that makes an impact,” said Richman. “It’s a privilege and responsibility that I take seriously, and I love to be continuously pushed to grow in new ways.”
As a first-generation college student, Richman said she didn’t know how to navigate the complexities of a university even though she was a good student academically.
“Part of my mission as a leader in higher education is to create friendlier systems that aren’t mysterious to students, where everyone can get help easily — before they need it,” explained Richman. “Putting all of the benefits of the university in front of students such as academic advising, tutoring, coaching/mentoring, hands-on learning and more, helps all students thrive throughout their four years at ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ.”
Creative moments
Richman is known for thinking outside the box when it comes to creating programs and materials that complement her work. She admits some of her creative moments often come to her while driving.
“I find my creative moments during my commute,” said Richman. “I am a music lover, so music fills my commute. I’m usually jotting down ideas that come to mind such as staff survey questions to places I'd like to visit to creating playlists for staff celebrations.”
Her passion for innovation extends beyond her personal creativity. She takes pride in opening doors to opportunities for students such as the Osprey First Summer Pathways program.
“The new Osprey First Summer Pathways program makes me proud,” Richman said. “Education was transformative for me personally, so getting to build a program that creates a pathway to opportunities for students is very fulfilling.”
Empowering students and making connections
Richman says the mission of the Student Success team is to empower students with knowledge, resources, and opportunities to achieve educational and professional success.
One way this is done is through experiential learning (EL). Beginning this fall, all incoming students are guaranteed at least one immersive, hands-on experience such as an internship, research project or leadership opportunity.
Experiential learning as a concept is not new to ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ,” Richman said. “In fact, ‘learning by doing’ or High Impact Practices has been part of ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ for many years. From involving undergraduates in research and creative projects, to internships, community service, or by providing undergraduates with opportunities to explore entrepreneurial ideas, our work and dedication to students through these experiences is the heart of what makes ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ special.”
Richman said students will be exposed to hands-on learning throughout their ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ journey both in and outside of class, and courses will be designated as EL so students will know in advance before they register the course will include hands-on learning.
“Our hope is that students will be exposed to hands-on learning throughout their ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ journey both in and outside of class,” said Richman. Courses like senior capstone, directed research, field experiences, service learning, and others will be considered EL courses, too. What many students don't realize is that ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ offers experiences outside courses which also provide the benefits of EL such as being a Peer Coach, a Supplemental Instruction leader, a Student Government leader.”
Richman emphasized the importance of students making meaningful connections with faculty and staff as a key factor in student success. She said the introduction of myNest a year ago, where students can book virtual and on-campus appointments with their advisors, enhancing accessibility and support.
“Our goal is to facilitate every student making meaningful connections, whether that happens during a class, in a lab, at a basketball game, with their advisor or at OzFest,” Richman explained.
Another important role of Student Success is helping students see the connections between what they learn in the classroom and what their long-term goals are as it pertains to working in the real world.
“Students open up to their advisors about their hopes, fears and aspiration, and in turn, advisors help educate them about their options and give them courage to pursue their dreams,” she said. “Career Services prepares them with mock interviews, career assessments and career discovery sessions.”
Preparing for the future
In addition to overseeing Student Academic Success Services, Academic Advising, Experiential Learning, Undergraduate Research, Richman’s responsibilities continue to grow. She is also overseeing the creation of the new Military Science department, which includes the ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC).
Outside of work, Richman says she loves to travel and most recently traveled to Sedona, Arizona with one of her daughters.
As for the best advice she’s been given, she’s reminded what her best friend, Elise Bush, advised: “Life is short, play hard.”
“I work hard and I play hard! And in order to work and play hard, I also practice what I've preached for many years in my Psychology courses: Get great sleep."
FACT BOX:
Name: Dr. Erin Richman
Title: Associate Vice President of Student Success; Adjunct for Psychological and Brain Sciences, and Instructor for Coggin Executive Programs
Credentials: Ph.D. Developmental Psychology; MBA (Business); MS Psychology; BA Psychology
How long at ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ: Since 2003 in various capacities.
Hometown: Jacksonville Beach — graduated from elementary, middle and high school in the 904
Biggest inspiration: My grandmother, Dorothy Bryan, inspires me every day. Her tenacity and determination made her a one-of-a-kind, tour de force. While mothering seven children (including my mom), she was a trailblazer, especially as a female civilian working on a naval base in the post-WWII, pre-Civil Rights era. Not to mention, she was just a good person who did good deeds, even when no one was watching. I try to honor her legacy in everything I do for others.
Favorite hobby: Staring at water to reset and daydream. All water works, but tropical water is my favorite to stare at.
Open Education Week 2025
Open Education Week Arrives in March
Open Education (OE) Week celebrates the global Open Education Movement and raises awareness about reducing textbook costs through activities scheduled throughout the week of Monday, March 3 through Friday, March 7. Its goal is to raise awareness about the movement and its impact on teaching and learning worldwide. , and visit the OE Week website for more information and to register for events happening during the week.
Green Open Access Publishing Sessions
The Thomas G. Carpenter Library is celebrating Green Open Access Week starting Monday, March 3 through Wednesday, March 5 with virtual drop-in info sessions available via Zoom. Green OA is a cost-effective and equitable pathway to making research open access, especially for authors who can’t afford to pay the article processing fees. Drop into Carpenter librarian on March 3, 4 and 5 from 2 to 3 p.m.
This is an oppotunity to learn more about sharing your publications broadly, increasing impact, accessibility and discoverability, our Institutional Repository called Digital Commons and our Transformative Agreements that greatly reduce or waives article publishing charges (APCs).
For more details, contact Dr. Deborah Williams, Scholarly Communication Librarian.
Information provided by Thomas G. Carpenter Library
Osprey Profile: Addie DeVaney
By Byron E. Jones
While many young people progress through their first year of college unsure of the career path they want to follow, ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ senior Addie DeVaney did not experience such uncertainty. While attending college in South Carolina, before transferring to ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ in fall 2023, she took a front desk position working for Marriott Vacation Club, the primary timeshare brand of Marriott Vacations Worldwide Corporation. This experience led her to actively pursue a career in hotel management.
“My parents are owners with Marriot Vacation Club, so I grew up staying at different properties and I knew about the program,” said DeVaney. “Being on the other side of that working the front desk was such a cool experience and I fell in love with it.”
To prepare herself for leadership roles in the hospitality industry, DeVaney is majoring in business management.
Arriving at ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ
Born and raised in Bluffton, South Carolina, DeVaney initially planned to follow in her mother’s footsteps and become a teacher. She even participated in a teacher cadet program while in high school and quickly realized a teaching career was not in her future.
Seeking a change in scenery while enrolled at a local state college, she began to research schools offering academic and social environments that better fit her career aspirations and personality. Already familiar with the Jacksonville area through family trips to the sunshine state, she found ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ to be the perfect place to explore her academic and professional interests.
Although nervous about finding her place in a new environment, DeVaney says her time at ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ has been an amazing experience because of the endless opportunities for professional and social development afforded to students.
“There is something at ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ that everyone can get involved with, no matter what your interests are,” DeVaney said.
Campus Activities, Internship and Study Abroad Plans
As a student enrolled in ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ’s Hicks Honors College, DeVaney is quite active on campus — she is a member of Delight Ministries, an off-campus housing representative in the Honors Student Union and a member of the Swoop Squad, which she joined in fall 2024.
In the summer of 2024, she returned to her hometown to participate in a management internship at Marriott Vacation Club. This summer, DeVaney will participate in a four-week study abroad business exchange program offered by the Coggin College of Business. As part of the program, she will take courses at EM Normandie Business School in Northern France.
DeVaney is anxiously looking forward to her upcoming summer travels.
“I’m excited to be awarded this opportunity,” she said. “It’s my first time studying abroad and my first time traveling across the Atlantic Ocean.”
Following her impending graduation in fall 2025, she plans to return to Hilton Head Island and resume working for Marriott Vacation Club.
More ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ Addie
Hobbies: Baking, playing golf and visiting Disney World
Favorite Color: Pink
Participated in mission trips with her father to Central and South America
Has four younger siblings
Plans to one day earn a master’s degree in hospitality management
Inside News Roundup
³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ students participate in the 2025 Super Bowl Experience
Ten students from the ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ Sport Management Club traveled by car to New Orleans earlier this month to work the 2025 Super Bowl Experience alongside the Fan Services team. ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ students helped fans navigate the convention center while providing them with the best experience possible, assisting with the Autograph Stage, Kids Corner and supporting staff at various game locations. On Super Bowl Sunday, they worked Exterior Fan Services helping to manage crowd intake and celebrity entrances.
Responsible Employee Reminder
All employees are Responsible Employees under the University's Sexual Misconduct and Title IX Sexual Harassment Regulation 1.0050, which means all employees must report all instances of sexual misconduct they become aware of. We also expect all employees to report all other forms of discrimination. To report sexual misconduct and any other form of discrimination, please visit www.unf.edu/title-IX/. If you have any questions about these requirements and expectations, please contact Tricia Buchholz, Equal Opportunity and Inclusion Director and Title IX Coordinator, at t.buchholz@unf.edu.
Virtual Health & Vitality Lunchtime Chat
The Virtual Health & Vitality 30-minute Lunchtime Chatis scheduled for Monday, March 3, and will feature Seanna Aker, RN, who will discuss the impact of sleep deprivation on academic and professional performance and share practical tips and strategies to help you adjust to the annual time change and more to enhance your 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. . Registered attendees will receive the Zoom link on March 3.
Candidate's Statement Workshop for Instructor and Lecturer Promotion
This workshop is scheduled for Tuesday, March 4 at 1:30 p.m. in Building 4, Room 2105, and is designed to help future promotion candidates consider how they will write their own candidate's statement. .
Spring 2025 Commencement Volunteers Needed
³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ Commencement is seeking volunteers for Spring Commencement on Friday, May 2 in the ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ Arena. . For further information and questions, please visit the Commencement webpage or contact commencement@unf.edu.
Second Annual Osprey Outdoor Fest
Join the Department of Sociology, Anthropology & Social Work and Eco Adventure for an afternoon of music, ziplining and food on Thursday, March 6 at 3 p.m.
Master Plan Workshop
This workshop is scheduled for Tuesday, March 4 at 9 a.m. in the Osprey Commons, Bldg. 16, Talon Room 4202, and will review the Campus Master Plan draft. Based on the input received at the Concept Plans Workshop in January, DLR Group has identified a single set of proposed improvements for the campus. These plans propose a series of new buildings for housing, academic, research and other purposes, as well as athletic improvements, outdoor enhancements and more. The is still a draft, so this workshop will include a detailed presentation of proposed improvements and objectives, and allow participants to provide their feedback to make sure the plan is consistent with ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ’s vision and future needs. Whether or not you have attended previous workshops, please join this session to share your ideas and help design the future of our campus.
Presidential Excellence Award Nominations
The Presidential Excellence Awards Committee is accepting nominations for the spring awards. Nominate a colleague or department for one of the following: Presidential Excellence Award, Presidential Quality Customer Service Award or Presidential Spot Award. Recipients will be recognized at the annual Presidential Recognition Awards Ceremony during the 2026 Professional Development Forum. The nomination deadline is Sunday, June 15; view instructions and the application via the webpage.
Faculty-Led Study Abroad for 2026
Join OFE and the International Center to learn how to start the faculty-led study abroad process for Spring/Summer 2026 Programs. Join one or all sessions on Wednesday, March 5 from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.; Thursday, March 6 from 1:45 - 2:45 p.m.; Monday, March 10 from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.; Thursday, March 13 from 10:45 to 11:45 a.m.; Wednesday, March 26 from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.; Thursday, March 27 from 10:45 to 11:45 a.m. or 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. .
Two Faculty Fellow Programs with the Office of Experiential Learning
The Office of Experiential Learning invites faculty members to apply to two new faculty fellows programs. The Experiential Learning Opportunity program focuses on building capacity, scaling and creating new experiential learning opportunities for students to meet the recently announced Experiential Learning Requirement. The Experiential Learning Research program focuses on engaging in research to measure the impact of experiential learning on students and student success. Applications are available and open until Friday, March 14.
Faculty and Staff News
College of Arts and Sciences
Art, Art History and Design
Stephen Heywood, professor, exhibited two pieces at the National Juried Exhibition — Handcrafted at the Maria V. Howards Arts Center in Rocky Mount, North Carolina and Winter Warmers Cup Show at the Good Earth Pottery in Bellingham, Washington.
Criminology and Criminal Justice
Dr. Jennifer K. Wesely, professor, published “Moral Disengagement from Animal Harms Among Incarcerated Men and Change Through Human-Animal Relationships in a Prison-Dog Program” in Anthrozoos.
Mathematics and Statistics
Dr. Beyza Aslan, associate professor, exhibited her work “Einstein Tiling” at the juried Exhibition of Mathematical Arts in Seattle, Washington. Jan. 2025.
Dr. Michelle DeDeo, professor, spoke at a joint Mathematics Meeting (JMM SIGMAA Special Session on Undergraduate Research Activities in Mathematical and Computational Biology) on “Data Science in Action: Undergraduate Research Activities in Medicine and Biology.”
Dr. Michelle DeDeo, professor, along with S. D. Shapiro and A. Barnes, published “Strategies for Influenza Outbreak Management in a U.S. Residential Summer Camp Communal Housing: A Comparative Analysis of Targeted Antiviral Prophylaxis” in the Journal of Community Health Nursing.
Music
Gia Sastre, adjunct professor, was the Masterclass Coordinator and Director of performance by the ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ Flute Ensemble at the 49th Annual Florida Flute Association Convention in Orlando. Jan-Feb, 2025.
Political Science and Public Administration
Dr. Joshua C. Gellers, professor, served as moderator on a panel discussion with Indigenous scholar Dr. Robin Wall Kimmerer at the Cummer Museum, and spoke about “Should AI Have Rights?” as part of the St. Johns Reads event series at the St. Augustine Main Library. January.
Sociology, Anthropology and Social Work
Dr. Jacqueline Meier, assistant professor, along with an international team of collaborators, published an article in Current Anthropology, about early human and Neanderthal exploitation of rabbits in southern France.
Botanical Gardens
Shout out to Rhonda Gracie, horticulturist and Deja of the Alden Road Exceptional Learning School -Community Based Vocational Education and training (CBVE) program, for creating the 27 beautiful floral table centerpieces for the 2025 Service Recognition Breakfast. CBVE provides transition students opportunities to work settings under the instruction and supervision of Job Coach. ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ trains Job Coaches who in turn train the students. The Alden Road Project students report directly to their ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ supervisor.
Brooks College of Health
Dr. E. Jane McCarthy, professor, presented at the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists Assembly of Clinical and Didactic Educators.
Dr. Dawn E. Turk, clinical assistant professor, was elected the Regional Director of the Florida Nurse Practitioner Network in January and is the State Academia Liaison for the FNPN and ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ. In addition, she serves on a Florida Center for Nursing taskforce to collect data, pilot innovative projects and develop recommendations and best practices among other duties.
Dr. Deirde Shoemake, assistant professor and Dr. Dawn Turk, clinical assistant professor, along with students Laurel Arcidiacono and Ryan Moran, attended the Florida Nurses Association Advocacy Days in Tallahassee on Feb. 19 and 20.
Dr. Chaka Brittain’s article “Saving Space for Divine Interventions” is now published in the .
Silverfield College of Education and Human Services
Dr. Sean Davis, assistant professor and Dr. Kristi Sweeney, associate professor, along with graduate assistants in the MSBA in Sport Analytics Sam McBride and Lila Sarsen, presented their research at the 2025 Applied Sport Management Association Conference.
Dr. Stephen Dittmore, dean of the Silverfield College of Education and Human Services, published a biography on former Brooklyn and Los Angeles Dodger baseball great, Jim Gilliam.
Dr. Sarah Mattice, professor COAS, along with Dr. Shujin Zhong, assistant professor, Dr. Maria Beattie, assistant director ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ preschool, Dr. Gigi David, director ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ preschool, Dr. Shaqwana Freeman-Green, associate professor, Dr. Valentina Bongiovanni, Dr. Zhiping Yu, associate professor BCH, Dr. Nile Stanley, associate professor, Caran Mullins, adjunct, Tasha Felder, ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ preschool, Melissa Leone, ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ preschool, Nancy Winkler-Zuniga and Jessica Chaulk, will present at the STEP Into Learning Network Symposium on March 1.
Dateline
Milestones
Congratulations to the following employees with a milestone anniversary in February 2025:
40 Years
Shelley Anderson, Library Services Specialist, Thomas G. Carpenter Library
35 Years
Debra Murphy, Professor, Department of Art, Art History and Design
April Johnson, Director Enterprise Applications, Shared Technology Infrastructure and Services
10 Years
Cheryl Fountain, Professor, Provost's Office Isabel Pease, Associate Vice President, Marketing and Communications Melonie Simmons, Custodial Worker, Housing and Residence Life Tina Stanton, Office Assistant, ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ Online
5 Years
William Adams, Law Enforcement Officer, University Police Department Brandon Beaver, Data Warehouse Program Specialist II, Shared Technology Infrastructure and Services Ivan Birytski, Groundskeeper, Physical Facilities Ana Gonzalez, VPK Regional Facilitator, Florida Institute of Education (FIE) Joseph Hyder, Coordinator, Research Program Services, Public Opinion Research Lab Justin Sorrell, Senior Associate, General Counsel Manny Velasquez-Paredes, Director, Career Education, Career Services — Student Engagement Kendall Wheeler, Assistant Director Enterprise Applications, Shared Technology Applications Brenda Zelaya, Coordinator Student Affairs, International Center — Study Abroad and Compliance
Welcome
The following employees were either hired by ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ or were promoted from OPS positions recently:
Brenda Bell, Custodial, Recycle or Grounds Supervisor, Physical Facilities Christopher Brewer, Manager of Military Engagement and Compliance, Military and Veterans Resource Center Pernell Brown, Human Resources Associate, Human Resources Kyla Coolbaugh, Laboratory/Research Technician, Department of Biology Chelsie Coulter, Coordinator, Events Planning, University Center Juliet Fetteroll, Parking Services Associate, Parking and Transportation Services Tanya Gray, Senior Accounts Payable / Receivable Representative, Physical Facilities James Haltiwanger, Student Success Program Assistant, Office of Student Success Antonio Jackson, Accounting Associate, SG Business and Accounting Office Kate Ketels, Coordinator, Student Academic Success Services Joshua Lowery, Information Technology Coordinator, Service Management Terelle Maddox, Business Specialist, Florida Institute of Education Roswell Mathis, Academic Support Specialist, Department of Physical Therapy Marquita Mines, Coordinator, Facilities Management, Athletics Samantha Morden, Coordinator, Student Success Advocacy Clark Page, Attending Veterinarian, Research and Sponsored Programs Amanda Peerce, Assistant Director, Residence Life, Housing and Residence Life Nelly Rivera Heredia, Custodial Worker, Physical Facilities Alexander Rubio, Accounting Associate, Advancement Operations Jasmine Taylor, Event Services Coordinator, Student Union Kelli Tucker, Coordinator, Student Success Advocacy Zachary Werninck, Academic Advisor, College of Computing Engineering and Construction Stephen Wilkerson, Assistant Athletic Coach, Athletics Pedro Yantin, Assistant Volleyball Coach, Athletics
Great Job
The following employees were recently promoted:
Annie Alomar, Assistant University Librarian, Thomas G. Carpenter Library Sabrina Ceniza, ESPN Production Assistant, Athletics Anthony Howell, Engineer I, Network and Telecommunications Nic Jones, Help Desk Support Specialist I, Campus Technology Services Erica Kirk, Senior Academic Advisor , First-Year Advising Nancy Rigsby, Immigration Service Manager, Human Resources Terry Synnott, Director of Prospect Research, Advancement Operations Anna Tyre, Director, Advancement Operations Indira Willadsen, Senior Academic Advisor, First-Year Advising
Free Things to Do
Jim Smith: A Retrospective
Exhibition on view now through March 5, ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ Gallery of Art The gallery highlights local Sculpture and Multimedia artist Jim Smith's long career, showcasing major themes and artistic approaches using assemblage, photography and metal sculpture. This exhibit will focus on the last 20 years of his production, a period that has left a profound impact on the local Jacksonville art community.
Fill My Heart With Hope: Works From The Gordon W. Bailey Collection
Exhibition on view now through March 23, MOCA Jacksonville This inclusive exhibition features exceptional artworks from the collection of the noted Los Angeles-based scholar and collector. Learn more .
Dustin Sims: Nature Re:Wired
Exhibition on view now through May 4, MOCA Jacksonville MOCA’s Fall 2024 ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵStudent Artist-in-Residence exhibition features the work of recent graduate, retired military veteran, and sculptor Dustin Sims. In Nature Re:Wired, Sims reimagines discarded technology, transforming it into captivating animal sculptures that celebrate the brilliance of nature’s design.” Learn more .
Project Atrium: Rafael Lozano-Hemmer
Exhibit on view now through June 1, MOCA Jacksonville Spectral Subjects is an interactive, thermal observatory showing a constantly updating map of the room's temperature on three colossal wall-projections. Learn more .
Shiitake Mushroom Log Inoculation at the Ogier Gardens
Friday, Feb. 28, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., Ogier Gardens Join Ogier Gardens staff for the annual shiitake mushroom log inoculation, a hands on workshop where participants learn about edible mushroom production and assist in inoculating logs. Learn more .
Saturday, March 1, 9 a.m. - noon, Parking Services (Building 52) Parking Lot
The Osprey community is encouraged to participate in this statewide volunteer effort to help rescue public greenspaces on campus from invasive species through hands-on removal of especially harmful trees, vines and flowering plants. Learn more .
Jim Smith: An Artist Talk
Monday, March 3, 5:30 - 7 p.m., ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ Gallery of Art (Building 2) You are invited to a talk by local artist and educator Jim Smith during the final week of his exhibition, I am Jim Smith: A Retrospective, which explores the last 20 years of his artistic production.
37th Annual Great American Jazz Series
Thursday, March 6, 7:30 p.m., Lazzara Performance Hall (Building 45) A collaboration with the Beaches Fine Arts presents: Grammy Award Winning Billy Childs Quartet featuring Billy Childs, Sean Jones, Ari Hoenig and Matt Penman with ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ JE1. JB Scott, artistic director and director, ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ JE1. Learn more .
³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ Astronomy Night
Friday, March 7, 8 - 9:30 p.m., Science and Engineering Building (Building 50) Join us the ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ Department of Physics for a short public talk by Dr. Barry Albright discussing his research in paleontology. This event is free and open to the public. Learn more .
VyStar Free Saturdays @ MOCA
Saturday, March 8, 11 a.m. - 5 p.m., MOCA Jacksonville Enjoy free admission every Saturday at MOCA Jacksonville to explore a vast collection of contemporary made possible through support from VyStar Credit Union. Learn more .
Violin and Viola Duo Recital
Monday, March 10, 7:30 p.m., Recital Hall of the Fine Arts Center Violist Yun-Ting Kuo, principal violist of the Jacksonville Symphony, joins Dr. Simon Shiao for an evening of violin and viola duets. Performing works by Mozart, Schubert, Handel and Halvorsen. Dr. Simon Shiao, coordinator. Learn more .
Movies on the House presents: Sick of Myself (2022)
Wednesday, March 12, 7:30 p.m., Andrew A. Robinson Jr. Theater Increasingly overshadowed by her boyfriend's recent rise to fame as a contemporary artist creating sculptures from stolen furniture, Signe hatches a vicious plan to reclaim her rightfully deserved attention within the milieu of Oslo's cultural elite. Learn more about feature film presentations from Movies on the House.
Swoop Summary
Swimming Sets Five Top-Ten Program Times on Final Day of ASUN Championships
North Florida women's swimming saw yet another day filled with top-ten program times and personal bests on Saturday, Feb. 22 as the Ospreys wrapped up the 2025 Atlantic Sun Swimming and Diving Championships. Learn more .
Here are a few upcoming events:
Men's Soccer vs. Eastern Florida (1 p.m.) and Keiser (4 p.m.)
Saturday, March 1 | Hodges Stadium | Free Admission
Beach Volleyball vs. JU
Saturday, March 1, 4 p.m. | Cooper Beach Volleyball Complex | Free Admission
Softball vs. FSU
Wednesday, March 5, 6 p.m. | ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ Softball Complex |
The Jacksonville Sharks and the ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ are teaming up for the University's “first football game.” On Saturday, April 19, the Sharks will use the "North Florida Ospreys" moniker for an official Indoor Football League game at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena. The collaboration was officially announced Saturday at ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ’s Swoop the Loop 5K, where the Sharks were also the presenting sponsor.
The ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ kicked off its bi-annual Career Week on Tuesday, Feb. 25 with a lineup of more than 340 employers visiting campus this week.
In today’s rapidly evolving economy, the connection between education and industry has never been more critical, said Aundra Wallace, president of JAXUSA Partnership during the State of the Region event for investors held earlier this month at the ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ.
The ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ is the first university in the United States to enter the DesCartes project's international consortium on artificial intelligence and logistics solutions.
Join your colleagues and meet new friends at the next Faculty and Staff Mixer Thursday, March 6 from 4-6 p.m. in the Talon Room, Osprey Commons (Building 16).
Today, Richman is associate vice president of Student Success and holds roles as an adjunct professor in the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences and an instructor for Coggin Executive Programs, bringing a wealth of knowledge and experience to her multifaceted roles.
Open Education Week Arrives in March
Green Open Access Publishing Sessions
By Byron E. Jones
³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ students participate in the 2025 Super Bowl Experience
Virtual Health & Vitality Lunchtime Chat
Master Plan Workshop
Dustin Sims: Nature Re:Wired
