President’s Q&A President Bense believes in the innovative spirit that drives our students, faculty, staff and graduates. We sat down with her to discuss what lies ahead for the University as we continue to focus on innovation, quality and how UWF will continue serving the region as an economic driver. Why are innovative teaching and learning initiatives so important to the future of higher education? This year our Fall Faculty Forum was devoted to high-impact teaching and learning techniques. Research shows that students who engage in high-impact practices have higher retention rates, more engagement and are better prepared for the challenges of life. We all know that today’s workplace requires innovative skills. In fact, the students we teach today must be prepared for careers that may not yet be in existence. Some UWF programs include living learning environments, writing-intensive courses, undergraduate research, service learning, internships and capstone projects. UWF offers innovations that often fall outside of the traditional classroom, in order to engage the students fully and prepare them for later opportunities in life. The positive outcomes of these experiences for our students motivate us to seek new ways to design the higher education experience of tomorrow. What are some innovative models UWF is using to enhance quality and flexibility? UWF has been embracing a variety of innovative models to deliver the high-quality education our graduates and the communities we serve have come to expect from our institution. For example, UWF was tapped earlier this year to lead the Complete Florida Online Degree Program initiative funded by the Florida Legislature. This program will focus on the 2.2 million adults who have stopped out of college, but are interested in returning to complete degrees. This new model will enable adult learners who already have some college credit to complete degrees that are aligned to high-wage, high-skill workforce needs. UWF is also a pioneer in immersive story-based learning models that prepare middle and high-school students for degrees in the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) disciplines. We build immersive STEM curriculums that make learning fun while simultaneously preparing students. One of our partners in this endeavor include the National Flight Academy, which you will learn more about in this issue of Connection. What does the student of the future look like at UWF? Our graduates must be able to think critically, solve problems in the workplace, and communicate effectively in varying contexts. They must be ready for professional careers that meet the needs of the future. As UWF moves forward, offering students real world, immersive learning experiences will keep us at the forefront of higher education.
Letter from the Vice President Dear Alumni & Friends,
I begin my first letter to you as the Interim Vice President of University Advancement with a tremendous amount of enthusiasm, optimism and confidence in where UWF is headed in the months and years ahead. As I began my new role in July, I took a moment to reflect on the hundreds of students that I’ve had the honor and privilege of serving in the Department of Communication Arts over the last decade. My experiences as a professor, department chair and, eventually, as the Director of the School of Fine, Performing & Communication Arts have taught me that what makes UWF different is that our chemistry exists in the nexus between teachers and students. As alumni and friends of UWF, you understand the value we place on maximizing student success. I want to personally thank you for your support in helping us maintain that focus. Our academic programs continue to grow in numbers and strengthen in stature among top-tier institutions. The stories in this issue illustrate the hands-on, immersive learning opportunities that fuel academic innovation and produce distinctive graduates from UWF. In addition, we are honored to reflect on the success stories of our alumni and the commitment of donors who believe the university is a vital part of their legacy. As we draw closer to 2017 and the 50th anniversary of UWF, you will begin hearing more about our strategically focused capital campaign that addresses institutional priorities that will bolster UWF as a primary economic driver for Northwest Florida. Again, thank you for believing in UWF. I look forward to celebrating the accomplishments of our alumni as we move forward. Warmest Regards,
Dr. Brendan Kelly Interim Vice President, University Advancement
U NI V E R S I TY o f W E ST F LO RIDA Fall 2013
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