BROOKS COLLEGE OF HEALTH
2025 YEAR-END UPDATE
TABLE OF CONTENTS HIGHLIGHTS
CLINICAL & APPLIED MOVEMENT SCIENCES
HEALTH ADMINISTRATION
NURSING
NUTRITION & DIETETICS
PHYSICAL THERAPY
PUBLIC HEALTH
COUNSELING CENTER
STUDENT HEALTH SERVICES
BCH ADVISING
BCH LEADERSHIP ACADEMY
CENTER FOR AGING RESEARCH
CENTER FOR NUTRITION AND FOOD SECURITY
Dearfriends, alumni, colleagues and community partners, TheBrooksCollege of Health has experienced another remarkable yearof growthandimpact, driven by the outstanding achievements of our students, facultyandstaff. Together, we have strengthened our commitment toadvancing healtheducation, improving lives and fostering a culture of collaboration.Thank you toeveryone who contributed to our shared success — your dedicationand hardworkcontinue to inspire and shape the future of health care and wellness. Aswe allprepare for the holiday season and New Year, we wanted toshareafew highlights from this past year.
HIGHLIGHTS
BY
THE NUMBERS: 2025 BCH GRADUATES
In 2025, the Brooks College of Health graduated 1,023 students, including 687 with bachelor’s degrees, 212 with master’s degrees, 106 with doctoral degrees and 18 with certificates, from the departments of Clinical and Applied Movement Sciences, Health Administration, Nutrition and Dietetics, Physical Therapy, Public Health and the School of Nursing.
BACHELOR’SDEGREES
HIGHLIGHTS
BCH DRIVES GROWTH AT UNF
As of today, the college’s enrolled credit hours for Spring 2026 have increased by 6.4% compared with the same time last year. In Fall 2025, 3,475 students enrolled in BCH, a 10% increase from the previous year and the highest enrollment in the college’s history.
6.4% enrollmentincrease comparedtoSpring2025
3,475|10%
Fall2025recordenrollment STUDENTS
STRENGTHENING COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS
BCH secured significant community support, including LINE funding from Mayo Clinic, Physical Therapy program expansion support from Brooks Rehabilitation, food assistance contributions from Baptist Health and financial support from Perry Weather for the Korey Stringer Institute at UNF.
HIGHLIGHTS
The Brooks College of Health, in partnership with the Duval County Medical Society Foundation (DCMS), hosted the fourth annual International Healthcare Symposium, a premier global forum that brought together nearly 1,000 thought leaders, innovators and changemakers to explore emerging trends in health policy and practice in the Digital Age. The fifth annual Healthcare Symposium will be held Oct. 21-22, 2026. Save the Da
HIGHLIGHTS
BCH YEAR-END CELEBRATION PARTY AND DEAN’S COUNCIL CELEBRATION PARTY
The Brooks College of Health closed the year by hosting two celebratory gatherings that highlighted community and connection. The annual BCH Holiday Party brought faculty and staff together to celebrate shared accomplishments, reconnect with colleagues and reflect on the year through festive activities and long-standing traditions. The BCH Dean’s Council and Advisory Boards Holiday Party followed, bringing together college leadership and external partners to recognize their continued support of BCH’s mission in health education and research.
CLINICAL & APPLIED MOVEMENT SCIENCES
RECORD ENROLLMENT GROWTH AND STUDENT RETENTION
CAMS experienced significant enrollment gains, including the launch of the B.S. in Kinesiology in Fall 2025 with a record 107 students.
Enrollment increased 39.1% in the B.S. in Kinesiology and 34.4% in the M.S. in Athletic Training, contributing to a 26% increase in credit hours.
Three-year retention rates remain strong across programs, including 96% in the B.S. in Kinesiology, 98% in the M.S. in Athletic Training and 93% in the M.S.H. in Kinesiology/Lifestyle Medicine (KALM).
39.1%
CLINICAL & APPLIED MOVEMENT SCIENCES
HIGH-IMPACT EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING
CAMS students completed more than 38,100 hours of experiential learning across clinical sites from the Northeast to the Bahamas, expanding hands-on training opportunities and strengthening regional and international partnerships.
CLINICAL & APPLIED MOVEMENT SCIENCES
ADVANCING THE KOREY STRINGER INSTITUTE AND COMMUNITY IMPACT
The Korey Stringer Institute at UNF made significant progress on its environmental chamber, which is expected to be fully operational by March or April 2026. KSI also expanded community engagement through educational programming and heat safety assessments that support local heat mitigation efforts.
HEALTH ADMINISTRATION
RECORD ENROLLMENT GROWTH AND EXPANDED ACCESS
The Department of Health Administration saw more than 11% overall enrollment growth in Fall 2025, driven by increases of more than 80% in the M.S. in Health Informatics and the Doctor of Health Administration programs. Also, to expand flexibility and access, the department launched dual-track online and in-person options for the Bachelor of Healthcare Management and the M.S. in Health Informatics.
DEPARTMENT ENROLLMENT GROWTH
BY THE NUMBERS: FALL 2025 ENROLLMENT
MASTER OF HEALTH INFORMATICS
DOCTOR OF HEALTH ADMINISTRATION
COMPETITIVE ADMINISTRATIVE FELLOWSHIPS
Two MHA students secured competitive administrative fellowships at Tufts Medical Center and HCA’s Grand Strand Medical Center.
HEALTH ADMINISTRATION
INNOVATIVE PROGRAMS AND STRENGTHENED STUDENT PATHWAYS
The department introduced the Lifestyle Management concentration within the Bachelor of Health Management program through an exclusive partnership with Arthur Murray International. The collaboration provides guaranteed scholarships, job placement and global opportunities, setting a new standard for experiential learning in health and wellness.
In alignment with peer institutions, faculty voted to waive the GRE for MHA applicants and implemented admissions interviews to support a more holistic and equitable review process.
Watch Video on YouTube
HEALTH ADMINISTRATION
NATIONAL RESEARCH LEADERSHIP AND SCHOLARLY IMPACT
Health Administration faculty served as guest editors for special issues in leading healthcare journals and published peer-reviewed research on AI-driven personalized healthcare, population health management and health informatics innovation. View list of articles.
Faculty and doctoral students also presented at major conferences, including the International Healthcare Symposium, highlighting the department’s growing national presence in health administration research and practice.
SCHOOL OF NURSING
LEADERSHIP STRENGTHENING AND PROGRAM EXCELLENCE
INTERIM DIRECTOR
DEBRA HARRISON DNP, RN, NEA-BC
The School of Nursing welcomed Interim Director Dr. Debra Harrison in July 2025. A UNF DNP alumna, former adjunct faculty member and former Mayo Clinic chief nursing officer from 2006 to 2018, Dr. Harrison brings extensive leadership experience and clinical expertise to the program.
SCHOOL OF NURSING
EXCEPTIONAL CLINICAL ENGAGEMENT AND TRAINING
UNF nursing students completed 204,059 hours of clinical rotations across Jacksonville and statewide. The Nurse Anesthesia program alone contributed 21,272 anesthesia cases across 16 clinical sites, reflecting strong clinical partnerships and robust hands-on learning experiences.
SCHOOL OF NURSING
SCHOLARLY ACHIEVEMENT AND NATIONAL VISIBILITY
Fifty-four students presented their work at the Sigma Theta Tau Lambda Rho Research Conference, joined by multiple faculty presenters. Nurse
Anesthesia faculty member Jane McCarthy also delivered a national presentation titled “The Implementation of the DNP Evidence-Based Practice Project” at the AANA Assembly of Faculty in February 2025 in Tucson, Ariz.
NUTRITION & DIETETICS
PROGRESS TOWARD ACCREDITATION AND RESEARCH EXCELLENCE
The Doctorate of Clinical Nutrition program completed a successful accreditation site visit and remains on track for full accreditation in 2026. As one of UNF’s key doctoral programs, the DCN contributes substantially to annual dissertation output and supports the university’s R2 research status.
2025 DCN COHORT
INNOVATIVE CURRICULUM AND ACADEMIC EXPANSION
All UNF nutrition programs implemented major curriculum updates, including AI literacy training and new forward-looking content. These enhancements resulted in the creation of two new minors, Nutrition Science and Sports Nutrition, and a new master’s concentration designed for health care professionals without a nutrition background.
NUTRITION & DIETETICS
LAUNCH OF ACCELERATED 4+1 NUTRITION AND DIETETICS PATHWAY
The Department of Nutrition and Dietetics launched its first-ever accelerated 4+1 B.S. to M.S. in Nutrition and Dietetics pathway and welcomed the inaugural cohort. This highly selective program allows students to begin graduate-level coursework while completing their bachelor’s degree, strengthening the pipeline to advanced training and supporting timely degree completion in dietetics and nutrition careers.
INAUGURAL 4+1 NUTRITION AND DIETETICS COHORT
NUTRITION & DIETETICS
NUTRITION IN ACTION!
PHYSICAL THERAPY
STRONG STUDENT ENGAGEMENT AND COMMUNITY IMPACT
Physical Therapy students contributed extensive service across the region, with 80 students participating in seven volunteer events that supported more than 300 community members. Additional engagement included six students serving individuals with Parkinson’s disease through the ACE program and two students completing 30 service hours at the Brooks Rehabilitation Aphasia Center.
PHYSICAL THERAPY
EXPANDED PIER CENTER RESEARCH AND CLINICAL PARTNERSHIPS
Dr. Raine Osborne expanded the reach of The Center for the Promotion of Innovation & Excellence in Rehabilitation (PIER) through new partnerships with Brooks Rehabilitation, Good Shepherd Rehabilitation and Encompass Rehabilitation. These collaborations advanced research efforts, strengthened learning cultures and supported improvements in rehabilitation quality.
The PIER Center empowers healthcare organizations and clinicians to achieve meaningful improvements in patient care and professional growth, while shaping the future of rehabilitation.
PHYSICAL THERAPY
EXCELLENCE IN EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING AND RESEARCH MENTORSHIP
Dr. Gui Cesar was named an Experiential Learning Opportunity Faculty Fellow and Research Mentor of the Year for providing exceptional hands-on research opportunities. His efforts enabled 37 UNF students to present at university symposia and supported more than 10 additional high school and college students in the Lab for Applied Biomechanics and Engineering (LABE), alongside numerous graduate assistants and volunteers contributing to funded pediatric rehabilitation research.
DR. GUILHERME CESAR AWARDED EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING OPPORTUNITY FACULTY FELLOW & RESEARCH MENTOR OF THE YEAR
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PUBLIC HEALTH
CLINICAL MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELING ENROLLMENT GROWTH
The Clinical Mental Health Counseling program doubled its enrollment during the 2025-26 academic year, reflecting strong demand for workforce-ready mental health professionals. This growth strengthens UNF’s capacity to address regional and statewide mental health needs while expanding access to licensurealigned graduate education.
EARN YOUR B.S.H. AND MPH IN 5 YEARS!
PUBLIC HEALTH
NEW 4+1 PUBLIC HEALTH ACCELERATED PATHWAY
Public Health launched a new 4+1 accelerated B.S.H. to MPH pathway, creating a streamlined pipeline for students to advance into public health leadership and practice. The pathway reduces time to degree, expands access to graduate education and supports workforce development in high-demand public health fields.
PUBLIC HEALTH
FACULTY
EXCELLENCE AND STUDENT IMPACT
Faculty accomplishments across the department advanced teaching, research and student engagement.
DR. KERRY CLARK AWARDED TERRY PROFESSORSHIP TO CONTINUE RESEARCH CHALLENGING RARITY OF LYME DISEASE
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Read More
Kerry Clark’s selection as a Terry Presidential Professor and receipt of the MedNexus Research Innovation Fund award underscore the department’s growing research profile.
Maria Schedin’s Outstanding Undergraduate Teaching Award reflects a strong commitment to student-centered learning.
Deborah Owen’s leadership of the inaugural Public Health Internship and Research Showcase elevated student research and applied learning, drawing broad participation and strengthening connections between students, faculty and community partners.
COUNSELING CENTER
EXPANDED COUNSELING SERVICES AND STUDENT TRAINING
The UNF Counseling Center expanded access to mental health services, serving 1,828 unique clients and conducting 8,703 individual counseling appointments over the past year. The center also trained and graduated seven trainees, including three Clinical Mental Health Counseling trainees, two Social Work trainees and two doctoral trainees, supporting workforce development in behavioral health.
The Counseling Center conducted 225 outreach events totaling 353.5 hours and reached 7,034 individuals.
These efforts increased awareness, promoted mental health education and strengthened connections across campus and the broader community.
1,828 Bythenumbers
8,703 225
353.5hours 7,034individuals
COUNSELING CENTER
THE COUNSELING CENTER IN ACTION
STUDENT HEALTH SERVICES
HIGH-QUALITY CLINICAL CARE AND CAMPUS SUPPORT
Student Health Services delivered comprehensive care through 2,913 clinical appointments, providing acute and preventive services, required physicals and immunizations for health programs and oncampus referrals for mental health, sleep and physical activity support while maintaining a patient satisfaction rate above 90%.
events that engaged more than 1,500 students, faculty and staff.
SHS Medical Compliance reviewed 3,558 immunization records and supported more than 350 students enrolled in the Aetna Student Health Insurance Plan.
STUDENT HEALTH SERVICES
BROOKS COLLEGE OF HEALTH ADVISING
HIGH-VOLUME, HIGH-SATISFACTION ADVISING SUPPORT
The Brooks advising team conducted more than 4,500 advising interactions in 2025, including over 2,500 scheduled appointments and 2,000 drop-in visits, while earning an average student satisfaction score of 4.95 out of 5.
4,500 BCH ADVISING BY THE NUMBERS
ADVISING INTERACTIONS IN2025
STRONG
SCHEDULED APPOINTMENTS DROP-IN VISITS STUDENT SATISFACTION SCORE
2,500
2,000
99%
STUDENT ENGAGEMENT AND RECRUITMENT EFFORTS
Advisors hosted large-scale engagement events, including a Registration Roundup attended by more than 150 students and the BCH Fall Festival that drew over 500 attendees and showcased 15 BCH student organizations, supporting connection and persistence.
BCH LEADERSHIP ACADEMY
IGNITE PROGRAM GROWTH
Under the leadership of Director Kay Thiemann, 65 graduate students completed the IGNITE Healthcare Leadership Program in April 2025, with 77 new students accepted into the 2025-26 cohort.
EXPERIENTIAL LEADERSHIP LEARNING
GLOBAL LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
20 global leadership and conference travel scholarships supported student participation in professional conferences and international learning experiences.
The Academy partnered with the Mayo Clinic Simulation Center to deliver immersive leadership simulations. Students also participated in the Friday Night in the ER board game, applying systems leadership and decision making in high-pressure scenarios.
CENTER FOR AGING RESEARCH (CAR)
COLLABORATIVE HEALTH OUTCOMES RESEARCH
Under the direction of Hanadi Hamadi, the Center for Aging Research continued its collaboration with Mayo Clinic Jacksonville on health outcomes research, including ongoing studies examining pancreatic cancer hospitalization trends and health care disparities affecting older adults.
SCHOLARLY PRODUCTIVITY AND RESEARCH IMPACT
Center-affiliated faculty advanced multiple manuscripts and publications in health services research, with studies focused on nursing home quality, hospital performance metrics and social determinants of health among aging populations.
COMMUNITY-ENGAGED RESEARCH AND AWARENESS
The Center expanded communityengaged research through partnerships with Brooks Rehabilitation and local organizations supporting healthy aging initiatives. Additional collaboration with the Arts helped elevate awareness of issues impacting older adults through interdisciplinary engagement.
CENTER FOR NUTRITION & FOOD SECURITY
MEALS ON WINGS EXPANDS
SENIOR NUTRITION SUPPORT
Through the Meals on Wings program, the Center for Nutrition and Food Security provides four nutritious meals each week to nearly 300 low-income seniors. Since its launch, the program has delivered more than 230,000 meals, with 250,000 meals projected by spring 2026, helping older adults maintain health, independence and food security.
300 LOW-INCOME SENIORS
230,000 MEALS 250,000 MEAL PROJECTION
NOURISH TO FLOURISH ADVANCES
FOOD SECURITY AND EDUCATION
The Nourish to Flourish initiative expanded access to nutrition education, healthy foods and community outreach for individuals and families experiencing food insecurity. Through partnerships and hands-on programming, the initiative supports sustainable nutrition practices while creating meaningful experiential learning opportunities for UNF students.
CENTER FOR NUTRITION & FOOD SECURITY
The Center for Nutrition and Food Security advanced plans for a kitchen expansion designed to increase capacity for community meal production, research and hands-on student learning.
The expanded space will support Meals on Wings and Nourish to Flourish while enhancing experiential learning opportunities, interdisciplinary collaboration and the college’s ability to address food insecurity across the region.
LOOKING ONWARD TOGETHER
Thank you for allowing us to share our updates. We are most grateful for your continued support of the Brooks College of Health. Over the next year, we look forward to collaborating with you and our partners to improve healthcare for all. We wish much joy and happiness for you and your family during the holiday season!
Let’s continue to move onward together. Stay connected with us for the latest news, events and achievements. Thank you for being an essential part of the BCH community.
Warm regards,
Mei Zhao, Ph.D., MHA Dean
Brooks College of Health
University of North Florida
Michelle Boling, Ph.D., LAT, ATC Associate Dean
Brooks College of Health
University of North Florida