Issuu

2025 - 2026

ANNUAL

REPORT

TABLE OF CONTENTS 04 LETTER FROM THE DEAN 06 SUCCESS AT A GLANCE 07 BOLD PARTNERS 09 EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING 11 HEAR FROM OUR ALUMNI 13 INNOVATIVE RESEARCH 17 EXPERT FACULTY 18 CENTERS, PROGRAMS, LABS 30 COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS 32 FEATURED NEWS STORIES 33 DEAN’S ADVISORY COUNCIL 34 GIVING IMPACT 36 AT THE HEART OF GIVING

COVER PHOTO CREDIT: PIPER LAINNE PHOTOGRAPHY PHOTO OF SHAIRA RUSTIA, FALL ‘25 SILVERFIELD GRADUATE

WHO WE ARE The Silverfield College of Education and Human Services is the destination for students driven to lead, serve and inspire. Here, learning goes beyond the classroom through hands-on experiences, applied research and meaningful community partnerships at the local, national and global levels. Silverfield College is a center of innovation across fields including education, technology, sports, disability services, counseling and American Sign Language interpreting. With supportive faculty, small class sizes and flexible learning options — including in-person, online and hybrid programs — we offer a personalized educational experience that meets students where they are. We proudly collaborate with community organizations, schools and donors to prepare the next generation of professionals dedicated to leadership, service and real-world solutions.

LETTER FROM THE DEAN DR. STEVE DITTMORE At the University of North Florida, we often talk about how high Ospreys soar. This year, the Silverfield College of Education and Human Services did just that, reaching new heights in student retention, research and community engagement. A prominent point of pride for Silverfield College is that 89.8% of our fall 2025 First Time in College students returned and enrolled in fall 2026. This achievement is a testament to the quality and high-touch educational experiences provided by our faculty, as well as the opportunities students have to engage in experiential learning as soon as they arrive on campus. In fact, 100% of our bachelor’s graduates complete an internship or practicum experience prior to graduation. Faculty research in Silverfield College continues to excel as our faculty published a record 21 Quartile 1 journal articles, a 40% increase from the previous year. Overall, our faculty published 70 refereed articles, helping advance knowledge and provide evidence-based solutions to challenges in education and human services. We continued to serve as a public good for Northeast Florida through robust community engagement programs, including the Seven Bridges Writing Project and our role as Sporting JAX’s Official Sport Innovation and Performance Partner. Collectively, our students contributed more than 150,000 hours through internships and service to the community, representing an estimated $5.2 million in economic impact. In addition, we launched Silverfield BOLD Partners, recognizing community organizations that provide valuable student learning opportunities and help prepare our graduates for successful careers. In the following pages, you’ll find highlights from a meaningful and memorable 2025-26 academic year. We welcomed the regional Florida Future Educators of America Regional Conference and Andrew A. Robinson Education Symposium. We hosted the inaugural Silverfield Coaching Symposium focused on developing the next generation of athletic leaders. And, we were the only Florida State University System institution to receive an A+ from the National Center for Teacher Quality for excellence in preparing future elementary educators to teach reading.

I hope you’ll explore the stories highlighted in this report. I am continually inspired by the people who make up the Silverfield College community — those who are advancing education, human development and community well-being through bold innovation, meaningful research and a deep commitment to service. You’ll also meet some of the generous individuals whose time and resources have helped shape Silverfield College and amplify our impact throughout Jacksonville and Northeast Florida. Together, we are truly making a difference across Northeast Florida. Thank you for supporting Silverfield College and the transformative power of education and human services. Warm regards,

Dr. Stephen Dittmore Dean, Silverfield College of Education and Human Services University of North Florida s.dittmore@unf.edu

SUCCESS AT A GLANCE

89.8%

FROM CLASSROOM TO CAREER. FIRST TIME IN COLLEGE RETENTION/APR FALL 2025 TO FALL 2026

100%

OF STUDENTS GUARANTEED INTERNSHIPS AND HANDS-ON EXPERIENCES

100+

SCHOLARSHIPS AWARDED

$60,475 TOP EMPLOYERS

CLASS OF 2025 AVERAGE SALARY

FROM THE LAST 5 YEARS

DUVAL COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS ST. JOHNS COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS CLAY COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS JACKSONVILLE ICEMEN JACKSONVILLE SHARKS JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS FLORIDA STATE COLLEGE AT JACKSONVILLE RIVER CITY SCIENCE ACADEMY MAYO CLINIC SPORTSMEDIA TECHNOLOGY

TOP TITLES

FROM THE LAST 5 YEARS TEACHER ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE/MANAGER PRINCIPAL AMERICAN SIGN LANGUAGE INTERPRETER

MAKING A BOLD IMPACT TOGETHER We celebrate our BOLD Partners as anchors of the Northeast Florida community, providing students with experiential learning opportunities that prepare them for successful careers.

To learn more about becoming a BOLD Partner, please contact Kayla Byrd at k.byrd@unf.edu.

PARTNER SCHOOLS Clay County Schools Clay High School Green Cove Springs Junior High Grove Park Elementary Lakeside Junior High School Orange Park High School Ridgeview Elementary Ridgeview High School S. Bryan Jennings Elementary W.E. Cherry Elementary

Duval County Schools Atlantic Coast High School Chimney Lakes Elementary Crown Point Elementary Neptune Beach Elementary Oak Hill Academy San Jose Elementary Sandalwood High School Southside Middle School Twin Lakes Academy Elementary Windy Hill Elementary

Duval County Charters Tiger Academy River City Science Academy campuses

St. Johns County Schools Alice B. Landrum Middle School Bartram Trail High School Freedom Crossing Academy Fruit Cove Middle School Liberty Pines Academy Osceola Elementary School Otis A. Mason Elementary Pacetti Bay Middle School Palm Valley Academy Patriot Oaks Academy St. Augustine High School Trout Creek Academy Valley Ridge Academy

EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING MIKAYLA WATERS (‘26) | DEAF EDUCATION AND ASL/DEAF STUDIES Mikayla Waters always knew she wanted to become a teacher. At UNF, that dream became a reality through immersive clinical experiences, faculty mentorship and undergraduate research. While earning her bachelor's degree in Deaf Education with a minor in ASL/Deaf Studies, Waters completed more than 500 hours of classroom practicum experiences in schools throughout Northeast Florida, culminating in a full-time internship at the Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind. These hands-on opportunities gave her the confidence and skills to create inclusive learning environments and prepare for a career serving deaf and hard-of-hearing students. Beyond the classroom, Waters partnered with Silverfield faculty on research exploring instructional strategies for Deaf-Disabled students. Her work was presented at campus, state and national conferences, and a faculty-led study abroad experience in Rome expanded her understanding of global approaches to deaf education.

Waters also served as a Silverfield College Ambassador, Learning Community Assistant and ASL Club board member, developing leadership skills while representing UNF and mentoring future Ospreys. "The clinical experiences in the deaf education program definitely helped me grow as an educator," Waters said. "I've learned so much professionally, and I would easily recommend it to others." Read the full feature in the UNF Newsroom.

EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING

THE PLAYERS CHAMPIONSHIP Our longstanding partnership with THE PLAYERS Championship and the PGA TOUR provides unparalleled, hands-on experience at one of the most prestigious events in sport, while also elevating the visibility and impact of our students. Students see firsthand how an empty space is transformed into a dynamic fan experience in a matter of weeks. Opportunities like this provide a level of immersion that can’t be replicated in the classroom.” Dr. Kristi Sweeney Chair of Leadership, Organization and Community Impact; Associate Professor of Sport Management Read the full feature in the UNF Newsroom.

SUPER BOWL LX For the third consecutive year, UNF Sport Management students gained premier experiential learning through participation in Super Bowl operations. During Super Bowl LX, a select group of students worked alongside sport industry professionals, assisting with fan services, media operations and post-game logistics at Levi's Stadium. This experience was nothing short of incredible. It gave me the opportunity to apply what I’ve learned in the classroom in a highpressure, real-world environment while developing my leadership skills.” Braxton Nenigar President of UNF Sport Management Club Read the full feature in the Newsroom.

HEAR FROM OUR ALUMNI “Through my fieldwork experiences at UNF, I grew as an educator. I worked alongside an incredible mentor teacher at Atlantic Coast High School, gaining valuable experience in behavior management and adapting instruction to meet the needs of all students. I later served as an Adaptive PE teacher and Special Olympics coach, which helped me refine my teaching style and build a stronger classroom presence that encourages all students to participate and succeed. I am now an adaptive PE teacher at Atlantic Coast High School, and seeing my students’ growth keeps me motivated every day.”

ALEX JACQMIN

M.A.T. in Exceptional Student Education (‘25) Jacksonville Teacher Residency (JTR)

“The HEA program at UNF helped me discover my passion for assessment and accreditation while equipping me with the tools to succeed as a higher education practitioner. It provided numerous opportunities for professional growth and national networking, including the honor of representing UNF at the 2022 National Education Finance Academy Conference to present my research. Thanks to my experience at UNF, I am now pursuing a PhD in Curriculum and Instruction with a concentration in Higher Education Administration at USF. I will always hold the UNF HEA family close to my heart.”

HALEY REINHEIMER M.S. in Higher Education Administration (‘21)

HEAR FROM OUR ALUMNI

MARTIN AFTUCK 2026 FLORIDA PRINCIPAL OF THE YEAR FINALIST

Martin Aftuck’s journey to becoming principal of Middleburg High School began when he visited friends at UNF and connected with the campus community. “I loved that UNF always felt smaller than it was,” he shared, noting how the close-knit environment helped him build lasting friendships and professional connections.

After just two semesters at UNF, Aftuck realized his calling in education and coaching. Through his internship experience, he discovered a passion for working with junior high students, which led him to his first teaching and head baseball coaching position at Lakeside Junior High. He later taught at Orange Park High School for 10 years before transitioning into administration as an assistant principal at a Clay County alternative school. Eventually becoming principal there, Aftuck saw firsthand “just how big of an impact a principal can truly have,” particularly while working with students seeking a second chance. Today, Aftuck is entering his seventh year as principal of Middleburg High School. Under his leadership, the school serves nearly 1,900 students and more than 160 staff members and has earned an A rating for four consecutive years. Middleburg offers a wide range of student opportunities, including the Cambridge program through St. Johns River State College and multiple Career and Technical Education pathways such as Design Build Academy, VyStar Academy, Agriculture Horticulture and Technology, Garber Automotive Academy and Computer Science Information Technology. The Bronco community also shines in athletics, with state championships in volleyball, softball and cheer, as well as a football team that has consistently qualified for the playoffs. Despite the demands of his role, Aftuck says the greatest reward is seeing student growth from freshman year to graduation, regardless of achievement level. Reflecting on his time at UNF, Aftuck emphasizes the importance of relationships and opportunity: “I loved the connections that I made with my classmates and the partnerships that UNF has with local school districts.” UNF’s Schoolhouse Flock series highlights local schools and the Ospreys who run them. Read the Schoolhouse Flock series here.

INNOVATIVE RESEARCH

$3.7 M + 12

CONTRACT AND GRANT EXPENDITURES

PARTNERSHIP, RESEARCH AND TRAINING GRANTS

FUNDED THROUGH US Department of Education, National Science Foundation, AmeriCorps, Florida Center for Students with Unique Abilities, City of Jacksonville Kids Hope Alliance, National Center for Teachers Residencies, Greater Texas Foundation and the City of Jacksonville

PUBLICATIONS IN QUARTILE 1 JOURNALS

PUBLISHED IN Journal of Mathematics Teacher Education, Learning and Instruction, Learning and Individual Differences, Journal for STEM Education Research, Education and Urban Society, Behavioral Sciences, Early Childhood Education Journal, School Science and Mathematics, Education Sciences

Reading Research Quarterly, Teachers and Teaching, Teachers College Record, International Journal of Sport Communication, Online Learning Journal, Quantitative Health Research, Community College Review and Journal of Diversity in HIgher Education

UNF RECEIVES $2.1M DEPT. OF EDUCATION GRANT TO STRENGTHEN CIVICS EDUCATION Silverfield received a three-year, $2.1 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education to launch the Cultivating Comprehensive Civics Education Professional Development Program (3C-EPD). The program will strengthen civics education in Northeast Florida through an innovative, inquiry-driven approach to teacher learning. Developed in partnership with Duval County Public Schools and the Lou Frey Institute of Politics and Government at the University of Central Florida, the 3C-EPD initiative will engage 90 in-service civics teachers working in primarily high-need schools in a year-long series of professional learning opportunities. The program is designed to deepen teachers’ content knowledge, strengthen pedagogical expertise and build confidence in guiding students through complex civic issues.

“Civics education is about more than memorizing dates and facts, it’s about helping students engage deeply with ideas, texts and issues that shape our democracy,” said Dr. Diane Yendol-Hoppey, professor in the Department of Teaching, Learning and Curriculum. “This grant allows us to support teachers in creating classroom spaces where inquiry, analysis and civic responsibility are at the forefront.”

INNOVATIVE RESEARCH The program emphasizes lesson design grounded in primary sources, including foundational texts such as the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. By approaching civics through inquiry and analysis, the program aims to increase student success on the Florida Civic Literacy Exam, strengthen reasoning skills and foster civic self-efficacy. Silverfield faculty Yendol-Hoppey, Eric Schoute and Daniel Dinsmore lead the project in combination with school partners. The UNF faculty bring expertise in instructional design, teacher learning and assessment to help ensure the program is both rigorous in design and scalable as a professional development model with implications for research, policy and practice. "I’m thrilled to partner with UNF and the Lou Frey Institute on this transformative investment in our teachers and students,” said Dr. April D. Slade, director of K–12 social studies for Duval County Public Schools. “By building a sustainable pipeline of expertly trained civics teachers, we will expand access to rigorous instruction, improve performance on key benchmarks and deepen students’ sense of civic responsibility across every neighborhood we serve.”

UNF faculty foster global partnerships and explore teacher education practices in the Netherlands Read Full Feature.

UNF and DCPS offer professional learning for elementary teachers working with students with disabilities Read Full Feature.

By combining expertise across institutions and focusing on inquiry-based teacher learning, the 3C-EPD Program seeks to expand the possibilities of civics education and prepare students to engage thoughtfully in democratic life.

Project Spiders honored with Exemplary Rural Special Education Program Award at ACRES Conference Read Full Feature. 15

INNOVATIVE RESEARCH

UNF DOCTORAL STUDENT BUILDS MENTORSHIP PIPELINE FOR NEXT GENERATION OF SCHOOL LEADERS Throughout her career, Jennifer Collins has had people in her corner. Mentors who guided her through her first years as a teacher, supported her transition into school leadership and helped her grow into the principal she became. That experience stayed with her and eventually shaped the work she does today. Now, as supervisor of School Improvement and Leadership Development for Clay County District Schools, Collins has made it her mission to ensure early-career educators and administrators have the same support she once relied on. She has built a mentorship program that pairs new assistant principals and principals with experienced administrators, giving emerging leaders the guidance and professional backing to find their footing. And as a doctoral student at UNF, she is turning that work into research, studying mentorship structures for novice school leaders and what makes them effective. I have had so many mentors who helped and supported me. It is my hope that I can do the same for aspiring and current leaders," Collins said. Growing up in Longwood, Florida, Collins was inspired by her mother, a teacher, and knew she wanted to make a difference in children's lives. She earned bachelor's and master's degrees in elementary education through the University of Florida's PROTEACH program before teaching third and fourth grade for five years. Wanting to expand her impact, Collins completed a master's degree in Educational Leadership at UNF while teaching. "According to research, second to teachers, principals have the largest effect on student achievement," she said. "I wanted to impact students, teachers, families and an entire community." After 13 years as a principal in Duval and Clay counties — including being named Clay County's Principal of the Year in 2021–22 — Collins moved into her district leadership role. “Now I get to work with school administrators and support them in their efforts, “ she said. “That reach extends to all stakeholders in Clay County.” She began her doctoral program the same semester her oldest daughter started as a freshman at UNF. They often meet for meals before class, navigating college together. Looking ahead, Collins hopes to teach educational leadership at the collegiate level bringing her years of classroom and district experience to the next generation of school administrators.

EXPERT FACULTY Dr. Rakesh Maurya explores how counselors can strengthen their practice while preserving the human connection at the heart of counseling. His research examines empathy and compassion, including how counselors can remain deeply present with clients without experiencing emotional exhaustion or burnout. He also investigates the ethical use of artificial intelligence in counseling and counselor education, exploring how emerging technologies can support training and expand access while maintaining human judgment, cultural awareness and professional responsibility.

DR. RAKESH MAURYA Associate Professor | Leadership, Organization and Community Impact View Faculty Bio | Read Full Feature

As a teacher educator and educational psychologist, Dr. Raven Robinson-Wilson explores how educators’ beliefs, motivation and professional identities shape high-quality teaching and student success. Her research brings teacher education and educational psychology into closer conversation, with a particular focus on equity, teacher-student relationships, STEM education and meaningful professional learning. Through her scholarship, teaching and collaboration, she works to better understand and support educators as they learn, reflect and grow throughout their careers.

DR. RAVEN ROBINSON-WILSON Assistant Professor | Teaching, Learning and Curriculum View Faculty Bio | Read Full Feature

CENTERS, PROGRAMS AND LABS NORTHEAST FLORIDA CENTER FOR SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY ENGINEERING AND MATH EDUCATION (NEFSTEM) NEFSTEM empowers educators, students, families and community partners by expanding access to innovative STEM learning opportunities throughout Northeast Florida. Through the UNF STEP Lab and community outreach initiatives, more than 2,000 parents, students and teachers participated in hands-on STEM experiences, including field trips, educator professional development, career-connected learning and community programming. The UNF STEP Lab continues to serve as a hub for experiential STEM learning, educational innovation and collaborative research. In addition to hosting field trips, tours and demonstration lessons, the lab supports university research and grant initiatives that strengthen STEM education across the region. This year also marked the fifth summer of Ozzie's Playful Computing Camp, where 40 campers explored coding, robotics, computational thinking and creative problemsolving. Community support also made it possible to provide two full scholarships for aspiring young STEM learners.

2,000+ PARTICIPANTS

PARENTS, STUDENTS AND TEACHERS ENGAGED IN STEM LEARNING

45+

K-12 FIELD TRIPS WITH SCHOOLS ACROSS NORTHEAST FLORIDA

CAMPERS

ATTENDED OZZIE’S PLAYFUL COMPUTING SUMMER CAMP

STEP LAB TOURS

FOR EDUCATORS, FAMILIES, UNIVERSITY PARTNERS AND COMMUNITY STAKEHOLDERS

FULL SCHOLARSHIPS PROVIDED FOR DESERVING STEM LEARNERS

SEVEN BRIDGES WRITING PROJECT The Seven Bridges Writing Project (SBWP), the Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia regional site of the National Writing Project, connects K–12 educators to strengthen and transform writing instruction, increase student engagement with writing and nurture teachers as writers. SPWP is co-directed by Dr. Elizabeth Hale (Silverfield), Dr. Kadesh Lauridsen and Dr. Ash Faulkner (UNF College of Arts and Sciences). The project is a collaborative partnership between Silverfield and the UNF Writing Center.

THE SEVEN BRIDGES SUMMER INSTITUTE The Seven Bridges Summer Institute is a three-day professional development experience for K–12 teachers and district leaders held at the UNF. Rooted in the National Writing Project's "teachers teaching teachers" model, the Institute provides practical, classroom-ready strategies for teaching writing across all content areas. Sessions are led by UNF faculty and practicing educators whose proposals are selected for presentation.

WRITING AS RENEWAL This year marked the Institute's sixth annual gathering, welcoming 38 educators from public, charter and private schools across Duval and St. Johns counties. The 2026 theme, Writing as Renewal, explored the ways writing can inspire reflection, creativity and growth for both educators and students.

2026 IMPACT AT A GLANCE

38 6 TH

EDUCATORS PARTICPATED

ANNUAL SUMMER INSTITUTE

REPRESENTING PUBLIC, CHARTER AND PRIVATE SCHOOLS PARTICIPANTS FROM DUVAL AND ST. JOHNS COUNTIES

3-DAY

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT INSTITUTE HOSTED AT UNF

Seven UNF faculty members presented sessions during this year's Institute, sharing their expertise and classroom-ready approaches to writing instruction with participating educators. The opening keynote address was delivered by Dr. Tru Leverette Halle, Professor and Chair of the Department of English and author of The Mindful Classroom. The closing keynote was presented by Dr. Nile Stanley, Associate Professor of Literacy and an accomplished poet and performer.

SPORT DATA ANALYTICS LAB The Sport Data Analytics Lab (S.D.A. Lab), housed in Silverfield College, is a unique hub for sport-focused data analytics. Through collaborations with sport organizations locally and globally, the Lab delivers expert insights and innovative solutions that enhance performance and decision-making across the industry.

2025-26 HIGHLIGHTS Launched the Student Analytics Team with UNF Baseball and Softball, providing students with hands-on experience in performance analysis, data collection and applied sport analytics while supporting UNF Athletics. Mentored three undergraduate students whose research was selected for oral presentation at the Society for American Baseball Research (SABR) Conference. Two students earned U-RSCA Training Grants and all three received competitive conference funding. Established an international partnership with the Chosun University Sports Science Lab (South Korea) to advance collaborative research, student exchanges and sport education initiatives. Began planning for a proposed $300,000–$500,000 annual international partnership supporting youth golf development, career pathways, English language education and U.S. college preparation. Developed an applied Sports Science Platform, now being used in collaboration with Sporting JAX. Prepared students for careers in sport through experiential learning, with graduates securing positions at Learfield Amplify, FIFA World Cup 2026 and Eastern University.

CENTERS, PROGRAMS AND LABS

SPORT IMPACT JAX

Sport IMPACT JAX (SI JAX) is a collaborative, cross-disciplinary research initiative that amplifies the power of sport by connecting organizations and communities with research-driven insights. We combine the nationally recognized survey methodology expertise of UNF's Public Opinion Research Lab (PORL) with the sport industry expertise of UNF Sport Management faculty to conduct high-quality public opinion polling, fan and consumer research, community impact studies and applied sport research.

Advancing Women’s Sport - On and Off the Pitch Expanding our efforts as Sporting JAX’s Official Sport Innovation and Performance Partner, UNF is helping advance the future of women’s sport through applied analytics, research and experiential learning. SI JAX findings revealed broad community enthusiasm for women’s professional sports and provided the team with actionable insights into fan engagement, attendance and opportunities in the growing market for women’s sport in NE Florida. Although the research coincided with the arrival of Sporting JAX, its significance extends across Jacksonville’s growing women’s sport landscape, including the launch of the UPSHOT League and the city’s first professional women’s basketball franchise - the Jacksonville Waves. Together, these developments position Jacksonville as an emerging market for women’s professional sport and UNF as a leader in the research and innovation supporting its growth.

Florida Sports Betting: The Public Divide SI JAX’s statewide findings revealed that sports betting can increase fan engagement while raising concerns about competitive integrity and public trust, with many Floridians favoring greater limits over expansion. Coverage by Florida Politics, the Tallahassee Democrat and the Ponte Vedra Recorder strengthened UNF’s visibility as a trusted source for evidence-based sport research.

FLORIDA SPORTS BETTING: THE PUBLIC DIVIDE Source: UNF Public Opinnion Lab & Sport IMPACT JAX | 823 registered voters | Spring 2026

PARTICIPATION

POLICY

INTEGRITY

of Florida voters have placed a sports bet online

say the state should restrict or limit online sports betting

sometimes question whether player or referee decisions are influenced by gambling interests

24%

46%

82%

ADVANCING WOMEN’S SPORT IN JACKSONVILLE Source: UNF Public Opinnion Lab & Sport IMPACT JAX | 742 registered Duval County voters | Summer 2025

ENTHUSIASM

ATTENDANCE

62%

87%

are enthusiastic about women’s professional sports in Jacksonville

of 18-24 year olds say they are likely to attend

of women say women’s pro sports deserve comparable resources

58%

Visit Sport IMPACT Jax to learn more.

EQUITY

STUDENT ACCESSIBILITY CENTER

CENTERS, PROGRAMS AND LABS

The Student Accessibility Center (SAC) empowers all UNF students with documented disabilities to achieve academic success by providing individualized accommodations and comprehensive support services. Through services such as sign language interpreters, note takers, readers, exam proctoring, scribes and assistive technology, the SAC removes barriers to learning and ensures students have the resources they need to succeed.

MAKING AN IMPACT ACCESS Academy is a research-based learning program designed to strengthen students' academic and self-advocacy skills through targeted BOOST sessions. Participants develop strategies in: Writing and note-taking Test preparation and memory techniques Study skills and time management Self-advocacy Career readiness, including resume development, interviewing and ADA workplace accommodations In 2025–26, 79 ACCESS Academy participants reported a 97% positive perception of the program. Students who completed two or more ACCESS Academy courses achieved an overall GPA of 3.37 at the end of the Spring 2026 semester.

SCHOLARSHIP SUPPORT

SAC IN NUMBERS

Scholarship funding continues to remove financial barriers and support student success.

1,443

540

Johnson Foundation Scholarship

STUDENTS SERVED

NEW REGISTRATIONS

4,015

$42,462

$38,962 in scholarship funding awarded UNF Student Government Scholarship $1,500 awarded to one student Linda Carter Slade Scholarship $2,000 awarded to one student

EXAMS ADMINISTERED

SCHOLARSHIPS AWARDED

3.37

97%

ACCESS Academy GPA

POSITIVE PROGRAM RATING

LEADERSHIP MINOR RANKED

#1 MOST POPULAR MINOR ON CAMPUS

1,000+

STUDENTS

ENROLLED IN LEADERSHIP COURSES

4,000+ LEADERSHIP MODULES COMPLETED CAMPUS WIDE

485+ BADGES

AWARDED THROUGH COVEY LEADERU

450+ EVENT PARTICIPANTS

LEADERSHIP SUMMIT, TAYLOR TALKS AND MENTOR MIXER

SCHOLARLY CONTRIBUTIONS

3 CONFERENCE PRESENTATIONS AND 1 JOURNAL PUBLICATION

TAYLOR LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE (TLI) The Taylor Leadership Institute facilitates both curricular and co-curricular leadership education and student leadership development by offering an indepth study from a theoretical perspective, balanced with practical experiences, contributing to students’ personal, academic and professional success.

2025-26 HIGHLIGHTS Expanded experiential learning through the RitzCarlton Leadership Program, providing students with immersive leadership training, mentorship and behind-the-scenes experiences at The RitzCarlton, Amelia Island. Presented TLI research at three national/international conferences and published a peer-reviewed article in the Journal of Experiential Education. Strengthened community partnerships through service with Ronald McDonald House, Youth Crisis Center, Episcopal Children’s Services and the 904 Day of Service. Supported the inaugural Tristyn Bailey Leadership Day, engaging 90+ local students in leadership development.

THRIVE has helped me find direction, build confidence and become more independent while encouraging me to be my authentic self. Most importantly, THRIVE gave me opportunities I never imagined possible — from earning my Fine Arts degree to selling my art at conferences, seeing my designs on THRIVE T-shirts, and hosting my own Autism Awareness art show. The support of Tara, Amber and everyone at THRIVE has been life-changing. They are more than peers — they are friends, inspirations and family. I am deeply grateful for everything THRIVE has made possible. Thank you, THRIVE, for everything." Julian Hooks, THRIVE Student

CENTERS, PROGRAMS AND LABS

THRIVE

UNF’s award-winning THRIVE program (Transition to Healthiness, Resourcefulness, Independence, Vocation, and Education) supports degree-seeking students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) through skill-building in social interaction, independence, career readiness and executive functioning.

EXPANDING OPPORTUNITIES The THRIVE Program received a $200,000 Johnson Scholarship Foundation grant to support mentoring, programming and student success over the next four years.

BUILDING CONNECTIONS THRIVE students and staff represented UNF at the HDS Foundation's Bowl for a Cause, connecting with high school students, community members and prospective THRIVE students. The program also continued its monthly community trivia nights at Al's Pizza, featuring a special guest appearance by NFL player Tyson Campbell.

INVESTING IN STUDENT SUCCESS THRIVE earned renewal of its College Reading and Learning Association (CRLA) Certified Peer Mentor designation, reaffirming the program's commitment to high-quality peer mentoring. The program also established the Joy Korman THRIVE Endowed Scholarship — the first endowed scholarship of its kind at UNF. Created in honor of community philanthropist and longtime UNF supporter Joy Korman, the scholarship celebrates her commitment to education and provides lasting support for THRIVE students with individual needs.

THRIVE IN NUMBERS

110

TOTAL STUDENTS ENGAGED

LIVED IN THRIVE LIVING-LEARNING COMMUNITIES

STUDENTS RECEIVED FULL THRIVE SERVICES

PEER MENTORS FUNDED BY PRIVATE DONATIONS

450+

50+

ENGAGEMENT IN SOCIAL ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS

LIFE SKILLS TRAINING

750+

3,100+

Hours

GUIDED THRIVE STUDY SESSIONS

ONE-ON-ONE MENTORING

Hours

THE CIRCLE COMMUNITY FOR INNOVATION, RESEARCH, COLLABORATION, LEARNING AND ENGAGEMENT The CIRCLE fosters an inclusive campus community by creating meaningful opportunities for students with and without disabilities to learn, lead, collaborate and thrive together. Through innovative programming, interdisciplinary partnerships and community engagement, The CIRCLE promotes belonging while preparing future professionals to create more inclusive schools, workplaces and communities. Our work supports students in the USOAR, THRIVE, The Arc Jacksonville’s On Campus Transition (OCT) and Project Search programs while engaging the broader UNF community in disability awareness, advocacy and inclusive excellence, aligning with the University’s commitment to student success and community engagement.

2025-26 HIGHLIGHTS EXPANDED CROSS PROGRAM COLLABORATION

between students in various programs through social, educational and leadership opportunities.

ESTABLISHED THE CIRCLE ADVISORY BOARD

bringing together students from Silverfield, Hicks Honors College and the College of Computing to guide programming and strengthen campus partnerships.

ENGAGED COMMUNITY PARTNERS

including Lissie Hurst of Bitty and Beau’s Coffee, to share the best practices for inclusive hiring, business models and community engagement.

HOSTED INCLUSIVE CAMPUS EVENTS

focused on community building, leadership development, disability awareness and student belonging.

CONTINUED COLLABORATION

with faculty, staff and community organizations to expand experiential learning opportunities and strengthen pathways to employment and independent living for students with disabilities.

UNF PRESCHOOL

CENTERS, PROGRAMS AND LABS

CURIOSITY, PROJECT WORK AND CREATIVITY Children’s thinking and creativity were celebrated in public spaces, including MOCA Jacksonville and the Jacksonville Main Library. Under the guidance of our atelierista, Sarah Crooks, Little Learners, Big Ideas opened at MOCA Jacksonville in mid-April, in conjunction with MOCA Family Day. More than 250 visitors experienced the extensive exhibition of 2D and 3D artwork created by our preschoolers. The Early Learning Coalition of Duval’s annual ELC VPK Art Showcase featured artwork by many of our VPK students and was displayed for two months at the Jacksonville Main Library.

LEARNING ACROSS CAMPUS VPK students completed a year-long garden investigation in partnership with UNF horticulturalist Rhonda Gracie, exploring plant life, environmental stewardship and scientific inquiry. Led by Maria Beattie, the VPK children engaged in a long-term service-learning project with Lend-A-Wing Pantry. Through collecting, organizing and donating food and essential items, children developed empathy and civic responsibility while supporting the UNF community.

PROFESSIONAL EXCELLENCE Preschool faculty continued to share their expertise at state and national conferences, including NAEYC and FLAEYC. Led by Dr. Gigi David, several preschool educators participated in professional learning abroad at a conference held at the Loris Malaguzzi International Training Center in Reggio Emilia, Italy.

ENGAGING FAMILIES AND COMMUNITY More than 20 UNF departments partnered to create an interactive campus-wide Trunk or Treat experience for preschool families. Families explored science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics together during the annual Family STEAM Day, featuring hands-on investigations and a special visit to UNF's STEP Lab. The preschool welcomed a UNF USoar intern, providing an inclusive, hands-on learning experience that supported the intern's professional growth while enriching the classroom community.

UNITE COLLABORATIVE INTELLIGENCE LAB The UNITE Collaborative Intelligence Lab brings together students, faculty and community partners to explore how artificial intelligence can enhance learning, workforce readiness and societal impact. Guided by a students-as-partners framework, the Lab transforms ideas into practical solutions through research, design thinking and real-world collaboration.

EXPANDING PARTNERSHIPS UNITE continued to grow its network of collaborators in 2025–2026 by welcoming Raia Labs (UF Innovate) as its newest partner. The Lab also strengthened existing partnerships with VyStar, The Florida Foundation of Correctional Excellence, UNF Professional and Lifelong Learning and the University of Warwick Centre for Belonging in Education. Together, these partnerships create new opportunities for research, workforce development and student engagement.

STUDENTS-AS-PARTNERS INNOVATION The Lab hosted the second annual AI + Design Thinking Innovation Challenge, where interdisciplinary student teams tackled a real-world challenge alongside community and industry leaders. UNITE also developed the AI Policy for Nonprofits Certificate, launching in August 2026 through UNF Professional and Lifelong Learning to expand access to practical AI education. Student engagement remained strong through the Design Thinking for Good student organization, the Design Thinking Badge and the University Innovation Fellows program, contributing to a 40% increase in enrollment in the Master of Science in Instructional Technology, Training and Development program for Fall 2026.

RESEARCH LEADERSHIP UNITE expanded its research impact through Dr. Suzanne Ehrlich's selection to Elon University's Generative AI in Higher Education research cohort. Looking ahead, the Lab will continue sharing ideas through the launch of the Between Two Prompts podcast and the third annual AI + Design Thinking Innovation Challenge in Spring 2027.

CENTERS, PROGRAMS AND LABS

USOAR A YEAR OF GROWTH, OPPORTUNITY AND BELONGING

UNF’s USoar Program is an inclusive postsecondary initiative designed for students with intellectual disabilities. The program empowers students to fully engage in college life while developing the skills and confidence needed for meaningful employment and independent living.

A YEAR IN REVIEW USoar continued to create meaningful opportunities for students to learn, connect and contribute to the community. During the 2025-26 academic year, 15 students participated in the program, with every student

100% 8

completing at least one form of experiential learning.

STUDENTS ENROLLED COMPLETED EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING

COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS

COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS SPECIAL OLYMPICS FLORIDA

NAbleTek

UNF GROUNDSKEEPING

UNF PRESCHOOL

SPORTING JAX

NURISH to FLOURISH

UNF MEN’S BASKETBALL

UNF STEP LAB

STUDENT VOICES

WHY USOAR? IN THEIR OWN WORDS.

ARMANI FINDLEY

TREVOR OGLESBY

COHORT 1 (2024) - LIBRARY SCIENCE

COHORT 2 (2025) - BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION

“I chose USoar because it is a program that allows me to have an opportunity to find a job. I enjoy the internships because they help me find a match for my career.”

“I chose USoar to make friends and to get the career that I wanted. I enjoy the program because I have the ability to use my skills and learn new ones.”

COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT AND ECONOMIC IMPACT 309 teacher candidates completed 108,826 hours of service, generating an estimated economic impact of $3.59 million 239 sport management students completed 45,030 practicum and internship hours, generating an estimated economic impact of $1.57 million 30

$5.2M+ TOTAL ESTIMATED ECONOMIC IMPACT

*Based on the number of hours Silverfield students spend in the community

UNF AND RIVER CITY SCIENCE ACADEMY PARTNER TO STRENGTHEN LITERACY INSTRUCTION Silverfield College of Education and Human Services partnered with River City Science Academy (RCSA) to develop a customized graduate certificate program designed to strengthen literacy instruction across RCSA’s five elementary and middle school campuses. Created in collaboration with RCSA leaders and literacy coaches, the program equips educators with research-based, classroom-ready strategies that can be immediately applied to improve student learning. Through a cohort model, teachers completed the certificate together while implementing new instructional practices in their classrooms and strengthening collaboration across campuses. The partnership reflects a shared commitment to supporting teacher growth and improving literacy outcomes for students.

"Partnerships like this create a two-way relationship. Universities bring research-based knowledge, while schools provide real-world context. Together, we can design learning experiences that are relevant, practical and sustainable,” said Dr. Diane Yendol-Hoppey, UNF professor. Read the full feature in the UNF Newsroom.

Silverfield College of Education and Human Services: Annual Report 2025-26