ANNUAL 2024 - 2025 REPORT
WHO WE ARE
The Silverfield College of Education and Human Services (SCOEHS) 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.
SCOEHS 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
As I reflect on my first year as Dean of the Silverfield College of Education and Human Services, I am filled with pride and gratitude for the collaborative community of faculty, staff, students, alumni and professionals who support our mission. Together, we continue to lead the First Coast in preparing future educators, counselors, interpreters and leaders. Our collective contributions to the local community guide and inspire the decisions we make every day.
In the following pages, you’ll find highlights from a meaningful and memorable year. Among the most exciting moments was the transformative and generous gift from Gary and Laine (‘76) Silverfield, which led to the naming of our college. We are now one of only two public universities in Florida with a named College of Education. This extraordinary gift affirms the outstanding teaching, research and service taking place within our college, and I am deeply grateful that the Silverfields believe in our mission to make a difference in the lives of others.
Our students thrive through experiential learning, which generated an estimated $2 million in regional economic impact last year. Alumni and recent graduates regularly share how their educational experiences opened doors to meaningful internships and fulfilling careers.
You will also read about the innovative and impactful research being conducted by our faculty. In 2024–25, the Silverfield College led all UNF colleges with more than $3.8 million in contract and grant expenditures. Our numerous partnership, research and training grants create real-world opportunities for students to address workforce needs and strengthen the broader community.
Our faculty, recognized for their expertise and commitment to student success, continue to shine. A record number of our faculty and students had research accepted for presentation at the world’s largest educational research conference. Their accomplishments contributed to our 10-point rise in the U.S. News & World Report rankings, moving us to 138th nationally among Best Education Schools.
One especially meaningful initiative you’ll learn about is USoar, our inclusive, grant-funded postsecondary program for individuals with intellectual differences. This program empowers students to engage fully in college life while developing the skills and confidence needed for independent living and future employment.
You’ll also see how our work spans the full spectrum of human development — from Pre-K students exploring art through the UNF Preschool, to K–12 students benefitting from hands-on STEM experiences in our Solve, Tinker, Explore, Play (STEP) Lab. Many of our UNF students expand their leadership skills and serve as mentors through the Taylor Leadership Institute, earning a Leadership minor in the process.
Lastly, you’ll meet some of the generous individuals whose time and resources have helped shape the Silverfield College and amplify our impact throughout the Jacksonville area.
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. Together, we are truly making a difference across Northeast Florida.
Thank you for supporting the 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
NEWNAME.BOLDBEGINNINGS.
MEET THE SILVERFIELDS
For Gary and Laine Silverfield, philanthropy at UNF means paving the way for exceptional leaders in classrooms across the Jacksonville area. With a giving history spanning over 20 years, their dedication to excellence has strengthened UNF’s commitment to preparing educators. Their resolve to bettering the lives of others through the power of education makes naming the Silverfield College of Education and Human Services (SCOEHS) a worthy distinction to hold among the University’s greatest benefactors.
Along with naming SCOEHS, the Silverfields have enacted transformational change that ripples across the College with their latest gift to UNF. Athletics and special education play pivotal roles in their giving, as they’ve generously contributed to establishing two new endowed professorships in both sport management and coaching education — the first of its kind at UNF — as well as special education. These new roles will embrace outstanding achievement in order to attract and retain quality educators in their respective fields.
Along with these professorships, the Silverfields have established the Silverfield Family Coaching Education Fund to cover the costs of coaches’ certifications while providing necessary funding for the upcoming Silverfield Family Athletic Symposium. Meanwhile, they have funded a coordinator position for The CIRCLE, an on-campus community that integrates programs such as THRIVE, USOAR and The Arc Jacksonville’s On Campus Transition Program to support students with intellectual and developmental differences. Their support extends to the Silverfield Special Education Fund and Endowed Excellence Fund, which fuel new initiatives, events and student opportunities across SCOEHS.
Laine’s Osprey Pride runs deep — she earned her master’s in special education from UNF in 1976. Both she and Gary received scholarships during college, with Laine’s tuition covered by a benefactor, allowing her to work as a social worker while attending night classes.
In 2004, they established the Gary and Laine Silverfield Endowed Scholarship to support students in the College of Education and Human Services. In 2009, they expanded their giving with the Laine S. Silverfield Special Education Endowed Scholarship Fund for juniors and seniors majoring in exceptional student and deaf education.
The Silverfields’ impact on SCOEHS is profound. The College has awarded over 22,000 bachelor’s degrees, with 77% of graduates working in Northeast Florida as teachers, counselors or coaches. Inspired by their friend, the late Jacksonville business leader Luther Coggin, the Silverfields hope their gift will empower more educators to shape young minds in Jacksonville and beyond.
SUCCESS AT A GLANCE
BRIGHT SKYLINES. BRIGHTER FUTURES.
100+
FIRST TIME IN COLLEGE RETENTION/APR FALL 2024 TO SPRING 2025
SCHOLARSHIPS AWARDED
100% OF STUDENTS
GUARANTEED INTERNSHIPS AND HANDS-ON EXPERIENCES (beginning with Fall 2025 class)
$57,844
CLASS OF 2024 AVERAGE SALARY
TOP EMPLOYERS
FROM THE LAST 10 YEARS
DUVAL COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
CLAY COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
ST JOHNS COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
JACKSONVILLE ICEMEN
FANATICS
JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS
SMT
TOP TITLES
FROM THE LAST 10 YEARS
TEACHER
PRINCIPAL
SCHOOL COUNSELOR
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE/MANAGER
SIGN LANGUAGE INTERPRETER
These internships and experiences provided me with valuable connections and skills that many don’t gain until after college. I’ve been able to show what I can do and build a strong foundation for future success.
Molly Springer (‘25)
EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING
MOLLY SPRINGER (‘25) | SPORT MANAGEMENT
Sport Management senior Molly Springer turned classroom learning into realworld impact through standout internships, leadership roles and high-profile projects — leaving a lasting impact on both UNF and the broader sport industry.
Molly’s Experiential Highlights:
President, UNF Sport Management Club
Two-Time Super Bowl Intern, 2024 and 2025
Communications/Marketing Intern, Sporting JAX
Intern, Jacksonville Icemen (ECHL Hockey)
Organizer and Host, Sport Industry Professionals Panel and Networking Event Team Manager, UNF Men’s Soccer
Outstanding Undergraduate Sport Management Student Recipient Sport Management Leadership Award Recipient Molly’s Awards:
Read the full feature in the UNF Newsroom.
CAITLYN ROY (‘25)
Early Childhood Education (B.A.)
“UNF has truly shaped me into the person and educator I am today. It’s taught me how to be independent, how to advocate for myself and how to be the teacher I’ve always wanted to be.”
Next Chapter: Kindergarten teacher at Alimicani Elementary School; Master’s in Early Childhood Education at UNF Internship School Site: Merrill Road Elementary
GREGORY GRANT EDUCATIONAL
LEADERSHIP, ED.D.
Gregory Grant is driving transformative change in Jacksonville’s economic landscape. As the city’s Jacksonville Small and Emerging Business (JSEB) administrator and a standout student in UNF’s Doctor of Education program, Grant recently led the launch of the city’s first Entrepreneurship and Workforce Development Center, an initiative aimed at expanding economic opportunity and empowering small businesses citywide.
Read the full feature in the UNF Newsroom.
UNF’s Ed.D. program offered the intellectual rigor and leadership focus I needed to advance entrepreneurship education across educational systems, public institutions and international platforms — perfect for my work at the crossroads of government and education.
HEAR FROM OUR ALUMNI
ALEX STOETZER, DIR. OF HOUSING AT FLORIDA POLYTECHNIC, DISCUSSES THE VALUE OF AN M.S. IN HIGHER EDUCATION ADMINISTRATION
Earning his M.S. in Higher Education Administration from SCOEHS in May 2019 was a pivotal step in Alex Stoetzer’s journey to becoming a housing director.
Now serving as Director of Housing and Residential Life at Florida Polytechnic University, he credits UNF’s practitioner-focused program with giving him the tools to succeed.
“The finance courses were invaluable,” he shares. “They gave me a practical framework for understanding university budgets — something I use every day.” His role as an Assistant Residence Life Coordinator at UNF cemented his passion for student development and launched his career in residential life.
Faculty mentorship also played a key role, especially from Dr. Luke Cornelius. “Dr. C recognized a strength in facilities and finance I hadn’t seen in myself. His guidance led me to a path I truly love and he remains a mentor I continue to turn to.”
Stoetzer encourages current and future Ospreys to take full advantage of the UNF experience.
“UNF is a special place. The smaller classes, supportive faculty and campus opportunities will change your life if you let them. Stay connected, get involved and give back to the community that helped you succeed.”
“UNF helped me discover my passion for Deaf education and find my purpose. Now I strive every day to help my students find theirs.”
Wes Homewood (‘19) | Deaf Education (B.A.)
Notable Achievement: 2024-2025 Teacher of the Year, Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind
SCHOOLHOUSE FLOCK: MELISSA LIME
Melissa Lime’s journey to school leadership began with an unexpected spark. After earning her degree in political science from UNF, she took a substitute teaching job and quickly realized she was meant to be in the classroom. “Working with students and seeing the impact a teacher can have inspired me to pursue my Florida teaching certification,” she shared. Drawn by the support of faculty and flexible evening classes, Lime returned to UNF for her master’s in elementary education a decision that would shape the next 20 years of her life.
Today, Melissa Lime is the proud principal of Freedom Crossing Academy (FCA) in St. Johns County, where she leads nearly 2,000 students and 200 staff members. Her career has taken her from teacher to coach, curriculum leader and assistant principal each role adding perspective and purpose. Under her guidance, FCA has earned multiple state and national recognitions and launched programs that uplift student voice and wellness.
With 19 fellow Ospreys on staff, Lime says, “It’s incredibly rewarding to create a shared vision and watch our team come together to support it.”
UNF’s Schoolhouse Flock series highlights local schools and the Ospreys who run them. Read the Schoolhouse Flock series here.
“I chose UNF for its strong reputation and specialized ESE program — not just to pass an exam, but to gain the skills to truly support and inspire my future students.“
Terra Dowdell (‘25) | ESE (M.A.T.)
Next Chapter: Becoming an ESE Facilitator or Instructional Coach
INNOVATIVE RESEARCH
$3.8 M +
CONTRACT AND GRANT EXPENDITURES
PARTNERSHIP, RESEARCH AND TRAINING GRANTS
(Funding through: Department of Education, National Science Foundation, Office of Naval Research, AmeriCorps, Florida Center for Students with Unique Abilities, City of Jacksonville)
(Published in: Journal of Hospitality, Leisure, Sport and Tourism Education; Journal of Research in Science Teaching; Reading Research Quarterly; Research in Higher Education; Sport Marketing Quarterly; Teachers College Record; Teaching and Teacher Education; The Review of Higher Education)
EXPERT FACULTY
A former top graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy and veteran STEM educator, Dr. Terrie Galanti brings decades of leadership, service and research to UNF. Her current research explores how teachers develop the skills and confidence to lead creative and innovative STEM instruction. She is especially focused on the role of computational thinking, early algebra experiences and emerging technologies like AI in transforming K-12 math classrooms and improving student persistence in STEM.
DR. TERRIE GALANTI
Associate Professor | Teaching, Learning and Curriculum
Dr. Kim’s research explores how fans and sport employees engage in today’s digital world. His work blends psychology, technology and organizational strategy, examining topics from AI-powered fan experiences and livestream viewer well-being to innovation culture in sport workplaces. Through the UNF Sport Data Analytics Lab, Dr. Kim’s scholarship brings actionable insight to real-world challenges in the sport industry.
DR. HAN SOO KIM
Assistant Professor | Leadership, Organization and Community Impact
ENDOWED PROFESSORS
2025-2026
DR. DIANE YENDOL-HOPPEY
Dr. Bill Herold Endowed Professorship
View Faculty Bio
DR. MATT OHLSON
Warren and Augusta Hume Foundation Endowed Professor in Leadership
View Faculty Bio
DR. LYLE MCKINNEY
Andrew A. Robinson Eminent Scholar Chair in Educational Policy and Economic Development
View Faculty Bio
DR. CAROLINE GUARDINO
Laine S. Silverfield Endowed Professorship in Special Education
View Faculty Bio
DR. ELIZABETH GREGG
Silverfield Family Endowed Professorship in Sport Management and Coaching Education, Professional Develoment and Research
View Faculty Bio
CENTERS, PROGRAMS AND LABS
NORTHEAST FLORIDA CENTER FOR SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY ENGINEERING AND MATH EDUCATION (NEFSTEM)
NEFSTEM empowers educators, students and communities by enhancing STEM teaching, fostering research-based innovation and expanding access to STEM careers, all with the goal of positioning Northeast Florida as a leader in science and technology.
UNF INSTEP TEAM LAUNCHES INNOVATIVE RENEWABLE ENERGY FIELD TRIP
UNF’s inSTEP team launched a multi-step, renewable energy-focused experiential learning program that deepened student understanding by engaging them in hands-on, real-world STEM exploration. This approach also provided embedded professional development for teachers through the integration of science, literacy and practical application.
Read the full feature in the Silverfield Newsroom.
ATTENDED OZZIE’S PLAYFUL COMPUTING SUMMER CAMP STEP LAB TOURS 21
6 ON STEM TEACHING AND BEST PRACTICES
DEMONSTRATION LESSONS
FROM DATA. PEAK PERFORMANCE.
SPORT DATA ANALYTICS LAB
The Sport Data Analytics Lab (S.D.A. Lab), housed in UNF’s Silverfield College of Education and Human Services, 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 decisionmaking across the industry.
EXECUTIVE IN RESIDENCE
UNF’s Executive in Residence (EIR) Program connects students with accomplished industry professionals who bring real-world experience directly into the classroom. Through teaching, one-on-one mentorship, applied research support and career guidance, these executives bridge the gap between academic learning and professional practice — enhancing the educational experience for both students and faculty.
SENIOR EXECUTIVE IN RESIDENCE, MIKE VITTI, MENTORS UNF STUDENTS FROM CLASSROOM TO CAREER
UNF’s Senior Executive in Residence, Michael Vitti, plays a key role in bringing the program’s mission to life. With a distinguished career in analytics, data science and sports leadership, Vitti provides students and faculty with invaluable exposure to real-world applications and emerging trends. He currently serves as Senior Vice President of Data Science and Technology Solutions at the PGA TOUR, bringing over 25 years of experience in data programming, machine learning and strategic analytics across multiple sectors.
Read the full feature in the Silverfield Newsroom.
The program creates meaningful interactions between students and industry professionals — experiences that are both practical and transformative. Students learn how to communicate effectively, stay adaptable and build diverse professional networks. These are critical skills that go beyond textbooks and are best developed through exposure to real-world challenges and successes.
EXECUTIVES IN RESIDENCE
Brian DAmato
Jeremy A. Darlow
Dee Kennedy
Elaine Chiasson
Ken Lovell
TAYLOR LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE (TLI)
The Taylor Leadership Institute facilitates both curricular and co-curricular leadership education and student leadership development by offering an in-depth study from a theoretical perspective, balanced with practical experiences, contributing to students’ personal, academic and professional success.
TLI offers various opportunities that promote leadership education and student development in the classroom and beyond:
The Leadership Minor
Annual Events and Speaker Series
Leadership Mentoring Opportunities
Leadership Training and Certification
Leadership Training and Certification includes Gallup StrengthsFinder Assessment and Franklin Covey’s 7 Habits of Highly Effective People certification.
750+ STUDENTS
attended TLIsponsored events
200+ STUDENTS
matched with career mentors in their field of study LEADERSHIPMINORRANKED #2 MOST POPULAR minor on campus
EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING HIGHLIGHTS
iMethods Pathways to Professionalism Day
Students engaged in career development workshops, networking and real-world mentoring — preparing them for success in healthcare and IT-related careers.
Ritz-Carlton Leadership Experience
UNF students received hands-on training, mentorship and behindthe-scenes insight into world-class hospitality at the Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island.
I had the opportunity to visit The Ritz-Carlton and learn so much about leadership alongside an amazing group of young leaders from UNF. This partnership gave us the chance to see leadership in action and showed how we can apply it in the classroom, on the field, in the workplace and in our daily lives.
Students with Unique Abilities (FCSUA), USoar provides comprehensive support and enriching opportunities to a cohort of up to 20 students in each three-year cycle. The program empowers students to fully engage in college life while developing the skills and confidence needed for meaningful employment and independent living.
USoar focuses on five primary areas of need:
Academic Enrichment Campus and Community Engagement Career Development and Employment
The 2024–2025 academic year marked USoar’s first full year of operation, serving an inaugural cohort of five students. Building on this foundation, the program is set to expand with 10 additional students joining in Fall 2025, followed by five more students in Spring 2026. This steady growth reflects USoar’s commitment to scaling support while maintaining a strong, individualized approach for each student.
Independent Living Self-Advocacy and Self-Determination
20 STUDENTS
15 STUDENTS
5 STUDENTS
FALL 2024
FALL 2025
SPRING 2026
SEVEN BRIDGES WRITING PROJECT
Based at UNF, the Seven Bridges Writing Project (SBWP) is a regional site of the National Writing Project and a hub for innovative, research-driven writing instruction. SBWP connects K–12 teachers from across Northeast Florida to strengthen writing instruction, support student learning and nurture educators as writers.
A collaborative partnership between SCOEHS and the UNF Writing Center in the College of Arts and Sciences (COAS), SBWP hosts year-round workshops and events that are transforming how writing is taught and experienced throughout our region.
Seven Bridges Summer Institute
The Seven Bridges Summer Institute, SBWP’s signature program, is a three-day professional development experience for K–12 teachers and district leaders. Rooted in the National Writing Project’s “teachers teaching teachers” model, the Institute provides practical strategies for teaching writing across all content areas, featuring sessions led by experienced classroom teachers as well as University of North Florida faculty from SCOEHS and COAS. In addition to classroom-focused strategies, the Institute nurtures teachers’ personal growth as writers.
In June 2024, the Institute welcomed its largest cohort yet — nearly 50 educators from public, charter and private schools across Clay, Duval, St. Johns, Nassau, Volusia and Flagler counties. The keynote address was delivered by Vincent Taylor, a Duval County educator with 29 years of teaching experience and author of “If Instruction Isn’t Engaging, I Quit!” and the “Cornbread” series, who shared powerful insights on student engagement and authentic writing in the classroom.
Led by co-Directors Dr. Elizabeth Hale (SCOEHS), Dr. Kadesh Lauridsen and Dr. Ash Faulkner (COAS), the 2024 Institute also launched its inaugural Teacher Leadership Committee, further expanding SBWP’s reach and lasting impact across Northeast Florida.
Thanks to my THRIVE mentor never giving up on me, I found the motivation and desire to complete my coursework. Her office became a safe space for me — a place where I could build my self-esteem and push myself in ways I never thought possible. Because of her encouragement, I studied abroad in Italy and even landed an internship in Washington, D.C. She walked me through the application process and helped ease my nerves about the interviews. I honestly owe my degree to her and I don't think she even realizes how much she means to me.
Tanner Hahn (‘24)
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.
Making an Impact
The THRIVE Program was honored with the Florida Division on Career Development and Transition’s Patrick Mulvihill Making A Difference Award, recognizing it as an Outstanding Community Program/Agency supporting students with disabilities.
THRIVE fostered community engagement by hosting monthly trivia nights at Al’s Pizza in Neptune Beach, creating fun and inclusive social opportunities for students.
THRIVE staff published a book chapter focused on supporting college students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) living on campus.
THRIVE IN NUMBERS
$15,000+
UNF PRESCHOOL
ARTIST OF THE FUTURE: PASSIONATELY CURIOUS PRESCHOOLERS
In partnership with the Museum of Contemporary Art Jacksonville (MOCA), UNF Preschool presented a stunning exhibition showcasing the depth and complexity of children's thinking. “Passionately Curious Preschoolers” celebrated how young children explore big ideas when given time to wonder, research and represent their thinking through various media.
The exhibit, curated by Dr. Georgina David (UNF Preschool Director) and Sarah Crooks (Atelierista), featured artwork from children ages 2½ to 5 and welcomed over 200 guests on opening night, including families, university stakeholders and early childhood advocates. Inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach, the exhibit honored the many “languages” of children — visual art, movement, storytelling and play — as valid and meaningful tools of learning and expression.
Rather than displaying traditional crafts, the gallery highlighted open-ended, inquirybased projects ranging from anatomical studies to color theory, sculpture and narrative art. These works reflected children’s independent thinking, deep curiosity and collaborative exploration with teachers and peers.
Given the success and enthusiastic reception, the UNF Preschool plans to return to MOCA for future exhibitions.
The art exhibition provides a public space to make visible the children’s thinking, connections and knowledge. My hope is that the larger community recognizes the importance of childhood and the incredible capabilities of preschoolers.
Dr. Georgina David
Read the full feature in the SCOEHS Newsroom.
As a culture, we still often operate with the ‘seen and not heard’ mindset when it comes to children. But when we spotlight their creative minds, when we show that they are dynamic, independent thinkers, it becomes a matter of equity and human rights.
Sarah Crooks, Atelierista
COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT AND ECONOMIC IMPACT
332 Teacher candidates completed 59,832 hours of service, generating an estimated economic impact of $1.89 million
Sport Management students volunteered 3,010 hours at THE PLAYERS Championship, contributing $99,330 in impact
$2M+
TOTAL ESTIMATED ECONOMIC IMPACT
*Based on the number of hours SCOEHS students spend in the community
THE PLAYERS Championship depends on reliable volunteers like those from UNF to support event operations and the overall fan experience. Volunteers are crucial to the success of the event as their commitment of time reduces operational costs, allowing the Championship to direct more funds towards nonprofits in Northeast Florida.
Emily Bellock, Senior Dir. of Community Impact, PGA Tour
Read the full feature in the UNF Newsroom.
2024
DEAN’S ADVISORY COUNCIL
All academic programs have community advisory boards that include organizations like AWS, Clay County District Schools, Duval County Public Schools, Gainor Sports, PGA Tour, Read USA, SMT, Tiger Academy, YMCA and more.
MAKING A BOLD IMPACT TOGETHER
PARTNER SCHOOLS
Clay County Schools
Clay High School
Green Cove 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 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 Middle School
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
PARTNERSHIP IN ACTION
FEATURED NEWS STORIES
UNF students embark on interdisciplinary study abroad experience in Italy
Read Full Feature.
UNF partners with National Technical Institute for the Deaf to host STEM Academy II for Deaf and Hard of Hearing students
Read Full Feature.
SCOEHS and READ USA partner to develop future educators and improve literacy in Jacksonville
Read Full Feature.
SCOEHS hosts inaugural Future Educators of America Northeast Regional Conference
Read Full Feature.
SCOEHS students collaborate with AWS and PGA Tour
SCOEHS hosts inaugural STEP Into Learning Network Symposium
p y
The Players Championship
UNF students tackle Jacksonville’s digital divide through AI and Design Thinking Innovation Challenge
SCOEHS hosts Dutch educators for collaborative exchange
SCOEHS and First Coast Urban Ag open local ‘play garden’ for families to connect with nature
BY THE NUMBERS: 2024-25 GIVING IMPACT
Every number tells a story of generosity, hope and the lives changed because of you. The incredible impact reflected in these 2024–2025 milestones is only possible through the commitment of our donors, partners and friends. Your support fuels our work, inspires our mission and makes a lasting difference in our community.
$5,849,319
TOTAL FUNDS RAISED
UNIQUE DONORS 594
AT THE HEART OF GIVING
GILCHRIST BERG
Driven by the transformational impact his own teachers had on his life, Gilchrist Berg has dedicated his philanthropic journey to uplifting education and empowering educators, ensuring that future generations benefit from the same life-changing guidance he once received.
A Jacksonville native and graduate of Robert E. Lee High School, Berg valued the strong relationships he built with teachers throughout his early education. He later earned an economics degree from Princeton University and began his career in real estate finance and investment management before launching his own firm.
As president and founder of Water Street Capital — a Jacksonville-based investment management firm — Berg has leveraged his successes to support causes close to his heart, especially education. In the late 90s, he established two avenues for honoring Northeast Florida educators: the Gladys Prior Awards for Career Teaching Excellence and the Gladys Roddenberry Graduate Fellowship for Teaching Excellence. His gifts commemorate the impact of two educators from Ortega Elementary School: fourthgrade teacher Gladys Prior and sixth-grade teacher Gladys Roddenberry.
The Gladys Prior Awards for Career Teaching Excellence honor career educators in Jacksonville with surprise monetary gifts and celebrations. Since its start, the program has recognized more than 100 teachers for their lifelong dedication to students.
The Gladys Roddenberry Graduate Fellowship for Teaching Excellence provides an opportunity for full-time teachers to continue their education with advanced degrees in education at UNF. This rare opportunity for these teachers enhances their capabilities as leaders in the classroom and administration. Educators in Florida often work through complex demands to make a lasting impact and these fellows have maintained careers in teaching despite these trials.
In 2023, Berg took his support for educators at UNF a step further with a $1.3 million gift bolstering support for both Gladys Prior and Gladys Roddenberry while also launching the Osprey Teacher Residency and Accelerated Program for aspiring educators at the University. Berg’s gift supports 20 scholarships annually as a means to address the widespread teacher staffing crisis in Northeast Florida. This targeted philanthropy is a testament to the impact Berg continues to make on the First Coast, showing his ability to step up in a time of need to help not just teachers, but students across all levels of education.
Teachers are one of our most important assets. We simply don't do enough to remind ourselves of their great influence on us every day of our life. Maybe in some small way, these awards will cause others to reflect on the great contributions teachers have made to their lives and the lives of their families.
Gilchrist Berg
DR. BETTY M. FLINCHUM
Dr. Betty M. Flinchum’s legacy is one of visionary leadership, global impact and an unwavering dedication to education. As a founding faculty member at the University of North Florida, she pioneered the university’s international programs, forging academic partnerships across continents and enriching the lives of generations of students and faculty. Dr. Flinchum has left an indelible mark on UNF and the global communities it serves — empowering countless learners and educators to engage with the world in meaningful and transformative ways.
Her tireless dedication to enhancing the reach of the Silverfield College of Education and Human Services has empowered UNF as a global leader in creating transformational learning opportunities for students across borders.
Flinchum served 32 years as an education professor and director of international programs at UNF, launching numerous initiatives that laid the groundwork for study abroad programs, international student programs and faculty exchanges with over 20 countries. UNF’s campus grew to include international students from over 100 countries during her time as director, and she was responsible for securing over $1 million in local, state and federal grants for the program during its first 10 years. These efforts standardized curriculum internationally and she served as a founding member of the Consortium on Belize Educational Cooperation (COBEC) amid successful USIA grants that led to a thriving Belize partnership. Her dedication to expanding UNF’s international footprint through grant writing also led to the establishment of the Universitaire de Bambey in Senegal through her work with the Florida/West Africa Linkage Institute and a port administration degree program at the University of Costa Rica in Limon for Jacksonville’s JAXPORT and the PORT of LIMON employees.
As an emerita professor and honorary alumna to UNF, she continued advocating for the programs she helped build by expanding the curriculum and scholarship opportunities for students and faculty alike. She established the Ellis F. White Founding Faculty Scholarship Endowment to assist students in need while honoring SCOEHS’s first dean and the Sir Colville Norbert Young Scholarship for Belize students.
In 2024, Flinchum established the Dr. Betty M. Flinchum Student International Award and the Dr. Betty M. Flinchum Faculty International Initiatives Award to further support students and faculty members conducting study abroad, international research projects and international conferences. These funds also support stipends to visiting scholars completing residency at UNF. Flinchum’s transformational work extended beyond academia into more diplomacy and cultural exchange.
As UNF’s protocol officer and president of the Jacksonville Sister Cities Association, she cultivated relationships with international dignitaries and made global partnerships that brought world leaders such as Archbishop Desmond Tutu to UNF’s campus. In her retirement, she has remained active through her company, Cultural Connections, LLC, providing grant development seminars and international travel programs while serving as a consultant for other universities and companies.
Flinchum’s many accolades include the UNF International Development Award, the 2018 fall edition of the UNF Journal dedicated to her, and being named UNF’s Emeriti Professor of the Year in 2019. The nation of Belize awarded her the prestigious Order of Distinction for her three decades of dedicated service to developing education in that country, and a Lifetime Achievement Award in International Development by the City of Jacksonville for boosting the area’s international presence, among others.
October 2,1997 - Founding Faculty
DR. ED PRATT-DANNALS
With over five decades of experience in public education, Dr. Ed Pratt-Dannals has made a lasting mark on schools and students across Northeast Florida. A former Duval County Public Schools superintendent and longtime advocate for equity in education, Pratt-Dannals’ connection to the University of North Florida’s Silverfield College of Education and Human Services spans back to the late 1970s.
From his days as a graduate student to launching innovative partnerships between UNF and high-need schools, Pratt-Dannals’ legacy continues through a named scholarship supporting aspiring educators. In this interview, conducted by University Development and Alumni Engagement, staff writer, Tyler White, Pratt-Dannals shares what inspired his philanthropy, the values guiding his commitment to youth and education and the ripple effect he hopes to leave behind.
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Legacy in the Making | Dr. Ed Pratt-Dannals Shares His Journey
How did you first get involved with the Silverfield College of Education and Human Services?
"I began my undergraduate studies around 1977 without an education background, but I started teaching math and had to catch up on coursework. I earned my master’s from 1979 to 1981, and from there, my connection to the College of Education grew. I worked as a regional superintendent and later as chief academic officer, collaborating with UNF on programs for high-need schools, including placing pre-service interns in elementary schools. Over the years, I was involved in leadership development and the hiring of Dean Larry Daniels. I’ve had a 50-year relationship with the college."
What inspired you to establish a scholarship for students within the Silverfield College of Education and Human Services?
"The biggest need we have is finding high-quality educators, especially in Title 1 schools. To ensure these schools have the best teachers and principals, we created a scholarship to help students pursue education, providing financial support along the way.“
What motivates you to give back and how do you decide on which organization to support?
“I’ve been blessed by growing up with a supportive family, and I want to give back by creating similar opportunities for those who may not have had the same support. I find fulfillment in seeing the impact of my efforts and using my experiences to contribute to nonprofit work.“
What legacy do you hope to leave with your philanthropy at UNF?
"I believe small ripples create big ripples, and one person can have a huge impact. Whether it’s on peers, students or future generations, the effect grows. One example of an organization I’ve been involved with since before I came to Jacksonville is Communities in Schools, which I first encountered in Atlanta. I’m still actively involved as a board member. What makes Communities in Schools truly impactful is the way they connect with young people, providing the support, guidance and direction they need to succeed. It’s not just about the programs themselves, but the lasting change they create in the lives of students, helping them overcome challenges and reach their potential. That’s the kind of work my wife, our family and I are committed to — both through financial contributions and our personal involvement with nonprofits. Our focus is on youth, education and providing direct emergency services, with the goal of supporting individuals to help them maximize their potential."
What advice would you give to someone considering a gift to the Silverfield College of Education and Human Services?
"A gift to the Silverfield College of Education and Human Services can have a lifelong impact, just as it did on my life. If you ask most adults who the five most important people in their life are, one teacher is usually on that list. It’s well worth the investment, and even a small contribution can make a significant difference. Our endowment started when I retired, and instead of receiving retirement gifts, we asked people to contribute to the family foundation fund that created the scholarship. Over time, it has grown, but it didn’t start big — it started small. Some people may feel that if they’re not fabulously wealthy, their gift won’t make an impact. But I always say, if you have to start small, then start small. The important thing is being part of something bigger than yourself — a legacy that reaches far beyond just you and your family, creating lasting change for future generations."
Dr. Ed Pratt-Dannals reminds us that transformational change often starts with a single act of generosity and a desire to uplift others. His story is a testament to the power of education and the lasting impact one person can have. If you are inspired to make a difference in the lives of future educators and the children they serve, we invite you to contact Dr. Shadia Blair, Director of Development for the Silverfield College of Education and Human Services, at shadia.blair@unf.edu, to explore how you too can leave a legacy that matters.
