Connection Fall 2023

Connection Fall 2023 | Alumni & Friends Magazine

7 NURSING STUDENTS STEP INTO REAL-LIFE SCENARIOS WITH VIRTUAL REALITY PLATFORM

11 UWF SHAPES THE MINDS OF THE NEXT GENERATION THROUGH EXPLORE CAMPS

23 ISR LAB EQUIPS STUDENTS WITH TOOLS FOR HI-TECH INNOVATIONS

HOW UWF WEAVES MENTORSHIP INTO ITS CAMPUS CULTURE

Inside CONNECTION MAGAZINE Fall 2023

2 Q&A WITH

THE PRESIDENT

PRESIDENT Dr. Martha D. Saunders

3 LETTER FROM THE

VICE PRESIDENT, UNIVERSITY ADVANCEMENT Howard J. Reddy

3 NEWS & NOTES

ADVANCEMENT AND ALUMNI RELATIONS Claire Stewart Katie Schutts Robin Zimmern

EXECUTIVE EDITOR Brittany Sherwood ’14 MANAGING EDITOR Colton Currier ’18 DESIGN DIRECTION Jennifer Peck ’08 DESIGN Hannah Bledsoe ’21 Carly Richards PHOTO DIRECTION & PHOTOGRAPHY Morgan Givens ’18 Emery Kea ’24 Joe Vinson ’23 WRITERS & EDITORS Samantha Jeffries Allison Morgan Brittany Swinford ’11 Stephanie Yancey ’96

VICE PRESIDENT

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TRANSFORMING NURSING EDUCATION EXPLORE SUMMER CAMPS

13 FACULTY SPOTLIGHT: IDA MONTGOMERY

15 MORE THAN A NUMBER 21 FOOTBALL HEAD COACH 23 INNOVATION IN ACTION 26 ALUMNI EVENTS 27 ALUMNAE IN THE BIG LEAGUES

29 SNAPSHOTS 31

CLASS NOTES

Web uwf.edu/alumni Email alumni@uwf.edu Phone 800.226.1893 Mail UWF Alumni Association, 11000 University Pkwy., Building 12, Pensacola, FL 32514 TO GIVE Online uwf.edu/give

15 UWF faculty and staff weave the thread of mentorship, one student at a time.

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KALEB NOBLES

CONTACT US

UWF Connection is published semi-annually by Alumni Relations and Institutional Communications.

The purpose of Connection is to communicate and engage with UWF alumni, donors, friends and others interested in the activities of UWF.

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Q&A with President Saunders

The University of West Florida sets itself apart by providing a close-knit academic experience for students. President Martha D. Saunders discusses how faculty go above and beyond to support and positively change the lives of students.

Aside from personalized attention from faculty members, explain other ways mentorship is weaved into campus culture.

Mentorship is offered at every turn during an Argonaut’s academic journey.

UWF prides itself on creating many mentorship opportunities for students through a myriad of ways such as academic advising, the Executive Mentor Program and experiential learning opportunities.

How does UWF prioritize mentorship?

Explain how the community plays an important role in this.

At UWF, students are more than just a number. Students create lifelong connections with faculty who are extraordinarily accessible. You’ll learn about the unique ways that UWF faculty connect with their students on page 15.

Our faculty invest time facilitating connections between students and the community. These all-important connections help UWF graduates land high-impact practices and later, jobs in their chosen fields.

Fall 2023

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V P LE TTE R

News & Notes Recent news from the University of West Florida

Letter from the

Vice President

STEPHANIE YANCEY ’96

ALUMNI AND FRIENDS,

In this issue, you will read about the many ways the University of West Florida is positively impacting our local community and beyond.

First, you will read about the Explore Camps program at UWF and how it provides highquality, educational experiences for children in our local community. On page 15, you will meet faculty mentors who are making a big impact on those who enter their classroom everyday – providing counsel and mentorship while students pursue their degrees. You will also learn about our new intelligent systems and robotics lab located in downtown Pensacola and the remarkable research projects facilitated by our graduate and undergraduate students in the space.

As a University, we are here for good – for the good of our students, for the good of Northwest Florida and for the good of humanity. Thank you for continuing to support our noble mission and joining us as we forge ahead with purpose and passion.

With gratitude,

UWF welcomes new provost

Howard J. Reddy Vice President for University Advancement

3 Fall 2023

Dr. Gary Liguori has become a familiar face around campus following his appointment as provost and senior vice president for academic affairs. In his role as provost, Liguori functions as the institution’s chief academic officer. Liguori came to UWF from the University of Rhode Island, where he was the founding dean of the College of Health Sciences.

N E WS & N OT ES

Student-managed Argo Bond Fund wins first place in the nation UWF’s student-managed Argo Bond Fund won first place among the nation’s student-managed bond funds at the Quinnipiac University Global Asset Management Education’s annual conference global portfolio competition in New York City. The winning Argo Bond Fund portfolio, managed by the students, had $1 million in assets.

Day of Giving 2023 shatters record for amount raised The fifth annual Day of Giving raised $218,999.33 and connected more than 1,380 donors from around the world in just 24 hours, resulting in a record-breaking online fundraising initiative for the University. Alumni, students, parents, faculty, staff and friends chose from more than 80 funds to support on April 20.

Sea3D Lab puts history in public’s hands UWF’s Sea3D Lab partnered with The Mariners’ Museum and Park, the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration and Monitor National Marine Sanctuary to create artifact replicas recovered from the shipwreck of the USS Monitor, the U.S. Navy’s first ironclad vessel built for the American Civil War. Artifacts were scanned using Artec Eva, a scanner that takes 16 pictures a second and stitches them together to create 3D models, which are later transformed into artifact replicas on 3D printers.

UWF excels in Board of Governors’ metrics measuring high-impact practices, retention and median wages of graduates The University excelled in many key areas in the Florida Board of Governors’ 2022-23 performance-based funding model, highlighting UWF’s commitment to quality education and preparing students for high-wage jobs upon graduation.

UWF earned high marks in metrics measuring median wages upon graduation, high-impact practices and retention in a state that is ranked No. 1 in the country for higher education.

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NEWS & NOTE S

Competition for spots at UWF continues to soar UWF received a record-breaking number of First-Time-In-College and graduate school applications for the 2023 Summer and Fall semesters. First-year applications surpassed the 10,000 mark and graduate school applications increased to more than 6,400.

UWF Police earns accreditation

Gift impacts next-gen communication professionals

The UWF Police Department achieved accreditation from the Commission for Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation.

This is the department’s first time applying for and earning accreditation which increases its ability to prevent and control crime through effective and efficient delivery of law enforcement services.

The University of West Florida announced a $250,000 gift from Rhonda and Jerry Maygarden to the Maygarden Family Scholarship Endowment at the UWF Foundation and to name the Jerry Louis Maygarden Undergraduate Communication Program. The gift expands the funding available through the existing Maygarden Family Scholarship Endowment which was established in 2019 to support undergraduate students majoring in communication.

Master of Science in Athletic Training program achieves accreditation UWF’s Master of Science in Athletic Training program recently earned accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education. After the comprehensive review, the program was granted the maximum initial five-year accreditation.

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Gift honors memory of UWF alumnus Family and friends of UWF alumnus Tyler Chase Norwood honored his memory with a $250,000 gift to the Tyler Chase Norwood Construction Management Scholarship Endowment and to name the Tyler Chase Norwood Construction Management Program. Norwood earned a Bachelor of Science in Construction Management in 2015.

N E WS & N OT ES

New external institutional mural featuring Argie The Office of Institutional Communications partnered with alumna and local muralist Eniko Ujj for a second time to install the newest external mural featuring Argie. His helmet is the focus alongside several other institutional spirited elements including the Argodillo, Sheldon the Turtle, Albie the Squirrel, Annin’s Cannon, the “Arch” Cantor al Sol and more. The mural was completed just in time for the fall semester and the start of the second on-campus Argonaut football season. You can find this new mural just off of the tailgating area, between the Field House and Aquatic Center where it is ready for the many photo ops to come.

Follow muralist ENIKO UJJ ’12 on Instagram @enikoujj.

UWF awarded grant funds to develop military training program The University of West Florida has been awarded a $460,000 grant by the Florida Defense Support Task Force to support the training efforts of the Florida Air National Guard and various military units based and operating in and around Florida. UWF’s Office of Research Administration and Engagement will serve as administrative lead on the project, teaming with a group of military experts to develop a military training system and network that mixes virtual and real-world elements for realistic scenarios.

UWF breaks ground on Sandy Sansing Sports Medicine Center A groundbreaking ceremony was held in April for the Sandy Sansing Sports Medicine Center, a $6 million facility dedicated to enhancing the quality of care for all UWF studentathletes. The 10,000-square-foot center will be an addition to the Darrell Gooden Center on UWF’s Pensacola campus. The center is expected to take 18 months to construct.

Find more University highlights at uwf.edu/ connection.

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L EG N URSI ACYNGI G VI VR NG

Virtual reality TRANSFORMS NURSING EDUCATION AT UWF Students step into real-life scenarios with virtual reality platform

BY STEPHANIE YANCEY ’96

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he hospital room looked like so many others. The sink, bathroom and bed did a poor job of masking the complete lack of decor. The neutralcolored wall framed a silent TV screen mounted high for patient comfort. A rolling cart with a computer monitor, gloves and other tools of the nursing trade was parked near the foot of the bed.

WYATT ADAMS ’23 uses UbiSim to step into real-life scenarios.

The female patient occupying the bed had a deep frown and tired eyes that suggested more uneasiness than agitation. She sighed deeply and wiggled her nose as the nurse helped her to an upright position for the tests required before her discharge later that day. But there was something incredibly unique about this patient. She wasn’t a real patient or even a real person. She is an impressively realistic, animated component in the UWF School of Nursing’s immersive virtual reality training platform, UbiSim.

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NUR S ING VR

“We’re bridging theory to practice and students really enjoy it because it makes it fun to learn. It develops critical thinking and prioritization skills, and that’s the most important thing.”

—Dr. Tina Barbour-Taylor, lecturer in UWF’s School of Nursing DR. TINA BARBOUR-TAYLOR assists her students with the new technology.

The platform takes students inside a patient room virtually as if they were in an actual hospital room, with oxygen bags, IV pumps to monitor and tasks to accomplish.

Students can focus on specific interests, like heart or kidney disease and experience critical situations that they might not encounter during their clinicals at a hospital.

The School of Nursing purchased five Oculus headsets and an unlimited usage subscription of the UbiSim virtual reality platform in Fall 2021 and a systemic grant provided the funds to acquire 41 additional headsets in Spring 2022. Nursing students can also check out the equipment

from the John C. Pace Library to use on their own time.

Dr. Tina Barbour-Taylor, lecturer in UWF’s School of Nursing said UbiSim provides students with an immersive learning environment. “We’re bridging theory to practice and students really enjoy it because it makes it fun to learn,” BarbourTaylor said. “It develops critical thinking and prioritization skills, and that’s the most important thing.”

Dr. Jill Van Der Like, director of the Nursing Skills and Simulation Laboratory, said UbiSim provides students the opportunity to practice a full spectrum of clinical

“UbiSim is unique because you can do what you can’t do in the hospital, which is make situations happen. It helped me tremendously in many ways, but the most beneficial has been familiarizing myself with the tools and processes that are required to help my patients.”

—Wyatt Adams, UWF School of Nursing graduate

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skills in a variety of scenarios repeatedly, which helps to build their confidence.

“With UbiSim, students can explore their weaknesses,” Van Der Like said. “If talking in public makes you nervous, you have to practice, you have to get good at it, just like nursing; you have to practice, because you have to deliver.”

Van Der Like said lack of confidence in the workplace is one contributing factor to nursing shortages throughout the country. “More than 30% of nurses leave the job within the first year,” Van Der Like said. “When we build competency and confidence at the student level, we help to

HANDS-ON LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES give nursing students the skills they need to enter the workforce.

address nursing shortages in our community in a very meaningful way. UbiSim helps us do that.”

Wyatt Adams, who earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from UWF in May 2023 said UbiSim helped him prepare for his current position as nurse intern at Pensacola’s Baptist Hospital by taking information that was primarily theoretical in the classroom and applying that clinical knowledge to care for patients within the platform.

“UbiSim is unique because you can do what you can’t do in the hospital, which is make situations happen,” Adams said. “It helped me tremendously in many ways, but the most beneficial has been familiarizing myself with the tools and processes that are required to help my patients.”

Simulation is nothing new to UWF’s nursing program. When the University prepared for the launch of its nursing simulation program in 2013, Van Der Like’s philosophy of incorporating innovative, student-centered simulation instruction as an essential component in nursing education made her the top choice as the program’s first director.

Van Der Like was instrumental in the 2014 launch of UWF’s state-of-the-art Nursing Skills and Simulation Laboratory complete with realistic patient care areas, life-like manikins and the supplies and equipment required for patient care. The center also includes a School of Nursing Informatics Computer Lab, as well as a debriefing room and open lab spaces designed

to provide nursing students with immersive learning experiences.

While all of the nursing simulation programs are important components of nurse education at UWF, Van Der Like said none would be effective without the commitment of the School of Nursing educators.

“You can have all of the fancy tools and technology in the world, but if you don’t have the people to drive and facilitate them, then they’re useless,” Van Der Like said.

“Our passionate faculty and instructors embrace our student-centered approach to nurse education. UbiSim is a powerful tool because of them.”

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EXPLO RE CAMPS

UWF EXPLORE CAMPS SHAPING THE MINDS OF THE NEXT GENERATION As many UWF students left campus during the summer, elementary, middle and high school students took their place in classrooms for academic enrichment programs.

BY ALLISON MORGAN

T MARINEE SCIENC

GIRLS IN STEM

LEGO ROBOTICS

PMA ART CAMP 11 Fall 2023

he University of West Florida embraced community outreach over the summer and put a positive impression on the minds of elementary, middle and high school students through UWF Explore Camps. Since 2006, the camps have provided the opportunity for local children to explore their creativity, challenge their minds and build friendships through award-winning summer programs. Campers had an opportunity to connect with UWF staff and see the University and its locations firsthand, having fun along the way.

CJ Brask explored her creative side at the Pensacola Museum of Art’s Art Investigations weeklong camp. The camp offered hands-on art activities in drawing, painting, mixed media and sculpture. This year’s camp was beach themed.

“My favorite thing to make was the sunset mosaic on the beach, I love the pretty fading colors,” Brask said.

Brask also enjoys meeting new friends each year who she spends time with over the summer. Her mother, Nicole Brask, has been sending her children to UWF Explore Camps for many years. She has older sons who attended camps when they were younger. She said she has noticed the

summer programs have grown in popularity for incoming first graders to twelfth graders.

“We used to get a flyer through the school system and I would think about registering for the camps over several days,” Nicole Brask said. “Now my friends and I put the registration open days on our calendars and we register them on that day so we can get our children in.”

According to Valerie Taylor, director of Explore Camps, the spots for camps were about 70% full a day after the online registration was launched this year. Taylor, who is the UWF Division of Continuing Education’s associate director for community outreach and personal enrichment, has been responsible for coordinating all camp programs and activities for the last decade and has seen the growth firsthand with more than 50 camps offered this year.

“Something unique about our camps is the different themes,” Taylor said.

“We’ve really worked on building out the curriculum for each camp over several years. A mother told me one day that her son came home exhausted and that’s the biggest compliment because that means he was active, engaged and his brain was working all day. The campers are always so engaged and so excited to be here. They bring a positive energy to campus.”

“

My favorite thing to make was the sunset mosaic on the beach, I love the pretty fading colors.

“

—CJ Brask, attended PMA’s Art Investigations camp

Taylor said the academic enrichment camps are a great way for children to spark an interest in science, develop potential career interests and experience academic success in a low-pressure setting.

Taylor also partners with faculty University-wide to develop specialty camps, taught by world-renowned professors. Dr. Bhuvaneswari Ramachandran, associate professor of electrical and computer engineering, taught Engineering Innovations: Girls in STEM and Engineering Innovations camp. Those in the camp were immersed in in-depth engineering and learned about the equilibrium of forces, random flight and drag and air resistance. They designed, built and tested projects related to aeronautical, civil, mechanical, electrical and computer engineering.

“As girls enter middle school, their interest in science and engineering starts to decrease,” Ramachandran said. “The purpose of this camp is to inspire middle school girls, raise awareness and make them excited about science and engineering.

If even one out of the 20 female student attendees chooses to pursue engineering in her college, that would be a win for us and the student.”

The community is taking notice of the quality programs. UWF Explore Camps has been recognized as an Inweekly Best Summer Camp from 2018-2022.

“Each year I am impressed with the instructors,” Nicole Brask said. “Their attention to detail is unmatched. They give the kids a wonderful experience putting their passion for a topic into action with a thorough curriculum.”

VIOLET SHERWOOD shows off the robotic Lego vehicle she built at a UWF Explore Summer Camp.

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FACU LTY SPOTLIGH T

Dr. Ida Montgomery Despite battling breast cancer, nursing professor doesn’t miss a day teaching and inspiring students

BY ALLISON MORGAN

DR. IDA MONTGOMERY, a U.S. veteran and cancer survivor, is an inspiration for her strength.

T

here’s not much that Dr. Ida Montgomery can’t mentally push through. Since a young age, she hasn’t been afraid to see what she’s made of. At 19 she enlisted in the U.S. Army, motivated to serve her country and earn a GI Bill. Growing up in a rural, slowpaced town in Ohio with seven siblings, she had aspirations to see more of the world and attend postsecondary school.

“The military gave me opportunities that I had never had,” Montgomery said.

“I knew I wanted to attend college and if I didn’t while I was young, I probably never would. The military was an attractive avenue to college for me because I could get it paid for.”

She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing, afterward attended the military’s Officer Candidate School and returned

to active duty service as an officer in the U.S. Army. As an active duty service member, she deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan, where she cared for soldiers who were seriously injured. Montgomery, who also holds a master’s degree in nursing and Doctor of Nursing Practice, credits the military for her schooling, healthcare experience and introducing her to being an educator. She began her teaching career at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, where she taught active duty Army, Air Force and Navy students.

“I really didn’t know if I would like academia, but they needed a nurse practitioner to help with a new BSN to DNP program they were starting,” Montgomery said. “I ended up really liking it and the aspect of giving back to others.”

After 24 years of military service, she retired as a Lieutenant Colonel Army Nurse with many awards and her family settled in Panama City. Yearning to get back to teaching, she applied to and was offered an assistant professor position in the University’s Usha Kundu, MD College of Health.

“UWF was a gift; there’s great leadership and it’s very military friendly,” Montgomery said.

Just eight months into teaching at UWF, in 2021, she found herself in a new battle in her civilian life when she was diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer.

“It was a shock and out of the blue,” recalled Montgomery. “I had to tap into my inner warrior. I had to remember that I could do anything. I thought of the soldiers that

didn’t come back. I flipped my mindset from ‘Why me?’ and it has made me a more grateful person.”

Throughout chemotherapy, her dedication to her students was unwavering. Even while undergoing 16 rounds of chemotherapy, she didn’t miss a day of class or an opportunity to be there for her students in the family nurse practitioner track.

“It made me get out of bed every day,” Montgomery said. “I even continued to run.

You can’t feel sorry for yourself. I told God ‘Just let me wake up in the morning and I’ll take it from there.’ As a mother, I had to show my children that everything was going to be okay.”

One of Montgomery’s graduate students Dawn Bybee, also a breast cancer survivor, recalls connecting with her professor about cancer after she wrote a paper in her women’s health course, which included her personal experience of having breast cancer.

“She reached out to me and told me that she was also a breast cancer survivor,” Bybee said. “She’s very personable and puts stories to what she’s teaching. Even those of us with many years of nursing experience learn a lot from her. She explains things very well and makes it easy to consume information.”

Montgomery is now cancer free and said she enjoys living, learning and loving. When not teaching, Montgomery spends time with her husband and children, exercising, traveling and volunteering at the Health & Hope Clinic, a free clinic for people who don’t have health insurance.

“She’s very personable and puts stories to what she’s teaching. Even those of us with many years of nursing experience learn a lot from her.

She explains things very well and makes it easy to consume information.”

—Dawn Bybee, UWF Graduate Student, Breast Cancer Survivor

“UWF was a gift; there’s great leadership and it’s very military friendly.”

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HOW UWF WEAVES MENTORSHIP INTO ITS CAMPUS CULTURE

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BY BRITTANY SWINFORD ’11

mall class sizes. Personalized attention from world-class faculty. Students who are “more than a number.” While there’s much more to the University of West Florida, these are the pillars that set it apart from the crowd — and they all speak to one defining differentiator: mentorship.

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“Mentorship is woven into the fabric of the University,” said Dr. Gregory Tomso, vice president of the Division of Academic Engagement and Student Affairs. “We don’t just develop students through mentorship programs. We do it at the highest levels in terms of University strategy and values, and then in everyday ways through individual faculty members and departments.”

If mentorship is the fabric, faculty and staff are the ones weaving the thread, one student at a time.

grounds and majors. I always told them in the classroom, we were focused on the lesson plans. But college students and faculty are inherently curious people, and ‘Tea with Tomso’ was a time dedicated to exploring that curiosity.”

Even when he transitioned out of the classroom, Tomso continued his tea time tradition as part of his onboarding process for staff members in the Division of Academic Engagement and Student Affairs.

TEA TIME MENTORSHIP

For Dr. Scott Keller, Department of Commerce chair and professor, professional success isn’t made up of personal accolades.

His best accomplishment, he said, has been getting a front row seat as students pursue and achieve their dreams, knowing he played a small role in helping them along the way.

“When I’m teaching, I’m trying to make it relate to my students,” Keller said. “They’re wondering, ‘Why do we need to know about the economics of transportation, and what does that mean for me and how I’m trying to move up in a company?’”

Before his appointment as vice president, Tomso served as a faculty member and chair of the department of English, as well as director of the Kugelman Honors Program for five years. Throughout his 20-year tenure at UWF, he made a name for himself through “Tea with Tomso,” a unique spin on office hours that invited students to come and “talk about anything they wanted.”

“Students could come to discuss art and culture, school, politics or personal struggles,” Tomso said. “I mentored dozens of students a year, from all different back-

ABOVE: Dr. Greg Tomso spends time with students during “Tea time with Tomso.”

RIGHT: Dr. Scott Keller connects students with employers in the supply chain industry.

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PAYING IT FORWARD

To help answer that question, Keller takes his classes on tours of local businesses, like Port of Pensacola, the Lewis Bear distribution facility, International Paper and more.

“These are more than field trips. We’re facilitating connections between the students and potential future employers,” Keller said.

“I wouldn’t be where I am today without my mentors introducing me to the right people at the right time, and that’s a legacy I hope to leave for my students.”

One of Keller’s favorite student success stories is that of John Davis “JD” Thomas.

Thomas earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from UWF in 2008 and is now regional vice president for Crane Worldwide’s South Central region.

“Dr. Keller helped network me into companies for internships and ultimately

DR. JILL VAN DER LIKE and students practice their skills on a manikin in the Nursing Skills and Simulation Lab.

introduced me to the company that I’ve worked with for 15 years,” Thomas said.

“He worked so hard for us as students that it made us want to work twice as hard for him. I call him to this day with personal and career updates because I want him to know that his time investment in me paid off.”

GROWING OUTSIDE YOUR COMFORT ZONE

Dr. Jill Van Der Like, director of the Nursing Skills and Simulation Laboratory, said her experience mentoring through the Student Nurses Association reignited her passion for the nursing field through its advocacy work at the University and throughout the state.

“The connections I’ve been able to make as the Student Nurses Association advisor

have changed my whole perspective on the okay to venture out and take risks, because impact a nurse can have,” Van Der Like said. they’ll be there to catch you when you fall.”

“Mentoring through a student organization Kennedy earned his bachelor’s and is a double blessing. I not only get to equip master’s degrees in nursing at UWF and my students with the classroom knowledge currently works as a travel nurse. He credits they need for their future careers, but I Van Der Like for mentoring him from his also get to witness the power that comes first days at UWF and encouraging him to from them advocating with their state step out of his comfort zone. representatives on issues that are important “If you’re here to try your best and you’re to them and the healthcare industry as a willing to be uncomfortable in the name of whole, and see firsthand their excitement growth, UWF is for you,” Kennedy said. “I and sense of accomplishment as they sit in wouldn’t be where I am today if I didn’t have chambers and watch them pass.”

Dr. Van Der Like saying, ‘That’s a crazy idea.

During his tenure as president of the SNA Let’s try it anyway.’” and as a member of the Student Government Association, Eric Kennedy ’20, ’23, helped secure more than $10,000 “IF YOU’RE HERE TO in grants, a portion of which went toward installing water filling staTRY YOUR BEST AND tions in the School of Nursing YOU’RE WILLING TO BE building using the Green Fee Fund.

“College is about trying things UNCOMFORTABLE IN THE that you wouldn’t always be able to do in a real business without fear of NAME OF GROWTH, UWF getting fired, so that you can learn IS FOR YOU. I WOULDN’T to fail,” Kennedy said. “Mentorship BE WHERE I AM TODAY IF I is a form of safety rails, having a faculty member reassure you that it’s

DIDN’T HAVE DR. VAN DER LIKE SAYING, ‘THAT’S A CRAZY IDEA. LET’S TRY IT ANYWAY.’” —Eric Kennedy ’20, ’23

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DR. ERICA TAYLOR, co-director of the UWF STEM Scholars Program, biology instructor and director for the STEM LLC program

THE POWER OF CONNECTION

Tomso said the University’s overarching goal of helping students establish a strong sense of belonging within their first semester at UWF is a very good predictor of their college success. He credits the faculty and staff in every department for going above and beyond to support the leadership’s commitment to delivering a transformative educational experience for every student.

“We have an entirely voluntary academic checkpoint process implemented every semester,” Tomso said. “My office asks faculty to let us know of students who are struggling in any area — academically, personally or physically. We have a whole team of people who specifically work with first-year students to support them through any challenges they might be facing. For the Spring 2023 semester, we hit 100% faculty participation.”

Tomso said UWF’s Board of Trustees strategically prioritizes high-impact practices as its choice metric on the Florida Board of Governors Performance Funding Model. Student engagement in high-impact practices helps them develop real world skills and provides ample opportunities to pursue their unique interests.

Dr. Erica Taylor is co-director of the UWF STEM Scholars Program, biology instructor and director for the STEM LLC program, a living learning community for students in the Hal Marcus College of Science and Engineering that offers opportunities for mentorship and personal and professional development.

“The STEM LLC provides a sense of community for students who live on campus,” Taylor said. “No matter where they’re coming from, they arrive here and immediately become connected with likeminded peers.”

Zayden Thompson, a sophomore environmental management major and STEM LLC resident, said the program has had a significant, positive impact on his college experience so far.

“I was given the opportunity to work at the Flight Academy in Pensacola last summer, which supported and inspired my dreams to pursue a career in aviation,” Thompson said. “If it weren’t for my participation in STEM LLC opening up that door, I never would have been able to experience such a life-changing job opportunity. This program has shaped me into a better student, and a better person overall.”

THE POWER OF COMMUNITY

In addition to faculty members, UWF students benefit from a local business community filled with successful leaders who believe in the importance of higher education.

Dr. Sherry Hartnett, founding director of the Office of Workforce Development and clinical professor, joined UWF on the heels of a successful 20-year career, part of which was spent as the chief marketing officer of a regional healthcare center.

“I was searching for meaning in what I was doing, a way to make a difference in the lives of the next generation,” Hartnett said. “I wanted to create a way for business executives in the community to mentor students, not only to support students, but to get involved in the University as well.”

In Fall 2012, Hartnett created the Executive Mentor Program and matched 60 students with mentors from local organizations. Every year since its inception, more than 100 students and business leaders have participated.

Pam Hatt, vice president of marketing at PenAir Credit Union, has been a mentor in the program for the past six years.

DR. GIANG-NGUYEN THI NGUYEN talks with her students over coffee.

“UWF EXCELS IN RELATIONSHIPS, BETWEEN STUDENTS, STUDENTS AND EDUCATORS, SUPPORT STAFF – EVERYONE. SMALL CLASSES MAKE IT EASY. IT’S MORE THAN JUST A PHRASE ON A BILLBOARD. IT’S AN INTEGRAL PART OF UWF’S CAMPUS CULTURE.” —Dr. Athena du Pré, Distinguished University Professor of communication

DR. ATHENA DU PRÉ fosters all-important connections with her students.

“I believe there is a lot of value in having someone other than a parent to pour into you,” Hatt said. “Unless you are a child of a parent who has experience as an executive or high-level leader, they can’t really get into the weeds of what that life looks like.

This program provides real-life experience and mentoring to prepare these future leaders upon entering the workforce. They also have someone to be there for them as they progress in their careers.”

BRIDGING THE GAP

Dr. Giang-Nguyen Thi Nguyen, associate professor of mathematics education, said one of UWF’s secrets to success is a culture that bridges the gap between faculty and students and encourages relationships that go beyond classroom lectures. On the first day of every new semester, she hands out informational cards for students to fill out complete with a section titled, “Tell me something I need to know about you.”

“The majority of students tell me something personal that helps me get to know them better,” Nguyen said. “I want them to

know that I care about them as students, but I also see them as individuals. I understand they’ll need academic help, but sometimes they’ll have other issues going on in their lives and need a listening ear. I don’t always have the answers, but I always try to refer them to resources that will help.”

Dr. Athena du Pré, Distinguished University Professor of communication, said UWF’s dual focus on delivering the highest quality education while developing lifelong bonds, truly makes the difference.

“UWF excels in relationships, between students, students and educators, support staff – everyone,” du Pré said. “Small classes make it easy. It’s more than just a phrase on a billboard. It’s an integral part of UWF’s campus culture. I know every person in my classes. I learn their career aspirations, how they respond to stress and how they work in teams. It’s a luxury to be able to know each of my students very well. Teaching feels more like coaching and collaborating. We may not always call it mentoring. I’m a coach. I’m an advocate. I’m a cheerleader.”

DR. SHERRY HARTNETT inspires the next generation of leaders.

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Q&A WITH NEW HEAD FOOTBALL COACH

KALEB NOBLES From player to head coach, Kaleb Nobles looks to keep leading the Argos to victory

BY ALLISON MORGAN

A

familiar face to Argos fans has returned to the University of West Florida. Kaleb Nobles, UWF’s first-ever quarterback in 2016, took the field this year as the University’s second head coach.

Nobles spent the past two seasons at Clemson University where he had the role of offensive player development and worked with Coach Dabo Swinney. No stranger to UWF’s coaching staff, he spent four seasons as a player and member of the coaching staff under former UWF Football Coach Pete Shinnick. The 29-year-old from Fitzgerald, Georgia, was on Shinnick’s staff from 2017-20 as the Argonaut’s quarterbacks coach and was named the co-offensive coordinator in May of 2020. Coach Nobles discusses how he’ll be building champions for life as UWF’s second head coach.

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What are you looking forward to most this football season?

Among other things, I am looking forward to being a part of games on campus at UWF. In my previous time here, our games were held downtown at Blue Wahoos Stadium, so this year will be my first games on campus. I look forward to seeing fans tailgating on campus and the great student turn out that creates such an energized atmosphere for our team on game day.

AT HLET I C S

UWF HEAD COACH KALEB NOBLES ushers in a new era for UWF Football.

What excites you the most about the players on this year’s team?

We have a lot of talented returning players on offense, defense and special teams that are older student-athletes who have been through the ups and downs of a season. I am most excited to see these returners, along with new players, let their work shine on game day each week.

You’re coming from coaching a highly successful football program under Coach Swinney. How do you feel that experience has equipped you for this position?

Working under Coach Swinney for the last two seasons was a great experience and has given me even more reassurance that you can win in great programs at a high

level while also doing things the right way.

I was able to take a lot of invaluable lessons from Coach Swinney and the entire Clemson staff that I know that I can apply to the leadership position here at UWF. Coaching runs in your family. How was it growing up with a dad who spent decades as a high school football coach and how did that shape your decision to make coaching a career?

Growing up, I developed a love for the game because of the opportunity to be around games and practices with my dad. As I continue to grow as a man and a coach, I am able to look back at my dad’s legacy and see that football is not just about game planning and being on the sidelines on game days. Coaching truly is about making an impact on

players and helping them become the best people that they can be for life after football ends. Being able to see those relationships that my dad had with former players, years after coaching them, gave me great insight on wanting to become a coach.

How does it feel being back in Pensacola with your wife, Katy?

My wife and I are both truly excited to be back in Pensacola. With both of us being graduates from UWF, we understand how great of a University and campus the University of West Florida is and that Pensacola is a tremendous city to live in and raise a family. We are excited to attend many events in Pensacola, not just UWF events, and make an impact on a city that has had such an impact on our lives.

“Coaching truly is about making an impact on players and helping them become the best people that they can be for life after football ends.”

—Kaleb Nobles, UWF head football coach

Fall 2023

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I S R L AB

IN ACTION AT UWF Intelligent Systems and Robotics Lab equips students with tools for hi-tech innovations

BY STEPHANIE YANCEY ’96

I

f the thought of intelligent systems and robotics brings to mind a round, selfroaming household vacuum cleaner, you’d be correct. If you’re picturing a lifesized, eerily-human robot performing tasks in our workplaces and homes, you’d also be correct.

At its core, the intelligent systems and robotics field combines the strengths and mitigates the weaknesses of humans and machines. Ready or not, it’s on the way to becoming a fixture in our everyday lives.

UWF’s Intelligent Systems and Robotics Laboratory in downtown Pensacola is the hot spot for students to learn, research, invent and shine.

The lab is an extension of UWF’s Ph.D. program in ISR, a joint partnership with the Institute for Human & Machine Cognition.

When the program launched in 2019, it was

one of just a few in the nation and the first and only in Florida. Fresh out of the gate, the program was attracting the best and brightest students from across the country.

“Our students come to the program with innovative ideas and suggestions for really exciting research,” said Dr. Hakki Erhan Sevil, assistant professor of intelligent systems and robotics. “It was important for them to have a creative space to share ideas and perfect their work.”

Sevil said students aren’t just gaining knowledge in the lab. They’re creating inventions completely new to the industry.

Exposing students to the ISR Lab early in the academic journey is a philosophy embraced at UWF.

“THE LAB ISN’T JUST FOR DOCTORAL STUDENTS. WE WANT TO IMMERSE STUDENTS AT ALL LEVELS IN CUTTING-EDGE ISR RESEARCH.”

“The lab isn’t just for doctoral students,” Sevil said. “We want to immerse students at all levels in cuttingedge ISR research. The lab is an environment where students can begin developing theo—Dr. Hakki Erhan Sevil, assistant ries and technologies professor of intelligent from their very first sesystems and robotics mester at UWF.” Innovation in action is apparent with one glance around the lab as a group of graduate robotics students are busy at work. In the center of the room, a giant, spider-like robot moves around an obstacle on the floor and creeps around the room.

Terrance Williams said the creature’s technology, which uses cameras and lasers to map the environment and return data to its human operators, has real-world applications during disasters, search and rescue operations and military missions.

In another area, Philip Bailey demonstrates his unmanned ground vehicle, a bright green robot clad in metal that resembles a miniature military tank. It perceives

DR. HAKKI SEVIL and students put their education in robotics into action.

its surroundings, gathers data and creates digital maps, an innovation that advances relief efforts following catastrophic weather events like hurricanes and tornadoes.

In the background, Stephane LeeVizcarra’s black, four-legged robot scales a concrete block; a practice for future deployments in terrain too dangerous for humans, such as mapping and analyzing combat zones. What started as an interest in robots sparked by the Star Wars movies in his childhood has led to his professional goal of working on humanoid robots at Tesla or Boston Dynamics.

Sevil is quick to point out that these robotic systems are designed to help humans, not replace them. “If we can use technology for mundane or dangerous tasks, it gives humans more time to work on complex problems that robots don’t have the capacity to address,” Sevil said.

Like a proud father, Sevil also wants everyone to know about his students’ visionary research taking place at the lab. “Our students’ work is being noticed on a national level.” Sevil said. “ISR research and laboratory learning has become synonymous with UWF. And we’re just getting started.”

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THANK YOU for supporting the UWF Alumni Association.

Where there’s a will, there’s a way.

AD: Free Will

The UWF Foundation’s recent partnership with FreeWill provides all UWF alumni and friends with free access to an online platform where you can create a will in fewer than 20 minutes. Take advantage of this free resource at freewill.com/uwf and support the people and causes you care about most. Though not a requirement, a gift to UWF in your will can provide invaluable support for future Argos.

Join the more than 1,000 UWF alumni and friends who have begun their free will by heading to freewill.com/uwf and starting the process today.

Jenn

25 Fall 2023

A LU M N I

MEET

WHITNEY FIKE The New President of the UWF Alumni Association

HELLO ARGOS! I’m delighted to introduce myself as the new president of the Alumni Association, alongside Vice President Greg Threadgill ’92 and our dedicated alumni board who will serve for the next two years. Together, we have the distinct privilege of representing our incredible network of alumni spanning the globe.

I had the honor of graduating in 2007, and am the regional communications manager at International Paper. UWF not only provided me with a first-rate education, but it also unveiled my true passions and directed me toward a fulfilling career path. UWF truly changed the trajectory of my life. I also discovered a love for everything green, blue and Argo-related!

As an alumni board, our primary focus will be fostering connections with each and every one of you as we work to further enhance our alumni community. Your involvement and support is essential to our future success as a University. As alumni, there are many ways to connect with your Argo roots and contribute to the success of our beloved alma mater: • Join us for an alumni event near you. Check out alumni.uwf.edu to find our upcoming events

SAVE THE DATE Join us for Alumni Homecoming Week events leading up to the game on Oct. 7. To find a list of events for you to participate in, visit uwf.edu/alumni/homecoming

• Connect with us on social media using @uwfalumni and #UWFAlumni • Become a Sustaining Alumni member I am beyond excited to embark on this journey with you and look forward to meeting many of you and learning what the University of West Florida has done for you.

Whitney Fike ’07 President UWF Alumni Association

Stay Connected with UWF Alumni | Connect.uwf.edu |

For more information about upcoming alumni events, visit uwf.edu/alumnievents.

/UWFAlumni Fall 2023

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ALUMNI

UWF Alumnae in the Big Leagues Melissa Strozza ’11 and Casey Hutson ’16 use their education and passion for sports to earn managerial roles in the sports industry.

ALUMNA MELISSA STROZZA ’11 poses in the Pittsburgh Pirates stadium.

BY ALLISON MORGAN

B

ig dreams of working in the big leagues have been realized for two University of West Florida alumnae. It wasn’t just dreams, but hard work and perseverance that landed Casey Hutson and Melissa Strozza their jobs with professional athletic teams in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Both Strozza and Hutson had similar paths that ironically led the UWF alumnae to the same city.

“I was in my very first public relations class when my professor, Eileen Perrigo, told us to interview someone that had our dream job,” Strozza said. “I interviewed the

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PR Director for the Pensacola Pelicans. I realized this is something I would love to do.”

After earning her degree in communication arts with a focus in public relations and minor in Spanish, she moved to New York City and eventually landed a role as a team coordinator for Team Cuba during the 2013 World Baseball Classic tournament. MLB was seeking someone who was bilingual to work with the team.

Shortly after the tournament ended, she joined the New York Mets. In 2015 she had her first opportunity to attend the World Series as the team’s media relations coordinator. Although the team lost, she said she gained invaluable experience.

“I was fielding media requests from all over the world,” Strozza said. “It really prepared me because later, when I got a job with the Washington Nationals, I was headed to the World Series again with my team and I felt much more prepared.”

In 2019, the Washington Nationals won the World Series and Strozza earned her first World Series ring as the team’s communications manager.

Last year, Strozza took a promotion when she accepted the director of communications position with the Pittsburgh

ALUMNA CASEY HUTSON’S ’16 passion for sports and experience in sales led her to the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Pirates. As fate would have it, her career would allow her family to move to the city her husband grew up in.

Much like Strozza, Hutson was always willing to do whatever it took to get where she is. Both Argo alumnae grew up watching sports with their families and dreamed of being more than just a fan one day.

“I started my career with the Pensacola Blue Wahoos as a part-time intern,” Hutson said. “I did a little bit of everything, I helped with community relations, I was on the street team and I was even the mascot.”

UWF’s inaugural football team’s first season was set to start while she was an intern with the Blue Wahoos.

“I said, ‘Hey how do I get involved in the inaugural football season?’” Hutson said. “I did whatever I could to get my name out there.”

When her summer internship ended with the Blue Wahoos, she earned a game operations and ticketing position with UWF Athletics where she sold tickets for

all 17 varsity sports including the inaugural season of Argo Football in 2016. One of the highlights of her time at the University was getting to witness the football national championship game in McKinney, Texas in 2019 and earning a national championship ring as a graduate assistant.

After graduating with her bachelor’s degree in public relations in 2016, she earned a part time role with the Blue Wahoos as a promotions trainee. Shortly after, she left Pensacola to join the Charlotte Hornets as an inside sales consultant. The rest is history as this led to positions with UCF Athletics Association, back to UWF as a ticketing graduate assistant in the Athletics department pursuing her master’s degree in strategic communication and leadership, followed by rejoining the pros including the Jacksonville Jaguars and Florida Panthers in sales and service roles. Earlier this year, she took an external promotion from the Florida Panthers as the manager of inside sales with the Pittsburgh Penguins where

she recruits, trains and develops entry level inside sales representatives. She currently leads a team of 10 IS representatives coaching them on how to sell season ticket memberships and beyond.

The two women in managerial roles in the big leagues are an inspiration to others, in an industry where women make up a minority of the staff. Both believe strides are being made and feel proud to be in the forefront of successful professional women in the sports industry. They also credit their UWF education for being a launching pad for their careers.

“I really never thought about it until someone pointed out that I’m one of few female managers,” Hutson said. “But it has been great to see how many young women look up to me. I’m honored to be in this position.”

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SNAPS H OTS

Smile!

Whether we gather at commencement, a banquet, network event or tailgate, our events provide the perfect opportunity to show our appreciation of your continued support. They are also a wonderful chance for you to socialize with fellow alumni, current students, staff, faculty and friends of the University.

Don’t miss out! We continue to add new events to the mix. For a look at upcoming events, visit alumni.uwf.edu.

Argos Suit Up UWF students expanded their professional wardrobes during the annual Argos Suit Up! event at the JCPenney in the University Town Plaza on Feb. 5, 2023. Students and alumni had the chance to purchase professional wear and accessories at discounted prices. Local donors provided students with gift cards to purchase professional outfits for interviews and internships.

DLS Irish The Experience UWF Downtown Lecture Series, in partnership with UWF’s Rolfs Music Hall Artist Series, presented “A Stór Mo Chroí, O’ Love of my Heart,” an evening of Irish song and poetry with Irish brothers Mícheál & Owen Ó Súilleabháin, on March 9, 2023, in Old Christ Church in downtown Pensacola.

Baseball GSC The No. 1-seed UWF Baseball team faced off against 4-seed Valdosta State for the Gulf South Conference Championship on May 9, 2023, at Choccolocco Park in Oxford, AL. In a rollercoaster of a game, the Argos found victory in extra innings, outlasting the Blazers 10-8 to secure the program’s third conference championship and an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament.

Women in Leadership Another sold out Women in Leadership Conference was held on March 30, 2023, by the College of Business Executive Mentor Program in the University Commons Conference Center. The conference offers attendees the opportunity to hear from and connect with prominent women leaders who have achieved personal and professional success both locally and globally.

Spring Commencement

Social Work Alumni Reception The UWF Department of Social Work held an event for its alumni following their annual luncheon on March 10, 2023, in the University Commons Conference Center.

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UWF celebrated the 100th edition of the ceremonial transition of students to alumni during the Spring 2023 Commencement Ceremony at the Pensacola Bay Center. UWF alumnus Stephen Wright, who held a 37-year career in leadership roles in the health care industry and Walter Arrington, who has led a life of service for the Northwest Florida community as a Homeless Health Navigator, were the speakers for the ceremony.

S N APSH OTS

Constellations Ribbon Cutting UWF and members of the STEAM community celebrated an official opening to “Constellations” a public art sculpture by artist Jason Kelly Johnson and his company FUTUREFORMS in the Center for Fine and Performing Arts on April 12, 2023.

Golf GSC The UWF Women’s Golf team and UWF Men’s Golf team both earned their respective 2023 Gulf South Conference Championships at the RTJ Magnolia Grove on April 18, 2023.

Larry Butler Check Presentation UWF celebrated a $170,000 donation to the UWF Dr. Grier Williams School of Music in support of the Larry Butler Memorial Music Scholarship Fund at Flora-Bama in Perdido Key. The new funds are a result of a Music City Hit-Makers fundraising concert at the Pensacola Saenger Theatre in November 2022.

Maygarden Signage UWF celebrated The Honorable Jerry Louis Maygarden by naming the Undergraduate Communication Program in his namesake and revealed signage in Building 36 on April 12,

Donor Dinner 2023 UWF held its annual Donor Recognition Dinner on April 17, 2023, at the Sanders Beach-Corinne Jones Resource Center in downtown Pensacola to honor and recognize its most generous donors. These alumni and friends have helped open doors of opportunity for UWF students.

The University is thankful to all contributors for their loyal and thoughtful support.

Day of Service UWF alumni, staff and faculty pitched in to organize and prepare meal kits for those in need at the Feeding the Gulf Coast food bank during Day of Service, part of Founders Week, on April 18, 2023.

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CLASS NOTE S

Class Notes 1970s ’72 Tony Uriz, B.A. Studio Art; Uriz is a retired illustrator and has been volunteering at the Roy Hyatt Environmental Center for the past 12 years. Roy illustrated the children’s book, “The Panicky Picnic.” ’74 Dr. Richard B. Earp, B.A. Mathematics; Earp published the Christian-faith fiction novel, “Billy” that follows Billy, a homeless man who stumbles upon an all-faith Christian mission event. Earp is also a professor emeritus of computer science at UWF. “Billy” can be purchased in bookstores, on Amazon or the Apple iTunes store. ’75 Steven L. Marshall, B.A. Communication Arts; Marshall was awarded the J. Scott Robinson Lifetime Achievement Award by the Appraisal Institute. ’77 Frederick D. “Freddy” Ard, B.S. Management; Ard was appointed

by Alabama Governor Kay Ivey in January to a second term on the state’s Certificate of Need Review Board.

1980s ’80 David A. Sofferin, M.A. Psychology; Sofferin was named executive director of the Vashti Center, a faith-based organization in Thomasville, GA that works with children and youth with a variety of mental and behavioral health challenges. ’83 Robert M. Smart, B.A. Communication Arts & B.A. English; Smart was hired as the new CEO of Reunion Rehabilitation Hospital in Arlington, TX. ’84 Dr. Sharisse Turner (Bronson), B.A. English Education; Turner earned an Ed.D. in December 2022 from Baylor University in learning and organizational change. She was also elected as the vice president of the National Organization for Student Success.

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’85 Marian O’Shea Wernicke, M.A. English; Wernike published her second novel, “Out of Ireland,” inspired by events in the life of her great grandmother. “Out of Ireland” is a finalist in the 2023 International Book Awards in historical fiction. ’86 Caroline DeMaria (Chadbourne), B.S. Management; DeMaria is currently serving as president of the Chadbourne Foundation. ’88 Samuel B. Burkett, M.S. Systems Analysis; Burkett was promoted to senior vice president of Torch Technologies in February 2023.

1990s ’91 Stacey Darhower, B.A. Legal Administration; Darhower was inducted into the 2022 Okaloosa County Women’s Hall of Fame for outstanding contributions to the community’s development.

’93 Erica Moulton, B.S. Biology; Moulton was selected to participate in the Ocean Geographic Antarctic Climate Expedition. The expedition was a gathering of thought leaders in the fields of science, art, education and economics selected to participate with famed scientist Dr. Sylvia Earle. ’95 Scott Bauries, B.A. English; After 14 years on faculty at the University of Kentucky College of Law, Bauries accepted a professor of law position at the University of South Carolina School of Law. He will be teaching Civil Procedure, State Constitutional Law, Federal Courts and Conflict of Laws. ’95 & ’10 Rachel Hempworth Watts, M.Ed. Curriculum & Instruction & Ed.S.; Watts was named principal of Pensacola Beach Elementary School. ’96 Brian C. Davis, M.S. Health, Leisure & Exercise Science; Davis was named executive director of Tuscaloosa County Park and Recreation Authority.

’91 Dr. Christopher T. Culbertson, B.S. Chemistry; Culbertson was named dean of the Kansas State University College of Arts and Sciences in May 2023.

’96 Margaret Felina Martin (McConner), BSBA Marketing; Martin was named director of programs and initiatives at the National Association of Investment Companies.

’91 & ’93 Michael S. Jeffcoat, B.S. & M.S. Health, Leisure & Exercise Science; Jeffcoat, head coach of the UWF Baseball team, was named 2023 Coach of the Year by the Gulf South Conference.

’97 & ’05 Dr. Kimberly Jean Brewer (Powers), B.A. Elementary Education & M.Ed. Educational Leadership; Brewer was named principal of Rosa Scott School in Madison, MS.

’91 Rachael E. Pongetti, B.A. Elementary Education; Pongetti was selected as one of five Florida public school arts teachers to participate in the 2023 State Teachers Artist Residency program in Manasota Key.

’99 Janet Magno LaBar, B.A. Communication Arts; LaBar was the commencement speaker for Wingate University’s spring 2023 commencement ceremony in Wingate, NC. She is the CEO of the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance.

’91 Brian P. Wyer, B.S. Management; Wyer was named the winner of the Small Business Award at the UWF College of Business Ethics in Business Awards in April 2023.

2000s

’92 & ’94 Allison Hill (Spencer), B.A. Accounting & MAcc; Hill was named the winner of the Large Business Award at the UWF College of Business Ethics in Business Awards in April 2023. ’93 Scott DeToffol, B.A. Communication Arts; DeToffol was promoted to senior director of product management for Best Buy’s Digital, Analytics and Technology division. ’93 Brig. Gen. Kevin T. Hamm, BSBA Finance; Hamm, director of the joint staff of the Georgia National Guard, was promoted to brigadier general at the Clay National Guard Center in Marietta, GA. His military career has spanned over 40 years and four continents.

’00 & ’05 Charles Paul Linscott, B.A. Philosophy & M.A. Interdisciplinary Humanities; Linscott was named director of the Ohio University J. Warren McClure School of Emerging Communication Technologies. He is an assistant professor who previously served as the assistant director for undergraduate studies at the school. ’01 Stuart Manley, B.S. Health, Leisure & Exercise Science; Manley won his fourth European Challenge Tour golf title after winning the Blot Open de Bretagne with a birdie at the 72nd hole. ’01 & ’04 Rachel Godwin Young, BSBA Accounting & MAcc; Young, CPA, CGMA was named the president and CEO of Avizo Group Inc.

C L ASS N OT ES

’02 Cdr. Nathaniel Logan Robinson, B.A. Communication Arts; Cdr. Robinson was named commanding officer of the U.S. Coast Guard Marine Safety Unit Savannah, GA.

’10 David Timothy Raines, M.A. Educational Leadership; Raines was named head of school at The King’s Academy, a private, Christian, pre-K-12 in West Palm Beach, FL.

’03 & ’13 Tracey Lee Heisler, B.A. Psychology & M.A. Counseling Psychology; Heisler released her first book, “The Shadow in Our Lives: One family’s recovery from sexual abuse,” to help families and support caregivers in crisis who need practical information. To learn more, visittheshadowinourlives.com.

’13 Victoria Anne D’Angelo, B.A. Maritime Studies; De’Angelo was named community redevelopment agency division manager for the City of Pensacola.

’04 Dr. Jeffrey Rivera Lowery, B.A. Psychology; Lowery won Phoebe Physician of the Year by Phoebe Putney Health System. ’07 Whitney Vaughn Fike, B.A. Communication Arts; Fike was named regional mill communications manager for containerboard at International Paper. She will retain her mill communications responsibilities in Pensacola, while also providing strategic direction and leadership at containerboard mills in Orange, TX, Springfield, OR, Maysville, KY and Newport, IN. ’07 Rebecca Gilliland, B.A. Criminal Justice; Gilliland was named principal in the Consumer Fraud & Commercial Litigation Section of Beasley Allen’s Mobile office. ’08 David Heath Carroll, B.A. Theatre; Carroll was named education and outreach director at Emerald Coast Theatre Company. ’08 Jennifer Lynn Martin, B.A. Exceptional Student Education; Martin was named principal at Green Holly Elementary School in Lexington Park, MD. ’08 Samuel Travis Phillips, BSBA Accounting; Phillips joined the accounting and business consulting firm of LBMC in Chattanooga, TN as a tax manager.

2010s ’10 Matthew Frederick Bonno, B.A. Communication Arts and ’10 Katelyn Nicole Murray, B.A. International Studies; Bonno and Murray launched Daredevil Coffee, a mobile coffee company in Colorado Springs, CO. ’10 & ’12 Tanya Louise Gallagher, B.S. Environmental Studies & M.S. Environmental Science; Gallagher was named artistic director and host for WUWF 88.1 FM’s flagship program, “RadioLive,” which is held on the first Thursday of every month in the Museum of Commerce in downtown Pensacola.

’13 Kara Nicole Hilt-Mead, B.S. Health Science; Hilt-Mead joined the team at Goldberg Segalla’s Retail and Hospitality group in Orlando, FL. ’14 Lydia Moore Creel, M.Ed. Educational Leadership; Creel was named principal of Lake Asbury Junior High in Clay County, FL. ’14 & ’18 Shelby Lyn Villatoro Calderon (Zarm), B.A. Public Relations & M.A. Strategic Communication and Leadership; Villatoro Calderon was named education and outreach coordinator at Space Coast Transportation Planning Organization. ’16 Kevin Fails, B.M. Music Performance; Fails was named adjunct professor of horn and brass in Dr. Grier Williams School of Music at UWF. ’16 Cameron Erb Parker, M.Ed. Educational Leadership; Parker was named principal of Emma E. Booker Elementary School in Sarasota County, FL. ’17 Stephen Bradford Atkinson, M.A. Historical Archaeology; Atkinson presented on “HMS Cruizer and British Naval Activity in the Lower Cape Fear Region 1775-1776,” at the Friends of the CSS Neuse Museum maritime history symposium in Kinston, NC. ’17 & ’19 Lauren Ashley Hancock (McCurdy), B.S. Health Promotion & MPH; Hancock was named associate director of wellness and recreation at Stetson University in DeLand, FL. ’19 Cailin Feagles, B.S. Health Sciences; Feagles was named director of operations and events at the Pensacola Downtown Improvement Board.

2020s ’20 Payton Alexandra Price, B.S. Athletic Training; Price was named athletic trainer at the North Texas Soccer Club, the affiliate team of FC Dallas. ’20 Tracy Ann Walker, MPH; Walker created a local health and medical task force that included all medical providers, pharmacies, nursing homes, hospitals, EMS, jail medical and large-

scale employers with self-sustained medical units. This group improved response efforts through a systemsthinking approach and the sharing of critical resources. This effort greatly benefits rural communities like hers because they can become less reliant on larger outlying communities. ’21 Matthew Gotel, BGS; Gotel made his XFL debut wearing #90 for the San Antonio Brahmas. ’21 Keith Lamond Strickling, MBA; Strickling was named administrator of Jay Hospital in Jay, FL. ’21 Adrianna Michelle Swearingen, M.Ed. Educational Leadership; Swearingen was named a Florida Department of Education 2024 Florida Teacher of the Year finalist.

She is a media specialist at Northside Elementary School in Bay County, FL. ’22 Andrew Merrill, M.S. Physical Education & Human Performance; Merrill was named head women’s cross country coach at Tallahassee Community College. ’22 Maverick Ranger Wolfley, B.A. Communication; Wolfley was invited to the Pittsburgh Steelers’ Rookie Camp.

Inweekly Power List The following alumni were recognized on the 2023 Power List

by Inweekly Magazine: ’69 Sandy C. Sansing ’70 Dr. Richard Maurice Fountain ’84 Dr. Kenneth M. Ford ’87 Dr. Mona A. Amodeo (Braxton) ’87 William M. Yarbrough ’91 Brian P. Wyer ’92 & ’94 Allison Hill (Spencer) ’00 & ’09 K.C. Gartman (Flanagan) ’01 Kimberly Renee Adams (Lambert) ’02 Kristen Jane Longley ’02 Grace Resendez McCaffery ’06, ’09 & ’14 Vanessa Lashay Phillips ’07 Dr. Lusharon Woods Wiley ’10 & ’14 Joshua Newby ’12 Bryan A. Freeman ’14 Jeff Nall ’17 & ’18 Hale Morrisette ’18 Jacey Jean Cosentino Find a full list of UWF alumni news, accomplishments and obituaries by visiting uwf.edu/classnotes.

Fall 2023

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CLASS NOTE S

The University of West Florida Remembers Trustees

Lewis Bear, Jr. and Robert “Bob” Jones

Lewis Bear, Jr. 1941 - 2023 Honorary Doctorate ’23 Former UWF Board of Trustees chairman UWF Foundation board member UWF Foundation fellow Devoted supporter of UWF and the Pensacola community

Robert “Bob” Jones 1942 - 2022 UWF Board of Trustees Retired Major, Army National Guard Ardent supporter of education at UWF and throughout Northwest Florida

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Florida Retired

DISCOVER A NEW UWF THROUGH THE

Employees Association Stay connected with the UWF community even after retirement by becoming an active member of the University of West Florida Retired Employees Association.

The UWF REA includes all UWF retirees who become members when they officially retire from the University.

Continue meaningful contributions to the University by volunteering for on-campus events, participating in UWF service projects and supporting vital initiatives such as the UWF Camellia Garden. Share your wisdom and expertise by serving on a committee or mentoring a student or new faculty member. REA members foster fellowship through outings and gatherings, newsletters, luncheons and member meetings.

Benefits include campus parking privilege, use of UWF facilities and more. Learn more about the association benefits and how to become an active member at uwf.edu/rea.

“We strive to be a welcoming place where members can connect with one another, share experiences and have a voice in the community.”

-William “Bill” Healey, REA president

UWF REA BOARD OF DIRECTORS William “Bill” Healey, President Carl Backman, Immediate Past President Ellen Till, Vice President/President Elect Connie Flemming, Director Rohan Hemasinha, Director Ewell Howard, Director Gabi Grosse, Sunshine Chair and Director

Fall 2023

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Connection University of West Florida 11000 University Parkway Pensacola, FL 32514 uwf.edu/alumni

“UWF has given me amazing memories, lasting friendships and countless opportunities to achieve my academic goals.”

Adell Roebuck Communication, ’24

Grow in ways you never thought possible.

FIND EVERYTHING YOU WANT AND ALL OF WHAT YOU NEED AT UWF.

At the University of West Florida, our spirited learners are exploring limitless possibilities and finding real value in everything we have to offer. Find a campus community, new friends and an unparalleled education — all at UWF.

uwf.edu/freshman