UNF celebrates student and faculty success and community partnerships during 2025 Convocation

The University of North Florida kicked off the 2025-26 academic year with a vibrant and inspiring Convocation ceremony that celebrated the theme of "Together Everyone Achieves More," with a focus on the University's commitment to teamwork, student and faculty success and community partnerships.

Held in the UNF Arena, the event marked a historic moment for the University, coming on the heels of welcoming its largest freshman class in history - 3,170 new Ospreys, including 2,920 full-time, first-time-in-college students. It's been a year of records for UNF, which saw strong growth in graduate and transfer student enrollment, contributing to a total student body of 17,600 - the highest in University history.

"Our new academic year is already off to an amazing start," UNF President Moez Limayem told faculty, staff, students and guests. "We have accomplished so much over the past year in so many areas, and the common denominator is teamwork. We've moved the needle significantly in areas where other universities are struggling and that is because we are doing things differently here at UNF, and we are working together as a team."

During Convocation, UNF gave out gift cards and scholarships to students chosen at random, including five $1,000 scholarships provided by Community First Credit Union, a $1,000 scholarship provided by Limayem and a scholarship provided by the UNF Foundation to cover tuition and fees for the remainder of the student's time at UNF. The "full ride" scholarship recipient is a second-year student in the Silverfield College of Education and Human Services. She called her father while on stage to share her joy and he responded by saying how proud he was of her.

The Osprey Staff Assocation and Provost's Office also participated in giving away Dining Dollars, a free parking upgrade and Amazon gift cards.

Investing in experience, impact and the campus

Limayem highlighted UNF's experiential learning guarantee, how the University is helping students find those opportunities and some of the biggest construction projects underway on campus.

• UNF Guarantee:Beginning this fall, every incoming student will complete at least one hands-on learning experience- such as an internship, research project or leadership opportunity - before graduation.
• Career Impact:UNF is No.1 with the highest percentage of bachelor's graduates employed in the state. Regional businesses were on campus every full week last year for recruitment events, with more than 1,200 companies participating in career events.
• Campus Expansion: UNF just opened Osprey Ridgeresidence hall, the Coggin College of Businessand Brooks College of Health are being renovated and the new UNF Flight Deckesports arena is being built. Coming nextis a Student Success and Academic Building, an Honors College Academic Building and a new 700-bed apartment complex off Kernan Boulevard.

Celebrating community partnerships

Support and contributions from community partners was also celebrated during Convocation.

• Brooks Rehabilitation, which named UNF's Brooks College of Health, is donating a substantial giftthat will enable the physical therapy program to double its size in one year.
• Community First Credit Union is UNF's partner credit union and has a branch on the campus. It also sponsors Market Days, Parent and Family Orientation and on Friday gave away five $1,000 scholarships.
• Jacksonville Public Education Fund, a longtime University partner and supporter of teacher residency programs, is also supporting faculty research in school counseling.
• Degree Wellness, which has been providing health and wellness services to student athletes, has just extended their support to help more Ospreys in the classroom and on the field or court.

Honoring excellence and core values

Provost Karen Patterson and Mike Binder, interim assistant vice president of faculty relations, shared the names of facultyand advisorswho were recently honored for their contributions to the University.

Among those honored was Dr. Bryan Knuckley, professor and chair of chemistry and biochemistry in the College of Arts and Sciences, who was named recipient of the 2025 Distinguished Professor Award. Nominated by his peers, the prestigious honor recognizes not only academic excellence but also a commitment to mentorship, research and leadership.

"We are grateful to our faculty members and our advisors for putting our students on the path to success and working so hard to ensure that they stay on track and progress to graduation," Patterson said.

In addition, for the second year in a row, Limayem and Patterson recognized outstanding faculty and staff who exemplify the University's core values:

• Accountability:
  • Jodi Newton, research technology engineer in Information Technology Services
  • Tiffiny Poole, senior payroll representative in Administration and Finance
  • Gregory Wurtz, professor and chair of physics in College of Arts and Sciences
• Civility:
  • Thomas Van Schoor, student ombudsman in Office of the Dean of Students
  • Kristi Sweeney, associate professor and chair leadership, school counseling and sport management in Silverfield College of Education and Human Services
  • Mike Trotter, shipping and receiving manager in Administration and Finance
• Culture of Care:
  • Amisha Bartley, custodial supervisor in Physical Facilities
  • Scott Jones, assistant professor of biology in College of Arts and Sciences
  • Angela Lee, coordinator of training in Human Resources
• Excellence:
  • Gui Cesar, assistant professor of physical therapy in Brooks College of Health
  • David Morris, grounds keeper in Physical Facilities
  • Kellie Woodle, senior director student success initiatives in Office of Student Success
• Integrity:
  • Carly Bengry, assistant dean of students in Housing & Residence Life
  • Laura Kelp, accounts payable specialist in Administration and Finance
  • Heather Pease, instructor and research methods lab coordinator in psychology in College of Arts and Sciences