ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ

Inside ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ — October 22, 2026

• ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ and UF to co-host free STEM on the Lawn event
• Upcoming First Thursday Faculty and Staff Mixer
• ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ receives NSA grant to lead AI cybersecurity teacher training
• Faculty Feature: Dr. Courtney Azzari
• Open Enrollment information
• Osprey Profile: Emily Bailey
• Inside News Roundup
• Faculty and Staff News
• Free Things to Do
• Dateline
• Swoop Summary

ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ and UF to co-host free STEM on the Lawn event

The ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ is partnering with the University of Florida's Florida Semiconductor Institute to host STEM on the Lawn, a free community event, from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 24, at the J.B. Coxwell Amphitheater.  

 

STEM on the Lawn is specifically geared toward K-12 students and their families and will provide engaging, hands-on STEM experiences for learners of all ages. The event is designed to inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers, inventors and problem-solvers.  

 

Activities and exhibitors will include robotics and engineering demonstrations, virtual reality experiences, science activities, interactive exhibits and more.

 

Learn more about this free community event hosted at ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ.

Upcoming First Thursday Faculty and Staff Mixer

Calling All Ospreys! First Thursday Faculty and Staff Mixer — Nov. 5

Don't miss the final First Thursday Faculty and Staff Mixer of the fall semester, Thursday, Nov. 5 from 4 to 6 p.m. in the Talon Room, Osprey Commons (Building 16).

Unwind after the workday and connect with fellow Ospreys while enjoying camaraderie and conversation in a relaxed setting. Enjoy complimentary light refreshments.

 

Whether you're new to the Osprey community or simply looking to make more connections at The Nest, this event is for you.

ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ receives NSA grant to lead AI cybersecurity teacher training

The ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ received a National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity grant of more than $700,000 from the National Security Agency to develop curriculum on AI cybersecurity for K-12 students and teachers and expand access to emerging technology education across Northeast Florida.

 

The project, CyberJaxAI-PATH: Cyber AI Pathways for K–12 Education, is led by ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ in partnership with Florida State College at Jacksonville, Jacksonville University and Duval County Public Schools.

 

Through CyberJaxAI-PATH, the coalition will develop and implement AI-integrated cybersecurity curriculum for middle and high school classrooms.

 

Teachers will receive training and sustained support needed to bring these emerging technologies into their classrooms.

 

Learn more about this AI cybersecurity project.

Faculty Feature: Dr. Courtney Azzari

By Lloyd Morris

 

For Dr. Courtney Azzari, marketing is about more than products, promotions or profit. At its core, it's about people. 

 

Azzari has built a career exploring how consumer experiences shape well-being, personal growth and some of life's most meaningful moments. Her research spans topics including transformative consumer experiences, social justice, consumer vulnerability and the role service providers play in helping people navigate major life events. 

 

"It's a bigger philosophical question of what are we doing all of this for?" Azzari said. "The answer of profitability just doesn't sit well with me. We're humans trying to live better lives and create a better world." 

 

It's a perspective that runs through nearly every aspect of Azzari's work, from her research agenda to her approach in the classroom.

 

Learn more about Dr. Azzari's research and approach to teaching.

Open Enrollment information

Open Enrollment for the 2027 Plan Year is underway and concludes Friday, Oct. 30 at 6 p.m. EST.

 

During this period, employees can review and update their benefits elections for 2027, with all changes taking effect Jan. 1, 2027. Changes include enrolling or cancelling benefits, increasing or decreasing coverage, or adding or removing dependents.

 

All Ospreys are encouraged to review available health, dental, vision and life insurance options, compare plans and premiums and use the MyBenefits portal to complete enrollment.

 

For additional information and resources about selecting your benefits, visit and .

Osprey Profile: Emily Bailey

By Joy Batteh-Freiha

 

When Emily Bailey was in high school, her classmates were asked to dress up as what they wanted to be when they grew up.

 

Bailey didn't hesitate.

 

“I dressed up as an artist,” she said.

 

Today, that childhood dream is a reality.

 

Bailey, 32, a Tampa native and nontraditional student, will graduate from the ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ this fall with her second bachelor's degree in fine arts with a concentration in sculpture. Along the way, she has earned one of the most prestigious opportunities available to a student artist, being named the Fall 2026 Student Artist-in-Residence for MOCA Jacksonville and Arts ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ.

 

The competitive residency provides Bailey with studio space at MOCA Jacksonville throughout the fall semester, where she is creating new work for a public exhibition scheduled to open in early 2027.

 

Learn more about Bailey's ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ journey and her artistic endeavors.

Inside News Roundup

Cyberween Challenge Oct. 19-30

Put your cybersecurity skills to the test during this year's Cyberween Challenge beginning on taking placec Oct. 19-30. For the first time, ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ employees can win major prizes including two prize packs valued at $400 each by participating.

• 3D Printer
• Home Theater Projector with an Outdoor Projector Screen

The game takes place every October, in honor of Cybersecurity Awareness Month, as a competition between institutions in the Florida State University System. Students will compete for their own major prizes while helping their college compete for the Cyberween College Cup.

 

Tickets to claim the individual student prizes will be drawn from the college with the highest participation rate. The winning college will also take home bragging rights and the inaugural College Cup trophy.

2026 Homecoming Office Decoration Contest

This year’s Homecoming Office Decorating Contest theme is "Flock the Halls." All campus departments and offices are invited to participate and show their ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ spirit by transforming their spaces into a celebration of all things Osprey. , and judging will occur on Wednesday, Nov. 4 and Thursday, Nov. 5. The winner will be announced in ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ Central.

ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ Homecoming 2026: Nov. 9-15

Ospreys, prepare now for an incredible week of Osprey spirit and camaraderie during this year's Homecoming celebrations. Gather your flock and help make Homecoming 2026 an unforgettable experience for all. Whether you plan to attend the Alumni Recognition Awards, volunteer during the Ospreys Serve event, participate in the parade or attend this year's basketball game, there's something for everyone to enjoy. View the full list of events and prepare to soar with fellow Ospreys during Homecoming Week.

Ospreys Serve

Join fellow Ospreys on Friday, Nov. 13, for a morning of service, connection and impact during our Homecoming Community Service Event. Faculty, staff, alumni and students will come together to serve both on-campus and community partner sites, demonstrating the power of the Osprey spirit in action. to make a difference. Also, as a part of this year's Ospreys Serve event, help support the ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ Lend-A-Wing Food Pantry by donating nonperishable foods, canned goods, frozen foods and personal hygiene items at the Homecoming Day of Thanks event on Thursday, Nov. 12. Every donation helps fellow Ospreys in need!

Pack ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ Arena for the 2026 Homecoming Basketball Game ($10 Discount Tickets)

Get ready for an action-packed day of Osprey spirit, family fun and Homecoming excitement! ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ Athletics is offering special for the men's basketball game as the Ospreys take on The Citadel on Nov. 14 at 2 p.m. in ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ Arena. All ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ students receive free admission with their Osprey 1Card.

Updated Name for ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ Help Emails

Starting Friday, Oct. 22, emails from the ServiceNow help portal will be sent from ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ Help using the same unf@service-now.com address. This change reflects the wide range of campus support services that use the system and provides clearer communication. No action is required. Continue to use help.unf.edu to get help and submit a ticket. Departments currently using the ticketing system include: Accounts Payable, Campus Planning, Controller Business Assets, HR, ITS, Marketing and Communications, Office of Planning and Budget, Office of Teaching and Learning, Office of Research and Sponsored Programs, Records and Registration, Silverfield College of Education and Human Services and University Development and Alumni Engagement.

Osprey Cafe Earns 4-Star Green Certification

Osprey Cafe earned the 4-Star Green Certification designation as one of the highest-rated dining facilities in Florida and the first college dining facility in the state to achieve a 4-Star Green Certification. Some of the Cafe’s infrastructure upgrades helped secure additional points during the certification process as well as the team’s commitment to maintaining high standards through its vegan and vegetarian offerings, the Waste Not program to reduce food waste, food donation initiatives and the Green Box program.

IERE Seed Grant Applications Open

The Institute of Environmental Research and Education is pleased to share that the are now available and accessible within ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ Central. The page includes the application materials, acknowledgment form, eligibility information and submission guidelines. Applications are due by Monday, Nov. 2 at 5 p.m. IERE will award two seed grants of $10,000 each to support interdisciplinary environmental research projects. Email IERE at environment@unf.edu for more information.

Digital Humanities Institute and Allen Lastinger Center for Florida History

The 2026 Digital Projects Showcase will be co-hosted on Friday, Nov. 6, from 3 to 5 p.m., by the Digital Humanities Institute and the Allen Lastinger Center for Florida History in the Carpenter Library. The program features 18 interactive poster presentations by ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ faculty and students and representatives from other cultural and educational institutions across North Florida. Presenters will discuss their use of digital tools and methods in teaching and research, including in the recovery and dissemination of the history of our region. Learn more about this year's showcase.

Honors Colloquium: Call for Proposals

The Hicks Honors College is seeking faculty to create and teach an open-topic colloquium for first-year students in fall 2027. Courses may grow out of research, creative practice or community partnerships. Applications are due Monday, Nov. 16. For the full call for proposals and eligibility details, email Honors Dean Will Pewitt at will.pewitt@unf.edu.

Fall Commencement Volunteers Needed

Fall commencement – December 11 – is around the corner and volunteers are needed in the ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ Arena. Faculty can to reserve their spot in the faculty procession or serve as a marshal. Staff can to volunteer for any of the commencement ceremonies.

Faculty and Staff News

College of Computing, Engineering and Construction

School of Computing

Dr. Swapnoneel Roy, professor, presented at an InfraGard Jacksonville Members Alliance luncheon, highlighting his work with the CyberJaxAI-PATH and GenCyber initiatives. These programs expand cybersecurity and artificial intelligence education for K–12 students and teachers.

Construction Management

Dr. John Kim, associate professor, accompanied students Christian Shore, Alexia Fuentes, Sarah O’Neal, Natalie Brunner and Kyle Nelson to the 2026 SESTT Conference at Clemson University in South Carolina. During the conference, Fuentes received the 2026 SESTT Scholarship.

Graduate School

Alyssa Elaskari, assistant director of recruitment and outreach, presented “Building the Pipeline Together: Lessons from a Private Employer Cohort (and What Your Institution Can Learn)” at the SEAGAP Fall 2026 Regional Conference in Jacksonville, Sept. 25. In addition, Stephanie Urbas, director, and Lucy Hollins, coordinator, presented “CRM Workflow Magic, because spreadsheets aren’t Soaring Higher.

Hicks Honors College

Will Pewitt, dean, announced the undergraduate research journal, Crossing Currents, won first place in the National Collegiate Honors Conference's journal category. The journal features original undergrad scholarship on subjects that deal with cultures interacting from the evolution of languages to mythological systems to the history of paper currency.

Institute of Environmental Research and Education

Ruby Cox, IERE coordinator, presented "ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ Youth Environmental Leadership Program: Pilot Program to Full Flight" at the North American Association for Environmental Education Annual Conference and Research Symposium in Portland, OR, in October.

Thomas G. Carpenter Library

Dr. Deborah M. Williams, scholarly communication librarian, was elected to a three-year term to the Northeast Florida Library Information Network (NEFLIN) Board, a nonprofit library consortia organization serving multi-type libraries in more than 12 counties in Northeast Florida.

Free Things to Do

Empty Bowls

Exhibition on view now through Nov. 11, Lufrano Intercultural Gallery
The exhibition features ceramic bowls created for the nationally recognized Empty Bowls initiative and integrates student work with contributions from nationally renowned ceramic artists. Sales of the bowls will be directed to food banks in the Jacksonville area.

Art with a Heart in Healthcare: From the Heart

Exhibition on view now through Jan. 10, 2027, MOCA Jacksonville
To celebrate Art with a Heart in Healthcare’s (AWAHIH) 25th anniversary, "From the Heart" centers on the young artists at the heart of our mission. Patients and siblings at Wolfson Children’s Hospital collaborated with AWAHIH Artists-in-Residence to create pieces that reflect who they are, what they love and what art-making with AWAHIH has meant during their time in the hospital. Learn more .

Project Atrium: Ryan Rasmussen - Glitch: Architecture Undone

Exhibition on view now through Feb. 14, 2027, MOCA Jacksonville
Glitch: Architecture Undone consists of two interconnected structural systems. A freestanding tower of extruded aluminum and acrylic, rising approximately 25 feet from the atrium floor, acts as “host” to a secondary material accumulation: raw wood scraps, industrial piping, backlit translucent panels, cable assemblies and found material in states of partial tension. Learn more .

Library Artist Talk

Thursday, Oct. 22, 5 - 6 p.m., Special Collections and University Archives Reading Room, Thomas G. Carpenter Library

Celebrate International Artist Day with local artists Dr. Susanne Schuenke and Mary Atwood as they discuss their artwork and answer questions from attendees. Learn more .

39th Annual Great American Jazz Series

Thursday, Oct. 22, 7:30 p.m., Lazzara Performance Hall
Acclaimed trumpeter Terell Stafford joins ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ Jazz Ensemble 1 and Douglas Anderson School of the Arts Jazz Ensemble 1 for an evening of live jazz celebrating musical excellence and the next generation of jazz musicians. Learn more .

Florida Native Wildflower Planting Day

Friday, Oct. 23, 9 a.m. - noon, Native Garden Project Area
Help plant Florida native wildflowers that support pollinators, wildlife and campus biodiversity. No experience is necessary, and tools, training, snacks and drinks will be provided. Learn more .

AI4Good Hackathon Kick-off

Friday, Oct. 23, 4 - 6 p.m., The Link, Ponte Vedra Beach
Learn about the AI4Good Hackathon, a 48-hour challenge where college students work in teams to address youth resilience and well-being issues using data and artificial intelligence. The kick-off event is open to the public. Learn more .

STEM on the Lawn

Saturday, Oct. 24, 10:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., J.B. Coxwell Amphitheater
Enjoy a fun, hands-on STEM experience featuring interactive activities, demonstrations and opportunities to connect with ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ and UF faculty and students. Designed for K-12 learners and families. Learn more .

Jazz Combo Night at the Boathouse

Monday, Oct. 26, 6 - 8 p.m., ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ Boathouse
ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ Jazz Combos 1-4 perform an evening of live jazz showcasing the creativity, musicianship and improvisational talents of student performers under the direction of Lynne Arriale. Learn more .

ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ-FSCJ Blocktoberfest

Friday, Oct. 30, noon - 6 p.m., FSCJ South Campus, M3 Parking Lot
Experience a unique celebration of art and community as giant woodblock prints are transformed into large-scale artworks using a steamroller. Learn more .

Astronomy Night: Telescope Hands-On with NEFAS

Friday, Nov. 6, 8 - 10 p.m., Science and Engineering Building, Room 1102
Attend a public astronomy presentation followed by rooftop telescope viewing, weather permitting. Open to all ages and experience levels. Learn more .

Taylor Leadership Institute Leadership Summit

Tuesday, Nov. 10, 10:30 a.m. - 1 p.m., Adam W. Herbert University Center, Room 1044
Join TLI for its annual Leadership Summit, featuring keynote speaker Dr. Natalya Bannister Roby, as she shares her lessons on "The Sunflower Effect: Leading Others Toward the Light." Learn more and .

Visiting Artist Lecture

Thursday, Nov. 12, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m., ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ Gallery of Art
Featured artists include Kristen Tordella-Williams, a sculptor, educator and associate professor of sculpture at Auburn University and Jenny Hillenbrand, an interdisciplinary artist whose work combines sculpture, drawing, performance and community engagement.

ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ Sculpture Iron Pour Fall 2026

Saturday, Nov. 14, 4 - 7 p.m., Behind ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ Annex (Bldg. 6)
The ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ sculpture program invites the local community to experience a unique and captivating form of sculpture. Attendees will have the opportunity to participate by purchasing a resin bonded sand scratch block and carving a low-relief image or design into the sand. This creates a mold that will then be poured in molten iron by ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ students. Free to attend; Scratch blocks $17 (Small) and $25 (Large). Learn more .

Dateline

Milestones

Congratulations to the following employees with a milestone anniversary in October 2026:

20 Years

Maria Atilano, Student Success and Engagement Librarian, Library

15 Years

Tracy Alloway, Professor, Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences
Susan Eisenberg, Director Academic Advising Services, Student Success Initiatives

10 Years

Eric Dickey, Chief Procurement Officer, Office of Administration and Finance
Emily Gebbia, Coordinator Accounting, Advancement Operations
Katie Haft, Associate Director COAS Operations, College of Arts and Sciences

5 Years

Mark Addington, Instructor, Department of Management
Annie Alomar Pabon, Acquisitions Librarian, Library
Lamonte Birden, Telecommunications Technician II, Cyberinfrastructure, Telecommunications (Randy Jones)
Brittani Grebinger, Assistant Director ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ Online, ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ Online
Sondra Lee, Program Assistant, Housing and Residence Life
Shana Sopko, Assistant Director - Group Therapy Coordinator, Counseling Center
Beth Strogoff, Assistant University Registrar, Registrar's Office

Welcome

The following employees were either hired by ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ or were promoted from OPS positions recently:

Anastasia Arce, Scholarships Coordinator, Office of Financial Aid
Claire Busansky, Academic Advisor, First-Year Advising
Luther Bussey, Maintenance Mechanic, Physical Facilities
Bryan deBoer, Assistant Vice President, University Development and Alumni Engagement
Ann Ruby Defaite, Police Communications Operator, University Police Department
William Hill, Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, or Media Coordinator, Student Government Branches
Christina James, Custodial Worker, Housing and Residence Life
Jessica James, Nursing Student Success Coach, School of Nursing
Saritza Jones, Academic Support Specialist, First-Year Advising
Katelin Lovelace, Data Management Coordinator, Advancement Operations
Joan Main, Research Coordinator, Office of Undergraduate Research
Shanika Mcclease, Custodial Worker, Physical Facilities
Nicole Mieszala, Human Resources Operations Associate, Human Resources
Alicia OGwynn, Director of Library Spaces and Planning, Library
Juan Pacheco, Custodial Assistant Superintendent, Physical Facilities
Juan Palomino, Senior Engineering Technical Designer, Physical Facilities
Allen Stotler, Law Enforcement Liaison, Institute of Police Technology and Management
Kameron Strive, Custodial Worker, Physical Facilities
Lionel Way, Custodial Worker, Physical Facilities

Great Job

The following employees were recently promoted:
Ian Bolger, Assistant Director College Communications, Silverfield College of Education and Human Services Dean's Office
Kelly Gilsenan, Laboratory Manager - Biology, Department of Biology
Allison Ladun, Maintenance Superintendent, Housing and Residence Life
Charles Learch, Associate Vice President for Enrollment Management, Enrollment Services
Jennifer Marshall, Public Records Coordinator, General Counsel
Kismet Miller, Accounting Coordinator, TSI Administration
Elizabeth Riepe-Strickland, Senior Director, Human Resources
Brielle Ward, Assistant Director Classification and Compensation, Human Resources

Swoop Summary

Kaitlyn Schroeder Claims Individual Medalist Finish, Women's Golf Wins Team Title at Evie Odom Invitational

Senior Kaitlyn Schroeder claimed her first collegiate individual medalist finish to propel ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ Women's Golf to a first-place team finish at the Evie Odom Invitational, hosted by Old Dominion, at Princess Anne Country Club in Virginia Beach, Virginia, earlier this month. North Florida earned the team title by five strokes at 8-under 832 (275-270-287). Learn more .

Here are a few upcoming events:

---

Women's Soccer vs. Stetson (Pink Out, Senior Night and Thirsty Thursday)

Thursday, Oct. 22, 7 p.m.  |  Hodges Stadium  | 

 
Volleyball vs. West Florida (Blue Out)

Friday, Oct. 23, 6 p.m.  |  ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ Arena | 

 
Volleyball vs. Queens (Spiketacular - Kids in Halloween costume receive free admission)

Saturday, Oct. 24, 6 p.m.  |  ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ Arena  | 

 
Women's Soccer vs. FGCU (Family Day - Kids 12 and under receive free admission)

Sunday, Oct. 25, 1 p.m.  |  Hodges Stadium  | 

 
Women's Basketball vs. Florida Southern (Swoop Madness)

Tuesday, Oct. 27, 6 p.m.  |  ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ Arena  |  Free Admission

 
Men's Basketball vs. Virgin Islands (Swoop Madness)

Wednesday, Oct. 28, 7 p.m.  |  ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ Arena  |  Free Admission

 
Women's Basketball vs. Edward Waters (Homecoming + Education Day)
Tuesday, Nov. 10, 11 a.m.  |  ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ Arena  |  Free Admission
 
Volleyball vs. JU (River City Rumble + Homecoming)

Friday, Nov. 13, 6 p.m.  |  ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ Arena  | 

 
Men's Basketball vs. Citadel (Homecoming)

Saturday, Nov. 14, 2 p.m.  |  ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ Arena  |