University of North Florida: A Legacy of Achievement

The University of North Florida (UNF), a public research university in Jacksonville, Florida, has established itself as a prominent institution within the State University System of Florida. Accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, UNF offers a wide array of baccalaureate, master's, and doctoral degrees. Situated on a sprawling 1,300-acre campus amid a natural preserve on Jacksonville's Southside, UNF provides a unique learning environment. Since its establishment in 1965 and the commencement of classes in 1972, UNF has been committed to fostering academic excellence and cultivating notable alumni who have made significant contributions to various fields. The university's motto is "No one like you."

UNF's Foundation and Growth

The University of North Florida was founded in 1969. 1,000 acres (4.0 km2) midway between downtown Jacksonville and the Jacksonville Beaches were set aside for the campus, 500 acres (2.0 km2) of which were donated by the Skinner family of Jacksonville. Until this time, the only publicly funded institution of higher learning in the city was Florida Junior College. UNF graduated 35 students in 1973 and was quickly accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools in 1974. In 1980, a legislative effort to merge UNF with the University of Florida was vetoed by Governor Bob Graham. Freshmen and sophomores were admitted for the first time in 1984.

The 2000s marked a period of significant development on campus with the construction of new buildings such as the Social Science building, Science and Engineering building, College of Education and Human Services building, Fine Arts Center, the John A. Delaney Student Union, and Osprey Fountains residence hall. UNF's campus is near the intersection of I-295 (East Beltway) and SR-202 (J. Turner Butler Boulevard), two major expressways in the Jacksonville area. UNF has 28 major buildings and six housing facilities on campus. Many of the buildings bear the names of individuals who have made significant contributions to the university, including the Coggin College of Business, the John E. Mathews, Jr. Computer and Information Sciences Building, and J. J. Daniel Hall. In addition, the library bears the name of the university's first president, Thomas G. Carpenter.

Campus and Facilities

UNF's campus has grown to 1,300 acres (5.3 km2). A new Biological Sciences building opened in the spring of 2012. A new Student Wellness Center opened in the fall of 2012, replacing the Dottie Dorion Fitness Center. An addition to the College of Education and Human Services was completed in December 2011. A new multi-story dining hall has been completed in the fall of 2012. The Social Sciences building, which opened in the fall of 2006, became the first Northeast Florida facility to be certified by the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED).

Thomas G. Carpenter Library

The Thomas G. Carpenter Library, or building 12, is named after the university's first president, Thomas G. Carpenter. Construction to expand the library by adding a four-story addition began in May 2004. Electronic resources are available off campus for students, faculty and staff.

John A. Delaney Student Union

The John A. Delaney Student Union, which opened in 2009, contains a two-story bookstore, restaurants, game-room, auditorium, art gallery, ballroom, bank, and amphitheater. It is the home of UNF Student Government, The Spinnaker, Spinnaker Television, Spinnaker Radio, the Office of Fraternity & Sorority Life, the LGBT Resource Center, and other student organizations. The Student Union comprises two buildings, with a covered walkway in between known as "Osprey Plaza". The structure cost $50 million to construct and is a LEED-certified building.

UNF Arena

UNF Arena is a multi-purpose arena on the campus of the University of North Florida in Jacksonville, Florida. It is home to the North Florida Ospreys men's and women's basketball and women's volleyball teams. It is also used for other events, such as concerts and graduation ceremonies, and has served as the site of the Orlando Magic franchise's training camp. It opened in 1993 and has a capacity of up to 6,300.

Academics and Student Life

UNF is organized into six colleges, five of which offer various undergraduate degree and graduate-degree programs (the sixth is a honors college). These colleges include the College of Arts and Sciences, Coggin College of Business, College of Computing, Engineering, and Construction, Silverfield College of Education and Human Services, and Brooks College of Health. The University of North Florida School of Music is well known for its jazz studies program. The UNF Jazz Ensemble 1 is internationally renowned, having performed at the North Sea Jazz Festival, the Montreux Jazz Festival, and a two-week tour of China. It was twice named the top collegiate jazz band in the nation by Down Beat magazine.

Student Government and Organizations

UNF's Student Government is allocated $4.2 million in student fees annually to provide various services to students. The Student Government funds the Osprey Involvement Center (including over 200 clubs), the Lend-a-Wing Food Pantry, Osprey Life and Productions, the John A. Delaney Student Union, the Student Wellness Complex, and intramural sports. UNF has 32 Greek-lettered organizations. The UNF Eco-Adventure Program allows students to use the miles of nature trails and multiple lakes on campus. The lakes are open to canoeing, kayaking, and catch-and-release, non-live-bait fishing.

Student Body

As of fall 2020, the University of North Florida had 17,043 students, with 14,662 (86%) being undergraduate students and 2,381 (14%) being graduate students. Among graduate students, 1,841 (77%) are in Master's programs and 540 (23%) are in doctoral programs. Women make up 59% of all students. Full-time students make up 71% of the student body. The average student is 24 years old. The University of North Florida has seven areas of on-campus housing: Osprey Cove, Osprey Crossings, Osprey Hall, Osprey Landing, Osprey Village, Osprey Fountains, and The Flats at UNF.

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Notable Alumni

The University of North Florida has produced a diverse range of accomplished alumni who have made their mark in various fields. These individuals exemplify the university's commitment to fostering talent and preparing students for success.

Arts and Media

Zach Sweat and Haleigh Dunning: Graduates of UNF's communication program, Sweat and Dunning have excelled in the media industry. Sweat, former editor-in-chief of Void Magazine, is now a remote freelance editor and writer. Dunning, formerly executive director of Bold Brands, is the manager of social media and digital advertising for Eataly USA in New York City.
Guy: An alumnus of UNF, Guy is the marketing manager at ICEMULE Coolers and has led the company through a rebrand that has significantly increased awareness and sales.
David Baptiste: Morning anchor, he controls the flow of the broadcast. He works closely with the producer, making sure the right approach is taken before going on the air and presenting a story. During interview portions, he’s had the opportunity to sit down with several big names in the entertainment industry including Janelle Monáe, Louis Gossett Jr., Marlon Wayans, T.I., and Bill Bellamy.
Michael David Reynolds: Professor of Astronomy and served as the Dean of Mathematics & Natural Sciences and Professor of Astronomy at Florida State College in Jacksonville, Florida. Reynolds is perhaps best known for his astronomy and science education efforts, from the classroom to informal education to astronomy and space exploration outreach. Reynolds has 38 years in astronomy and space sciences in the gamut of a high school and university instructor, planetarium and museum director, researcher, writer, and lecturer. He has received numerous recognition for his work, including the 1986 Florida State Teacher of the Year, Florida Teacher-in-Space Finalist, and the G. Bruce Blair Medal.

Athletics

Dallas Moore: An American-born naturalized Albanian professional basketball player for the Shandong Hi-Speed Kirin of the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA). He played college basketball for University of North Florida (UNF), where he was named the ASUN Conference Player of the Year after both his junior and senior seasons in 2016 and 2017.
Beau Beech: An American professional basketball player for the Formosa Dreamers of the Taiwan Professional Basketball League (TPBL). He played college basketball for the University of North Florida.
Todd Haley: An American football coach who most recently was head coach for the Memphis Showboats of the United States Football League (USFL).
Sara Walsh: An American sportscaster who currently works for NFL Network. She worked for ESPN from 2010 to 2017. Walsh came to ESPN from WUSA in Washington, D.C., where she served as the station's weekend sports anchor and Redskins beat reporter from 2006 to 2010.
LeBron James, Steph Curry, Jason Biles: Biles joins the Olympic squad from the Houston Rockets, where he’s served as the head athletic trainer and director of performance rehabilitation for 14 seasons.

Business and Finance

Sam Inman: The president and CEO for Community First Credit Union of Florida. Inman has held various positions within CFCU since joining the organization in 1990. He started as assistant accounting manager before quickly becoming the institution’s first internal auditor.
Alan Hartley: Founder, Chief Executive Officer, and Chief Investment Officer of Black Cypress Capital Management. Alan has served on the University of North Florida Foundation board for over twelve years.
Matt Brockelman: Brockelman serves as the Vice President of Government Affairs at VyStar Credit Union, one of the nation’s largest credit unions.
Brazil: Serves as the co-founder and COO for Gravity Diagnostics, a medical laboratory located in Covington, Kentucky.

Politics and Public Service

Cord Byrd: An American attorney and Republican politician serving as the secretary of state of Florida. Previously, he was a member of the Florida House of Representatives, representing Nassau County and part of Duval County from 2016 until his appointment as secretary of state.
Tracie Davis: An American politician and former teacher who currently serves as the Senator for District 5 in the Florida Senate as a member of the Democratic Party.
Reggie Fullwood: A former Democratic member of the Florida House of Representatives. From 2010 to 2014 and 2015 to 2016, he represented downtown Jacksonville in central Duval County.
Jason Fischer: An American engineer and politician who served as a member of the Florida House of Representatives for the 16th district from 2016 to 2022. He is a member of the Republican Party.
Patrick Faber: A Belizean politician. He was the leader of the Opposition. He formerly served as the minister of Education, Youth Sports and Culture. In July 2020 he was appointed the leader of the United Democratic Party, after Prime Minister Dean Barrow stated his plans to retire at the end of his term.
Betty Smith Holzendorf: Served in the Florida Senate (1992-2002) and was selected as Democratic Leader Pro Tempore in 1998. She served four years in the Florida House of Representatives and 10 years in the Florida Senate.

Other Notable Alumni

Luke Delaney: A retired major in the United States Marine Corps and NASA astronaut.
Rhodes Robinson: Has served UNF as a member of the UNF - College of Arts and Sciences Dean's Leadership Council for over a decade.
Kristin Kelli (Wilson) Bethel: Started volunteering at a young age and has given over 4,100 hours to the Jacksonville community.

Read also: Legacy of Fordham University

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