UNF Brooks College of Health

10/18/2026

This weekend, Shyam Paryani and Arthur Murray's New Studio Operation Director, Heiko Leyhausen, were honored to present at the Arthur Murray Fall Forum in Orlando, sharing exciting updates about the new LifeStyle Management Program at UNF.

Over 100 dance professionals attended the session, engaging deeply with how this innovative program blends wellness, movement, and professional development for the next generation of dancers and instructors.

The new LifeStyle Management Program at UNF is specifically designed for dance professionals interested in a career track in Studio Management and Leadership. More information on this innovative program can be found at: https://www.unf.edu/brooks/health-administration/lifestyle-management-bhm.html

We also announced the upcoming UNF Osprey Dance Cup, taking place April 24, 2027, and invited studios across the Arthur Murray community to participate. In addition to showcasing incredible talent, the event will raise scholarship support for students pursuing dance and lifestyle management studies.

💃🕺 We encourage dance professionals to join us—and to invite community leaders to champion scholarships that uplift dancers and strengthen our shared mission.

Learn more about the Osprey Dance Cup here:
https://www.arthurmurray.com/am-events/osprey-cup-2027/

Together, we’re building a healthier, more vibrant future for dance. 💙🦅

Arthur Murray, University of North Florida, UNF Alumni,

10/13/2026

The Brooks College of Health All-College Meeting brought faculty and staff together to share updates, discuss priorities and goals, celebrate progress and explore opportunities for continued growth across the college.

Thank you to everyone who contributed their ideas, insights and commitment to helping Brooks continue to thrive.

💙🦅

10/12/2026

Food is medicine. Community is the prescription. 🌱

The Brooks College of Health is proud to announce that our Integrative & Lifestyle Medicine Initiatives has been selected as a subawardee on Madison County Memorial Hospital's Cancer Innovation Fund Food-as-Medicine Research Initiative (CIF-FAM), bringing nearly $500,000 in support for research focused on cancer prevention and rural health.

Leading UNF's role is Carlene Taylor, Ed.D., Director of Community Engaged Research and Clinical Assistant Professor in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. In her leadership role, Dr. Taylor guides community-engaged research that connects academic expertise with real-world impact. Since 2019, she has secured more than $1.6 million in funding for community-based implementation science and continues to build partnerships that improve health outcomes across Florida.

Over the coming months, UNF faculty and students from Nutrition & Dietetics, Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Healthcare Administration, Public Health, and Film & Media will work alongside rural health partners across North Florida to study how nutrition, wellness coaching, and AI-supported tools can help expand access to cancer prevention resources.

Congratulations to Dr. Taylor and the interdisciplinary team advancing innovative solutions that strengthen communities and improve lives.

10/05/2026

Making strides for heart health, together. ❤️

Students, faculty, staff and alumni from the UNF Heart Walk Team proudly participated in the American Heart Association's 2026 First Coast Heart Walk, coming together to support the organization's mission of creating healthier lives free of cardiovascular disease and stroke.

The walk was an opportunity to honor survivors, remember loved ones and support lifesaving heart health research that impacts communities across Northeast Florida and beyond.

Thank you to everyone who represented the Brooks College of Health and demonstrated the power of service, public health and community engagement. We are proud to see Ospreys making a difference both on campus and throughout Jacksonville. 💙🦅❤️

University of North Florida

10/01/2026

Brooks College of Health and Arthur Murray Dance Studios were proud to table at the UNF Health Career Fair held at the University Center. We were joined by Arthur Murray Studio Directors Emily Bergman and Heiko Leyhausen, along with Shyam Paryani, the UNF Director of the Lifestyle Management Program.

Students stopped by throughout the day to learn about our new program partnership and explore exciting career opportunities with Arthur Murray Dance Studios. It was wonderful to see so many Ospreys engaging, asking questions, and discovering new pathways in health, wellness, and movement‑based careers.

We’re grateful for the strong collaboration between UNF and Arthur Murray and the enthusiasm from our students—this is how we build vibrant, innovative futures in health and wellness at UNF!

09/28/2026

A little look back at Fall in Love with Brooks 🍂💙

From candid moments and campus connections to good conversations and plenty of smiles, we loved welcoming our Brooks College of Health community together for a day full of connection, fun, and school spirit.

Thank you to everyone who stopped by, participated, and helped make the day one to remember! 🫶🏽

09/25/2026

Before they ever step into a hospital, our Nutrition and Dietetics students are already learning to spot the physical signs of malnutrition.

In DIE 3213: Medical Nutrition Therapy I, students practiced the Nutrition-Focused Physical Exam (NFPE), using dynamometers to measure hand-grip strength and skinfold calipers to check muscle and fat stores. It's one of the main tools registered dietitians use for malnutrition screening and assessment, and it takes real practice to learn.

This kind of hands-on training is what sets our Nutrition and Dietetics program apart, preparing future registered dietitians before they even graduate.

Learn more about the program: unf.edu/brooks/nutrition/dpd

09/22/2026

09/20/2026

What an unforgettable evening at WJCT Studios as Beaches Fine Arts Series hosted its annual First Coast Dancing With the Stars Gala Fundraiser! Local community “stars” and top Arthur Murray professionals lit up Studio A and the Gallery, continuing a beloved tradition of dance, artistry, and support for BFAS.

UNF proudly carried its legacy forward with faculty Dr. Andrea Arikawa and Dr. Misha Bogomaz, who danced brilliantly alongside Arthur Murray professionals Heiko Leyhausen and Kateryna Burak. Their performances were full of heart, elegance, and Osprey pride.

UNF faculty and staff turned out in full force to cheer them on — including Deans Mei Zhao and Michelle Boling, Gordon & Callie Rakita, Judith Rodriguez, Curt & Shea Lox, Richmond Wynn, Hana Hamadi, Meghan Niemczyk, Jen Ross, Casey Colin, Erin Kidder, and Ruth Lopez as well as other supporters.

Leading the cheering section was Dr. Shyam Paryani, last year’s Celebrity Dancer, joined by Sharon Paryani, bringing unmatched enthusiasm and joy to the night.

A huge thank you to Kathy Wallis, Martha Etheredge, Tracy Morris, Ann Marie Knight as guest judge, and the entire BFAS team and volunteers for creating a spectacular evening filled with gourmet food, community spirit, and phenomenal dancing. A highlight of the evening was provided by our host, Akia Uwanda, who sang and entertained the entire evening.

UNF in partnership with Arthur Murray announced the new LifeStyle Management Program designed specifically for students interested in a career path in dance studio management: https://www.unf.edu/brooks/health-administration/lifestyle-management-bhm.html

What a celebration — from VIP dinner to dazzling performances — all supporting the incredible mission of Beaches Fine Arts Series!

Arthur Murray Ponte Vedra Beach. UNF Nutrition & Dietetics Department,UNF Alumni

09/18/2026

What an energizing day at the UNF Arena as the University of North Florida came together for Convocation 2026, hosted by UNF student Valentina Bonilla Villalobos and Interim President Angela Falconetti. The program was filled with recognition of our outstanding faculty and staff, meaningful scholarship awards, and fun prizes that brought great excitement to the crowd.
Proud to see strong representation from the Brooks College of Health, including Deans Mei Zhao and Michelle Boling, along with Tes Tuason, @
Sericea Stallings-Smith, Shyam Paryani, MD, MHA, FACHE, and many others who joined in celebrating the accomplishments of our UNF community.
Events like this remind us of the dedication, talent, and spirit that make UNF such a special place. Congratulations to all award recipients and scholarship honorees — your hard work continues to elevate our university. Ospreys soar! 🦅