UNF Silverfield College of Education and Human Services

05/29/2026

05/29/2026

Strong partnerships create stronger futures! 🤝

The Silverfield College of Education and Human Services is proud to celebrate our BOLD Partners for helping pave the way for student success through hands-on experiences, internships and meaningful professional connections across Northeast Florida.

Together, we’re building opportunities, strengthening our community and preparing the next generation of leaders.

Read more: bit.ly/SilverfieldBoldPartners

05/29/2026

05/28/2026

𝐌𝐞𝐞𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐓𝐞𝐚𝐦: 𝐒𝐢𝐥𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐢𝐞𝐥𝐝 𝐃𝐞𝐚𝐧'𝐬 𝐀𝐝𝐯𝐢𝐬𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐥 ✨

We’re excited to spotlight Jennifer Kirouac, who is the Vice President of Commercial Banking at Regions Bank and member of the Dean’s Advisory Council at the Silverfield College of Education and Human Services.

Jennifer joined to become more involved in supporting secondary education services and helping students succeed beyond the classroom.

Her advice to current students? “Build relationships first, content second.” She believes meaningful connections are the foundation for both personal and professional success.

Jennifer’s favorite place on campus is Tom and Betty Petway Hall, especially the USoar program, where students are empowered to grow and thrive.

Fun fact: Jennifer and her husband love riding their Harley-Davidson motorcycle across the country.

Currently loving: true crime podcasts 🎧

Best advice she’s ever received: “Learn to be on it, not in it.”

05/27/2026

𝐌𝐞𝐞𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐓𝐞𝐚𝐦: 𝐒𝐢𝐥𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐢𝐞𝐥𝐝 𝐃𝐞𝐚𝐧'𝐬 𝐀𝐝𝐯𝐢𝐬𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐥 ✨

We’re excited to spotlight Brian Gainor, who is the Founder of Gainor Sports and member of the Dean’s Advisory Council at the Silverfield College of Education and Human Services.

Brian joined because of his passion for helping grow Jacksonville’s sports and entertainment ecosystem, and his belief that UNF can play an important role in shaping its future.

His advice to current students? Dream big, stay curious and pursue what excites you. “If you consistently do a lot of little things well over time, it’s amazing what you can accomplish.”

Brian’s favorite place on campus is the Boathouse, which is a perfect spot to recharge at the UNF Student Union.

Fun fact: Brian has lived in 18 different places, including Düsseldorf, Germany.

Currently loving: the 𝘍𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘴 podcast and 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘗𝘰𝘸𝘦𝘳 𝘰𝘧 𝘔𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘴 🎧📚

Best advice he’s ever received: “Bet on yourself and pursue what genuinely excites you. If you surround yourself with great people, take risks and keep putting yourself out there, amazing things will happen.”

05/26/2026

𝐌𝐞𝐞𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐓𝐞𝐚𝐦: 𝐒𝐢𝐥𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐢𝐞𝐥𝐝 𝐃𝐞𝐚𝐧'𝐬 𝐀𝐝𝐯𝐢𝐬𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐥 ✨

We’re excited to spotlight Dr. Diana Greene, who is the CEO of the Children's Literacy Initiative and member of the Dean’s Advisory Council at the Silverfield College of Education and Human Services.

As a proud UNF alumna and former superintendent of Duval County Public Schools, Diana joined as a way to stay connected to education and give back to the university that helped shape her journey.

Her advice to current students? “Make the most of your college experience. Enjoy, study, grow and make an impact.”

Diana's favorite place on campus is the UNF Student Union, a hub for community and student life.

Fun fact: Diana was the 1980 Florida State Track Champion in the 110m hurdles. She attended college on a track scholarship and has been inducted into the Santa Fe Saints Track Hall of Fame.

Currently loving: 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘋𝘶𝘬𝘦’𝘴 𝘔𝘢𝘴𝘬𝘦𝘥 𝘉𝘳𝘪𝘥𝘦 📚

Best advice she’s ever received: “There is nothing wrong with being afraid. Fear is a natural part of growth and stepping into something greater. Just don’t allow fear to silence your purpose or stifle your destiny.”

05/22/2026

𝐌𝐞𝐞𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐓𝐞𝐚𝐦: 𝐒𝐢𝐥𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐢𝐞𝐥𝐝 𝐃𝐞𝐚𝐧'𝐬 𝐀𝐝𝐯𝐢𝐬𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐥 ✨

We’re excited to spotlight Paula Renfro, who is the Chief Academic Officer for Duval County Public Schools and member of the Dean’s Advisory Council at the Silverfield College of Education and Human Services.

As a proud UNF alumna, Paula joined to give back to the college that helped prepare her for leadership and lifelong success in education.

Her advice to current students? Fully embrace your college experience. “Actively engage in both your studies and campus life. These opportunities will help create career success through committed work and effort.”

Paula’s favorite place on campus was the library, which she used as a space for studying, research and focused learning throughout her college journey.

Fun fact: Paula loves attending concerts of all kinds, from hard rock and country to blues and bluegrass.

Currently loving: the 𝘚𝘮𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘭𝘦𝘴𝘴 podcast 🎧

Best advice she’s ever received: “Work hard on the right things and do it with joy. Remain curious and ever-evolving.”

05/21/2026

𝐌𝐞𝐞𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐓𝐞𝐚𝐦: 𝐒𝐢𝐥𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐢𝐞𝐥𝐝 𝐃𝐞𝐚𝐧'𝐬 𝐀𝐝𝐯𝐢𝐬𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐥 ✨

We’re excited to spotlight Samantha Vance, who is the Executive Director of the Jacksonville Sports Foundation and the newest member of the Dean’s Advisory Council at the Silverfield College of Education and Human Services!

Samantha joined to help bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world experience, sharing her leadership and non-profit expertise to support the next generation of leaders in sports, business and community impact.

Her advice to current students? Build relationships now. “Exposure leads to access, and access creates opportunity.”

A former track runner, Samantha’s favorite place on campus is the track, which is a reminder that growth and success are built one lap, one step and one day at a time.

Fun fact: Samantha describes herself as a natural connector who loves bringing people together and creating opportunities for others to succeed.

Currently loving: 𝘔𝘢𝘯𝘪𝘧𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘕𝘰𝘸 by Idil Ahmed 📚

Best advice she’s ever received: “You are important, but you’re not that important.”

05/20/2026

Empowering futures through experience and opportunity! 👏💙

This spring, four students proudly graduated from the Project SEARCH program after completing hands-on internships across campus departments, daily employability training and on-the-job coaching that prepared them for success beyond the classroom.

Project SEARCH is helping young adults with cognitive and developmental disabilities build confidence, independence and career-ready skills for meaningful employment.

05/14/2026

Congratulations to Xavier Rozas on receiving the Gabor Award for Collaboration and Impact at the 2026 UNF Professional Development Forum! 👏

Rozas, Director of the STEP Lab and Assistant Director of NEFSTEM, was recognized for his outstanding collaboration, leadership and impact across the University of North Florida community. Clarissa Fleurimond, Coordinator of Scholarship and Development, was also recognized during the forum with the Presidential Spot Award for her contributions and service.

Both awards were presented on Thursday, May 7, at the Adam W. Herbert University Center.