UNF Silverfield College of Education and Human Services

10/16/2026

10/15/2026

𝐌𝐞𝐞𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐓𝐞𝐚𝐦: 𝐒𝐢𝐥𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐢𝐞𝐥𝐝 𝐃𝐞𝐚𝐧’𝐬 𝐀𝐝𝐯𝐢𝐬𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐥 ✨

We’re excited to spotlight Lauren Gibbs, who was the former Executive Director at the YMCA Tiger Academy and currently serves on the Dean’s Advisory Council at the Silverfield College of Education and Human Services.

Lauren’s decision to join the council was driven by a deep respect for UNF’s impact in the Jacksonville community, particularly its work supporting children in Duval and surrounding counties.

Her advice to current students? “It is important to be well rounded in life. Do not put all of your focus, time and energy into one aspect of your life. Try to find a healthy balance of all the things that make life great.”

One of her favorite parts of campus is the abundance of natural spaces, offering plenty of opportunities to enjoy UNF’s beautiful surroundings.

Fun fact: Growing up, Lauren lived in Washington, Alaska and California!

Currently loving: 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘖𝘥𝘺𝘴𝘴𝘦𝘺 by Homer and 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘊𝘢𝘭𝘢𝘮𝘪𝘵𝘺 𝘊𝘭𝘶𝘣 by Kathryn Stockett

Best advice she’s ever received: “If it is not right, do not do it. If it is not true, do not say it.”

10/14/2026

If you’re a high school student interested in exploring a future in teaching, your journey starts here!

The Virtual Teaching Academy (VTA) at UNF gives high school juniors and seniors in Clay, Duval and St. Johns counties the opportunity to explore a future in education, learn from experienced educators and earn up to 12 college credits through 𝙁𝙍𝙀𝙀 dual enrollment courses.

Hear from Shannon Pickard of Ponte Vedra High School about the impact of VTA and how it helps build connections with the next generation of educators!

📩 Contact Jade Yuen-Johnson at [email protected] to learn more and apply for Spring 2027!
🗓️ Application deadline: Nov. 1
📌 Application materials due: Nov. 15

10/12/2026

UNF received a National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity grant from the National Security Agency to develop AI cybersecurity curricula for K–12 students and teachers across Northeast Florida.

10/07/2026

Our classrooms create opportunities to build community, collaborate and learn together!

Dr. Jeania Jones and Dr. Marlena Jenkins created the Post-Secondary Tutoring Project to connect students through meaningful learning experiences and partnerships.

10/07/2026

October is Disability Employment Awareness Month! 💙

This month, we recognize the contributions of employees with disabilities and celebrate the importance of creating inclusive workplaces.

We’re proud to prepare future educators, leaders and professionals to build more accessible and inclusive communities.

10/02/2026

Representing UNF Silverfield in Australia! 🌏

Dr. Caroline Guardino, Laine S. Silverfield Endowed Professor of Special Education, joined leaders in Deaf education at NextSense in Australia, where she shared her research and expertise as a keynote speaker with educators from Australia and New Zealand.

Her presentations highlighted international research on culturally and linguistically responsive teaching, differentiated instruction and supporting d/Deaf and Hard of Hearing multilingual learners and students with disabilities.

We’re proud to see Dr. Guardino representing Silverfield and the University of North Florida, as she contributes to conversations advancing inclusive and equitable learning opportunities worldwide!

09/29/2026

How is AI shaping the future of counseling? 🤖💬

Dr. Rakesh Maurya, associate professor in the University of North Florida's school counseling program, is exploring how artificial intelligence can support counselor education while navigating the ethical considerations of using AI in mental health settings.

Learn more about Dr. Maurya’s research and his work at the intersection of counseling and technology.

Read the full feature: bit.ly/RakeshMFeature

09/25/2026

Congrats to our Silverfield honorees at the 2026 University of North Florida Faculty Award luncheon on Thursday! These awards highlight excellence in teaching, scholarship, service and innovation.

• Dr. Madalina Tanase - Outstanding Graduate Teaching and Outstanding Faculty Service
• Dr. David Hoppey - Outstanding Graduate Teaching
• Dr. Amanda Pascale - Outstanding Faculty Scholarship
• Dr. Stephanie Smith - Outstanding Adjunct Teaching
• Dr. Elizabeth Hale Rozas - Outstanding Undergraduate Teaching

Read more: bit.ly/UNFFacultyAwards26

09/24/2026

Take your learning abroad! 🇮🇹

Join Dr. Matthew Ohlson and TLI for Sports and Leadership in Italy this summer! Students will engage in transformative learning through sport, culture and global connections.

✈️ May 14-24, 2027
🎓 Students from all majors are welcome
📅 Apply by Wednesday, Oct. 2
🔗 bit.ly/SilverfieldStudyAbroad

We’d love to see you there!