麻豆原创 Pegasus Partner Orlando Health has named , dean of 麻豆原创鈥檚 College of Nursing, the Orlando Health Endowed Chair in Nursing.

The prestigious endowed faculty position, which will support Tucker鈥檚 nursing research, teaching and scholarly activities, is just the latest example of how 麻豆原创 is leveraging industry partnerships to drive real-world impact.

Tucker is a distinguished scholar in both psychiatric mental health nursing and evidence-based practice who has made sustained impacts on the field, for nurses and patients alike. She is nationally board certified as an adult psychiatric-mental health clinical nurse specialist and integrative nurse coach.

Her research, which has been published in more than 100 peer-reviewed publications and presented around the world, focuses on behavior change through mental health and wellness interventions and organizational change through evidence-based practice.

鈥淲ith its partnership, Orlando Health is elevating excellence in education and research to support future Knight nurses and improve the health of our communities.鈥� 鈥� Sharon Tucker

鈥淚 am incredibly honored to be named to this esteemed endowed position, and grateful for Orlando Health鈥檚 support of the college,鈥� says Tucker. 鈥淧artnerships are powerful and with its partnership, Orlando Health is elevating excellence in education and research to support future Knight nurses and improve the health of our communities.鈥�

In addition to the new endowed chair appointment, Tucker holds the prestigious distinctions of fellow of the American Academy of Nursing and fellow of the National Academies of Practice in Nursing.

Orlando Health has been a long-standing partner of 麻豆原创 and the College of Nursing. The Orlando Health Endowed Chair in Nursing was established in 2009, and Tucker is the second faculty member to be named to the appointment. It was formerly held by Professor Emerita Mary Lou Sole, the previous dean and a renowned critical care researcher.

Kelly Edmondson, Orlando Health鈥檚 senior vice president of nursing and patient care services, says the partnership speaks to the organization鈥檚 mission to improve the health and quality of life of the individuals and communities they serve.

鈥淒r. Tucker鈥檚 research supports our efforts to empower nurses and elevate clinical excellence to deliver compassionate, evidence-based care,鈥� Edmondson says. 鈥淚t is an honor to continue to partner with 麻豆原创 to strengthen the nursing workforce and create a healthier future for all.鈥�

In 2023, Orlando Health became one of 麻豆原创鈥檚 inaugural Pegasus Partners with a $5 million commitment to support the Dr. Phillips Nursing Pavilion as well as provide tuition assistance and additional paid internships for 麻豆原创 nursing students.

to support the College of Nursing

Philanthropic support is critical to the creation of endowed faculty positions, helping 麻豆原创 attract and retain nursing experts, and support groundbreaking research that impacts the profession and the health of communities. Help launch more faculty experts to lead nursing into the future by joining 麻豆原创鈥檚 Go for Launch campaign.

Academic Support and Study Strategy

Preparation is the best way to reduce anxiety, and 麻豆原创 offers a variety of coaching, tutoring, or peer support to help you conquer your study strategy.

• 听From Monday, April 27听through听Friday, May 1, the Student听Union again will听become your campus study headquarters, offering free live review sessions led by tutors and Supplemental Instruction leaders across a variety of courses. Plus, Academic Consultation & Engagement peer consultants will be available to provide personalized academic support.
• :听Peer mentors from the Office of Academic Advocacy will host a Mindsets & Motivations Event on听Tuesday,听April 28, from听11听a.m. to 1 p.m., in Trevor Colbourn Hall, room 202.听听They will also be in the Student Union Atrium during the hours listed below to connect you with resources, such as the Writing Center听(Trevor Colbourn Hall, room 109 and the听John听C. Hitt Library, room 330)听and Math Lab听(Mathematical Science Building, rooms听153, 241, 240, and 242).听Graduate students, remember that the听听is open Monday听through听Friday from 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. in Trevor Colbourn Hall, Room 213.
• Reserved Study Rooms: We all know how busy the library can get during finals week. Use the to book a room at the John C. Hitt, Downtown, or Rosen libraries in advance to make sure you have a designated quiet space to study.

Wellness Resources

Your mental health is the foundation of your academic performance. If the pressure begins to feel unmanageable, there are several ways to find support.

• Mental Health Support: Beyond traditional counseling, (CAPS) provides 24/7 crisis support by dialing 407-823-2811.
• Free Mental Health Apps: Students have free access to , an anonymous peer-to-peer mental support community, and for free tele-therapy sessions, including evening and weekend appointments.

• Meeting Basic Needs: If your budget is tight during finals, the provides food, toiletries and even clothing to Knights in need.

Finals Week Events Around Campus

Conquer the end of the semester with these main campus events. Whether a study session or a social break, these opportunities are designed to help you cross the finish line feeling supported and confident.

• OverKnight Study (various dates between April 20 鈥� May 5, 1 – 6 a.m.): The John C. Hitt Library will extend normal hours during to accommodate late-night study sessions in a safe, quiet environment.
• Sunset Yoga at Lake Claire (April 22, 7 鈥� 8 p.m.): Join the Recreation and Wellness Center (RWC) for a special end of semester Sunset Yoga session 鈥� the perfect way to decompress and stretch out after a long day of studying. Check the to register for a spot.
• Float Into Finals (April 23, 4 鈥� 5:30 p.m.): Graduate Student Life to Trevor Colbourn Hall Room 213 for some well-deserved ice cream floats and good vibes with other students.
• Study Union (April 27 鈥� May 1): SARC partners with the Student Union to bring multiple final exam review sessions in-person and online before and after finals week, with by a Peer Tutor or Supplemental Instruction Leader.
• Late Knight Breakfast (April 28, 10 p.m. 鈥� midnight):听Mark your calendars to come by the Student Union Atrium to enjoy your favorite breakfast foods. Hosted by Student Government, for students.
• Mindsets & Motivations with PeerKnights (April 28, 11 a.m. 鈥� 1 p.m.): Held in Trevor Colbourn Hall Room 202, this event helps students prepare for finals with campus resources focused on time management, study tips and staying motivated.

Transportation and Parking

To avoid parking delays, students are encouraged to arrive at campus early during finals week.

• will听run on their regular schedule Monday, April 27听through听Thursday, April 30, from 6:30 a.m.听to 10:30 p.m., and on Friday, May 1, from 6:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.

• Need听a ride on Saturday? There is a special shuttle service on May 2. Routes 1鈥�10 will provide transportation to the Main Campus from 6:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Quick Links for Success

Whether you are hitting the books in a reserved study room, meeting with a PeerKnights coach or taking a brain-break at the gym, remember that every resource at 麻豆原创 is designed to help you succeed. Take a breath, trust your preparation and know that the 麻豆原创 community is there to help and cheer you on.

In his role as the senior associate vice president for government and community relations, Kittinger has been a constant and trusted presence in 麻豆原创鈥檚 work across Central Florida.

He has faithfully represented the university with a spirit of collaboration, generosity, and care that has strengthened relationships and opened doors for years, leading to some of the university鈥檚 most impactful, long-lasting, and strategic partnerships.

On April 22, Kittinger will conclude his tenure at his beloved alma mater after nearly 23 years of service.

鈥淔red Kittinger has approached his work with authenticity, optimism and a sincere joy that brings people together and builds the connections that propel our success,鈥� says 麻豆原创 President Alexander N. Cartwright. 鈥淗e has left a lasting impression with everyone he has worked with and leaves an enduring legacy at 麻豆原创.鈥�

Joining Knight Nation

An Orlando native, Kittinger remembers the main campus being built in the 1960s. He enrolled at 麻豆原创 in 1977, known then as Florida Technological University.

He was intent on staying one year to save enough money to eventually transfer to another, more established university in northern Florida. He abandoned the plan in mere weeks, falling in love with the school that he would later spend so much of his career serving.

鈥淲e always had that chip-on-our-shoulder attitude, even back then. I like that part of 麻豆原创,鈥� Kittinger says. 鈥淲e were the little engine that could. We knew we were going someplace. We knew we were important.鈥�

He served on orientation team and President鈥檚 Leadership Council, joined Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity, witnessed 麻豆原创鈥檚 first home football game in 1979 and stockpiled memories he now relays with a smile before graduating with his bachelor鈥檚 degree in criminal justice.

After completing his master鈥檚 degree at Florida State, he went on to work as a legislative aide in the Florida Senate and as vice president with the then Orlando Chamber of Commerce. He later served as chief of staff for City of Orlando Mayor Glenda Hood.

In 2003, he was approached by the late Senior Vice President Emeritus Dan Holsenbeck and Board of Trustee charter member Patrick Christensen to gauge his interest in a position at 麻豆原创 working with local governments.

Now nearly 23 years later, he鈥檚 ready for his next adventure.

Advocating for his Alma Mater

When you鈥檙e anywhere as long as Kittinger has been at 麻豆原创, you鈥檙e bound to pick up a few keepsakes. Precious items that once adorned his office walls and bookshelves will now have a new place in his home.

A metal pipe from the Reflecting Pond鈥檚 old plumbing before it was refurbished in 2018.

A Florida Tech Boulevard street sign, which may or may not have been procured in an unofficial capacity in 1978 under the guise of darkness by some of his fraternity brothers.

But his most treasured mementos are the relationships he carries with him 鈥� from the university to the community to government offices across the state.

鈥淢y greatest fortune is the number of folks I鈥檝e had a chance to work with and develop long-term friendships with.鈥� 鈥� Fred Kittinger

鈥淚t takes that trio to make an impact 鈥� you鈥檝e got to have private industry, you鈥檝e got to have government, and you have to have the non-profit independent sector all working together,鈥� he says. 鈥淢y greatest fortune is the number of folks I鈥檝e had a chance to work with and develop long-term friendships with. I鈥檝e been very blessed.鈥�

He says his proudest moments are wrapped up in some of the university鈥檚 biggest milestones, all made possible through partnerships: approval for the College of Medicine; the creation of 麻豆原创鈥檚 Florida Interactive Entertainment Academy (FIEA); 听the 麻豆原创 Downtown campus; the growth of the 麻豆原创 Business Incubation Program that spans all Central Florida counties; and working on the team that secured $90 million in Tourist Development Tax revenues from the Orange County Board of Commissioners to invest in Acrisure Bounce House.

鈥淗is ability to build trust and make people feel valued has left a lasting impression on colleagues, partners and communities across our region,鈥� says Janet Owen, 麻豆原创 vice president for government and听community relations and associate general counsel.

More Than a Job

In addition to his role as an administrator, Kittinger played an active part in students鈥� lives for many years.

Alongside Holsenbeck and former government relations team member Alison Schultz, Kittinger helped form and guide the 麻豆原创 Legislative Scholars Program, a premier, immersive, full-time experience during state legislative sessions. From the classroom to the Capitol, students gain firsthand exposure to the legislative process by working directly with legislative staff and professional lobbyists in Tallahassee, Florida. Since the program鈥檚 inception in 2005, more than 320 students have participated.

Kittinger served as a longtime adjunct instructor in the , which is part of the College of Community Innovation and Education (CCIE).

Alongside his wife of 43 years, they established the Fred and Sandra Kittinger Scholarship Fund in 2020. This scholarship supports graduate students in public administration, assisting with tuition, textbooks, fees and any other items included in the cost of education.

鈥淲hat has always set Fred apart is not just what he has done, but how he has done it,鈥� Owen says. 鈥淗e brings a genuine positivity and a welcoming presence to every interaction, approaching his work with kindness, thoughtfulness and a sincere interest in others. On a personal level, I am especially grateful for Fred鈥檚 friendship and counsel over the years. He will be deeply missed.鈥�

Over the course of nearly a full academic year, peers, departmental and college leadership, and the university promotion and tenure committee engaged in a rigorous, multi-stage review to ensure candidates met 麻豆原创鈥檚 high standards in teaching, research, and service. Ultimately, they recommended 100 faculty members for promotion, including 23 for tenure.

Following the review process, the president and provost make final decisions on promotions, while the 麻豆原创 Board of Trustees provides final approval for tenure candidates. These decisions directly advance 麻豆原创鈥檚 strategic plan and its focus on recruiting and retaining highly qualified faculty 鈥� especially those who elevate student success, accelerate discovery and research, and strengthen the talent pipeline that drives innovation and economics for the state of Florida.

鈥淎t 麻豆原创, promotion and tenure reflects a thoughtful, rigorous review process and the high standards we set as an institution and state,鈥� says John Buckwalter, provost and executive vice president for academic affairs. 鈥淚t鈥檚 a significant moment for these faculty, not just for the years of hard work it recognizes, but for what promotion and tenure represents: a sustained commitment to excellence, a deep dedication to student success, research that boldly improves lives, and the future we鈥檙e building together.鈥�

Promotions and tenure conferrals annually take effect on Aug. 8.

The faculty members recognized below represent the continued strength and momentum of 麻豆原创.

Promotion to Associate Professor with Tenure

• John Gardiner, College of Arts and Humanities
• Tadashi Ishikawa, College of Arts and Humanities
• Sara Raffel, College of Arts and Humanities
• Jeffery Redding, College of Arts and Humanities
• John Bush, College of Business
• Seongho An, College of Community Innovation and Education
• Cynthia Williams, College of Community Innovation and Education
• Jiannan Chen, College of Engineering and Computer Science
• Chinwendu Enyioha, College of Engineering and Computer Science
• Ozlem Garibay, College of Engineering and Computer Science
• Yao Li, College of Engineering and Computer Science
• Miguel Bandres, College of Optics and Photonics
• Robert Fitak, College of Sciences
• Shyam Kattel, College of Sciences
• Kelsey Larsen, College of Sciences
• Kangsang Lee, College of Sciences
• Xialing Lin, College of Sciences
• Emily Zavodny, College of Sciences
• Kayode Aleshinloye, Rosen College of Hospitality Management
• Carissa Baker, Rosen College of Hospitality Management
• YunYing Zhong, Rosen College of Hospitality Management

Promotion to Associate Professor of Medicine with Tenure

• Taj Azarian, College of Medicine
• Thomas Kean, College of Medicine

Promotion to Professor (Tenured)

• Thaddeus Anderson, College of Arts and Humanities
• Ann Gleig, College of Arts and Humanities
• Lanlan Kuang, College of Arts and Humanities
• Sandra Sousa, College of Arts and Humanities
• Mel Stanfill, College of Arts and Humanities
• Melanie Guldi, College of Business
• Xin He, College of Business
• Laurie Campbell, College of Community Innovation and Education
• Eric Merriam, College of Community Innovation and Education
• Woo Hyoung Lee, College of Engineering and Computer Science
• Thomas Wahl, College of Engineering and Computer Science
• Yang Yang, College of Engineering and Computer Science
• Jacqueline Towson, College of Health Professions and Sciences
• Romain Gaume, College of Optics and Photonics
• Jacopo Baggio, College of Sciences
• Matthieu Baudelet, College of Sciences
• Karin Chumbimuni Torres, College of Sciences
• Geoffrey Cook, College of Sciences
• Amy Donley, College of Sciences
• Hsin鈥慔siung Huang, College of Sciences
• Brigitte Kovacevich, College of Sciences
• Arkadiy Lyakh, College of Sciences
• Peter Smith, College of Sciences
• Xiaohu Xia, College of Sciences

Promotion to Associate Professor of Medicine

• Maria Farooq, College of Medicine

Promotion to Clinical Associate Professor of Medicine

• Naziha Slimani, College of Medicine
• Sharon Wasserstrom, College of Medicine

Promotion to Clinical Professor of Medicine

• Mariana Dangiolo, College of Medicine

Promotion to Research Associate Professor

• Crystal Maraj, Office of Research

Promotion to Associate Lecturer

• Jonathan Barker, College of Arts and Humanities
• Sara Willox, College of Business
• Elizabeth Yost, College of Business
• Michael Gilbrook, College of Community Innovation and Education
• Alison Redd, College of Health Professions and Sciences
• Michael Redd, College of Health Professions and Sciences
• Michael Chetta, College of Sciences
• Heather Edwards, College of Sciences
• Seongchun Kwon, College of Sciences
• Adam Parrish, College of Sciences
• Jamie Vega, College of Sciences
• Tong Wan, College of Sciences
• Rong Zhou, College of Sciences

Promotion to Senior Lecturer

• Christy Flanagan鈥慒eddon, College of Arts and Humanities
• David Head, College of Arts and Humanities
• Deborah Leitch, College of Arts and Humanities
• Amanda Snyder, College of Arts and Humanities
• Jeanine Viau, College of Arts and Humanities
• Constance Goodman, College of Community Innovation and Education
• Daniel Stephens, College of Community Innovation and Education
• Shane Trenta, College of Community Innovation and Education
• Marino Nader, College of Engineering and Computer Science
• Sudeshna Pal, College of Engineering and Computer Science
• Rachid Ait Maalem Lahcen, College of Sciences
• Cynthia Bayer, College of Sciences
• Martha Hubertz, College of Sciences
• Tamra Legron鈥慠odriguez, College of Sciences
• Hyung Park, College of Sciences
• Widaad Zaman, College of Sciences

Promotion to Associate Instructor

• Meeghan Faulconer, College of Arts and Humanities
• Yukari Nakamura, College of Arts and Humanities
• Carolina Salazar, College of Arts and Humanities
• Punam Desormes, College of Health Professions and Sciences
• Jorri Bright, College of Sciences
• Richard Hall, College of Sciences
• Nicholas Zuccarello, College of Sciences

Promotion to Senior Instructor

• Rita De Luca Guerriero, College of Arts and Humanities
• Steven Ton, College of Community Innovation and Education
• Todd Fix, College of Health Professions and Sciences
• Julie Matura, College of Health Professions and Sciences
• Lance Speere, College of Sciences
• Abigail Ferreira, 麻豆原创 Global

Promotion to Associate Instructional Designer

• Rebecca McNulty, Division of Digital Learning

Promotion to Senior Instructional Designer

• Amy Sugar, Division of Digital Learning

Promotion to Associate Librarian

• Renee Montgomery, 麻豆原创 Libraries

Promotion to University Librarian

• Sai Deng, 麻豆原创 Libraries
• Sarah Norris, 麻豆原创 Libraries
• Andrew Todd, 麻豆原创 Libraries

Miller was impressed by our reputation as an early leader in technology and STEM fields, our connection to the space program and our success expanding into other areas. In fact, 麻豆原创 boasted one of the highest certified public accountant (CPA) pass rates of any public university 鈥� impressive to an aspiring accountant.

So Miller applied, was accepted and committed to 麻豆原创 sight unseen. It was the beginning of a journey that would change his family鈥檚 trajectory, along with the university鈥檚.

Today, he committed a transformational $50 million gift 鈥� the largest single philanthropic investment in the university鈥檚 history 鈥� to position 麻豆原创 as a global leader in fintech, artificial intelligence (AI) and business innovation by establishing the Barry S. Miller College of Business.

First-Generation Student

Miller is president and co-founder of both Voloridge Investment Management and Voloridge Health. He also founded and sold another successful business in his entrepreneurial career.

But back when Miller was attending 麻豆原创, he was paving the way as the first in his family to go to college. His dad, a self-taught contractor and developer and a single father, saw the value of higher education for his son.

鈥淢y father had a deeply ingrained work ethic that he passed on to me,鈥� Miller says. 鈥淚n the summer, he would get me out of bed early and have me carrying lumber and working on roofs. I learned to work hard, but I also learned that [it] was a tough job to do for 50 years. I wanted to try a different path.鈥�

Once he started on that path, there was no stopping him.

Building Foundations

At 麻豆原创, Miller became a star student. He excelled in accounting, learned numerical analysis and had a knack for understanding financial markets. He graduated magna cum laude with a degree in finance.

鈥淚 learned how to really study and apply myself academically at 麻豆原创. Essentially, I was learning strategy and project management as I made my way through school,鈥� Miller says. 鈥淚 didn鈥檛 know how impactful those habits would be until later in life. I realize now that everything I learned at 麻豆原创 has been foundational to my success.鈥�

“I realize now that everything I learned at 麻豆原创 has been foundational to my success.鈥�

Outside of class, Miller became a student-athlete, playing football when he initially came to 麻豆原创. That鈥檚 where he met then-quarterback Darin Hinshaw 鈥�90 鈥�94MBA, who encouraged him to join his fraternity, Pi Kappa Alpha (PIKE), and became his big brother.

鈥淚nitially, I wasn鈥檛 interested in joining a fraternity. I had this idea that fraternities weren鈥檛 serious about school or life, and I was,鈥� Miller says. 鈥淏ut my experience in PIKE ended up being formative. It鈥檚 where I learned about being a gentleman, dressing for success, networking and more.鈥�

鈥淭o this day, so many of my friends are former fraternity brothers, including one of my best friends, Sean Hayes 鈥�95, who has also been my business partner for nearly 30 years,鈥� Miller continues. 鈥淎s I look back, everything in my life has a connection to 麻豆原创 鈥� my friends, my business partners, my career and even my wife Rosie 鈥�95, since we met in college.鈥�

Leaving a Legacy

As he built his career and found success in the business and financial world, Miller wanted to give back to 麻豆原创. Over time, he has invested in first-generation and STEM student scholarships, 麻豆原创 Athletics鈥� Knights Leadership Academy, the John T. Washington Center mural and more.

Each gift has been based on a personal connection or conviction.

鈥淏eing a first-generation student myself, having that opportunity to support students who are the first in their families to go to college is personal to me,鈥� Miller says.

As his capacity to give grew, Miller wanted to make a transformative gift that would have an impact today and for generations to come. That led to conversations with university leaders about the opportunity to establish as a global leader in fintech, AI and business innovation.

To help bring that vision to life 鈥� and to build early momentum for , 麻豆原创鈥檚 comprehensive campaign to fuel bold ideas and build its future 鈥� Miller has committed to a $50 million gift, establishing the Barry S. Miller College of Business.

The investment will accelerate an innovative new model of business education听designed for a world听where technology, data and decision-making are inseparable, and it will prepare听students with the skills the marketplace demands.

鈥淲e are at a seminal moment in business, and AI and new technologies are creating fundamental shifts at a dramatically faster speed than ever before,鈥� says Miller, who was inducted into the 麻豆原创 College of Business Hall of Fame in 2022. 鈥淚 want 麻豆原创 to become the leader in business education, paving the way for everyone else.鈥�

Inspiring Others

鈥淔inding a way to have an impact is one of the most gratifying things you can do with your time and money.鈥�

Until recently, Miller has made most of his gifts to 麻豆原创 anonymously. But as 麻豆原创 unveiled Go For Launch, he saw a powerful opportunity to step forward and encourage others to do the same. By sharing his commitment more openly, Miller hopes to help build momentum and invite broader participation in 麻豆原创鈥檚 vision.

鈥淚 hope this gift inspires people to be part of 麻豆原创鈥檚 mission to create a bold new future and give at whatever level they can. Maybe it鈥檚 $10, $100 or $1,000 鈥� it all makes a difference,鈥� Miller says.

鈥淚 want to tell people this: If it鈥檚 not your time to make a gift today, maybe it will be a year from now, or five years from now,鈥� he continues. 鈥淔inding a way to have an impact is one of the most gratifying things you can do with your time and money.鈥�

鈥溌槎乖� is being trusted to lead, and Barry鈥檚 investment reinforces that 麻豆原创 is a place where talent is developed at scale, where opportunity is expanded, and where our graduates don鈥檛 just succeed in the world 鈥� they come back to help build what鈥檚 next.鈥� 鈥� Alexander N. Cartwright, 麻豆原创 President

The investment will accelerate a bold new model of business education designed for a world where technology, data and decision-making are inseparable, and it will position 麻豆原创 as a national leader in emerging fields that prepare students to lead with the skills the marketplace demands.

鈥淭his is a defining moment for 麻豆原创 and for the College of Business,鈥� says Board of Trustees Chair Alex Martins 鈥�01MBA. 鈥淎s an alumnus, I have seen firsthand how 麻豆原创 transforms lives by opening doors to opportunity, and this extraordinary gift takes that mission to an entirely new level, giving future generations of Knights access to a world-class business education and an opportunity to achieve their full potential.鈥�

鈥淲e are deeply grateful to Barry for his extraordinary belief in this university and in the impact our students make. This is a defining moment for 麻豆原创 and a powerful signal of who we are and where we are going,鈥� says 麻豆原创 President Alexander N. Cartwright. 鈥溌槎乖� is being trusted to lead, and Barry鈥檚 investment reinforces that 麻豆原创 is a place where talent is developed at scale, where opportunity is expanded, and where our graduates don鈥檛 just succeed in the world 鈥� they come back to help build what鈥檚 next.鈥�

鈥溌槎乖� gave me the opportunity to build my future,鈥� Miller says. 鈥淭his investment is about creating that same opportunity for others 鈥� and ensuring students are prepared for a world where technology and business are constantly evolving.鈥�

A Defining Moment for 麻豆原创

Few universities of 麻豆原创鈥檚听young听age听have alumni giving back at this level.

At the center of this听milestone听is longtime听supporter and entrepreneur Barry S. Miller,听president of听the Florida-based听听and听Voloridge听Health.听Miller is听a first-generation听college听graduate whose early partnership and belief in鈥痶he university鈥痟elped accelerate鈥槎乖粹�檚 trajectory.

His leadership and commitment to widening听opportunity鈥痟elped lay鈥痶he groundwork for a future-focused strategy that will transform how students learn,鈥痠nnovate鈥痑nd launch their careers.鈥疢iller鈥檚听latest听investment reflects 麻豆原创鈥檚 ability to听produce听talent that succeeds at the highest levels and inspires听that talent to return听not just with pride, but with capacity and conviction to shape听what鈥檚听next.

Building the Future of Business Education

鈥溌槎乖� gave me the opportunity to build my future. This investment is about creating that same opportunity for others.鈥� 鈥� Barry Miller 鈥�95, 听Voloridge Investment Management and Voloridge Health president

will听operate听as a hub for technology-driven business leadership where students, faculty and industry collaborate in real time to solve complex challenges听in emerging fields like artificial intelligence,听fintech听and digital risk.

The focus is not simply on technical skills, but on empowering graduates to take action to address organizational obstacles and lead in fields fueled by rapid technological change.

This vision is grounded in the region 麻豆原创 calls home.

Orlando has rapidly听emerged听as one of the nation鈥檚 fastest-growing technology hubs,听with听demand for talent in fintech and听AI continuing听to听evolve.听Across Florida, one of the largest clusters of banking and insurance firms in the country is fueling new opportunities in financial technology,听risk听and data-driven decision-making.

麻豆原创 sits at the center of this momentum,听uniquely positioned to develop the talent and ideas that will power听the future.

The investment will support听a multi-phase strategy designed to position 麻豆原创 as听the听destination for business and technology education, including:

• Five endowed faculty chairs in fintech, AI strategy, cyber risk,听trust听and disinformation
• A new听master鈥檚听in听technology听leadership and听innovation
• Expanded access to applied learning, including internships, simulations, Bloomberg听training听and industry-led projects
• Growth of 麻豆原创鈥檚 corporate partnership ecosystem.

Together, these investments will create a learning environment that mirrors modern workplaces 鈥� fast听moving, data听driven and deeply connected to industry.

鈥淭echnology is advancing rapidly, and the real opportunity is in how organizations use it to perform,鈥� says听College of Business Dean听Paul听Jarley. 鈥淭his investment allows us to build a business school focused on how the work actually gets done听鈥斺�撎齱here students learn to apply judgment, navigate ambiguity, and lead in environments shaped by technology, data, and organizational complexity.鈥�

Accelerating Momentum

Miller鈥檚 leadership gift听marks a milestone in听听鈥� a听$3.5 billion听campaign to听expand听opportunity,听advance听discovery,听and drive impact across the university.

It sets the tone听for what comes next,听accelerating the pride and vision that will inspire others to invest in 麻豆原创鈥檚 future.

鈥淭his is what momentum looks like,鈥� says听Rodney Grabowski, senior vice president for advancement and partnerships and CEO of the 麻豆原创 Foundation. 鈥淚t reflects confidence in 麻豆原创鈥檚 vision and signals to partners, alumni and investors that this university is building something meaningful and worth being part of.鈥�

Together, talent, opportunity and partnership are converging,听positioning听麻豆原创听to听be a leading force in shaping听what鈥檚听next in business,听technology听and innovation.

鈥溌槎乖� is not waiting to be recognized. We are being chosen, invested in and trusted to lead,鈥� Cartwright says. 鈥淭his milestone gift reflects a growing sense of pride across the university and signals the momentum others will want to help build 鈥� and it is only the beginning.鈥�

During 麻豆原创 Celebrates the Arts 2026, Legally Blonde took the stage with a twist audiences didn鈥檛 see coming 鈥� one that blurred the line between performance and possibility.

The story still delivered the heart: College student Elle Woods chases love, faces doubt and ultimately discovers her own strength along the way. But this production layered something new into that journey: state-of-the-art robotics. At 麻豆原创, Florida鈥檚 Technological University, innovation shows up in unexpected places 鈥� even onstage.

The result was a show that felt both nostalgic and forward-looking, where dynamic musical theater met emerging tech.

Musical theatre major Lyric Stratton played the perfect protagonist, Elle Woods, whose dreams of settling down after college graduation are cut short when her boyfriend, Warner, breaks up with her to attend Harvard Law School. Devastated and determined to get him back, Woods pulls together an unconventional application and charms her way into Harvard Law.

High-energy dance numbers powered the production from start to finish. In one standout scene titled 鈥淲hat You Want,鈥� Woods turns her Harvard application into a full-scale performance, trading a traditional essay for a show-stopping number alongside the UCLA cheer team.

The number featured 25 students on stage and took 13 hours to stage.

Three characters led a Harvard admissions conference room scene, delivering sharp dialogue as they debated Woods鈥� fate.

From left: Joey Fields as Winthrop, Tristan Haberland as Lowell and Jasper Allen as Pforzheimer.

Just as the audience settled into the story, two robot dogs stepped into the spotlight. During the nine-minute number 鈥淲hat You Want,鈥� they appeared in a Harvard campus scene where engineering students 鈥� played by theatre majors Mia Freeman and Isabel Ramos 鈥� walked them around as UCLA cheerleaders looked on in awe. In a brief but striking moment, technology wasn鈥檛 just a prop 鈥� it became part of the story.

Operated live on stage, the robots transformed the moment into a seamless blend of performance and engineering. Freeman and Ramos were trained by Mohsen Rakhshan, assistant professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) in the College of Engineering and Computer Science, and his graduate teaching assistant, Chinmay Dhanraj Nehate.

鈥淲e鈥檙e seeing the incorporation of robotics into different things at an accelerated rate, including art. It’s exciting,鈥� says Rakhshan, who closely collaborated with the production鈥檚 director to bring the robots into the show.

The electrical and computer engineering department houses 15 state-of-the-art robot dogs, nine of which are in Rakhshan鈥檚 Laboratory for Interaction of Machine and Brain. There, he and his graduate teaching assistant use them for both instruction and research 鈥� teaching an Introduction to Robotics course and training the robots to navigate the uncertainties of real-world environments.

During last year鈥檚 annual 麻豆原创 football Space Game, Michael Jablonski, assistant professor of musical theatre in the College of Arts and Humanities, watched the ECE department鈥檚 robot dogs in motion across the field. At that moment, he saw more than entertainment 鈥� he saw the potential for storytelling. A way to take something typically confined to classrooms and labs and give it emotion and meaning.

When planning听Legally Blonde, a story rooted in breaking expectations, the idea came naturally: why not let innovation share the stage?

Even with its high-tech twist, the show stayed true to its roots 鈥� including Bruiser, Woods鈥� loyal (and stylish) Chihuahua, brought to life by a real dog named Marty McFly.

During 鈥淲hipped Into Shape,鈥� fitness guru Brooke Wyndham, played by theatre major Isabel Ramos, led her cellmates through a relentless workout. Accused of murder, Wyndham refused to reveal the truth when Woods visited 鈥� unless she could keep up 鈥� turning the moment into a high-energy number where actors sang while performing intense jump rope choreography.

In the climactic courtroom scene, Woods took the lead, defending Wyndham and using sharp instincts, wit and confidence to expose the real culprit. It was a defining moment where she proved she belongs, blending intelligence, intuition and boldness to win the case.

Front row from left: Lyric Stratton as Elle Woods, Isabel Ramos as Brooke Wyndham and Jaxon Ryan as Emmett Forrest.

Along the way, Woods stops chasing approval and finds her confidence, purpose and voice. This central theme drew Jablonski, Legally Blonde production director, to the female-driven story.

鈥淭his story showcases how a very strong, intelligent woman [Elle Woods] finds her way in a male-dominated world. She initially follows love, but through it, she finds a space where she fits perfectly,鈥� Jablonski says. 鈥淭hrough being misjudged and stereotyped, we come to see that she鈥檚 far above the people around her in her thinking and in the way she brings humanity into her work as a lawyer.鈥�

What audiences saw was only part of the story. Behind every scene change, lighting cue, and musical number is a network of students, faculty, and staff working in sync 鈥� often just out of sight. Behind the curtain, more than 50 people managed lighting, sound and scene transitions in real time.

The music didn鈥檛 just support the story 鈥� it drove it. Legally Blonde, presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International, featured music and lyrics by Laurence O’Keefe and Nell Benjamin, with 23 total musical numbers. The book is by Heather Hach.

Projection-mapped animations and imagery 鈥� created with QLab software and delivered through two high-brightness front projectors 鈥� were precisely timed to the music, blending seamlessly with choreography and lighting to shape the show鈥檚 visual rhythm.

鈥淓ach scene had its own visual identity, with projections adding specific details that help it stand out,鈥� says Tim Brown, associate professor of theatre design and technology. 鈥淭he goal is to support the show鈥檚 fun, colorful world in a clear and energetic way.鈥�

Costuming defined each character with bold color and precise detail. Huaixiang Tan, professor of costume and make-up design in the School of Performing Arts, led the design, with support from assistant costume designers Sabrina Cervilla and Aisha Bader-Ortega. The production featured more than 100 costumes, each the result of hundreds of hours of craftsmanship.

In the Theatre 麻豆原创 scene shop, students began using hands-on technical skills to build and refine set pieces in January.

Built through layers of paint, planning and precision, the set came together as a large-scale collaboration among more than 40 students.

Designed for transport, much like a touring production, the set added an extra layer of complexity and was built to be assembled at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. It was completed and delivered on March 30.

Now, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has taken notice.

Dene茅 Lichtenberg was awarded the DOE鈥檚 Science Undergraduate Laboratory Internship, giving her the opportunity to further her research at Los Alamos National Laboratory in New Mexico. This premier multidisciplinary research institution is advancing breakthroughs in science and technology to address national security challenges.

The opportunity brings her closer to achieving one of her biggest goals: working at a national laboratory, where she鈥檒l collaborate with experienced researchers and learn how large-scale scientific projects are conducted.

Raised in Titusville, less than an hour away from 麻豆原创鈥檚 main campus, Lichtenberg says she always knew she鈥檇 attend 麻豆原创, especially given the strength of its engineering programs. What she didn鈥檛 yet know was how far that decision would take her.

“The ability to design and improve materials that impact a variety of fields really motivated me to pursue this discipline.”

She found her path in materials science 鈥� a field where physics, chemistry and engineering intersect 鈥� which would allow her to study materials from the atomic level to real-world applications.

鈥淯ltimately, everything is made up of materials,鈥� she says. 鈥淏y changing a material鈥檚 structure or composition, you can drastically alter its performance. The ability to design and improve materials that impact a variety of fields really motivated me to pursue this discipline.鈥�

That curiosity has evolved into something bigger: tackling the challenge of sustainably recovering rare earth metals that are vital to the future of energy and technology.

Advancing Sustainable Extraction

Over the past year in the , led by Assistant Professor of Engineering Kausik Mukhopadhyay, Lichtenberg has focused on a breakthrough approach that uses a naturally occurring protein, lanmoudulin.

鈥淭he protein can capture rare earth elements from dilute waste streams, and then a small temperature change can trigger the protein to release them so they can be collected,鈥� she says. 鈥淭his could create a more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly way to recover valuable materials.鈥�

Those materials are critical to everything from renewable energy systems to manufacturing; however, traditional extraction methods rely heavily on large amounts of energy and chemicals sourced from acid mine drainage, coal byproducts and electronic waste.

Lichtenberg鈥檚 work points to a sustainable future.

鈥淏y developing protein-based systems that selectively capture and release these elements, we could potentially reduce the reliance on traditional extraction,鈥� she says.

At Los Alamos National Laboratory, Lichtenberg will take that work further, designing modified proteins, producing them in the lab and testing how effectively they bind and release rare earth elements.

鈥淚t is a very exciting interdisciplinary project that combines protein engineering, materials science and sustainability,鈥� she says. 鈥淚 hope to continue this research after the internship ends.鈥�

It Takes a Lab 鈥� and a Team

But just as impactful as the research has been, the environment that鈥檚 shaped it has been.

鈥淒r. Mukhopadhyay is a fantastic mentor who creates a very supportive and positive environment that encourages learning [both] in and out of the lab,鈥� Lichtenberg says. 鈥淭he graduate students in the lab have [also] played a huge role in 鈥� helping me learn new techniques and [understand] the experiments and science itself.鈥�

Next, she plans to continue her journey as a Knight by pursuing a doctoral degree at 麻豆原创, advancing her research as a graduate member of the KM Lab.

For Lichtenberg, this internship isn鈥檛 the finish line 鈥� it鈥檚 just the beginning of reimagining how the world sources its most essential materials.

麻豆原创 Trustee Chair and Pegasus Professor Deborah Beidel, who serves as executive director of 麻豆原创 RESTORES, has been named a finalist for the Orlando Sentinel‘s 2026 Central Floridian of the Year award, an honor recognizing those whose leadership and community impact shape the region.

The award recognizes Beidel 鈥� representing the entire 麻豆原创 RESTORES team 鈥� for building a national model for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) treatment. Since its founding in 2011, 麻豆原创 RESTORES has treated more than 2,150 individuals, including nearly 600 military members and more than 1,350 first responders. All treatment is provided at no charge, supported by state funding, federal grants and private donations.

鈥淲hen we founded 麻豆原创 RESTORES, we set out to prove that PTSD treatment could be faster, more effective and accessible to everyone who needs it,鈥� Beidel says. 鈥淥ver the past 15 years, that mission has grown into something larger: a comprehensive system of treatment, training, and crisis response that meets people wherever they are in their journey toward healing. This recognition reflects the clinicians, researchers and staff who have made that vision a reality.鈥�

The center鈥檚 intensive outpatient program produces outcomes that exceed national standards 鈥� 76% of participants no longer meet diagnostic criteria for PTSD following treatment, and the program boasts a relapse rate of less than 1%.

Several states are now establishing similar programs, sending clinicians and researchers to Orlando to study 麻豆原创 RESTORES’ approach.

What began as a research-focused treatment program has expanded into a comprehensive ecosystem of care encompassing clinical treatment, peer support training, crisis response and family resources.

, 麻豆原创 RESTORES clinicians:

• Delivered more than 2,100 hours of evidence-based care;
• Trained more than 450 first responders through the center’s REACT peer support program;
• Unveiled a first-of-its-kind mobile Resiliency Command Center to deliver psychological support at disaster scenes; and,
• Integrated the 麻豆原创 RESTORES 2nd Alarm Project, extending capacity-building and behavioral health navigation services to agencies across Florida’s Panhandle.

麻豆原创 RESTORES has also responded to large-scale tragedies including the 2016 Pulse nightclub shooting and the 2021 Champlain Towers South condominium collapse in Surfside, FL, providing on-site mental health support to survivors, families, and emergency personnel. All treatment is provided at no charge, supported by state funding, federal grants and private donations.

鈥淒r. Beidel鈥檚 work reflects the very best of 麻豆原创. She combines compassion, research and innovation to address one of the most complex challenges facing our local communities,鈥� says 麻豆原创 President Alexander N. Cartwright. 鈥淭hrough 麻豆原创 RESTORES, she has redefined how PTSD is treated, turning breakthrough ideas into real solutions for those who need them most. Because of her work, first responders, trauma survivors, and so many others across Central Florida, and beyond, are finding a path forward.鈥�

The Central Floridian of the Year finalist recognition follows Beidel’s selection as the Big 12 Conference’s 2025 Faculty of the Year for 麻豆原创. Now in its second year, the award showcases the academic excellence, research breakthroughs and educational opportunities available to students at Big 12 institutions.

Nearly half听of the world鈥檚 citizens听live in areas with a听risk of catching dengue fever,听according to听the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.听As听the mosquito-borne听illness rapidly听spreads, especially in the Americas and Caribbean, a听听researcher is playing a crucial role in finding solutions.

James听Earnest, an assistant professor at the Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, is听leading听two听new听research projects to examine how humans build an immune response to dengue and the Zika virus over time, in pursuit of creating better preventative measures.

Tackling a Global Problem

Both听dengue and听Zika听are carried by the听Aedes aegypti听mosquito,听which has expanded听its habitat from Africa to tropical,听subtropical听and even听temperate听areas worldwide.听According to the World Health Organization, dengue infections in humans climbed听from听505,430 in 2000听to听14.6 million in 2024, an increase of more than 2,700%.

Dengue can be asymptomatic or cause severe pain, fatigue and high fever. Repeated infections can be fatal.

Since 2017, there have been few cases of听Zika听recorded in the U.S., but the disease persists sporadically in Africa, the Americas and Asia. The virus鈥� biggest health concern is听for听pregnant听women because contracting听Zika听can increase risks for听serious听congenital birth defects.

While people in Mexico and Uganda听may听benefit听from this research,听Florida鈥檚 location as a worldwide travel destination听adds to听the听growing听need for solutions.听U.S.听dengue听cases听are on the rise and听have been reported in Florida, California,听Texas听and Hawaii. Most are related to travel.听Dengue is also prevalent in听Puerto Rico.

鈥淭he threat to the U.S. is growing over time. … We want to be the leaders at looking at these viruses.鈥� 鈥� James Earnest, 麻豆原创 Assistant Professor

鈥淲ith more favorable temperatures and with people traveling around the globe these days, the threat to the U.S. is growing over time,鈥� Earnest says. 鈥淚 think, especially here in Florida, the potential for these mosquitoes to live in these areas and start transmitting these diseases in the very near future is high. 麻豆原创 recognizes that this is an important avenue of research for this region, and so we want to be the leaders at looking at these viruses.鈥�

How the听麻豆原创听Research Works

Earnest鈥檚 lab is focused on how the immune system responds to mosquito-borne viruses. Before arriving at 麻豆原创 in 2024, he tracked dengue via longitudinal sampling in Mexico鈥檚 Yucatan Peninsula.

Earnest is collaborating with the Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI) through a five-year $970,813 subcontract, part of a larger grant awarded to UVRI from Wellcome, a London-based charitable organization that supports science to solve urgent health challenges. The project aims to study immune system and antibody responses to dengue and Zika in large cohorts of people in Uganda and in Mexico.

麻豆原创 will also collaborate with Emory University on a听$578,157听grant from the National Institutes of Health, with Earnest subcontracted to Emory to study whether combining two current dengue inoculations used in Brazil gives humans better protection against repeat infections.

鈥淚t’s important that we understand what good and bad immune responses look like to these viruses.鈥� 鈥� James Earnest, 麻豆原创 Assistant Professor

鈥淚t’s听important听that we understand what good and bad immune responses look like to these viruses,鈥澨鼸arnest听says. 鈥淲hen we know those factors, then听we can try to steer people in听the right听direction so that their antibodies will protect them from听disease.鈥�

Earnest will coordinate with teams in other countries to regularly collect blood samples and measure antibody production to get a comprehensive look at how different people鈥檚 bodies react to dengue and Zika over time. The samples will be collected and processed in Mexico and Uganda, and Earnest will analyze the results in his lab.

鈥淚 think what’s unique about听this work is that we鈥檙e听following people over time and not necessarily听just听when they get sick,鈥澨鼸arnest says.

His research focuses on B cells, which are white blood cells that make antibodies and help the body remember how to fight infections. By tracking how听people鈥檚听B cells change over time, his team aims to understand how immune responses differ across regions.

In a related project with Emory, the lab will听identify听the most effective memory B cells and antibodies induced by two existing methods of inoculation for dengue, then test whether combining those methods in Brazilian trial participants produces a stronger immune response.

Students Aim to Save Lives Through Lab Work

With this new research,听Earnest鈥檚 lab has welcomed听two new 麻豆原创听students听who have听personal听experience听with听dengue and听Zika.

Maiesha听Mahmood, a听second-year听biotechnology听master鈥檚 student,听is from Bangladesh, where the threat of dengue looms.

鈥淚 have been around dengue a lot growing up,鈥� Mahmood听says.听鈥淚 know people who have been in hospital听with听severe forms听of dengue, and听people听who’ve听passed away听suddenly.听People become scared of mosquitos and dengue.鈥�

She听says she听hopes听麻豆原创鈥檚 research will someday save lives.

鈥淏ack in Bangladesh,听we don’t really have a lot of facilities that can support virology research,鈥澨齭he says. 鈥淚t was听a huge opportunity to be able to come here and be able to work听with Dr. Earnest.听I want to continue looking into these kinds of听viruses听and听find听a way to help people who keep suffering from听these听diseases.鈥�

Bruno听Pinheiro听鈥�25, a first-year Ph.D. candidate,听joined Earnest鈥檚 lab听to further his education and hopes research will听help people close to him.

鈥淢y family is from Brazil and so听Zika听was a very big thing for them,鈥� says听Pinheiro, who听earned his bachelor鈥檚 degree in听biotechnology听鈥淚t鈥檚 great to work on something that you can feel will impact the community that you’re a part of.鈥�

Researcher Credentials:

Earnest joined 麻豆原创鈥檚 College of Medicine as听an assistant professor听in 2024. He听earned听his doctorate in听microbiology and听immunology from Loyola University Chicago in 2017. He performed postdoctoral research at Washington University in St. Louis studying antibody responses to mosquito-borne viruses and Emory University where he managed clinical field trials in Latin America.

Funding听and Disclosure:

Research reported in this publication was supported by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases of the National Institutes of Health under Award Number U01AI186860. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily听represent听the official views of the National Institutes of Health.