College of Health and Professions and Sciences Archives | �鶹ԭ�� News

The Next Elite Sports Physical Therapists

Robert Stephens — Wed, 06 May 2026 13:30:23 +0000

Alvaro Zapata and Tsianna Barnwell have never feared the highest level of competition. They crave it. Growing up, soccer, track and football lit internal fires that burn to this day, which helps explain how they made it into an exclusive cohort: the �鶹ԭ�� and Orlando Health sports physical therapy residency. With just two residents accepted each year, Zapata and Barnwell made the cut from a list of 30 high-performing applicants, meaning they’re as elite as the athletes they work with.

“The residency accelerates clinical reasoning by three to five years, making [residents] more competitive candidates for the best jobs.” — Meredith Chaput, research coordinator and liaison for the �鶹ԭ�� and Orlando Health sports physical therapy residency program

“We look for people who thrive on rigor,” says Assistant Professor of Physical Therapy Meredith Chaput, the residency’s research coordinator and liaison. The payoff is priceless. “The residency accelerates clinical reasoning by three to five years, making them more competitive candidates for the best jobs.”

Chaput’s sport-specific expertise, along with that of four of her colleagues in the �鶹ԭ�� Division of Physical Therapy who serve as didactic and clinical mentors, is an instant draw to the program. So, too, are ��’s research labs, partnerships and the opportunity to teach students in the �鶹ԭ�� doctor of physical therapy program.

The residents are equally drawn to the opportunity to advance their skills alongside a seasoned clinical team at Orlando Health. They take on a caseload of sports and orthopedic patients, providing specialized care ranging from post-surgical rehabilitation to elite-level performance optimization, tapping into advanced rehabilitation technology to improve athlete recovery. Nearly 2 million people every year suffer sports-related injuries and receive treatment in emergency departments, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

With all of this in place, professionals are being prepared, two at a time, through a specialized 12-month program, to join the select group of 169 board-certified sports clinical specialist physical therapists in Florida. It’s a coveted residency and one designed to develop healthcare providers to better aid athletes of all levels. Central Florida is a premier sports destination, featuring a mix of professional franchises, elite collegiate athletics, large high schools and massive amateur complexes.

“When we started this program in 2020, our mission initially aimed to strengthen the rehabilitation services provided to the local sports-based community within Central Florida by producing highly trained and skilled sports physical therapists,” says Philip Agostinelli, residency program coordinator and rehab clinical operations manager with Orlando Health Sports Medicine and Rehab Center.�� “Now, currently, in our sixth cohort of residents, that mission evolved to encompass the needs of athletes on a national scale, with multiple past graduates working in professional or semi-professional sports across the country.”

Since entering the �鶹ԭ�� and Orlando Health Sports Physical Therapy program, Alvaro Zapata has accessed the inner circles of Orlando’s two professional soccer teams.

The Tireless Protege: Alvaro Zapata

Long days do not faze Alvaro Zapata, even as they turn into 60-hour weeks. To him, they’re part of the allure of the residency program.

“I ask myself, ‘When would I have this kind of opportunity again?’ and the answer is never,” Zapata says. “The program opens doors that would otherwise not be open.”

“I’m gaining all the knowledge I could possibly need to eventually be at the top of my profession.” — Alvaro Zapata

Since entering the program last August, Zapata has stretched his aptitude alongside clinicians at Orlando Health and Jewett Orthopedic. He’s worked with athletes in high schools and at �鶹ԭ�� and accessed the inner circles of Orlando’s two professional soccer teams.

As Zapata puts it, “I’m gaining all the knowledge I could possibly need to eventually be at the top of my profession.”

Zapata was poised to climb the ladder with his Doctor of Physical Therapy from Boston University when he heard about Chaput heading up the residency program at �鶹ԭ��. He knew of her published research and presentations to global audiences.

“She’s a big reason I wanted this residency so badly,” Zapata says.

At the 2026 Isokinetic Conference, Alvaro Zapata presented progress on a rehab model he co-developed, examining how ACL surgery can disrupt instinctive movement and coordination.

Here, he has had the opportunity to collaborate with Chaput and progress research on the “visual-cognitive control-to-chaos continuum” in rehab, a model for which Chaput is one of the original creators. After ACL reconstruction surgery, patients often develop inhibitions within the brain that limit the coordination of knee movement. Instead of movement in competition being instinctive, athletes are often consciously aware of deficiencies that were once automatic.

“If you can’t trust your knee, then you can’t get back to the top of your game,” Zapata says. “Rehab is typically done in a controlled setting. The real sports environment is chaotic. We’re finding ways to challenge people the day after surgery, so inhibitions don’t set in.”

This means “visual-cognitive” challenges are added to rehab in the very early stages. For example, the physical therapists might have the patient look for colored lights on a screen. Red means squeeze the right leg. Blue means squeeze the left leg. Yellow means squeeze both.

The visual-cognitive control-to-chaos continuum calls for therapists to gradually make exercises more complex for the patient, from simple, controlled movements to more unpredictable, game-like situations. The goal is to better prepare patients to safely return to sports by training both the body and the brain.

“We want athletes to react instead of thinking first,” Zapata says. “It could be a game changer.”

Tsianna Barnwell is building her skill set through hands-on work with the Orlando Pride.

The Team Player: Tsianna Barnwell

At noon on a Monday, Tsianna Barnwell leaves Jewett Orthopedic Clinic, where she’s been broadening her skills since 7 a.m. She’ll now drive to a local high school to work with athletes across a range of sports. Barnwell thrives in the residency program because no two days are the same. She might work with the Orlando Pride or Orlando City, provide expertise for USA Track or binge on insights at Orlando Health.

Some people call the program challenging. Barnwell calls it “incredible.”

“I’m getting the best of all worlds,” she says. She even immerses herself in the world of Orlando Ballet, calling it “another unique experience to add to my toolbox.”

In the Cognition, Neuroplasticity and Sarcopenia Lab, Tsianna Barnwell (left), assisted by Alvaro Zapata (right), studies differences in hamstring muscles between men and women to inform rehabilitation, recovery and injury prevention.

Barnwell takes her toolbox into the Cognition, Neuroplasticity and Sarcopenia Lab, where she and Chaput are advancing research, which they recently presented in Athens, Greece, at the Isokinetic Conference. It started with a question Barnwell had from her days as a Division I soccer player: Why are female athletes two to six times more likely to suffer knee injuries than men? Through her sports residency, she’s discovered that females are more likely to be weaker in their hamstring muscles. Studying these anatomical and physiological differences can inform impactful changes in rehab, recovery and injury prevention, she notes.

“With this residency under my belt, my opportunities will be almost endless.” — Tsianna Barnwell

Barnwell knows firsthand what it’s like to suffer a torn ACL. She’s also known “the team” as her home away from home since leaving Qatar as an 18-year-old to study and play soccer at St. Bonaventure University. Ultimately, she wants to be part of a team again, perhaps as the director of rehabilitation for a professional women’s soccer team. That’s her preference, but when the residency ends, she’ll be prepared to work with any team — even a ballet company, Cirque du Soleil or the rehab team at Orlando Health.

“I’m fortunate to gain such a breadth of knowledge,” Barnwell says. “With this residency under my belt, my opportunities will be almost endless.”

Jeremy Wydra ’18 ’22DPT was among the presenters at the 2026 Isokinetic Conference in Athens, Greece.

The Empowered Graduate: Jeremy Wydra ’18 ’22DPT

Jeremy Wydra ’18 ’22DPT is where Zapata and Barnwell will soon be: residency complete, now pursuing a path to find more effective ways to help athletes and performers recover and raise the bar.

“That’s the great outcome for me: variety,” says Wydra, who finished the residency program in 2024 and is now practicing clinically, and working toward his doctorate in kinesiology at �鶹ԭ��, where he is collecting data on the recovery and return to performance after ACL reconstruction.

Wydra worked his way through �鶹ԭ��, first envisioning a career in mechanical engineering and ultimately earning a bachelor’s in health sciences. Along the way, he decided he wanted a people-facing profession and shadowed at a clinic, where he noticed physical therapists conversing with patients throughout treatment sessions, often for more than an hour. He saw it as personalized healthcare that he could optimize with physics and innovation.

Jeremy Wydra ’18 ’22DPT (right) works with a student-athlete in a training facility.

After finishing his doctorate in physical therapy at �鶹ԭ��, Wydra landed in a dream situation in Maryland, practicing as both a strength and conditioning coach and a physical therapist within sports performance centers. It begs the question: Why return for the residency?

“I wanted to work with mentors who would push me to be better,” says Wydra.

Unlike Zapata and Barnwell, Wydra had little soccer experience. Gaining it became part of the push he desired.

“… the value of the residency for me: having access to such diversified people and environments.” — Jeremy Wydra ’18 ’22DPT

“During my second week in the residency, I stepped into the Orlando City Academy training room to work with high-level athletes,” he says. “I also helped on the sidelines and talked with the medical staff about team-centered communication with coaches and players. That was the value of the residency for me: having access to such diversified people and environments.”

Wydra sees himself taking full advantage of the variety still in front of him, perhaps as a physical therapist and sports scientist, reforming best practices and helping others be their best.

“That’s what my mentors in the residency have done for me: made me a better person and professional,” he says. “I wouldn’t trade those 12 months for the world.”

��’s Spring 2026 Commencement Set for May 8–9

Jenna Marina Lee — Mon, 04 May 2026 16:32:38 +0000

�鶹ԭ�� will award nearly 10,000 degrees during this spring’s ceremonies, continuing its record-setting momentum in preparing highly skilled graduates for in-demand fields, including engineering, computer science, business, nursing, and digital and emerging media.

�鶹ԭ�� is the leading producer of talent among Florida’s universities, awarding nearly 19,000 degrees annually to Knights who go on to work in high-demand industries. About 85% of our alumni stay in Florida because of the ample opportunity to thrive as part of our state’s workforce.

Graduates will hear from six esteemed speakers whose leadership and impact span some of Central Florida’s most influential industries:

Barry Miller ’95, president of Voloridge Investment Management
Brian Adams ’04MBA, president and CEO of AdventHealth Central Florida Division
Gloria Caulfield, vice president of strategic alliances, Tavistock Development Company
Barbara Gellman-Danley, president of Higher Learning Commission
Maj. Gen. James Smith, commander, space training and readiness command at Patrick Space Force Base
Peter Lee, president of Microsoft Science

Commencement will be held at Addition Financial Arena and all ceremonies are streamed online.

Commencement Festivities

Held in the Addition Financial Arena, spring commencement will take place over six ceremonies spanning Friday, May 8, and Saturday, May 9.

All guests, including children and infants, need a ticket for admission. All graduates who have filed an intent to graduate will receive five commencement ceremony tickets when they pick up their regalia packet.

Guests who do not have tickets may watch the live ceremony via a simulcast viewing in the FAIRWINDS Alumni Center and the Student Union. Ceremonies will also be livestreamed .

Commencement Photo-ops Across �鶹ԭ��

Best locations on �鶹ԭ��’s main campus for grad photos.

Best locations at �鶹ԭ�� Downtown’s campus for grad pictures.

Graduating Knights are unable to take photos at the Acrisure Bounce House Stadium this semester due to ongoing construction.

Grad Walk

On Thursday, May 7, 2:30-7 p.m. (doors close at 6 p.m.), spring graduates are invited to a photo-op — Grad Walk — within the Addition Financial Arena. This will be a first-come, first-served occasion for graduates and up to 10 of their well-wishers to take photos and videos on the ceremony stage. Graduates are required to .

Commencement Schedule

Graduates and guests can review the below commencement ceremony schedule, listing colleges, ceremony dates and streaming links:

Friday, May 8

9 a.m.

College of Business

Rosen College of Hospitality Management

2 p.m.

College of Health Professions and Sciences

College of Medicine

College of Nursing

7 p.m.

College of Arts and Humanities

Nicholson School of Communication and Media

Saturday, May 9

9 a.m.

College of Community Innovation and Education

2 p.m.

College of Sciences (excluding Nicholson School of Communication and Media)

7 p.m.

College of Engineering and Computer Science

College of Graduate Studies

College of Optics and Photonics

For more details and FAQs about Spring 2026 commencement celebrations, visit ucf.edu/graduation.

Commencement Speakers

Barry Miller ’95

President of Voloridge Investment Management

Barry Miller ’95 serves as president of Voloridge Investment Management, quantitative hedge fund manager, and Voloridge Health, a data science-based health tech company, both Florida based.

Miller, who graduated with honors from �鶹ԭ�� with a bachelor’s degree in finance, recently made a transformational $50 million gift this spring to establish the Barry S. Miller College of Business at �鶹ԭ��. The largest single philanthropic investment in �鶹ԭ�� history, the gift will accelerate a bold new model of business education designed for a world where technology, data and decision-making are inseparable.

Miller, also a member of the �鶹ԭ�� College of Business Hall of Fame, brings years of executive experience, having previously served as CEO of LASAS Technologies, a finance and insurance company that he co-founded in 1998. His career experience includes financial analysis, capital raising, financial markets, actuarial experience, software development and in-depth company infrastructure formation.

After gaining valuable experience as an entrepreneur and chief executive officer, Miller’s ambition led him to join and invest in Voloridge Investment Management and then Voloridge Health. For both companies, he is responsible for many facets of leadership, including trading, back-office operations, compliance, sales and marketing, vendor relationships and strategic planning.

Brian Adams

Brian Adams ’04MBA

President and CEO of AdventHealth Central Florida Division

Brian Adams is president and CEO of AdventHealth’s Central Florida Division, one of the nation’s largest faith-based health systems, whose 37,000 dedicated team members provide care for more than 3 million patients.

Known for building high-performing teams and ensuring the organization grows to meet the care needs of the community, Adams has led efforts to expand access to care, elevate quality and bring innovative solutions to rapidly growing communities. His leadership has continued to position AdventHealth as a trusted and innovative partner in Central Florida.

As a part of AdventHealth for more than 24 years, Adams has held senior leadership roles across the organization, including CEO positions in Tampa and Polk County, where he oversaw major expansions, facility investments and quality improvements.

He earned his master’s of business administration from the �鶹ԭ�� and a bachelor’s degree from Union College in Nebraska. Originally from Oshawa, Ontario, Canada, Adams and his wife have two teenage sons.

Gloria Caulfield

Vice president of strategic alliances, Tavistock Development Company

In her multifaceted role as vice president of strategic alliances at Tavistock, Gloria Caulfield manages business development and corporate partnerships, collaborates with national and global stakeholders to advance health innovation, and leads the development of cutting-edge strategies for the Lake Nona community.

She is the chief architect and creative force behind the Lake Nona Impact Forum. The revered global health innovation summit brings together many of the world’s most preeminent thought leaders and serves as a signature event of the Tavistock Group.

Caulfield serves on boards that reflect her passion for advancing the future of human health, including the StartUp Health Impact Board, which focuses on mobilizing entrepreneurs to solve the biggest health challenges of our time, and the LFE Capital Advisory Board, which supports female founders and impactful, wellness-oriented companies.

Prior to joining Tavistock, she had a distinguished career at AdventHealth. As senior executive director for community development, she provided strategic leadership for corporate partnerships and spearheaded critical community initiatives across Central Florida. Caulfield is an alumna of the University of Arizona and brings visionary leadership to every aspect of her work.

Barbara Gellman-Danley

President of Higher Learning Commission

Barbara Gellman-Danley is president of the Higher Learning Commission, which accredits colleges and universities to ensure they meet high-quality standards and continuously improve.

Prior to beginning this role in 2014, she was president of the University of Rio Grande/Rio Grande Community College in Ohio. She previously served as vice chancellor of the Ohio Board of Regents, president of Antioch University McGregor, vice president at Monroe Community College and vice chancellor at the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education.

Gellman-Danley sits on the boards of Credential Engine, which she chairs, and GlobalMindED. Her career includes previous board and commission memberships with the Association of Governing Boards Council of Presidents, the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements, the American Council on Education’s Education and Attainment group and the Council on Adult and Experiential Learning.

Gellman-Danley holds degrees from Syracuse University, Simmons University, Oklahoma City University and the University of Oklahoma. She did post-graduate work at New York University, Cornell, Harvard, the University of Chicago and MIT.

An honorary member of Phi Theta Kappa, she is a professional certified coach, certified executive coach and certified life coach. She holds certifications in change management, Agile and Lean Six Sigma, a professional credential validating expertise in data-driven process improvement aimed at reducing waste and defects.

Maj. Gen. James Smith

Commander, space training and readiness command at Patrick Space Force Base

As commander, Maj. Gen. James E. Smith is responsible for preparing the U.S. Space Force and more than 14,000 military and civilian guardians to prevail in competition and conflict through innovative education, training, doctrine and test activities.

Originally from Boise, Idaho, Maj. Gen. Smith commissioned in 1997 as the top graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy. His career spans numerous space operations and acquisition positions, including command at the squadron, group, wing, garrison and Field Command levels.

Maj. Gen. Smith has deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and to the U.S. Embassy in Iraq in support of Operation Inherent Resolve. Prior to his current position, Maj. Gen. Smith served as the vice director, Joint Force Development, J-7, the Joint Staff, Arlington, Virginia.

Peter Lee

President of Microsoft Science

Peter Lee is president of Microsoft Science, where his responsibility is to accelerate the pace of discovery in the physical, biological and medical sciences through the use of artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies.

Previously, he led the world laboratories of Microsoft Research. Before joining Microsoft in 2010, he established a new technology office at the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency within the U.S. Department of Defense, creating operational capabilities in machine learning, data science and computational social science.

From 1987 to 2010, Lee was a professor and the head of the computer science department at Carnegie Mellon University. He is a member of the National Academy of Medicine and serves on the boards of several institutions in AI and medicine, including the board of trustees of the Mayo Clinic and the board of directors of the Kaiser Permanente School of Medicine. He served on President Obama’s Commission on Enhancing National Cybersecurity and has testified before both U.S. House and Senate committees.

He is the co-author of the book, The AI Revolution in Medicine: GPT-4 and Beyond. In 2024, Lee was named by Time magazine as one of the 100 most influential people in health and life sciences.

�鶹ԭ��, Orlando Health Co-Locate to Accelerate Healthcare Innovation

Robyn Lorfink — Thu, 30 Apr 2026 14:15:27 +0000

Yesterday, Orlando Health celebrated the opening of Orlando Health Strategic Innovations located within SPRK, ��’s innovation building, expanding the health system’s presence at the center of ��’s main campus.

Designed to accelerate innovation, the Orlando Health Strategic Innovations group connects real clinical and operational challenges with student and academic talent, creating a healthcare environment where ideas are tested, informed by feedback, and continually improved. The space serves as an extension of the system’s downtown headquarters and is jointly funded by Orlando Health Ventures and the Orlando Health Innovation teams.

Orlando Health’s presence within SPRK aligns with ��’s broader co-location strategy, which brings industry partners onto campus to catalyze innovation through proximity. The approach emphasizes shared space, shared challenges and shared outcomes to accelerate problem-solving, support experiential learning and speed the translation of ideas into practice.

The co-location marks the latest milestone in Orlando Health’s long-standing partnership with �鶹ԭ��.

“By working side by side at SPRK, we are accelerating innovation and moving real-world healthcare solutions more quickly into the communities we serve.” — Alexander N. Cartwright, �鶹ԭ�� president

The Orlando Health Jewett Orthopedic Institute provides comprehensive, year-round care for �鶹ԭ�� student-athletes, including on-field coverage, primary care sports medicine, and specialized imaging. As a Pegasus Partner, Orlando Health pledged $5 million toward the , which supports nursing internships, scholarships, and hiring, helping to address the state’s nursing shortage. In addition, Orlando Health and �鶹ԭ�� collaborate on advanced technology projects — such as the AI for Medical Surgery system — jointly offer specialized residency programs and collaborate in many additional ways.

“Orlando Health has been an exceptional partner, demonstrating what is possible when industry and academia come together with shared purpose. This next phase of co-location builds on that foundation,” says �鶹ԭ�� President Alexander N. Cartwright. “By working side by side at SPRK, we are accelerating innovation and moving real-world healthcare solutions more quickly into the communities we serve.”

Healthcare Innovation at the Center of Campus

Located in approximately 2,649 square feet within SPRK, the Strategic Innovations group was intentionally placed, here, to foster continuous collaboration with faculty and students across disciplines.

This co-location enables a new operating model. Orlando Health brings real health system challenges directly into the academic environment, and interdisciplinary teams of students, faculty, and Orlando Health innovators rapidly design, test, and refine solutions.

Early collaboration has already begun to generate impact in areas such as cancer research, digital health, creation of AI models and various orthopedic innovations.

“The opening of an Orlando Health Strategic Innovations space at �鶹ԭ�� represents our shared commitment to advancing healthcare delivery through bold new ideas,” says Jamal Hakim, M.D., chief physician officer, Orlando Health. “Through this partnership, we are creating a collaborative environment where clinicians, researchers, students and industry leaders can generate real-world solutions and drive innovations that will shape the future of how we care for patients.”

Built to Go For Launch

The latest milestone in , this co-location represents �鶹ԭ��’s deep commitment to the ecosystem of support powering our vision for the future.

Through a collective effort — combining philanthropy and transformational giving with corporate partnerships, research commercialization and other revenue-generating endeavors — �鶹ԭ�� is charting a bold new path forward and building a future the world has only begun to imagine.

“This co-location with Orlando Health exemplifies the kind of partnership that powers Go for Launch, bringing industry and academia together to create real-world impact,” says Rod Grabowski, �鶹ԭ�� vice president for Advancement and Partnership, and CEO of the �鶹ԭ�� Foundation. “By aligning visionary partners with ��’s innovation ecosystem, we are accelerating discovery, expanding opportunity and advancing solutions that improve lives.”

�鶹ԭ�� Recognizes Faculty Excellence With 2026 Promotion and Tenure Awards

Scott Mauro — Thu, 16 Apr 2026 13:17:42 +0000

�鶹ԭ�� has recognized 100 faculty members with promotion and tenure for the 2025–26 academic year, marking a significant milestone in their academic careers and contributions to student success and the university.

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 ��’s 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 �鶹ԭ�� Board of Trustees provides final approval for tenure candidates. These decisions directly advance ��’s strategic plan and its focus on recruiting and retaining highly qualified faculty – 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.

“At �鶹ԭ��, promotion and tenure reflects a thoughtful, rigorous review process and the high standards we set as an institution and state,” says John Buckwalter, provost and executive vice president for academic affairs. “It’s 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’re building together.”

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

The faculty members recognized below represent the continued strength and momentum of �鶹ԭ��.

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‑Hsiung 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‑Feddon, 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‑Rodriguez, 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, �鶹ԭ�� 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, �鶹ԭ�� Libraries

Promotion to University Librarian

Sai Deng, �鶹ԭ�� Libraries
Sarah Norris, �鶹ԭ�� Libraries
Andrew Todd, �鶹ԭ�� Libraries

�鶹ԭ�� Alumni Announces 2026 Class of 30 Under 30 Honorees

Camille Dolan ’98 — Mon, 09 Feb 2026 16:00:30 +0000

�鶹ԭ�� Alumni is proud to unveil the exceptional members of the 2026 Class of 30 Under 30. These accomplished young alumni represent the very best of Knight Nation — innovators, leaders and change-makers whose talent, drive and purpose are shaping industries, strengthening communities and redefining what is possible.

With its 12th class in 11 years, the 30 Under 30 program recognizes alumni under the age of 30 whose professional achievements, leadership and service reflect the bold spirit, values and impact of the �鶹ԭ��. The program also underscores ��’s role in developing highly skilled graduates who fuel innovation, service and economic impact in Florida and beyond.

“These alumni embody the spirit of �鶹ԭ�� in every sense,” says Heather Junod ’98, associate vice president of alumni engagement and annual giving. “Each year, my pride grows as we recognize a new class of 30 Under 30 honorees who are leading with integrity, creativity and courage. Their achievements are extraordinary, but what inspires me most is their commitment to service — to their communities, their professions and their alma mater. They remind us all of the power of a �鶹ԭ�� education and the impact Knights can make when they dare to lead.”

Hundreds of nominations were submitted online between Oct. 3—Nov. 12, 2025. Applications were reviewed and scored by previous award recipients, �鶹ԭ�� Young Alumni ambassadors and �鶹ԭ�� staff. Finalists were then confirmed by the �鶹ԭ�� Alumni Board of Directors based on the following criteria:

Must be a graduate of �鶹ԭ�� (undergraduate or graduate degree)

Must be 29 or younger as of June 1, 2026

Must demonstrate a commitment to maintaining a lifelong relationship with �鶹ԭ�� and upholding �鶹ԭ�� Young Alumni values

“On behalf of the �鶹ԭ�� Young Alumni Community, congratulations to the remarkable members of the 2026 Class of 30 Under 30,” says Austin Wilson ’22, chair of the �鶹ԭ�� Alumni Community. “These honorees represent the future of Knight Nation. Their ambition, leadership and dedication to making a difference reflect the values that connect us as alumni. We are proud to celebrate not only what they have already accomplished, but the incredible impact they will continue to make as leaders, mentors and advocates for �鶹ԭ��.”

�鶹ԭ�� Alumni will celebrate the 2026 award recipients at a special event on Saturday, May 16, at the Addition Financial Arena. A complete slate of the honorees, listed alphabetically by last name, appears below. Past recipients can be found on the .

Cassandra Allen

Cassandra Allen ’18
��ǰ�’s��health sciences

Samantha Archer Stoltz

Samantha Archer Stoltz ’24
��ǰ�’�� biology
Burnett Honors College

Chloe Artrip

Chloe Artrip ’19 ’23DPT
��ǰ�’�� health sciences
Doctorate in physical therapy

Coral Barron Patraca

Coral Barron Patraca ’19
��ǰ�’�� aerospace engineering
Burnett Honors College

Ana Beltran

Ana Beltran ’19 ’24MFA
Bachelor’s in digital media-game design
Bachelor’s in emerging media-animation
Master’s in emerging media-animation and visual effects

Mishka Brice

Mishka Brice ’19
��ǰ�’�� political science
Burnett Honors College

Taya Britten

Taya Britten ’20
��ǰ�’�� interdisciplinary studies

Brenden Brown

Brenden Brown ’20 ’23MHA
��ǰ�’�� health sciences
�Ѳ��ٱ��’�� health administration

Dominic Davis

Dominic Davis ’21
��ǰ�’�� human communication

Jalynn Edmon

Jalynn Edmon ’25
��ǰ�’�� nursing

Olivia Feild

Olivia Feild ’20 ’22MS
��ǰ�’�� forensic science
�Ѳ��ٱ��’�� forensic science
Burnett Honors College

Marshall Fornataro-Minnig

Marshall Fornataro-Minnig ’22MS
�Ѳ��ٱ��’�� interactive entertainment

Katherine Grand

Katherine Grand ’23 ’25MHA
Bachelor’s in health services administration
�Ѳ��ٱ��’�� health administration

Michele Guillard

Michele Guillard ’20
��ǰ�’�� health sciences
��ǰ�’�� interdisciplinary studies
Burnett Honors College

Margaret Hall

Margaret Hall ’22
��ǰ�’�� legal studies
Burnett Honors College

Neda Hamood

Neda Hamood ’22 ’24MS
Bachelor’s in biomedical sciences
Master’s in biomedical sciences
Burnett Honors College

Jaquesha Jefferson

Jaquesha Jefferson ’22
��ǰ�’�� health sciences

Derreasha Jones

Derreasha Jones ’21 ’24MA
��ǰ�’�� psychology
�Ѳ��ٱ��’�� counselor education

Mailuce Louidor

Mailuce Louidor ’20
��ǰ�’�� nursing

Faith McFarland

Faith McFarland ’19 ’22MA
��ǰ�’�� psychology
�Ѳ��ٱ��’�� clinical psychology

Hannah Miner

Hannah Miner ’20
Bachelor’s in forensic science

Lawrence Oks

Lawrence Oks ’21 ’22MS
��ǰ�’�� computer science
�Ѳ��ٱ��’�� computer science
Burnett Honors College

Jillian Pirozzi

Jillian Pirozzi ’22 ’25MHA
��ǰ�’�� health sciences
�Ѳ��ٱ��’�� health administration

Emily Puia

Emily Puia ’22
��ǰ�’�� human communication

Matthew Rall

Matthew Rall ’19
Bachelor’s in emergency management

Michael Raymond

Michael Raymond ’19
��ǰ�’s�� business economics

Shaina Ruth

Shaina Ruth ’18
��ǰ�’�� criminal justice

Maximillian Seidel

Maximillian Seidel ’18
Bachelor’s in management

Autumn Shackelford

Autumn Shackelford ’25PhD
Doctorate in physics

Nicholas Vaughn

Nicholas Vaughn ’19
��ǰ�’�� biology

��’s Fall 2025 Commencement Set for Dec. 12-13

Juzanne Martin — Fri, 05 Dec 2025 14:30:03 +0000

Leaders transforming aviation, finance, science learning and higher education will take the stage to address fall graduates during four commencement ceremonies Dec. 12-13 at Addition Financial Arena.

Graduates will hear from four esteemed speakers — Lance Lyttle, CEO for the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority; Joe Nunziata, CEO for Acrisure Mortgage; JoAnn Newman, president and CEO for the Orlando Science Center; and Kathleen Plinske, president of Valencia College — whose leadership and impact span some of Central Florida’s most influential industries.

�鶹ԭ�� will award more than 6,000 degrees during this fall’s commencement ceremonies, continuing its record-setting momentum in preparing highly skilled graduates for in-demand fields, including engineering, computer science, nursing, and digital and emerging media. The university awards over 18,000 degrees annually, including more bachelor’s degrees in engineering and nursing than any other institution in the state. These two fields are essential to sustaining Florida’s economic and population growth.

�鶹ԭ�� serves more of Florida’s students than any other university. More than 90% of ��’s undergraduate students are Florida residents, and most will stay in Florida after they graduate, with 85% of ��’s new graduates remaining in Florida.

Of all degrees, the College of Sciences will award 25%, with fields like digital media, chemistry and physics. The College of Business will award 15%, including disciplines such as finance and accounting. The College of Engineering and Computer Science will award 15%, representing fields such as aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering and computer science.

About 54% of the bachelor’s degree recipients are eligible for Pell Grants, showcasing the university’s commitment to students of all backgrounds. Additionally, about 31% of all bachelor’s degrees will be awarded to first-generation students who will be the first in their families to graduate from college.

Commencement Festivities

Held in the Addition Financial Arena, fall commencement will take place Dec. 12-13.

Guests who do not have tickets may watch the live ceremony via a simulcast viewing in the FAIRWINDS Alumni Center and the Student Union. Ceremonies will also be livestreamed on .

Commencement Photo-ops Across �鶹ԭ��

Main Campus

Two photo-ops are available for students to celebrate their accomplishments.

The Reflecting Pond is one of the most iconic spots on campus for grad photos. Strike a pose and make memories Dec. 1-14.

On Thursday, Dec. 11, 2:30-7 p.m. (doors close at 6 p.m.), fall graduates are invited to a photo-op — — within the Addition Financial Arena. This will be a first-come, first-served occasion for graduates and up to 10 of their well-wishers to take photos and videos on the ceremony stage. .

Graduating Knights are unable to take photos at the Acrisure Bounce House Stadium this semester due to ongoing construction.

�鶹ԭ�� Downtown

�鶹ԭ�� Downtown offers several great locations f�ǰ� unforgettable graduation photos. Here are our top picks of the best spots to memorialize your academic achievement.

Celebrate your college journey by honoring your support system at the Dr. Phillips Academic Commons West Lobby donor wall. Use the iconic phrase, “If you want to go far, go together,” on the donor wall as a backdrop to pay homage to those who helped you along the way.

The Seneff Plaza, located between the East and West Wings of Dr. Phillips Academic Commons, is where so many campus events and gatherings take place. The towering columns and reflective glass of Dr. Phillips Academic Commons capture the modern campus where you worked so hard to earn your degree.

Enhance your graduation photos by venturing beyond campus into the surrounding Orlando area. You barely have to step off campus to encounter the iconic Orlando sign locatedat Luminary Green Park. The 2.3-acre park features a large, welcoming lawn that leads up to the oversized “Orlando” letters at the end of the park, creating the ideal environment to mark your time in The City Beautiful.

Commencement Schedule

Graduates and guests can review the below commencement ceremony schedule, listing colleges, ceremony dates and streaming links:

Friday, Dec. 12
2 p.m.

College of Business Administration
College of Health Professions and Sciences

Friday, Dec. 12
7 p.m.

College of Arts and Humanities
College of Community Innovation and Education (includes the School of Interdisciplinary Studies)

Saturday, Dec. 13
9 a.m.

College of Sciences

Saturday, Dec. 13
2 p.m.

College of Engineering and Computer Science
College of Graduate Studies
College of Medicine
College of Nursing
College of Optics and Photonics
Rosen College of Hospitality Management

Commencement Speakers

Lance Lyttle

CEO for the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority

As chief executive officer of the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA), Lance Lyttle oversees the operations and management of Orlando International Airport (MCO) and Orlando Executive Airport — two premier gateways to Central Florida, one of the most visited destinations in the world. Both airports are integral to Florida’s transportation network.

Before his role as GOAA CEO, Lyttle held key leadership positions at three major U.S. airports, where he guided significant capital projects and elevated the standard for customer service. As managing director of Aviation for Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, he oversaw major milestones including the completion of the N Concourse Modernization, the International Arrivals Facility and the expansion of the Central Terminal. He also advanced significant progress on the C Concourse expansion. Under his leadership, Seattle-Tacoma earned the prestigious 4-Star Airport Rating from international rating agency Skytrax, becoming only the second large U.S. hub airport to receive the designation.

Lyttle also served in leadership roles at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, the busiest airport in the U.S. by passenger volume, and within the Houston Airport System.

His aviation experience is complemented by his involvement with several professional organizations. Lyttle currently serves on the boards of the International Association of Airport Executives and the Airport Cooperative Research Program. From 2019 to 2024, he was chair of Federal Affairs for the American Association of Airport Executives and testified before the U.S. House and Senate committees on aviation-related matters.

Joe Nunziata

CEO for Acrisure Mortgage

Joe Nunziata is a driving force in the financial industry, serving as CEO for Acrisure Mortgage (formerly FBC Mortgage), one of the nation’s largest independent mortgage banks. His entrepreneurial footprint extends across Central Florida as the founder and director of One Florida Bank, a Central Florida–based community bank; and the founder and director of Trident Reciprocal Insurance, a Florida-based insurance company. He also lends his expertise as a director of FBCInsurance Agency. Nunziata’s leadership has earned him appointments by Governor Ron DeSantis to the boards of both the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority and the Central Florida Expressway Authority. He has also served on the boards of several financial institutions, including Sunshine Bank (NASDAQ), Southern Community Bank, Florida Bank of Commerce and Fifth Third Bank of Central Florida (NYSE: FITB).

Nunziata’s career is marked by moments of bold strategy and impactful transitions. After FBC Mortgage was acquired by The Sterne Agee Group in 2012, he took the lead as president and CEO. Three years later, he played a key role in the company’s successful re-acquisition from Sterne Agee in 2015 and guided it through its next era of growth. His earlier leadership roles in his career include serving as senior vice president at First Horizon Home Loans (NYSE: FHN) and vice president and shareholder at American Heritage Mortgage Corp., where he served from 1989 to 2003.

Beyond business, Nunziata is deeply committed to civic engagement and philanthropy. He currently serves on the boards of the Advent Health Foundation; the Orlando Police, Seminole, Osceola, Winter Park and Orange County Sheriff Foundations; and the FBC Mortgage Charitable Foundation. He and his family also operate the Joe and Jodi Nunziata Charitable Foundation, supporting a range of community initiatives.

A Certified Mortgage Banker through the Mortgage Bankers Association of America, Nunziata has served on the MBA’s Legislative Committee, the City of Longwood’s Board of Adjustment and the Florida Council 100. His industry expertise has made him a sought-after commentator for CNBC and Fox News and a frequent speaker at mortgage industry conferences and leadership panels.

Nunziata earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of South Florida, attended summer courses at �鶹ԭ�� and completed sessions at the London School of Economics. His leadership and entrepreneurial achievements have earned him many honors, including Executive of the Year by the Orlando Business Journal and the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year award.

JoAnn Newman

President and CEO for the Orlando Science Center

Originally from Pennsylvania, JoAnn Newman holds a bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering from Penn State University and a master’s degree in industrial engineering from Purdue University. She began her career as an engineer at AT&T Microelectronics in Allentown, Pennsylvania, and relocated to Orlando with the company in 1989. By the time she left the corporation in 2003, she had risen to vice president of manufacturing, overseeing a 650-person staff.

Newman joined the Orlando Science Center in 2003, bringing her leadership experience to the nonprofit sector.�� Before being named president and CEO in 2009, she served in key roles, including as director of exhibits, vice president of operations and chief operating officer. Under her leadership as CEO, the Orlando Science Center has seen tremendous growth and now reaches more than 650,000 people annually through its mission to inspire science learning for all.

Newman remains dedicated to guiding the Orlando Science Center as a premier educational institution focused on informal science and STEM education, family engagement and workforce development.

Kathleen Plinske

President of Valencia College

Kathleen Plinske serves as president of Valencia College in Orlando.  A first-generation college graduate, she’s committed to expanding access to higher education and workforce training.

Plinske previously held several leadership roles at Valencia College, including executive vice president and provost, as well as campus president. She began her higher education career at McHenry County College in her hometown of Crystal Lake, Illinois, where she advanced through multiple positions, ultimately serving as vice president of institutional effectiveness and interim president.

A Herman B Wells Scholar at Indiana University, Plinske graduated with the highest distinction, earning a bachelor’s degree in Spanish and physics and being inducted into Phi Beta Kappa. She went on to complete a master’s degree in Spanish from Roosevelt University and a doctorate in education from Pepperdine University — all while working full-time. She later earned both a master of business administration and a master of science in industrial and systems engineering from the University of Florida.

An avid lifelong learner, Plinske is currently pursuing a doctoral degree in philanthropy at Indiana University, where her research focuses on improving fundraising success within the community college sector.

For more details and FAQs about Fall 2025 commencement celebrations, visit ucf.edu/graduation.��

�鶹ԭ�� Creates Free Resiliency Resources for Healthcare Workers, Students Worldwide

Wendy Sarubbi — Tue, 02 Sep 2025 20:45:16 +0000

Burnout among healthcare providers is at an all-time high. In 2022, 46% of health workers reported feeling burned out often or very often, up from 38% in 2018, according to a Centers for Disease Control report. To address this, faculty members from ��’s Academic Health Sciences Center (AHSC) created the RenewU program, a free virtual toolkit designed to increase resiliency and support well-being for healthcare providers, students, clinics and hospitals.

A Toolkit Grounded in Evidence

RenewU provides 10 evidence-based interventions to prevent burnout and promote resilience in stressful and challenging environments. The program was created by faculty across ��’s Colleges of Health Professions and Sciences, Medicine and Nursing, with support from a $1.5 million grant from the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), which aims to decrease high burnout rates among healthcare professionals.

“Burnout has emerged as a growing epidemic among healthcare providers,” says Magdelena Pasarica, College of Medicine assistant dean for medical education, who helped create the program. “They need to manage the inherent stress of the profession through healthy behaviors.�� We wanted to create a virtual, free resource that will work for everyone — whether you’re in a huge academic medical center or a clinic in rural Arkansas.”

“Promoting health and wellness among healthcare professionals allows us to better care for our patients.” — Laurie Neely, �鶹ԭ�� associate professor of physical therapy

While the Internet is full of suggestions for improving mental and physical well-being, ��’s team found that most of those recommendations were not evidence-based. Existing programs had also not been studied for effectiveness and were not designed to support interdisciplinary healthcare teams.

“Promoting health and wellness among healthcare professionals allows us to better care for our patients,” says Laurie Neely, �鶹ԭ�� associate professor of physical therapy, who helped create RenewU. “It is also important that healthcare systems address the problem and promote a workplace that fosters health and wellness among their employees.”

Creating Interventions for Realities of Healthcare

In creating the system, the �鶹ԭ�� team incorporated proven practices recommended by the United States Preventive Services Task Force, a scientifically independent group of national experts on disease prevention and evidence-based medicine. The toolkit includes information and guides for individuals, teams and health systems, so hospital leaders can create resiliency support for their entire workforce. Resources are provided in medical and lay terms for clinical and non-clinical workers, and include active, self-directed learning, practice activities, group interaction and reflection opportunities. Licensed healthcare providers can even receive continuing education credits through RenewU training.

Supporting Mental and Physical Well-Being

The toolkit is divided into mental and physical wellness sections. Mental health and well-being topics cover stress management, mindfulness, psychological detachment, setting boundaries, behavioral modification and handling stress in challenging situations. Videos from mental health experts guide participants in detaching from work and responding more effectively when experiencing self-doubt or becoming overwhelmed.

“We selected these evidence-based interventions with intention, keeping in mind the fast-paced and often unpredictable nature of healthcare environments,” says Asli Yalim, associate professor in ��’s School of Social Work and another RenewU creator. “The practices in this toolkit go beyond generic five- or ten-minute mental health tips. They offer practical, meaningful strategies tailored specifically for healthcare providers to support healthier decision-making in both work and life.”

The physical health section covers topics such as active rest, like exercising at your desk or taking a walk during breaks, along with healthy eating recipes and how-to videos from a licensed yoga instructor. Participants can watch a video on preparing baked salmon and vegetables, a meal high in Omega-3 fatty acids that support mental health, and learn which foods have the highest amounts of Omega-3s.

Feedback from �鶹ԭ�� Students, Residents and Community Clinicians

�鶹ԭ�� faculty piloted the program with 761 AHSC learners, including physicians training in College of Medicine-HCA Healthcare residencies. Emergency medicine residents at HCA Florida Osceola Hospital participated in the program’s yoga curriculum at a local park alongside their attending physician, Tracy MacIntosh of the College of Medicine, to test the program’s effectiveness in helping teams address burnout. The creators also shared the program with 351 healthcare workers from seven Central Florida clinical organizations. Staff at Orlando’s Grace Medical Home participated in active rest exercises during lunch and were amazed that all the physical and mental health resources are free.

In developing the program, �鶹ԭ�� faculty evaluated the educational rigor of their content using the Kirkpatrick Model, an internationally recognized system for measuring the success of learning and training programs.

RenewU is one reason �鶹ԭ�� received the National Award for Institutional Excellence and Innovation in Interprofessional Education from the Association of Schools Advancing Health, and it’s now integrated into the required curriculum for interprofessional education at the AHSC. As part of this year’s interprofessional education initiative, students from ��’s College of Medicine and the University of Florida’s College of Pharmacy completed a five-week virtual course on stress management in healthcare. The Yellowdig platform played a key role in fostering learning communities across four campuses, enabling peer interaction, reflective dialogue and shared exploration of evidence-based strategies for well-being.

Findings from the resilience toolkit program have been presented at 17 national and four international scientific conferences and published in six peer-reviewed journals. Even with minimal marketing, the toolkit has been used by 2,500 people, including international healthcare workers in Canada, Ireland, Sweden and Germany.

�鶹ԭ�� Hosts Summer 2025 Commencement Aug. 1-2

�鶹ԭ�� — Mon, 28 Jul 2025 13:00:53 +0000

�鶹ԭ�� alumni who play key roles in the space andphilanthropyy sectors will address spring graduates at three commencement ceremonies Aug. 1 and 2 at Addition Financial Arena.

�鶹ԭ�� will award more than 4,000 degrees during three commencement ceremonies this summer, continuing ��’s record-setting pace of preparing highly qualified graduates to drive Florida’s rapidly expanding engineering and technology economy and provide vital services to our communities.

Graduates will hear from industry leaders driving cutting-edge partnerships and processes in the health and space sectors, continuing inventive efforts that look to improve community health, streamline launches and make space more accessible.

They are Elizabeth Ellis ’02, a senior program manager at Blue Origin; Mark Soltys ’12, principal launch engineer at Space X; and Nicholas Abrahams ’20MNM, president and CEO of the Winter Park Health Foundation.

�鶹ԭ�� expects to award over 4,000 degrees this summer, a showcase of the university’s continued scale. �鶹ԭ�� awards 18,000 degrees annually, including awarding more bachelor’s degrees in engineering and nursing than any other institution in the state. These two fields are essential to sustaining Florida’s economic and population growth.

�鶹ԭ�� serves more of Florida’s students than any other university. More than 90% of ��’s undergraduate students are Florida residents — and most will stay in Florida after they graduate, with 85% of ��’s new graduates remaining in Florida.

Of all degrees, the College of Sciences will award 22%, with fields like digital media, chemistry and physics. The College of Business will award 16%, including disciplines such as finance and accounting. The College of Engineering and Computer Science will award 13%, representing fields such as aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering and computer science.

About 41% of the bachelor’s degree recipients are eligible for Pell Grants, showcasing the university’s commitment to students of all backgrounds. Additionally, about 25% of all degrees will be awarded to first-generation students who will be the first in their families to graduate from college.

Commencement Festivities

Held in Addition Financial Arena, the spring commencement will take place Aug. 1-2.

All guests, including children and infants, need a ticket for admission. All graduates who have filed an intent to graduate will receive five commencement ceremony tickets when they pick up their regalia packet.

Guests who do not have tickets may watch the live ceremony via a simulcast viewing in the FAIRWINDS Alumni Center and the Student Union. Ceremonies will also be livestreamed on .

Commencement Photo-ops Across �鶹ԭ��

Main Campus

Two photo-ops are available for students to celebrate their accomplishments.

The Reflecting Pond is one of the most iconic spots on campus for grad photos. Strike a pose and make memories now through Monday, Aug. 4.

On Thursday, July 31, 4:30-7 p.m. (doors close at 6 p.m.), spring graduates will be offered a photo-op — Grad Walk — within Addition Financial Arena. This will be a first-come, first-served occasion for graduates and up to 10 of their well-wishers to take photos and videos on the ceremony stage.��.

Graduating Knights are not able to take photos in FBC Mortgage Stadium this semester due to ongoing construction.

�鶹ԭ�� Downtown

�鶹ԭ�� Downtown offers several great locations for unforgettable graduation photos. Here are our top picks of the best spots to memorialize your academic achievement.

Enhance your graduation photos by venturing beyond campus into the surrounding Orlando area. You barely have to step off campus to encounter the iconic Orlando sign located at Luminary Green Park. The 2.3-acre park features a large, welcoming lawn that leads up to the oversized “Orlando” letters at the end of the park, creating the ideal environment to mark your time in The City Beautiful.

Commencement Schedule

Graduates and guests can review the below commencement ceremony schedule, listing colleges, ceremony dates and streaming links:

Friday, Aug. 1
6 p.m.

College of Arts and Humanities
College of Sciences
College of Undergraduate Studies

Saturday, Aug. 2
9 a.m.

College of Business
College of Engineering and Computer Science
College of Optics and Photonics
Rosen College of Hospitality Management

Saturday, Aug. 2
2:30 p.m.

College of Community Innovation and Education
College of Graduate Studies
College of Health Professions & Sciences
College of Medicine
College of Nursing

Commencement Speakers

Elizabeth Ellis ’02
Manager – Program Integration/Project Management

Elizabeth Ellis ’02 is a senior program manager at Blue Origin. Blue Origin is building a road to space for the benefit of Earth, humanity’s blue origin, by radically reducing the cost of access to space and harnessing its vast resources while mobilizing future generations to realize this mission.

Ellis supports the company’s push for reusable rockets to reduce spaceflight costs. Her focus includes work on this year’s successful launch of Blue Origin’s New Glenn — the first non-legacy rocket to reach orbit on its maiden flight. She also contributes to the company’s endeavors to move and test critical equipment, aiding efforts that include protecting spacecraft payloads from aerodynamic heating and pressure during atmospheric launch.

Her professional career includes extensive experience in legal, hospitality and university sectors and a strong background in project management, analytics, finance, marketing and sales promotion. In addition to earning a bachelor’s degree from �鶹ԭ�� in marketing with a track in international business, she holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Glamorgan (now Cardiff University) in South Wales of the United Kingdom. Beyond work, Ellis’ interests include rescuing animals from high-kill shelters and unsafe conditions.

Mark Soltys ’12

Principal launch engineer at SpaceX

Mark Soltys ’12 has spent more than a decade launching rockets — and humans — into space. His current work centers on the Starship program, SpaceX’s ambitious effort to make humanity multiplanetary. He began his Starship journey as the launch director for its first prototype, Starhopper, and has supported further program development through suborbital, high-altitude and orbital flight tests. His current responsibility is to bring Starship “home” to Cape Canaveral.

Earlier in his career, Soltys developed and executed the first-ever fully automated launch countdown sequences for the Falcon 9, Falcon Heavy and Starship vehicles. This automation effort — designed to make rocket launches “boring” by minimizing human error — was a key enabler of SpaceX’s record-breaking launch cadence. It contributed to more than 500 successful missions, including critical national security payloads, scientific research missions and human spaceflight.

Soltys believes human spaceflight is our greatest honor and most solemn responsibility. He is proud to have helped end U.S. reliance on Russia to send astronauts to the International Space Station (ISS) and has directed historic missions including the first-ever private mission to the ISS and the first human flight to orbit Earth’s poles.

Prior to SpaceX, Soltys held roles at Earthrise Space Foundation and Richard Petty Motorsports. A 2012 graduate of the �鶹ԭ�� with a bachelor’s in aerospace engineering, Mark lives, surfs and freedives in Merritt Island, Florida, with his fiancée, a �鶹ԭ�� nursing alumna.

Nicholas Abrahams ’20MNM

President and CEO for Winter Park Health Foundation

Nicholas Abrahams ’20MNM is the president and CEO of the Winter Park Health Foundation, where he leads initiatives focused on enhancing community health and well-being. The foundation serves Eatonville, Maitland and Winter Park, aiming to create a lasting impact by fostering innovative partnerships that address the evolving needs of these communities. Since its founding, the foundation has invested over $132 million into the community to support this mission.

He is a graduate of Florida State University and completed his master’s in nonprofit management at �鶹ԭ��. His commitment to community service includes his involvement on various boards, such as the AdventHealth Orlando board of directors, Habitat for Humanity of Greater Orlando and Osceola County, the Orlando Magic Youth Foundation advisory board, the �鶹ԭ�� Downtown dean’s advisory council, the Burnett Honors College dean’s advisory board and the VyStar Credit Union Foundation board of directors.

Together with his wife, Courtney, and daughter, Elle, Abrahams is committed to building a healthier, more vibrant future for families across Central Florida.

From Engineering to Counseling, Graduate Programs Highly Ranked by U.S. News Propel �鶹ԭ�� Alumni to Thrive in Career

Mark Schlueb ’93 ’21MA — Tue, 08 Apr 2025 13:07:16 +0000

While pursuing a doctoral degree in aerospace engineering at �鶹ԭ��, Tommy Genova ’20MS ’20PhD worked alongside Professor Kareem Ahmed, one of the world’s foremost researchers in hypersonics and combustion. He played a leading role in designing and measuring outcomes of combustion experiments and collaborated regularly with engineering partners from GE and other companies.

Genova credits Ahmed, as well as renowned professors Jayanta Kapat and Subith Vasu, for helping to propel him to a highly successful career. He now works as the lead engineer of combustion at GE Aerospace, one of the nation’s aviation and aerospace component manufacturing companies.

“I attribute most of my success to the degree I got from �鶹ԭ��,” Genova says. “The technical skills I built and connections I made in my graduate studies and research have been invaluable to get me to the point I’ve gotten to in my career.

Like Genova, the U.S. News & World Report Best Graduate Schools rankings recognize the high quality of ��’s aerospace engineering graduate program, which advanced seven spots and now is among the top 40 in the nation.

Overall, 13 �鶹ԭ�� graduate programs rank among the top 50 in the nation. Among public universities, nine programs in engineering and computer science rank in the top 50.

��’s emergency and crisis management program ranks No. 1 in the nation, counselor education is No. 9 and nonprofit management is No. 15.

�鶹ԭ�� is the ideal home for graduate students looking to advance their careers and gain new skills in those fields and many others. In addition to working alongside world-class faculty, students benefit from the university’s location in Orlando and strong partnerships with industry.

The city is home to many leading engineering firms, a world modeling and simulation hub and the hospitality capital of the world, as well as a short drive from the Space Coast.

Orlando also is one of the most dynamic regions in the country, securing the No. 1 ranking among the 30 most populous metro areas in job growth, population growth and GDP growth. In 2024, Orlando led the nation in employment expansion, driven by thriving industries such as healthcare, tech and financial services.

A �鶹ԭ�� education combines the strong advantages of Orlando with world-class faculty like Ahmed, Vasu and Kapat who bring strong industry and academic experience into classrooms and research labs.

“��’s rise in U.S. News & World Report’s Best Graduate Schools rankings reflects our strategic commitment to becoming a national leader in engineering,” says Michael D. Johnson, provost and executive vice president for academic affairs. “Across our academic enterprise, we are investing in exceptional faculty, expanding research capabilities and deepening industry partnerships — all with the goal of preparing our students to excel in high-impact careers and to help address the world’s most pressing challenges.”

Nation’s Top Pipeline to Aerospace Industry

Advances in engineering rankings at Florida’s Premier Engineering and Technology University have come as the university has launched a bold faculty hiring initiative to prepare leaders for the future of industry.

�鶹ԭ�� also has consistently been ranked by Aviation Week Network as the No. 1 provider of talent in the nation to aerospace and defense companies.

For GE, Genova is far from the only example of that strong talent pipeline. He says his division of GE has hired many �鶹ԭ�� graduates who are making substantial contributions to the company.

“�鶹ԭ�� has invested a lot into its aerospace engineering program, and it has shown,” he says. “There is a lot of exciting research going on that make it an attractive destination for someone interested in the aerospace field. This is not only evident from the strong growth of the program, but the increased number of �鶹ԭ�� graduates in the field.”

“Graduate school at �鶹ԭ�� was a challenge but rewarding. The course work was quite informative and helpful in understanding aerospace concepts at a deeper level.” — Nik Patel ’19MS, alum

Many �鶹ԭ�� aerospace engineering graduates go on to prominent roles at NASA and — at a time when private spaceflight is rapidly growing — the nation’s leading private spaceflight companies.

Nik Patel ’19MS worked in Tarek Elgohary’s lab on his path to a master’s degree in aerospace engineering. He completed a co-op at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, which led to a full-time job as flight director and mobility subject matter expert for the Mars Curiosity Rover.

“Eventually, I was recruited by Blue Origin to work on their lunar lander program as the verification and validation lead for mission operations systems,” Patel says. “I have been here at Blue Origin for three years now and we are quite excited to see the lander land in the coming future. I am now working as one of the leads on the lunar mission.”

“From the master’s classes, I learned the soft skills required to do my job. For example, balancing multiple priorities, communicating with teams efficiently and focusing on the entire system of an aerospace project,” Patel says.

Helping Students through �鶹ԭ�� Counselor Education Program

Emily Ferrand ’20 graduated from the counselor education program with a focus on school counseling. The program now ranks No. 9 in the country after moving up three spots this year.

Ferrand says she learned a lot in the graduate program, particularly from senior lecturer Stacy Van Horn and Associate Professor J. Richelle Joe. Ferrand has worked five years at Horizon West Middle School, including three years as the school’s lead counselor.

“�鶹ԭ�� knows how to produce really solid counselors. The professors are really supportive, and they don’t shy away from giving feedback, which is really important,” Ferrand says. “If I’m not doing something well, then I want someone to let me know that, so I can continue to grow and become a better counselor.”

“I’m still friends with some of the people in my master’s program, and I see them flourishing as counselors, too. It’s a really great program, and I would always recommend it to anyone who asks,” she says.

�鶹ԭ�� has also been recognized as a top 40 Best Education School, improving 30 spots in 5 years.

�鶹ԭ�� Emergency Management Remains No. 1 in the Nation

Lauren Gros ’22 is an alumna of the master’s in emergency and crisis management program, which equips students with the knowledge and skills needed to practice as highly trained emergency management professionals.

The emergency management program at �鶹ԭ�� continues to rank No. 1 in the nation, with graduates who have outstanding training and knowledge courtesy of highly skilled faculty.

“The program’s stellar reputation and national ranking made it an obvious choice for pursuing these goals,” Gros says. “One of the highlights was working at Seminole County Emergency Management, an opportunity made possible by the university’s strong connections.”

Gros now works as a professional staff member in the U.S. House of Representatives’ Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, which has emergency management as part of its jurisdiction.

“�鶹ԭ�� equipped me with a robust foundation in emergency management and public administration, which I apply daily in my career,” Gros says. “I’d enthusiastically recommend �鶹ԭ�� to anyone considering a career in emergency management.”

Other �鶹ԭ�� programs ranked highly in the public affairs category include:

Nonprofit Management — No. 15
Public Management and Leadership — No. 21
Public Finance and Budgeting — No. 27
Public Affairs — No. 46

Three Health Programs Rank Among Top 50 Nationally

When Jeff Schmidt evaluated where he wanted to pursue his Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree, he focused on programs’ academic excellence, cost and location.

�鶹ԭ�� ranks No. 42 in the nation for graduate physical therapy programs. The cohort graduating in 2024 had a 100% employment rate.

“It was clear �鶹ԭ�� met all of those criteria,” he says. “During the interview process I realized a fourth item would be just as important: the faculty. It was immediately clear how caring, supportive, down-to-earth the �鶹ԭ�� DPT faculty are. This really resonated with me, and I knew right away I wanted to be a part of this program. I could see myself growing significantly as a student and as a person over the next three years under their guidance — and I was absolutely right.”

Today, Schmidt is a senior physical therapist at AdventHealth Sports Med & Rehab. He treats patients with neurologic conditions at a rehabilitation clinic and also serves as a mentor within AdventHealth’s neurologic residency program and a clinical instructor for DPT students. He also collaborates with his Ph.D. mentor Ethan Hill and the �鶹ԭ�� Strategies for Therapeutic Rehabilitation and Optimization for Neuromuscular Growth (STRONG) Lab to examine the effects of blood flow restriction on resistance and walking training for people with multiple sclerosis.

“The �鶹ԭ�� DPT program is highly ranked because of its exceptional faculty, rigorous curriculum, clinical focus and emphasis on research,” Schmidt says. “In my experience working with �鶹ԭ�� DPT students and new graduates, their readiness to excel in the physical therapy field is evident. This is a direct result of the program’s commitment to facilitating academic and professional excellence.”

��’s healthcare management program ranks No. 41 in the country, and speech language pathology is No. 48.

Matt Atkins ’20 ’22MHA earned a bachelor’s in health services administration and master’s in health administration. He credits his �鶹ԭ�� education with helping him become executive director of Spring Haven Senior Living in Winter Haven, Florida — where he successfully leads of a team of more than 100 people who care for more than 200 residents.

“I have had an extensive relationship with the faculty that didn’t just end once I walked across the stage at commencement,” he says.�� “The biggest thing that sets [��’s faculty] apart, [which] is obvious as soon as you walk into a classroom and start interacting with [them], is they’re all about developing their students and impacting their future.”

�鶹ԭ�� Honors Faculty with 2025 Founders’ Day Awards

Joe Adams — Wed, 02 Apr 2025 20:30:45 +0000

�鶹ԭ�� spotlighted more than 240 faculty members for academic excellence and service Wednesday at the 2025 Founders’ Day Faculty Honors Celebration in the Student Union’s Pegasus Ballroom.

The celebration honored recipients of the Pegasus Professor Award, ��’s highest faculty honor; the Reach for the Stars Award; the recipient of the Medal of Societal Impact award; the inaugural Big 12 Faculty Member of the Year Award, university excellence award winners; those who recently reached 20, 25, 30, 35, 40 and 45 years of service; a Faculty Senate service award; faculty granted �𳾱��ٳܲ� �ǰ� �𳾱��ٲ� status; and retired faculty members.

The event also included the announcement of this year’s faculty Champion of Student Success and Well-Being Award, which went to Manoj Chopra, professor and associate dean of Undergraduate Affairs in the College of Engineering and Computer Science, and a special presentation of provost emeritus status to Michael D. Johnson, ��’s provost and executive vice president for Academic Affairs. Johnson, ��’s provost since 2020, will retire this summer after 35 years at �鶹ԭ�� in various teaching and leadership roles.

The faculty event was part of a Founders’ Day Celebration that also included separate employee and staff recognition ceremonies. Here are the faculty honorees.

Pegasus Professor Award

Roger Azevedo, College of Engineering and Computer Science

Fevzi Okumus, Rosen College of Hospitality Management

Yan Solihin, College of Engineering and Computer Science

Reach for the Stars Award

Amrita Ghosh, College of Arts and Humanities

Leland Nordin, College of Engineering and Computer Science

Yogesh Rawat, College of Engineering and Computer Science

Kelly Stevens, College of Community Innovation and Education

Societal Medal of Impact Award

Mohamed Abdel-Aty, College of Engineering and Computer Science

Champion of Student Success and Well-Being Award

Manoj Chopra, College of Engineering and Computer Science

Big 12 Faculty Member of the Year

Shin-Tson Wu, College of Optics and Photonics

Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching

College Awardees

Robert Borgon, College of Medicine

Karin Chumbimuni Torres, College of Sciences

Stacey DiLiberto, College of Arts and Humanities

Archana Dubey, College of Sciences

Leah Gaines, College of Undergraduate Studies

Christine Hanlon, College of Sciences

Gail Humiston, College of Community Innovation and Education

Ethan Hill, College of Health Professions and Sciences

Haidar Khezri, College of Arts and Humanities

Kelly Kibler, College of Engineering and Computer Science

Eunkyung Lee, College of Health Professions and Sciences

Michael Mousseau, College of Sciences

Brian Reese, College of Arts and Humanities

Jeffrey Reinking, College of Business Administration

Meredith Robertson, College of Community Innovation and Education

Sandra Sousa, College of Arts and Humanities

Dawn Turnage, College of Nursing

Rani Vajravelu, College of Sciences

Konstantin Vodopyanov, College of Optics and Photonics

Amanda Walden, College of Community Innovation and Education

Wei Wei, Rosen College of Hospitality Management

University Winner

Christine Hanlon, College of Sciences

Excellence in Graduate Teaching

College Awardees

Tuhin Das, College of Engineering and Computer Science

Melissa Frye, College of Business Administration

Erica Hoyt, College of Nursing

Pieter Kik, College of Optics and Photonics

Jihyun Kim, College of Sciences

Christine Kolaya, College of Arts and Humanities

Sheila Moore, College of Community Innovation and Education

Ahmet Ozturk, Rosen College of Hospitality Management

Carey Rothschild, College of Health Professions and Sciences

University Winner

Erica Hoyt, College of Nursing

Excellence in Research

College Awardees

Barbara Andraka-Christou, College of Community Innovation and Education

Desiree Díaz, College of Nursing

Naveen Eluru, College of Engineering and Computer Science

Xin He, College of Business Administration

Emily Johnson, College of Arts and Humanities

Guifang Li, College of Optics and Photonics

Humberto Lopez Castillo, College of Health Professions and Sciences

Michal Masternak, College of Medicine

Richard Plate, College of Undergraduate Studies

Wei Wei, Rosen College of Hospitality Management

Xiaohu Xia, College of Sciences

University Winner

Barbara Andraka-Christou, College of Community Innovation and Education

Excellence in Faculty Academic Advising

Chen Chen, College of Engineering and Computer Science

Excellence in Professional Service

Jessica Wickey, Rosen College of Hospitality Management

Excellence in Librarianship

Sai Deng, �鶹ԭ�� Libraries

Excellence in Instructional Design

Amanda Major, Digital Learning

University Award for Excellence in Mentoring Doctoral Students

Engineering, Physical Sciences and Life Sciences

David Mohaisen, College of Engineering and Computer Science

Social Science, Humanities, Education, Business, Art and Health

Juli Dixon, College of Community Innovation and Education

University Award for Excellence in Mentoring Postdoctoral Scholars

Ghaith Rabadi, College of Engineering and Computer Science

Faculty Senate Service Awards

10 Years of Service

Karol Lucken, College of Community Innovation and Education

Service Awards

20 Years of Service

Ni-bin Chang, College of Engineering and Computer Science

Zixi Cheng, College of Medicine

Max Croft, College of Sciences

Leslee Damato-Kubiet, College of Nursing

Kenneth Fedorka, College of Sciences

Yanga Fernandez, College of Sciences

Amy Foster, College of Arts and Humanities

Martha Garcia, College of Arts and Humanities

Vladimir Gatchev, College of Business Administration

Andre Gesquiere, Office of Research

Xun Gong, College of Engineering and Computer Science

Constance Goodman, College of Community Innovation and Education

Ali Gordon, College of Engineering and Computer Science

Richard Hall, College of Sciences

William Hanney, College of Health Professions and Sciences

Tadayuki Hara, Rosen, College of Hospitality Management

Sally Hastings, College of Sciences

Eric Hoffman, College of Sciences

Jeremy Hunt, College of Arts and Humanities

Qun Huo, Office of Research

Hyung Jung, Rosen, College of Hospitality Management

Saiful Khondaker, Office of Research

Jacqueline Lamanna, College of Nursing

Glenn Lambie, College of Community Innovation and Education

Connie Lester, College of Arts and Humanities

Michael Leuenberger Office of Research

Amelia Lyons, College of Arts and Humanities

Carolyn Massiah, College of Business Administration

Daniel Novatnak, College of Sciences

Fevzi Okumus, Rosen, College of Hospitality Management

Thomas Potter, College of Arts and Humanities

Fernando Rivera, College of Sciences

Sean Robb, College of Business Administration

John Rotolo, College of Sciences

Swadeshmukul Santra, Office of Research

Zixia Song, College of Sciences

Judit Szente, College of Community Innovation and Education

Alexandru Tamasan, College of Sciences

Scott Waring, College of Community Innovation and Education

Ronald Weaver, College of Sciences

Harry Weger, College of Sciences

Margaret Zaho, College of Arts and Humanities

Lei Zhai, Office of Research

Changchun Zou, College of Engineering and Computer Science

25 Years of Service

Sue Bauer, Digital Learning

Aniket Bhattacharya, College of Sciences

David Boote, College of Community Innovation and Education

Shawn Burke, College of Graduate Studies

Juli Dixon, College of Community Innovation and Education

Patricia Farless, College of Arts and Humanities

Deguang Han, College of Sciences

Peter Hancock, College of Sciences

Christine Hanlon, College of Sciences

Rae Hanson, College of Graduate Studies

Robin Kohn, College of Health Professions and Sciences

Jaydeep Mukherjee, Office of Research

Carla Poindexter, College of Arts and Humanities

Luis Rabelo, College of Engineering and Computer Science

Dean Reed, College of Graduate Studies

Kimberly Renk, College of Sciences

Kirk Scammon, College of Engineering and Computer Science

David Scrogin, College of Business Administration

Stephen Sivo, College of Community Innovation and Education

Yongho Sohn, College of Engineering and Computer Science

Nancy Swenson, Digital Learning

Terry Thaxton, College of Arts and Humanities

Pamela Thomas, College of Sciences

Kristina Tollefson, College of Arts and Humanities

Rajan Vaidyanathan, College of Engineering and Computer Science

Mark Winton, College of Community Innovation and Education

Ross Wolf, �鶹ԭ�� Downtown

Ronnie Zimmerman, College of Community Innovation and Education

30 Years of Service

Hadi Abbas, College of Arts and Humanities

Mohamed Abdel-Aty, College of Engineering and Computer Science

Debopam Chakrabarti, College of Medicine

David Chasar, Office of Research

Leslie Connell, College of Business Administration

Dina Fabery, College of Arts and Humanities

Cristina Fernandez-Valle, College of Medicine

Kevin Haran, College of Arts and Humanities

James Helsinger, College of Arts and Humanities

Athena Hoeppner, �鶹ԭ�� Libraries

Aubrey Jewett, College of Sciences

Timothy Kotnour, College of Engineering and Computer Science

Heath Martin, College of Sciences

Janet McIlvaine, Office of Research

Lisa Nalbone, College of Arts and Humanities

Saleh Naser, College of Medicine

Marianna Pensky, College of Sciences

Otto Phanstiel, College of Medicine

Jeanne Piascik, �鶹ԭ�� Libraries

Jeffrey Rupert, College of Arts and Humanities

Raymond Surette, College of Community Innovation and Education

John Weishampel, College of Graduate Studies

35 Years of Service

Kien Hua, College of Engineering and Computer Science

Zhihua Qu, College of Engineering and Computer Science

Clint Bowers, College of Sciences

Lyman Brodie, College of Arts and Humanities

Sudipto Choudhury, College of Sciences

Shelley Park, College of Arts and Humanities

Alfons Schulte, College of Sciences

40 Years of Service

Karen Biraimah, College of Community Innovation and Education

Gene Lee, College of Engineering and Computer Science

Piotr Mikusinski, College of Sciences

Ady Milman, Rosen College of Hospitality Management

Bhimsen Shivamoggi, College of Sciences

45 Years of Service

Charles Hughes, College of Engineering and Computer Science

Faculty Emeritus and Emerita

Gregg A. Buckingham, College of Community Innovation and Education

Robertico Croes, Rosen College of Hospitality Management

Joseph DiNapoli, College of Health Professions and Sciences

Juli Dixon, College of Community Innovation and Education

Denise Gammonley, College of Health Professions and Sciences

Roger Handberg, College of Sciences

Charles E. Hughes, College of Engineering and Computer Science

Joe Hutchinson, Rosen College of Hospitality Management

David Jenkins, College of Sciences

Michael D. Johnson, Office of the Provost

Elizabeth A. Klonoff, College of Sciences

Gary Leavens, College of Engineering and Computer Science

Joyce Nutta, College of Community Innovation and Education

Pedro Francisco Quintana-Ascencio, College of Sciences

Abraham Pizam, Rosen College of Hospitality Management

Melvin Rogers, College of Community Innovation and Education

Linda Rosa-Lugo, College of Health Professions and Sciences

Maria Cristina Santana-Rogers, College of Arts and Humanities

Michael Sigman, College of Sciences

Mary Lou Sole, College of Nursing

Martine Vanryckeghem, College of Health Professions and Sciences

Cherie Yestrebsky, College of Sciences

Retired Faculty

Richard Ajayi, College of Business Administration

Kelly Allred, College of Nursing

Maureen Ambrose, College of Business Administration

Blaise Bossy, College of Medicine

Ella Bossy-Wetzel, College of Medicine

Gregg Buckingham, College of Community Innovation and Education

Scott Bukstein, College of Business Administration

Carol Burgunder, College of Nursing

Angeline Bushy, College of Nursing

Lynn Casmier-Paz, College of Arts and Humanities

Kevin Coffey, College of Engineering and Computer Science

Maureen Covelli, College of Nursing

Barry Edwards, College of Sciences

Azza Fahim, College of Engineering and Computer Science

Lynette Feder, College of Community Innovation and Education

Denise Gammonley, College of Health Professions and Sciences

Leonid Glebov, College of Optics and Photonics

Paul Goldwater, College of Business Administration

Lixing Gu, Office of Research

Shari Hodgson, College of Sciences

Joe Hutchinson, Rosen College of Hospitality Management

Frances Iacobellis, College of Nursing

Steve Jex, College of Sciences

Eric Johnson, Office of Research

Mark Kerlin, �鶹ԭ�� Global

Joo Kim, College of Arts and Humanities

Barbara Kinsey, College of Sciences

Elizabeth Klonoff, College of Graduate Studies

Keith Koons, College of Arts and Humanities

Alice Korosy, College of Arts and Humanities

Judith Levin, College of Community Innovation and Education

Michael McManus, College of Community Innovation and Education

Zuhair Nashed, College of Sciences

Pedro Patino Marin, College of Sciences

Abraham Pizam, Rosen College of Hospitality Management

Robert Reedy, College of Arts and Humanities

Bahaa Saleh, College of Optics and Photonics

Maria Cristina Santana-Rogers, College of Arts and Humanities

Melvin Rogers, College of Community Innovation and Education

Marshall Schminke, College of Business Administration

Janice Seabrooks-Blackmore College of Community Innovation and Education

Timothy Sellnow, College of Sciences

Michael Sigman, College of Sciences

Verner Smith, College of Business Administration

Janan Smither, College of Sciences

Ula Stoeckl, College of Sciences

Joseph Vasquez, College of Sciences

Lewis Worrell, College of Health Professions and Sciences

Xin Yan, College of Sciences

College of Health and Professions and Sciences Archives | �鶹ԭ�� News

The Next Elite Sports Physical Therapists

The Tireless Protege: Alvaro Zapata

The Team Player: Tsianna Barnwell

The Empowered Graduate: Jeremy Wydra ’18 ’22DPT

�����’s Spring 2026 Commencement Set for May 8–9

Commencement Festivities

Commencement Photo-ops Across �鶹ԭ��

Grad Walk

Commencement Schedule

Friday, May 8

Saturday, May 9

Commencement Speakers

Barry Miller ’95

Brian Adams ’04MBA

Gloria Caulfield

Barbara Gellman-Danley

Maj. Gen. James Smith

Peter Lee

�鶹ԭ��, Orlando Health Co-Locate to Accelerate Healthcare Innovation

Healthcare Innovation at the Center of Campus

Built to Go For Launch

�鶹ԭ�� Recognizes Faculty Excellence With 2026 Promotion and Tenure Awards

Promotion to Associate Professor with Tenure

Promotion to Associate Professor of Medicine with Tenure

Promotion to Professor (Tenured)

Promotion to Associate Professor of Medicine

Promotion to Clinical Associate Professor of Medicine

Promotion to Clinical Professor of Medicine

Promotion to Research Associate Professor

Promotion to Associate Lecturer

Promotion to Senior Lecturer

Promotion to Associate Instructor

Promotion to Senior Instructor

Promotion to Associate Instructional Designer

Promotion to Senior Instructional Designer

Promotion to Associate Librarian

Promotion to University Librarian

�鶹ԭ�� Alumni Announces 2026 Class of 30 Under 30 Honorees

�����’s Fall 2025 Commencement Set for Dec. 12-13

Commencement Festivities

Commencement Photo-ops Across �鶹ԭ��

Commencement Schedule

Commencement Speakers

�鶹ԭ�� Creates Free Resiliency Resources for Healthcare Workers, Students Worldwide

A Toolkit Grounded in Evidence

Creating Interventions for Realities of Healthcare

Supporting Mental and Physical Well-Being

Feedback from �鶹ԭ�� Students, Residents and Community Clinicians

�鶹ԭ�� Hosts Summer 2025 Commencement Aug. 1-2

Commencement Festivities

Commencement Photo-ops Across �鶹ԭ��

Commencement Schedule

Commencement Speakers

Mark Soltys ’12

Nicholas Abrahams ’20MNM

From Engineering to Counseling, Graduate Programs Highly Ranked by U.S. News Propel �鶹ԭ�� Alumni to Thrive in Career

Nation’s Top Pipeline to Aerospace Industry

Helping Students through �鶹ԭ�� Counselor Education Program

�鶹ԭ�� Emergency Management Remains No. 1 in the Nation

Three Health Programs Rank Among Top 50 Nationally

�鶹ԭ�� Honors Faculty with 2025 Founders’ Day Awards

Pegasus Professor Award

Reach for the Stars Award

Societal Medal of Impact Award

Champion of Student Success and Well-Being Award

Big 12 Faculty Member of the Year

Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching

Excellence in Graduate Teaching

Excellence in Research

Excellence in Faculty Academic Advising

Excellence in Professional Service

Excellence in Librarianship

Excellence in Instructional Design

University Award for Excellence in Mentoring Doctoral Students

University Award for Excellence in Mentoring Postdoctoral Scholars

Faculty Senate Service Awards

Service Awards

��’s Spring 2026 Commencement Set for May 8–9

��’s Fall 2025 Commencement Set for Dec. 12-13