Dear Friends of Silverfield College,

As we prepare to welcome a new cohort of students to the Silverfield College on Monday, August 17, I want to reflect on one of the greatest privileges of serving as dean: celebrating the accomplishments of our students as they cross the commencement stage and begin the next chapter of their lives.

Summer commencement marked another milestone for Silverfield College graduates, many of whom are launching careers with organizations that make a difference in our communities, including Duval, St. Johns and Clay County public schools, the Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind, the Jacksonville Jaguars, Jacksonville Icemen, SMT, Mayo Clinic and many other outstanding employers.

As they join UNF's growing alumni network of nearly 120,000 Ospreys, our newest graduates carry forward the knowledge, skills and commitment to service they developed at Silverfield. Their success is a reflection of our dedicated faculty and staff, whose mentorship, innovation and passion prepare students to lead and make meaningful contributions in education and human services.

I hope you'll take a few moments to read more about the people and programs that continue to make Silverfield College a place where lives are transformed and communities are strengthened.

Thank you for your continued support of Silverfield College, and congratulations to our newest graduates. We look forward to seeing the impact they will make.

Sincerely,

We are honored to celebrate the generosity and commitment of Dr. Pamela E. Ginn and her husband, Dr. J. Kevin Hahn, who have established the Drs. Pamela E. Ginn and J. Kevin Hahn THRIVE Endowed Scholarship to support students participating in the University of North Florida’s THRIVE Program. Dr. Ginn, a valued member of the Dean’s Advisory Board Council, continues to demonstrate her dedication to advancing student success and creating opportunities for future generations of Ospreys.

This scholarship marks an important milestone for THRIVE, becoming only the second endowed scholarship established for the program. Through their generous commitment, Drs. Ginn and Hahn are helping ensure that students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have access to the resources and support they need to thrive academically, personally and professionally.

The THRIVE Program (Transition to Healthiness, Resourcefulness, Independence, Vocation and Education) was established in 2012 through the collaborative efforts of the Student Accessibility Center and the Silverfield College of Education and Human Services. This year, THRIVE is proudly celebrating 15 years of empowering students at UNF. The program provides individualized support and resources to help students with ASD successfully navigate the college experience, build independence, develop career readiness skills and achieve their educational goals.

THRIVE reflects UNF’s commitment to fostering an inclusive campus community where all students have the opportunity to succeed. The Drs. Pamela E. Ginn and J. Kevin Hahn THRIVE Endowed Scholarship will provide critical financial support to eligible THRIVE students, helping remove barriers and allowing them to focus on their academic journey.

We are grateful to Drs. Ginn and Hahn for their vision, generosity and belief in the potential of our students. Their investment will leave a lasting impact on the THRIVE program and the lives of the students it serves.

Congratulations to Dr. Terry Cavanaugh, professor emeritus of instructional technology, on being selected as a Fulbright Scholar for the fall 2026 semester. As part of this prestigious appointment, he will serve in the Faculty of Education at The Maldives National University, where he will teach, conduct research and collaborate with faculty and students in educational technology and instructional design.

A longtime Fulbright Specialist, Cavanaugh has completed international educational assignments around the world, most recently in Tuvalu. His latest appointment reflects Silverfield's enduring commitment to global partnerships, innovation and excellence in education.

Read more at the Silverfield Newsroom. 

Dr. Danielle Charlemagne joins UNF's Department of Teaching, Learning and Curriculum in fall 2026, bringing 17 years of experience in social studies education — 11 teaching middle grades and six in teacher preparation at the university level and in clinical settings. Her research centers on postcolonial social studies education through civics education, curriculum and teacher preparation, with recent work examining how each function under constraint. 

Across her research, teaching and service, Charlemagne explores how education shapes our understandings of who we are, with particular attention to intra-racial and diasporic relations, co-mentorship and de/anticolonial methodologies across formal and informal sites of schooling.

Outside of her academic work, she enjoys spending time with her husband and young son, reading speculative fiction, watching monarchical films and exploring new restaurants and parks.

UNF celebrates Summer 2026 Commencement

The University of North Florida celebrates 1,092 students earning their degrees during the Summer 2026 commencement ceremonies at the UNF Arena.

Read more at the UNF Newsroom. 

UNF student balances full-time role while advancing toward a career in higher education

This summer, Shea Leary graduated with a bachelor’s degree in sociology and a minor in gender studies. Next, she plans to pursue a Master of Science in Higher Education Administration at UNF.

Read more at the UNF Newsroom.

UNF students showcase innovative research at 2026 Summer Symposium

From exploring solutions to real-world challenges to advancing knowledge across disciplines, University of North Florida students recently presented their research during the University's fourth annual Summer Student Research Symposium. 

Read more at the UNF Newsroom.

UNF soccer player's injury kick starts passion for physical therapy

A season-ending injury forced UNF student-athlete Michael Carrero to rethink his future, but it ultimately led him to a life of service, leadership and a new calling in physical therapy.

Read more at the UNF Newsroom.

Sept. 9, 2026 | 9 - 11 a.m. | Bldg. 57, Rm 1100B

Kick off the new school year at the Silverfield Fall Fair! Join us for a morning of carnival games, sweet treats and time to connect with classmates, faculty and advisors. And don’t miss your chance to “Dunk the Dean!” Test your aim, grab a donut and celebrate the start of an exciting new semester.

Sept. 21, 2026 | 5 - 6 p.m. | Virtual Via Zoom

Take the next step in your academic journey! Join our next virtual, walk-in information session with Dr. Kim Cheek and Dr. David Hoppey to learn more about UNF’s innovative doctoral programs in educational leadership and curriculum and instruction.

Access Zoom Link.

Silverfield College Of Education and Human Services

University of North Florida

1 UNF Drive

Jacksonville, FL 32224

(904) 620-2520