Dear Friends of the Silverfield College,

As we continue to move through the spring semester, I am proud to share some exciting news that reflects the momentum and excellence of our college. UNF Silverfield’s online master’s programs in education have been ranked among the nation’s best by U.S. News & World Report. Our programs are now ranked No. 64 nationally, climbing an impressive 54 spots since 2025. This recognition speaks volumes about the quality of our online offerings and the dedication of the faculty, staff and students who make online learning at UNF truly exceptional. We are grateful for the hard work and innovation that continue to strengthen our impact well beyond our campus.

We also look forward to celebrating and connecting as a college community in the weeks ahead. I hope you will join us for our annual ElevatED Education Appreciation Basketball Game at the UNF Arena on Feb. 19, a fun and meaningful opportunity to honor the vital contributions of educators across our community. We are also excited to host our inaugural Silverfield Coaching Symposium on March 2, which will explore the evolving landscape of high school coaching and athletic administration. We are honored to welcome Ryan Silverfield, head football coach at the University of Arkansas, as our keynote speaker, alongside a distinguished group of speakers and panelists representing the ASUN Conference, Duval County Public Schools, the Florida High School Athletic Association, the Jacksonville Sports Foundation, UNF Athletics and more.

Additionally, I invite you to consider nominating an outstanding Duval County educator for the Gladys Prior Awards for Career Teaching Excellence. If you know a Duval County public or private school teacher who has made a lasting difference in your life or in the broader community, this is a wonderful way to recognize their dedication and impact. 

Thank you for all that you do to support our students and strengthen the Silverfield College community. I look forward to connecting with many of you at these upcoming events.

Sincerely,

Stephen W. Dittmore, Ph.D.

Dean, Silverfield College of Education and Human Services

Shannon Hopkins moved to Jacksonville from New Jersey in July 2024 with her husband, a Jacksonville native, and their son. She earned her B.A. in English literature from Long Island University, her M.A. in student personnel services from Montclair State University and her Ed.D. in educational leadership from Seton Hall University. She worked for twenty-six years as an educator in the New Jersey public school system as an English teacher, school counselor and director of school counseling.

Shannon began at UNF in July 2024 as an academic advisor in the First-Year Advising Office, a natural transition from school counseling and allowed her to continue working closely with students. She is thrilled to have the opportunity to join the advising team in the Silverfield College of Education and Human Services and looks forward to combining her passions for student advocacy and education.

In her free time, she enjoys reading, going to the beach and spending time with her family.

The Taylor Leadership Institute (TLI) is a cornerstone of leadership development at the University of North Florida, facilitating both curricular and co-curricular education that promotes personal growth, civic responsibility and community engagement. Through rigorous and innovative programming, TLI advances student leadership development and empowers students to translate learning into meaningful action. 

Widely regarded as a powerhouse on campus, TLI equips students to reach their full potential through transformative, real-world leadership experiences. As TLI Director Dr. Matthew Ohlson notes, “Leadership isn’t just taught — it’s lived. Our students gain real-world skills that prepare them to lead with confidence and integrity.”

A hallmark of TLI’s experiential learning approach is its nationally recognized partnership with The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island. This collaboration sets a standard for leadership education by blending world-class service excellence with evidence-based leadership training. Each semester, 10–15 students are selected through a competitive application process open to any student enrolled in TLI's various entities (Leadership Minor, Athletics, ROTC, etc.).

Selected students visit The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island four times per semester for immersive, day-long experiences that include professional etiquette training, one-on-one mentoring and engagement with the Ritz-Carlton Leaders Team. These visits provide students with invaluable exposure to leadership in action within a globally respected organization.

The TLI Ritz-Carlton Mentoring Program is currently accepting applications for the Spring 2026 cohort. Faculty and staff are also encouraged to nominate students for this opportunity.

To learn more, visit the Taylor Leadership Institute’s website and social media channels or contact Mia O’Brien at mia.e.obrien@unf.edu.

Feb. 16, 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.

Register today!

ElevatED Education Appreciation Basketball Game

Feb. 19, 2026 | 7 p.m. | UNF Arena

Enjoy a UNF Men’s Basketball game versus Austin Peay while honoring education professionals, with discounted tickets available for school employees and families.

Reserve your ticket today!

Feb. 24, 2026 | Noon to 1 p.m. | Virtual Via Zoom 

Learn how the graduate program in ITTD can prepare you to design, implement and lead innovative learning experiences across education, business and industry. 

Register today!

Silverfield Coaching Symposium

March 2, 2026 |8 a.m. - 5 p.m.| UNF Student Union Ballroom

Join us on March 2 for the inaugural Silverfield Coaching Symposium. This premier event will explore the evolving landscape of high school coaching and athletic administration, featuring perspectives from the ASUN Conference Commissioner, FHSAA, Jacksonville Sports Foundation and UNF Athletics. 

Register Today!

 This prestigious honor recognizes four outstanding veteran public or private school teachers who consistently go above and beyond. Each recipient will receive $17,000 in recognition of their dedication and impact.

Nominations are due March 2, 2026, at 5 p.m.

Start the year by celebrating an educator who’s made a lasting difference in your life or community!

Silverfield College Of Education and Human Services

University of North Florida

1 UNF Drive

Jacksonville, FL 32224

(904) 620-2520