Dear Friends of Silverfield College,

A consistent theme across these monthly messages is the amazing work our faculty and staff do every day. This month’s articles reflect that, highlighting the collective impact of Silverfield College employees locally, nationally and internationally. It is a privilege to work with such dedicated professionals who strive to improve our communities and advance their disciplines. I am especially proud that Silverfield is the only SUS institution to receive an “A+” grade for preparing our elementary education majors to teach reading.

I hope you’ll take a few minutes to read these stories and see that impact in action. Please feel free to connect with me anytime to talk about our programs.

Enjoy the rest of your summer!

Sincerely,

UNF Special Olympics - Jaguars Fantasy Day

UNF Special Olympics athletes had an unforgettable experience at the Jacksonville Jaguars Fantasy Day. Alongside Special Olympics athletes from across Florida, they signed their "contracts," received personalized Jaguars jerseys, participated in practice drills with incoming rookies and The Roar, and toured the state-of-the-art Miller Electric Center.

Ozzie's 2026 Playful Computing Summer Camp

This past June, Ozzie's Playful Coding Camp returned for another sold-out session, where elementary students explored coding, robotics and problem-solving through hands-on projects and storytelling-based learning. Hosted by the STEP Lab and led by Xavier Rozas, campers built computational thinking, creativity, collaboration and social-emotional skills through engaging, purposeful play. 

The Silverfield College of Education and Human Services has named Jasmine Butler and Brianna Goulet as the recipients of the 2026 Holzendorf Urban Partnership Award.

The Holzendorf Urban Partnership (HUP) Award supports educational leaders committed to strengthening urban-focused teacher preparation, professional learning and school partnerships.

Designed for those working with Professional Development Schools (PDS) and partnership schools connected to the Silverfield College, the award provides tuition for one Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) course per semester during the first three years of the program.

Jasmine Butler

A native of Florida and two-time graduate of the University of North Florida, Jasmine N. Butler has built a career devoted to helping students and teachers reach their fullest potential. Read more about Butler.

Brianna Goulet

Brianna Goulet is an educator entering her sixth year at Grove Park Elementary, where she has served students in kindergarten, fourth grade and as an Exceptional Student Education (ESE) support facilitator. Read more about Goulet.

Dr. Elizabeth Gregg Named President-Elect of the Sport Marketing Association

Dr. Elizabeth Gregg was recently named president-elect of the Sport Marketing Association (SMA), one of the largest professional organizations in the sport management and sport marketing field.

After five years of dedicated service as SMA's vice president of academic affairs, along with previous service as vice president of student affairs, Dr. Gregg will assume the role of president in two years.

This prestigious appointment by her peers reflects her outstanding leadership and dedication to excellence in sport management education.

Silverfield faculty attend international conference to foster school-university partnerships in the Netherlands

Silverfield faculty joined education leaders from around the world in the Netherlands to explore innovative approaches to teacher preparation and strengthen international school-university partnerships. The experience sparked new collaborations — including the emerging Prep-Collaborative — that will expand opportunities for teaching, research and professional learning. Read more at the Silverfield Newsroom.

UNF earns national recognition for preparing education students to teach reading

UNF’s elementary teacher preparation program has earned an A+ rating from the National Council on Teacher Quality, placing it among a select group of programs nationwide recognized for excellence in preparing future educators to teach reading. Read more at the UNF Newsroom.

UNF and River City Science Academy partner to strengthen literacy instruction

Silverfield and River City Science Academy (RCSA) have partnered to create a customized graduate certificate program designed to strengthen literacy instruction across RCSA’s five elementary and middle school campuses. Read more at the UNF Newsroom.

Silverfield College Of Education and Human Services

University of North Florida

1 UNF Drive

Jacksonville, FL 32224

(904) 620-2520