Students
Who We Are:
Students are the most valuable resource of the School Psychology Program (SPP). They shape and are shaped by the program in the reciprocal process of graduate education. Approximately 70% of our enrolled students are in the doctoral program and 30% are in the specialist program. Students come to our program from all over the continental United States and the world. Minority students make up nearly one-third of our program population. We are proud to have a collaborative climate among our students and we are collectively represented by the University of Florida School Psychology Graduate Student Association (SPGSA).
Pictures of our Cohorts:
 | First Year Cohort |
Second Year Cohort |  |
 | Third Year Cohort |
What We Do:
Our students are well qualified to receive awards both locally and nationally. Recent awards and honors that our students have received include:
- APA Graduate Students Advocacy Coordinating Team Campus Leadership Award
- Irwin Hyman Memorial Scholarship from the American Academy of School Psychology
- FASP Graduate Research Award
- NASP Education and Research Trust Minority Scholarship
- NASP Regional Leadership Position
- Paul Henkin Travel Award from APA Division 16
- University of Florida College of Education Scholarships
- University of Florida Presidential and Alumni Fellowships
- University of Florida Graduate Student Travel Award
Our Alumni:
Graduates of the SPP are nationally competitive for positions in school districts as school psychologists and administrators, academic institutions, clinical and private institutions, and alternative settings. The following is a small sampling of the many settings that are represented by UF SPP graduates:
- Manatee Memorial Hospital
- Mississippi State University
- University of Central Florida
- Florida State University
- University of Florida Multidisciplinary Training Program
- Private Practice
- School districts in Florida and across the nation
Student Testimonials:
“The School Psychology Program at the University of Florida
attracted me to move across the country for several reasons,
including faculty research, faculty and peer support, well
designed practicum experiences, opportunities to conduct research
in diverse settings, and GREAT weather! In my short time here, I
have had the opportunity to experience some of the great things
our department has to offer.”
Cindi Flores, B.A.
First Year, PhD Program
California State University, San Bernardino
Hometown: San Bernardino, CA
“I originally chose to attend UF's School Psychology Program because the collaborative spirit among students was obvious. Now in my second year, I am so happy with my decision. Having a close cohort of individuals who are not only my colleagues but my friends makes the experience much more enjoyable.”
Kristen Petters, B.S.
Second Year, EdS Program
University of Florida
Hometown: Ellwood City, PA
“The School Psychology Program affords me the opportunity to expand my horizons through collaboration with the many resources available at the University of Florida. I personally have had the opportunity to work with school psychologists in the public school system, as well as in a specialty school for children with emotional and behavioral disorders. Additionally, I have conducted both research and specialty practicum with the department of pediatrics, which has provided me with the understanding of the unique challenges that children with medical and psychological disabilities encounter.”
Jason Gallant, B.A.
Third Year, PhD Program
Florida State University
Hometown: Weston, FL
“I think one of the best things about this program is our faculty. As a student here I’ve enjoyed great working relationships with many of the faculty both within the SPP and in other departments. Our faculty are also amazing instructors, representing a wide range of expertise across the field. They are one of the primary reasons that our students leave this program as some of the best prepared school psychologists in the country.”
Elizabeth McKenney, B.A.
Fourth Year, PhD
Tulane University
Hometown: Roswell, GA
“My decision to attend the University of Florida was largely influenced by the collaborative relationships between faculty and students and the numerous practicum opportunities available for students. I have collaborated with faculty within and outside of our department on several research projects related to my specialization area. I have also presented research at the local, state, and national level. Additionally, my training and experiences have afforded me the opportunity to be selected as a Multicultural Teaching Scholar at the University of Missouri. As an advanced doctoral candidate, I look back on my five years at UF with pride for its ability to prepare me to be a culturally competent psychologist.”
Tiffany D. Sanders, M.Ed.
Fifth year, PhD
Northern Illinois University
Hometown: Maywood, IL
