Higher Ed Alum is Appointed Dean of Faculty Administrative Services

Dr. Mueen A. Zafar (PHD ’11, Higher Ed Admin) has recently been hired as the Dean of Faculty Administrative Services at Air University in Islamabad.  Dr. Zafar, a native of Pakistan, previously served as the Associate Professor at Riphah International University and the Chair of Business Administration at the International Islamic University.

When Dr. Zafar and his family lived in Gainesville, he worked with the UF Department of Housing and Residence Education and received the Florida Excellence in Housing Award (2010), Outstanding Student Employee Award (2009), and IHLUAC Recognition for outstanding leadership and distinguished service (2008).

Our previous Alumni Update about Dr. Mueen Zafar is here.

Alumnus named chief psychologist at Boys Town central Florida campus

University of Florida College of Education alumnus Jason Gallant was recently appointed the chief psychologist at Boys Town Central Florida’s new Behavioral Health Clinic.

Boys Town is a national nonprofit child-care agency that provides treatment through a continuum of services for children and families’ behavioral, emotional and physical problems. The Central Florida campus clinic in Oveido offers, among its services, outpatient counseling for at-risk children under the age of 18.

Inspired by his mother, an elementary school teacher with a “genuine passion and enthusiasm for giving children the gift of knowledge,” Gallant pursued a degree in psychology and child development at Florida State University.

He then earned his master’s degree in 2007 and doctoral degree in 2011, both in school psychology from UF. He completed his pre-doctoral fellowship in behavioral pediatrics at the Boys Town national headquarters in Omaha, Neb. between August 2010 and July 2011 as he completed his dissertation. After graduating with his Ph.D., Gallant continued work at the Boys Town headquarters for a yearlong post-doctoral fellowship before assuming his new position at Boys Town Central Florida.

“The thought of being back in Florida, working for a first-rate organization like Boys Town, and to continue living out my passion of healing children and families is a dream come true,” Gallant said. “I really cannot express to you how appreciative I am of the College of Education’s school psychology faculty, staff and my fellow peers for helping me become the person and professional I am today.”

Former COE Alum, Dr. Joseph Bondi, dies

Dr. Joseph Bondi (BS ’58, MED ’64, EDD ’68) passed away on Tuesday, January 8th. He is the former mayor of Temple Terrace and a longtime educator. His daughter, Pam Bondi, is the Florida Attorney General.

Joseph Bondi served two two-year terms as mayor from 1974 to 1978 following a stint on the Temple Terrace City Council from 1970 to 1974. He also served as the first chairman of the Hillsborough County Council of Governments.

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Gator Nation U

Gator Nation U is your connection with the University of Florida. Join us for an informative weekend filled with fun and fellowship.  Experience our new UFAA Leadership Academy, connect with faculty and classmates and re-live your days as a student.

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Former COE Alum, Ella Mae Schenck, dies

Ella Mae (Beasley) Schenck, a long time resident of Alachua County, Florida passed away on December 27, 2012 at the age of 95.  Mrs. Schenck earned her degree in education from the University of Florida in 1950.  She was the first principal at Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Elementary School in Gainesville, Florida.

Ella Mae Schenck taught for many years at Waldo Elementary School in Waldo, FL. During her educational career, Mrs. Schenck was a teacher, reading supervisor, elementary supervisor, and eventually, a principal.

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