James Patterson Awarded UF Honorary Doctorate

James Patterson, bestselling author and literacy advocate, was awarded a UF Honorary Doctorate at UF’s Spring 2019 Commencement. Patterson’s prominent role as an invaluable partner of the University of Florida and the college, and his efforts to spread good will through literacy around the globe, are celebrated by this honorary doctor of education degree. To date, 28 students have been supported James Patterson Scholars program, which established in 2003 to future educators. The James Patterson Literacy Challenge, established by a $3 million gift in 2017 and expanded by an additional $4.5 million in 2019, has the audacious goal of doubling the number of children in Florida who can read proficiently. According to Patterson, “Better readers make better people and citizens… I believe reading saves lives.”

UF Distinguished Alumnus

The UF Distinguished Alumnus Award is one of the university’s most prestigious awards through the UF President’s Office. The award winner must be an alumnus of the university and must have excelled in his/her chosen field and/or must have performed outstanding service for the university.

Adrienne Garcia
MEd ‘70, EdS ‘71, EdD ‘78
Alumni Honoree (2023)

Larry Kubiak

Larry Kubiak
EdS ’76, PhD ’87
Alumni Honoree (2022)

Mark Rosser

Mark Rosser
BAE 1979
Alumni Honoree (2020)

Dr. Gerardo Gonzalez
BA 1973, MED 1976, PhD 1978
Alumni Honoree (2018)

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Dr. Henry Boekhoff
MED 1970, PhD 1978
Alumni Honoree (2016)

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Dr. Renee Clift
BAE 1972
Alumni Honoree (2015)

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Dr. Willis Holcombe
MED 1972, PhD 1974
Alumni Honoree (2014)

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Dr. Andy Horne
MED 1967
Alumni Honoree (2013)

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Mrs. Delores Lastinger
BSE ED 1965
Alumni Honoree (2012)

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Governor Beverly Perdue
MED 1974; PHD 1976
Alumni Honoree (2011)

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Mrs. Anita G. Zucker
BAE ED 1972
Alumni Honoree (2009)

Alumni Awards

Carissa Madden

Gator Nation Inclusive Leadership (2024)

MEd ‘19

Carissa Madden is a disability advocate not only in the Gainesville area but nationwide. She has previous work experience in the non-profit sector, higher education, career services, and disability resources. Madden is the Career Specialist at the Career Exploration Center at Santa Fe College. She enjoys helping students and incoming students with their career goals at Santa Fe College. Carissa has partnered with the Division of Student Affairs and the Office of Accessibility and Gender Equity to make the Gator Nation accessible for all. Also, she volunteers with the Career Connections Center as a Gator Career Consultant at the University of Florida, and with the Resource Key, an agency that promotes inclusion and accessibility. She presents at several conferences and panel discussions on inclusion and career readiness for the Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (CARD). Madden completed her master’s degree along with a Graduate Certificate in Disabilities in Society from the University of Florida in August 2019. She plans to go back to school to get her doctoral degree in Higher Education Administration from the University of Florida. She plans to write and publish books, and one day present at a TED talk Conference. She continues to work that one day in a world where no one experiences any barriers. For the Gator Good, access for all!

Kelly Henderson

40 Under 40 Recipient (2024)

BAE ’06, MED ’07

Raised by a family of University of Florida graduates, Kelly set her sights on the Gator Nation early. Upon acceptance, she dedicated all four of her undergraduate years to the College of Education and held various leadership roles in Delta Delta Delta. To further her education and experience, Kelly continued in the Masters of Education program. After serving at a Title One school during her internship experience and spending more time in Norman Hall, Kelly utilized the knowledge gained to apply for teaching positions in the Atlanta area and secured a role before graduation in 2007.

During her seven years of teaching in Johns Creek, Georgia, Kelly served a diverse community of learners while teaching first and third grade as well as Fulton County’s Early Intervention Program. Her classroom focused on meeting the needs of a neurodivergent community and varying her instruction to each individual student.

After the birth of her first child, Kelly was asked to step into the business world and open a new to market fitness studio in Alpharetta, Georgia as the lead manager. During this time, she learned business operation skills and the value of creating a community among the members.

With two children in tow and using her professional experience, Kelly, along with her sister and brother in law (also Gator grads), set out to open a preschool and childcare center in 2019. As Community Director and Owner of Building Kidz of Roswell, Kelly and her family grew their enrollment from five children to 176 with a waitlist of over 400 in less than five years. Their focus on their core values (serving with intention, cultivating wonder and peace and building community) have been the driving force to support their diverse staff of teachers through professional opportunities as well as their dual-career families through community building events and parenting seminars. The school focuses on service opportunities, charity events and drives to give back to the local community.

Adrienne Garcia

Gator Nation LeaDErshIp Awards (2022)

MEd ‘70, EdS ‘71, EdD ‘78

In May 2022, the University of Florida honored members of The Gator Nation® (alumni, faculty, staff and students) who have had substantial impact on diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging and/or justice efforts within their local communities, industry or at UF.

The inaugural LeaDErshIp Awards program featured awardees among five categories: volunteer service, industry achievement, young alumni, philanthropic support and university community.

Adrienne Garcia (M.Ed. ‘70, Ed.S. ‘71, Ed.D. ‘78) was honored in the Volunteer/Community Service Category. Garcia, executive director of the Hillsborough Community College FoundationIn, was recognized for raising private donations for scholarships, particularly for Hispanic and African American students.

The Volunteer/Community Service award recognizes alumni who have noteworthy and distinctive DEI-related civic or cultural achievements within their local, regional, state or UF communities.

Delphine Jackson

Gator Nation LeaDErshIp Awards (2022)

BA ‘71, EdS ‘73, MEd ‘75

The inaugural LeaDErshIp Awards program featured awardees among five categories: volunteer service, industry achievement, young alumni, philanthropic support and university community.

Delphine Jackson (B.A. ‘71, Ed.S. ‘73, M.Ed. ‘75) was honored in the Volunteer/Community Service Category. Jackson, a retired high school guidance counselor, was recognized for helping to open the Institute of Black Culture, serving as president of both the Black Students Union and the Association of Black Alumni. Jackson was also the first black female president of the UFAA in 2001.

The Volunteer/Community Service award recognizes alumni who have noteworthy and distinctive DEI-related civic or cultural achievements within their local, regional, state or UF communities.

Jessica Thomas

40 Under 40 Recipient (2022)

MEd ’16

Jessica Thomas is currently serving as an Assistant Principal with Brevard Public Schools in Brevard County, Florida. Prior to becoming an administrator, Mrs. Thomas was a teacher for 8 years and has been so thrilled to continue serving students in the same community in which she grew up. As a young girl, she felt as though she school system – and all the wonderful people in it – had a significant influence in raising her. She joined the field of education in order to make the same difference for the next generation. Mrs. Thomas has four children of her own who are/will be entering the public school system as well, so her passion for ensuring the system serves every student with excellence is deeply rooted in both her own success as well as in her children’s futures.

In her current role, Mrs. Thomas serves as an advocate for all students and works closely with teachers and school staff to give students the very best opportunity for success. Mrs. Thomas build bridges with community groups such as the local police department and other local businesses to provide rewards and opportunities for students in her school. Additionally, she is completing the Level II program, which is a rigorous leadership development program offered by the district in order to prepare assistant principals for future roles as school principals. Mrs. Thomas is also completing her Ed.D in Organizational Leadership from Grand Canyon University, expected to graduate by Summer 2022.

James R. Tyger

40 Under 40 Recipient (2022)

PhD ’20

As an administrator in higher education, James Tyger leads multiple departments at the University of Florida centered on campus engagement. He is a key leader in creating student-centered programs that support practical skill development and cultivate a lifetime of memories. He is responsible for preserving time-honored traditions and building new ones.

Nationally, James is a thought-leader in his professional field, actively contributing to knowledge communities on student development, student government and First Amendment issues. Outside of his direct work, he teaches higher education law at the College of Education and serves as the advisor for the Hispanic Student Association.

India White

40 Under 40 Recipient (2022)

MEd ’13, EdD ’20

India White is a motivational speaker, author, and National Educational Consultant. Audiences learn from her hardships and triumphs in life. As a former homeless student, she kicked out of the house on Christmas Eve at the age of 16. India is a 3-time graduate from the University of Florida majoring in math and Ed. Leadership, then obtaining her doctorate as a McKnight fellow in Educational Leadership and Administration. She was named Teacher of the Year in two counties while publishing 37 books, being an Assistant Principal, and business owner in Florida. She also held prestigious membership as a member of the Golden Key International Honor Society.

As an entrepreneur, she aspires to impact business leaders as a transformational leader. India has been awarded with the title of “Most Successful in Business” by the 100 Successful Women in Business, and Woman of the Year by the National Association of Professional Women.

India has shared her talents with educational leaders when discussing equity, diversity, and inclusion. She has held positions as a math teacher, math coach, administrator, and a National Ed Consultant for Big Ideas Learning. India’s mission is to find out how to use equitable practices in math classrooms to bridge the achievement gap. Some of the platforms Dr. White has presented for include the National Council for Teachers in Mathematics (NCTM), National Alliance of Black School Educators, and the Florida Council of Teachers in Mathematics.

Ryan Chase

40 Under 40 Recipient (2021)

BA ’06, MEd ’07

Ryan Chase is a first-generation college graduate who harnessed the inspiration from his teachers in school to help him realize that dream to be that same inspirational figure in the lives of others. After graduating cum laude from UF, Ryan taught history and helped found the AVID program at his school, providing access to advanced coursework to historically underserved populations. Hoping to help implement even greater change, Ryan has spent the last nine years as a middle and high school assistant principal and was just named the principal at Brookside Middle School in Sarasota, FL.

Throughout his career, Ryan has built teams of teachers and support staff to help implement ideas and policies that have improved five schools’ achievement scores including three schools that improved to be ‘A’ rated schools. Between 2017-2020, Ryan oversaw three consecutive years of the highest ever percent of students graduating at Sarasota High School in the 105-year history of the school. During that same time period, students graduating with College & Career acceleration also broke records, further providing more access for all students to open their possibilities after graduation. These achievements contribute to changing the trajectory of an entire generation and sending many students to be part of the Gator Nation!

Ryan, his wife Madeline, a fellow UF graduate who he met while at UF, and his two children live in Sarasota, Florida. Ryan serves as the president of the Sarasota County Gator Club® and enjoys training for the next marathon and advocating for Autism acceptance for people like his son in our community.

Jason Gallant

40 Under 40 Recipient (2021)

MEd ’07, PhD ’11

Jason Gallant is a proud UF-COE EduGator! He received his bachelors from FSU in psychology then attended UF for 7 years (one-year fellowship in Omaha, Nebraska) receiving his masters & doctorate in school psychology. He currently works the Chief Psychologist and director of the Boys Town Central Florida Behavioral Health Clinic. Dr. Gallant specializes in individual and family therapy, parent training, and psychological testing for children and adolescents from infancy to 19 years of age. Dr. Gallant also provides extensive behavioral assessments, community training and education on behavioral health issues, and collaborates with pediatricians, teachers, and other adult caregivers to ensure a continuity of service and care. Dr. Gallant adheres to an evidence-based model of care utilizing behavioral, cognitive behavioral, and acceptance and commitment techniques to improve client and family functioning. Dr. Gallant adopts a primary care model of practice focusing on common child and adolescent behavioral problems that include: disobedience, anxiety, parenting concerns, anger management, toileting problems, sleep/bedtime struggles, ADHD, school issues, and sadness/mood. Jason is a committed Educator and supporter of the College of Education. He currently serves of the College’s EduGator Young Alumni Council (EYAC) and has established the Dr. Jason Gallant and Mrs. Marlene Teitler Scholarship to honor the lives of Harry and Pauline Zaid which support graduate students in the School Psychology program.

Priscilla Zelaya

40 Under 40 Recipient (2020)

BAE ’11, MED ’12 and PHD ’16

Priscilla is a Nicaraguan-American committed to eradicating abject poverty in our world. Using her three UF degrees, she works to pioneer change and radically transform Haiti’s educational system. Her non-profit has trained nearly 6,000 educators across Haiti.

Priscilla started P4H while an undergrad at UF because she believes investing in the capacity of vulnerable populations is the surest way to eradicate poverty. Under her leadership, P4H has grown to become the largest teacher training nonprofit in Haiti, now operating in all 10 of the country’s geographical departments.

Overseeing a full-time Haitian staff of 14, Priscilla provides intensive teacher training and observations to many of Haiti’s key educational institutions, including the Haitian Ministry of Education and the Inter-American Development Bank. Priscilla drew upon her rich experience as a former elementary school teacher to create P4H’s innovative educational programs and to lead the curriculum development, evaluation design and training design.

As a 30-year-old dreamer, Priscilla says it is her greatest honor to develop P4H so that Haitians and other vulnerable populations may rise.

Kayla Sutcliffe

40 Under 40 Recipient (2020)

BAE ‘13 and MED ‘14

Honored as 2019 Teacher of the Year at Glen Springs Elementary School, in Gainesville, Kayla teaches math to gifted students in grades 1-5 , challenging them to use math skills to solve real-world problems. She also holds gifted, reading and ESOL endorsements from the State of Florida, and is a leader in the Sunshine State’s push to engage young people in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).

As STEM trainer for her Florida district, Kayla helps elementary teachers carry out immersive STEM activities in the classroom. For the past two summers, she has participated in the NSF-funded Multidisciplinary Research Experiences for Teachers program at UF, which brings together K-5 teachers, engineering faculty and students, and industry professionals to cultivate the next generation of STEM professionals in North Central Florida. In 2019, she presented at the conferences of the National Council of Teachers of English and the National Science Teaching Association.
Her publication credits include units in “Teach Engineering,” a standards-based digital collection of engineering activities for elementary classrooms; her popular lessons include “Silkworm Strength,” “Keeping Damp in a Drought” and “Stop Freewheeling Using Friction.”

Based in Gainesville, Kayla graduated cum laude from UF with bachelor’s (2013) and master’s degrees (2014) in elementary education.

Kendall Williams

40 Under 40 Recipient (2019)

BAE ‘10 and MED ‘11

KENDALL WILLIAMS (BAE 10, MED 11) is a schoolteacher at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital in St. Petersburg, where she was raised and has a long lineage of family members. Williams graduated from UF in 2010 with a bachelor’s in education and again in 2011 with a master’s of education. During her time at the university, she was a member of the Florida Cicerones and the competitive cheerleading team. After graduation, she was a middle school teacher in Pinellas County for six years and served as math department leader and drama club sponsor.

Two years ago, Williams’ best friend approached her about a job opportunity as a hospital schoolteacher. Although she wasn’t sure she was ready to leave the classroom, she did not want to pass on the opportunity. As a result, Williams has grown as a teacher and an individual. She primarily serves children from seven years old to college age within the cystic fibrosis population who need weekly infusions. She has helped students graduate, discover their own love for learning, navigate new academic tracks because of new diagnosis, and given children a sense of normalcy in a hospital environment.

Justin Ortagus

40 Under 40 Recipient (2019)

BA ‘07 and MED ‘11

Justin C. Ortagus is an Assistant Professor of Higher Education Administration & Policy and Director of the Institute of Higher Education. Prior to joining the faculty at the University of Florida, Dr. Ortagus obtained his Ph.D. in Higher Education from Pennsylvania State University. His research typically examines the impact of online education, community colleges, and state policies on the opportunities and outcomes of underserved students.

His recent work has been funded by the National Science Foundation, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and the William T. Grant Foundation and published in such venues as Educational Evaluation and Policy Analysis, the American Educational Research Journal, Educational Researcher, the Journal of Higher Education, and Research in Higher Education.

Alexis Lambert

40 Under 40 Recipient (2019)

BA ‘00, MED ‘04 and JD ’04

ALEXIS LAMBERT (BA 00, MED 04, JD 04) is a South Florida born-and-bred triple Gator: she has an undergraduate degree in Spanish, a master’s degree in education and her law degree from UF. Lambert is currently the deputy general counsel to the Florida Lottery. In the past, she has worked for Florida’s attorney general, the Florida Senate, Jacksonville’s mayor, the Florida Constitution Revision Commission and the executive office of the governor. Every summer, Lambert serves as a translator on a medical mission in Antigua, Guatemala. She is an alumna of Florida Blue Key and currently serves on the board of the Capital Area Gator Club®. Her fondest memory at UF was serving as Gator Growl producer in 2004, and she is grateful to be able to return to the University of Florida for experimental cancer treatments — Gators can follow her journey at onceuponacancer.com.

Natalie King

40 Under 40 Recipient (2019)

BSAPK ’09, MED ‘11 and PHD ’16

NATALIE KING (BSAPK 09, MED 11, PhD 16) is an assistant professor of science education in the department of middle and secondary education at Georgia State University. Her scholarly work focuses on advancing Black girls in STEM education, community-based youth programs and the role of curriculum in fostering equity in science teaching and learning. King is passionate about preparing students to enter careers within the STEM disciplines, and founded I AM STEM — an informal STEM program that provides a comprehensive curriculum that embraces students’ cultural experiences while preparing them to become productive citizens.

She reframes STEM as a mechanism to promote sisterhood and social justice, and partners with businesses, organizations and institutions to provide children with access to comprehensive academic summer enrichment programs. She is particularly interested in dismantling divisive walls and centering faith-based institutions as an underutilized resource in the community. King believes that churches have the potential to be a driving force for STEM education — particularly during out-of-school times — and can positively impact younger generations by promoting intergenerational relationships, civic leadership and activism. King offers training and curricular support so that local organizations can deliver high-quality and affordable STEM programs to develop future scientists, engineers, entrepreneurs, inventors and mathematicians. Her work is published in the Journal of Research in Science Teaching, Journal of Multicultural Affairs, The Science Teacher, Middle Grades Research Journal, Teaching and Teacher Education and the Urban Education Research and Policy Annuals.

Lauren May

2018 Outstanding Young Alumnus

BAE ‘08 and MED ‘09

Lauren L. May is a two-time UF College of Education graduate, earning her BAE ‘08 and MED ‘09. May has been recognized as an Outstanding Young Alumni for 2018 for her role as a strong leader in education, taking schools and students to the next level of achievement.

Previously working as principal of St. Pius Catholic School, May’s leadership made great strides in improving academic success, reflected by the exceptional growth of student performance and increased enrollment to the school.

Dedicated to ensuring students have access to quality education, May took a momentous step as a leader in Fall of 2017 and opened the Arlington Community Academy in downtown Jacksonville. As Head of School, May plans to double school enrollment over the next three years to offer VPK- 5th grade education that will serve 280 children in the community.

In addition to this undertaking, May also acts as the leader of the Professional Development School for the University of North Florida, utilizing the Arlington Community Academy to provide professional development for educators.

Although undertaking such a feat (head-starting an entire school) is no easy task, May is committed to her students and the community, living up to what it means to be outstanding.

Christopher Mullin

2018 Outstanding Young Alumnus

BAAED ‘99, PhD ’08

Christopher Mullin, a two-time UF graduate, has become an established name around the state of Florida for his contributions as a higher education expert. Since earning his BAAED ‘99 and Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration ‘08, Mullin has dedicated his work to empowering others, working both in classrooms and policy. As the previous Vice Chancellor of the Florida College System, he led the development of the performance funding model and co-authored two books. An expert in research and policy, Mullin’s work led him through DC where he was the program director for policy analysis of the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) and at the Illinois Education Research Council.

Currently, Mullin is the director of “Strong Start to Finish,” a collective network of educators, philanthropists, and organizations who share the aim to increase equity in postsecondary education. “Strong Start” has set out on the mission to increase student success by supporting them during their first years in postsecondary school.

As an Outstanding Young Alumni, the passion Mullin has for education is reflected in his career pursuit of research and action to make higher education more accessible for all. He credits his family as being his inspiration and supporting him throughout his career.

Jon Mundorf

2016 Outstanding Young Alumnus

EDD ’14

Jon Mundorf, Ed.D., is a 2014 graduate of UF’s online doctorate in curriculum and instruction program, which is designed to strengthen the skills of practicing educators.

A native of Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, Mundorf, 36, began his career teaching middle school in Naples, Florida, and he has gone on to become an award-winning teacher, and an internationally recognized practitioner of teaching to meet the needs of all learners.

In the 2015-2016 school year, Mundorf joined UF’s P.K. Yonge Developmental Research School, where he teaches seventh grade language arts.

He credits continuing education for making him a better teacher. He gives much credit to his joining in 2006 Harvard Graduate School of Education’s summer institute on universal design for learning (UDL). UDL is a teaching framework to guide the design of flexible learning environments that support individual learning differences. The summer institute, a partnership with the nonprofit Center for Applied Special Technology (CAST), now includes Mundorf among its teaching cadre.

Mundorf also has consulted with schools and organizations on inclusive teaching practices, accessibility, technology integration, and other ways to improve teaching and learning.

In the fall of 2015, he traveled to Fukuoka, Japan to provide a keynote presentation to 2,500 Japanese educators eager to learn how to create more accessible learning environments.

Jason Gallant

2014 Outstanding Young Alumnus

MED ’07, PhD ’11

Jason Gallant, who earned his master’s and doctorate degrees in school psychology from UF’s College of Education, has been given the college’s 2014 Outstanding Graduate Leadership Award. Among numerous achievements, he was recognized for tripling the number of families served during his first year as chief psychologist at the Boys Town Central Florida Behavioral Health Clinic in Oviedo, Fla. Gallant received his latest honor during the COE’s 2014 Recognition Banquet, held April 11 at the UF Hilton. He says his focus on improving the lives of youth through early identification of behavioral problems was inspired by his mother, an elementary school teacher who he says had “a genuine passion and enthusiasm for giving children the gift of knowledge.” Gallant grew up in Fort Lauderdale and earned his B.S. from Florida State University in 2004. He received his master’s in 2007 and his doctorate in 2011 from UF. “I truly appreciate the faculty at the College of Education,” Gallant said. “The faculty, staff and my peers helped me to become the person and professional I am today.” Gallant completed his pre- and post-doctoral fellowships in behavioral pediatrics at the Boys Town Center for Behavioral Health in Omaha, Neb. His personal interests include health and fitness, traveling and spending time with Lola, his Jack Russell terrier.

Michael Sulkowski

2013 Outstanding Young Alumnus

MEd ’07, PhD ’11

Sulkowski, currently an assistant professor of school psychology at the University of Arizona, received his M.Ed. degree in 2007 and his Ph.D. diploma in 2011 from UF. His rapid emergence as a high achiever and rising scholar became evident during his graduate coursework and has carried over into his professional life. While at UF, his dissertation research, investigating college students’ willingness to report threats of violence on campus, received wide coverage in the news media and scholarly publications and contributed to his receiving the College of Education’s 2011 outstanding graduate research award. Sulkowski completed his predoctoral internship at Louisiana State and a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of South Florida. At Arizona, he teaches classes on law and ethics in psychology, behavior modification and personality and social-emotional assessment. His research focuses on how youth are affected by bullying, peer aggression and school violence. Corollary studies finds him exploring the role of bystanders on bullying and aggression. He also is interested in increasing schools’ mental health services and improving students’ emotional well-being through effective interventions. His clinical specialties include assessing and treating childhood mood, anxiety, tic, obsessive-compulsive spectrum and disruptive behavior disorders.

Brian Dassler

2012 Outstanding Young Alumnus

MEd ’02

While an undergraduate at UF, Dassler’s numerous honors and campus activities led Florida Leader magazine to select him as its 2001 Florida College Student of the Year. He received his M.Ed. degree from UF in 2002 and has been making his mark ever since as a superb teacher and education thought leader. He taught high school English for five years in Broward County and in 2007 became the districts youngest recipient of its Teacher of the Year Award. Dassler last year was named the founding principal of the KIPP Renaissance School in New Orleans, a progressive charter school in the city’s impoverished Upper Ninth Ward. He has served on several state education advisory groups. Opinion columns written by Dassler have received widespread coverage on hot education topics such as the achievement gap in America’s schools and the pros and cons of virtual schooling.

Jocelyn Moore

2012 Outstanding Young Alumna

MEd ’00

Jocelyn Moore chose an unconventional career path in public policy after earning her master’s in Student Personnel in Higher Education in 2000, but she attributes her problem-solving and creative-thinking skills to her UF graduate studies experience. She has worked for 12 years as a legislative aide in the U.S. Senate, currently as the legislative director for Sen. John D. Rockefeller IV. She oversees the progression of bills and initiatives he is involved in and also is staff director of the Senate finance subcommittee on health care that he chairs. Moore previously worked for former Florida U.S. Sen. Bob Graham and helped him develop a stipend program for all UF students interning on Capitol Hill. Her career highlights include helping to elect President Barack Obama, working with mining companies to improve mine safety, and helping to lead our nation’s health care reform effort. She is a Life Member of the UF Alumni Association and previously served on the board of the Washington, D.C., Gator Club. She volunteers with the Junior League of Washington to promote literacy. She received the 2010 First Focus Champion for Children Award and the 2009 Congressional Black Caucus Health Braintrust Congressional Staff Leadership Award.

David Horton

2011 Outstanding Young Alumnus

PhD ’09

Shortly after David Horton Jr. received his doctorate in higher education administration from UF in 2009, a search committee for Ohio University’s counseling and higher education department hired him as an assistant professor, impressed by his potential as an outstanding scholar. Within two weeks of his appointment, the committee was proven right when Horton won the 2009 Outstanding Paper/Dissertation Award from the Southeastern Association for Community College Research (SACCR). He also was the SACCR’s featured speaker at its annual conference that year. Horton, who played baseball at the junior college and community college level in Texas, wrote his dissertation on the academic performance of community college athletes, a topic seldom studied. At Ohio University, his teaching and research areas include the organization, governance and funding of higher education, multicultural development, diversity in higher education, the persistence of community college students, and the academic success of student-athletes. Horton, 33, came to UF with a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in history from Dallas Baptist University. During his doctoral studies, he worked as a recruiter and assistant in the College of Education’s office of outreach, recruitment and retention. He also received funding to attend the College Sports Research Institute’s annual meeting.

Phillip Poekert

2011 Outstanding Young Alumnus

PhD ’08

Philip Poekert is a clinical assistant professor in the college’s school of teaching and learning and a UF Lastinger for Learning professor-in-residence in Miami. He began his teaching career in the South Bronx as a Teach for America instructor, but today he is a leader in two UF programs in south Florida. He directs Ready Schools Miami, which partners UF’s Lastinger Center with Miami-Dade County schools and local community groups. He also coordinates the center’s Florida Master Teacher Initiative, an on-the-job professional development and advanced degree program in education for teachers in Miami‐Dade and across the state. Poekert recently co-authored a successful $6 million federal grant to expand the Master Teacher initiative, offering a new degree track in early childhood education. His group was one of 49 winning applicants, beating out more than 1,600 others nationwide for a share of the stimulus funds. Poekert previously taught in public schools in Oakland, Los Angeles and West Palm Beach before pursuing his UF doctoral degree. The National School Reform Faculty organization recognizes Poekert as a national facilitator. His research includes evaluation studies of the impact of collaborative professional development on the instructional practice at the early childhood and elementary level. He has published in several national and international journals, including Teacher Education Quarterly and Professional Development in Education.

David Westling

2010 Alumnus Achievement

PhD ’76

For anyone who has taken a special education class, there’s a fair chance David Westling wrote the course textbook. Westling has published five major textbooks used in college classes around the nation. Since graduating from UF in 1976 with a doctorate in special education, he has divided his time between teaching and research— studying instruction for students with disabilities and the preparation of special education instructors. He has garnered more than $5.6 million in grant funding in his career and has published over 50 articles in prominent special education publications. Westling has taken his research to an international level; he served as a Fulbright research scholar in Austria in 1994 and was a guest professor in Germany in 1997. Following his travels, he published articles about inclusive practices and support in international schools. He’s now the Adelaide Worth Daniels Distinguished Professor of Special Education at Western Carolina University, where he has taught since 1997. He previously taught at Florida State University for 20 years. Through his research, teaching, writing, and mentoring, Westling has impacted special education tremendously over the last several decades.

Kevin Berry

2010 Outstanding Young Alumnus

BAE ‘97, MEd ‘98, EdS ‘06

Following his internship at Alachua Elementary, he distinguished himself as an exemplary classroom teacher, school leader, and Professional Development Community faculty member. Kevin is well respected both inside and outside the school as a superior teacher. He has taught inclusive third and fourth grade classrooms and is presently teaching gifted classes for grades three through five. Even as a beginning teacher, he showed a mastery of the complexities of positive student management and engaging instructional delivery typical of veteran teachers. He was one of the school’s first group of National Board Certified teachers and developed a mentoring model to help other teachers earn this designation. He has also become a leader in using technology to fundamentally change classroom instruction, not just do old things in new ways. Kevin also has a natural insight into the human machinery of a school that shapes its culture, and is frequently sought after for his advice and guidance. He was selected by his peers as Teacher of the Year. Kevin was also instrumental in the success of a pilot Professional Development Community partnership project, which has since expanded to ten other schools. He was selected by the college to become an onsite adjunct professor providing both subject area coursework and daily clinical supervision for 15-20 pre-interns assigned here each semester. Teacher Inquiry is a major focus of the pre-internship program, and Kevin has helped the school integrate practitioner research into our culture as a method of ensuring continuous growth. Because of the success of the PDC model, Kevin has been invited to present at numerous state and national conferences with UF faculty, and is presently a Co-Editor for the Professional Development Schools Journal.

Lesley Hull

2009 Alumnus Achievement

BAE ’86; MAE ’92; Ph.D.’09

Jacksonville marriage and family therapist Lesley Hull regularly steps outside of her own successful counseling practice for adolescents and their families to help the next generation of practitioners at UF prepare for their counseling careers. She has dedicated her life’s work to supporting Florida’s adolescents and youth. Hull received two graduate degrees from UF’s counselor education program, most recently in 1997. In her own practice, she helps adolescents deal with substance abuse problems, focus on school work and redirect their attitudes and actions toward success. She returned to UF in 2004, though, for double-duty as an adjunct faculty instructor and supervisor of UF graduate students in mental health and marriage-and-family counseling. Hull offers her students understanding and structure, bringing real-world situations to light rather than relying strictly on didactic textbook case studies. Whether ministering to an adolescent struggling through puberty or leading counselor education students in self-reflective professional inquiry, Hull delivers inspiring instruction with a compassionate heart. Certified in Florida as a clinical supervisor for mental health licensees and for marriage and family interns, Hull is a member of the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy, the American Counseling Association, and the International Counseling Academic and Professional Honor Society.

Jamee Cagle Miller

2009 Outstanding Young Alumna

BAE ’01, MEd ’02

While Jamee Cagle Miller, a fourth-grade teacher and team leader at Crystal Lake Elementary School in Lake Mary, Fla., teaches with the Sunshine State Standards in mind, she believes teaching goes beyond textbooks. As she explains: “I must equip the students with life skills and street sense … and experiences they need to be successful in life.” Cagle makes it a practice to meet one-on-one with each of her students daily, yet also finds time to supervise junior and senior teaching interns. She recently created a social studies curriculum for the school’s entire fourth-grade program that combines reading assessment benchmarks in tandem with Florida history content. She was named Seminole County 2008 Teacher of the Year, in part, for creating “Cagle’s Caring Crocs” under a $500 grant from the Golden Rule Foundation. The innovative project combines writing assignments with community service opportunities for her students to become role models in their community. She has also been featured as the Orlando Sentinel’s Teacher of the Week and chosen as Evans Elementary Teacher of the Month. Cagle graduated summa cum laude for both of her elementary education degrees from UF: a bachelor’s in 2001 and a master’s in 2002.

Elayne Colon

2009 Outstanding Young Alumna

MAE ’02, PhD ‘05

The College of Education didn’t have to look far before selecting Elayne Colón as a 2009 Outstanding Young Alumna. Just one year after receiving her doctorate in school psychology from UF, the College took notice of her extensive assessment background and hired her to head the its national, state and institutional accreditation efforts, including the arduous preparations for the upcoming 2010 accreditation visit and review by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE ) and the Department of Education. Colón joined the education faculty in 2005, working as a psychoeducational consultant at UF’s Multidisciplinary Diagnostic and Training Program. The MDTP clinic was a collaborative effort between the colleges of Education and Medicine, serving the needs of children with learning and other developmental disabilities. Her research interests include the assessment and remediation of students with learning disabilities, particularly related to difficulties in reading. Other work has focused on curriculum-based measurement, the response-to-intervention model of service delivery in the schools and program evaluation. She has published journal articles in peer-refereed journals, including the Journal of Psychoeducational Assessment, and presented numerous papers at national and state conferences. She holds state and national certifications as a school psychologist.

James Patterson Awarded UF Honorary Doctorate

UF Distinguished Alumnus

Alumni Awards

Carissa Madden

Gator Nation Inclusive Leadership (2024)

Kelly Henderson

40 Under 40 Recipient (2024)

Adrienne Garcia

Gator Nation LeaDErshIp Awards (2022)

Delphine Jackson

Gator Nation LeaDErshIp Awards (2022)

Jessica Thomas

40 Under 40 Recipient (2022)

James R. Tyger

40 Under 40 Recipient (2022)

India White

40 Under 40 Recipient (2022)

Ryan Chase

40 Under 40 Recipient (2021)

Jason Gallant

40 Under 40 Recipient (2021)

Priscilla Zelaya

40 Under 40 Recipient (2020)

Kayla Sutcliffe

40 Under 40 Recipient (2020)

Kendall Williams

40 Under 40 Recipient (2019)

Justin Ortagus

40 Under 40 Recipient (2019)

Alexis Lambert

40 Under 40 Recipient (2019)

Natalie King

40 Under 40 Recipient (2019)

Lauren May

2018 Outstanding Young Alumnus

Christopher Mullin

2018 Outstanding Young Alumnus

Jon Mundorf

2016 Outstanding Young Alumnus

Jason Gallant

2014 Outstanding Young Alumnus

Michael Sulkowski

2013 Outstanding Young Alumnus

Brian Dassler

2012 Outstanding Young Alumnus

Jocelyn Moore

2012 Outstanding Young Alumna

David Horton

2011 Outstanding Young Alumnus

Phillip Poekert

2011 Outstanding Young Alumnus

David Westling

2010 Alumnus Achievement

Kevin Berry

2010 Outstanding Young Alumnus

Lesley Hull

2009 Alumnus Achievement

Jamee Cagle Miller

2009 Outstanding Young Alumna

Elayne Colon

2009 Outstanding Young Alumna

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