Higher Education Program Highlights

Program Highlights

Our Higher Education program stands out for its rigorous curriculum, experienced faculty, and strong emphasis on practical experience. Students benefit from a blend of theoretical knowledge and hands-on learning opportunities, preparing them for success in various educational settings. Key highlights of our program include innovative teaching methods, research opportunities, community engagement, and a focus on educational leadership. Discover how our program can help you make a meaningful impact in the world of education.

Recent News and Research

Four-time EduGator transforms Santa Fe College education with community initiatives

Jennifer Homard left the College of Education in 2019 with four degrees under her belt, and she isn’t slowing down anytime soon as she transforms her community through her job at Santa Fe College. Homard (B.A.E ‘98; M.Ed. ‘99, Ed.S. ‘09, Ed.D. ‘19) originally arrived at UF to pursue a degree in physical therapy, she soon found herself called to another path – education….

Educators Alumni In Higher Education

The University of Florida’s College of Education has long been recognized for its commitment to excellence in teacher education and its dedication to preparing students for dynamic careers. EduGator alumni consistently demonstrate their ability to excel in their chosen paths and be leaders in their fields. Three alumni who are prime examples…

Leading From The Front

When asked what it means to be an EduGator, Essynce Mackey responded, “learning how to support students while also being a student.” This sentiment encapsulates Mackey’s experiences at the University of Florida while enrolled in our Student Personnel in Higher Education master’s program. In addition to being a full-time student, she is a graduate assistant…

Taylor Burtch, Higher Education Administration and Policy — Changes Future Generations with Educational Policy Research

Taylor Burtch, Ph.D. candidate works to expand opportunities for students through her educational policy-based research. Additionally, her research assistantship allowed her to do interesting and meaningful work under Representative Wilson…

Ortagus Testifies Before House Subcommittee on Higher Education and Workforce Investment

Justin Ortagus, director of the Institute of Higher Education and assistant professor of Higher Education Administration & Policy, testified on July 29 before the U.S. House Education and Labor Subcommittee on Higher Education and Workforce Investment in a hearing…

Team led by higher education professor receives NSF grant to improve access and success in Information Technology programs

The University of Florida Institute of Higher Education (IHE) has been awarded $600,000 from the National Science Foundation to enhance access and success among underrepresented students in community college Information Technology (IT) programs….

Higher Education professor awarded co-funded grant to continue work on performance-based funding

The University of Florida Institute of Higher Education (IHE) has been awarded $600,000 from the National Science Foundation to enhance access and success among underrepresented students in community college Information Technology (IT) programs….

The Institute of Higher Education Awarded Grant to Improve Student Success

The Institute of Higher Education (IHE) has been awarded a $355,997 grant to lead a team of researchers and institutional stakeholders in a collaborative project designed to facilitate student success and institutional transformation through the use of the guided pathways framework. Dr. Justin Ortagus, director of IHE and assistant professor of higher education administration & policy, will serve as the principal investigator of the project…

Higher Ed Professor Awarded Grant to Study Performance-Based Funding

Dr. Justin Ortagus, director of the Institute of Higher Education (IHE) and assistant professor of higher education & policy, and a team of researchers were awarded $204,528 from the William T. Grant Foundation to construct a comprehensive state-by-state data set of performance-based funding (PBF) policies across the nation…

Gov. Scott appoints UF Higher Ed doctoral student

Gov. Rick Scott has appointed John David Hooker II, a University of Florida doctoral student in Higher Education Administration, to the Higher Education Facilities Financing Authority of Florida (HEFFA). Hooker fills a vacant seat on the authority and will serve a three-year term with HEFFA, which assists private, non-profit colleges and universities in accessing tax-exempt bond financing for their education facility construction projects…

Higher Ed assistant professor gets UF excellence award

When it comes to his higher education research agenda, Justin Ortagus isn’t just a “what makes the clock tick?” kind of guy. He also investigates the who-when-why-and-hows of the way things work, applying his natural curiosity and analytical skills to advance the complex policies and practices of higher education administration…

2018 Outstanding Young Alumni – Impacting Others Through Service in Education

The 2018 Outstanding Young Alumni Awards recognized two EduGators who have impacted the lives of many through service in education. Lauren L. May BAE ’08 & MED ‘09 and Christopher M. Mullin BAAED ’99 & Ph.D. ’08 (Higher Ed Amin) have both dedicated their careers to the field of education…

Higher Ed. institute honors 10 outstanding alumni

The Institute of Higher Education (IHE) at the University of Florida only selects its Outstanding Graduate Award winners every five years, so it’s a big deal when the recipients are announced. That’s why the institute, part of the College of Education, announced this year’s 10 honorees recently at a national gathering of their peers. The winners were recognized at the IHE’s alumni reunion and awards banquet held concurrently with the annual meeting of the Community College Futures Assembly in Orlando…

Leaving a legacy through the gift of education – Larry Tyree, Ed.D.

We are so grateful to Dr. Larry Tyree (B.A.E.’66, M.Ed.’68, Ed.D.) for choosing to guide the future of education. The newly established Dr. Larry W. Tyree Endowed Scholarship, will support graduate education in the Counselor Education master’s degree program, Student Personnel in Higher Education master’s degree program, and the Higher Education Leadership in Educational Administration Doctoral (LEAD) program…

Student Testimonials

UF SPHE is comprehensive, intentional, and excellence-driven. It continues to grow and development me as both an individual and professional. The faculty in this program make intentional effort to get to know you in a personal way and value your opinion when it comes to pressing issues in the field. UF SPHE has allowed me to have a seat at the table with highly regarded student affairs professionals, but more importantly has challenged me to evaluate the ways in which I can make the greatest impact upon students.

Savannah Woodall Savannah Woodall

SPHE Class of 2020

The hybrid format of the program was a perfect fit for me. The knowledge, skills and abilities that I have gained through this program have already paid off. Working toward the Ed.D. degree allowed me to accept a promotion at my current institution and gave me the opportunity to serve as both an instructor as well as an administrator.

Dr. Tres Loch

Higher Education Ed.D graduate

The Ed.D. cohort allowed me, as a full-time working single parent, the opportunity to acquire world-class theoretical and practical skills that are requisite to successfully advancing a career in higher education. The program provides aspiring college administrators with both the analytical insight and administrative skills that support student success and also contribute to the body of knowledge foundational to excellence in postsecondary educational leadership.
Dr. Judy Bilsky

Higher Education Ed.D. graduate Retired Provost, Florida State College at Jacksonville Retired Executive Vice Chancellor, The Florida College System

I spent almost 10 years working in higher education administration, including student services, residence life, diversity affairs, academic support services, student activities, athletics, student conduct, and other capacities. My experiences working in college student services and subsequently adjunct teaching, motivated me to pursue the Ph.D. program in Higher Education here at UF. The program exposes me to a diverse range of research, giving me a breadth of knowledge on higher education. I am most appreciative of the faculty, who challenge and support me in achieving my goals.
Maryanne Long

Higher Education Ph.D candidate

My time at UF was challenging, but those experiences better prepared me as a doctoral student and student affairs professional. The camaraderie found within my cohort and the Division of Student Affairs was also key in my personal and academic growth. I remain appreciative of the in-depth discussions had in class and mentorship found as a result of this program.

Courtney Matthews

SPHE Class of 2018