The University of Florida is recognizing two College of Education staff members as recipients of the 2026 Superior Accomplishment Awards for going above and beyond to advance the university’s mission. Macy Geiger (M.Ed. ’17, Ed.D. ’22) and Aaron Ganas were selected for demonstrating innovation, collaboration and their commitment to enhancing the student experience within the EduGator community.
Geiger is an instructional designer as part of the college’s E-Learning, Technology and Communications (ETC) department. Since joining the team in 2023, she has been an integral part of the work that is carried out across the university in a variety of areas. Geiger supports faculty in designing and implementing their e-learning courses, helping the college earn one of the top two spots in online graduate education for the eleventh consecutive year, according to U.S. News & World Report. She also enjoys working on a variety of projects and grants with instructors and subject-matter experts outside the college.
“Education does not live solely within the boundaries of the College of Education,” Geiger explains.
Cross-departmental collaboration remains at the heart of this impactful work. Domenic Durante, ETC’s assistant director of educational programs and Geiger’s supervisor, nominated her for her passion, creativity and work ethic. “For example, she led the online teacher apprenticeship program, managing over 20 courses with elegant and innovative designs, substantially enhancing student outcomes,” he notes.
Macy Geiger, Ed.D.
Aaron Ganas
Student outcomes have always been one of Aaron Ganas’s primary focuses throughout his career in the College of Education. As the assistant director for student services, also known as EduGator Central, Ganas guides students in crafting unique academic pathways to enhance their university experience. Since beginning his UF career as an academic advisor in 2017, he has known that building student connections would be a centerpiece of the work.
“Advising specifically is positioned in a really unique place within higher education, where the relationship building directly with students happens pre-matriculation, and also carries on past graduation,” Ganas says. He continues to see graduate students and alumni in the community who recognize him from their undergraduate days.
His commitment and effectiveness in his role have allowed him to take a proactive approach to anticipating student needs. Helping students navigate life’s challenges and identifying potential hurdles they may face are some of the most fulfilling parts of his job. He strives to directly benefit students whenever possible, strengthening their connection with his department and the entire college community.
Associate Dean for Academic and Student Affairs Elayne Colón, Ph.D., nominated Ganas for his leadership in advising and overseeing the college’s scholarship process, which awards over $400,000 to UF students through roughly 150 scholarships annually. In the last scholarship cycle, Ganas guided the college as one of the first units on campus to pilot Scholarship Universe, the university’s new scholarship-matching program. From troubleshooting application submissions to verifying disbursements, he ensured that students could confidently navigate the process from start to finish.
“Aaron exemplifies outstanding service to students, staff, faculty and other critical stakeholders in this scholarship process. He went above and beyond to ensure students felt supported in navigating the scholarship platform and process,” Colón states.
Both award-winning staff members contribute to the college’s mission to prepare exemplary practitioners and scholars and to continuously improve the student experience year after year. Their dedication not only elevates UF’s reputation but also strengthens the institutional support network that keeps students thriving from orientation to graduation and beyond.