UWF welcomes largest freshman class in school history

The University of West Florida welcomed its largest incoming freshman class on Move-In Day Aug. 17. This year, 1,500 new students were accepted to UWF, a 17 percent increase over last year’s freshman class of 1,250. Outside of the university’s freshman dormitory, Martin Hall, students were lined up by the dozens, eager to sign in […]

UWF communications faculty and students win PR awards

Faculty and students from the University of West Florida were honored at the Florida Public Relations Association (FPRA) annual conference in Naples, Fla., at the association’s Golden Image Awards Aug. 9. UWF faculty member Rick Scott won the prestigious Doris Fleischman award, which recognizes tireless effort and contributions to the field of public relations. Scott […]

Author Curtis Bonk talks technology and education at the Fall Faculty Forum

By Lauren Haggett, University Communications A crowd of more than 100 faculty members filled the theatre at the UWF Center for Fine and Performing Arts (CFPA)Tuesday to hear Curtis Bonk speak about how technology influences higher education. Bonk is the author of “The World is Open: How Web Technology is Revolutionizing Education,” and he is […]

Forbes names UWF among America’s Top Colleges

By Lauren Haggett, University Communications The University of West Florida is one of America’s Top Colleges, according to the annual Forbes poll released Aug. 3. This is the first time UWF has been listed in the Forbes ranking. UWF ranked in several categories, including Top 100 Best Buy Colleges, Best Southern Colleges, and Best Research […]

UWF students perform sponsored research in chemistry, biology

By Josh Newby, University Communications Students at the University of West Florida are currently in the midst of researching plants that may contain anti-tumor and anti-diabetic properties, causes of climate change and a multitiude of other biological and chemical substances. These findings may in turn contribute to future revelations about our world and enhance the […]

UWF faculty member helps with Japan relief efforts

By Josh Newby, University Communications Almost immediately after hearing about the earthquake and subsequent tsunami that occurred in Japan on March 11, Paula Rappe, an assistant professor at the University of West Florida, knew she had to do something. She and her husband Larry, who both have a history of social work and critical incident […]

Criminal justice students visit Scotland

By Lauren Haggett, University Communications Nine UWF criminal justice students recently visited Scotland, where they spent two weeks learning about the Scottish judicial system first-hand. John Smykla, Ph.D., a professor in the Department of Justice Studies at UWF, planned the trip for his students to provide them a once-in-a-lifetime learning experience as part of his […]

Five Questions with Alumnus Chris Musto

By Lauren Haggett, University Communications From studying chemistry in the labs at UWF to testing fireworks and children’s toys for safety for the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Chris Musto, B.S. ’06, has gone far since he graduated from UWF. Musto earned his degree in chemistry and now works for the CPSC in Washington D.C. […]

High school students get a feel for college life and oceanography

By Lauren Haggett, University Communications Nine high school dual enrollment students experienced a bit of the open ocean last week as they traveled 25 miles out to sea for their oceanography class. Dual enrollment is a program UWF offers to high school students allowing them the opportunity to take college classes for credit while still […]

UWF alumnus wins regional Emmy award

By Josh Newby, University Communications Michael Wolcott, a ‘02 alumnus and producer on the show “Loma Linda 360,” won an Emmy award from the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences. “Loma Linda 360” was named the best health/sciences program and best magazine program in the region at the 37th Annual Pacific Southwest Emmy Awards. […]

Cancer survivor helps others through foundation

By Lauren Haggett, University Communications Kasie Foreman, a junior at the University of West Florida, was diagnosed with thyroid cancer in 2005 when she was 13 years old. While in the hospital during her long battle with cancer, she decided she wanted to help out other kids facing the same challenge. She founded a non-profit […]

UWF student doubles as competitive wakeboarder

By Josh Newby, University Communications Leah Gibney, a competitive wakeboarder from the University of West Florida, recently placed third in the national CBS Alt Games in San Diego, Calif. The Alt Games is an annual collegiate competition featuring alternative sports such as wakeboarding, beach volleyball, snowboarding and skiing. Gibney competed in the competition against students […]