Campus Life

UWF College of Professional Studies recognizes alumni, community partners during Annual Showcase

The University of West Florida College of Professional Studies recently honored distinguished alumni and community partners at its 5th Annual Showcase, held at the UWF Conference Center.

The University of West Florida College of Professional Studies recently honored distinguished alumni and community partners at its 5th Annual Showcase, held at the UWF Conference Center.

The event recognizes the College’s alumni who are doing great work in their fields; community partners who work closely with faculty and students to provide rich learning experiences, internships and field placements; and donors whose financial support helps UWF better prepare students for successful careers.

“In the College of Professional Studies we pride ourselves on providing high-quality, relevant programs that prepare our students to successfully meet the challenges of a complex, global society,” said Dr. Stacie Whinnery, interim dean of the College. “One way we accomplish this is by providing high-impact, experiential learning activities that allow students to apply curricula in real-world activities and to develop research skills under the guidance of COPS faculty. I am very proud of the accomplishments of our COPS faculty, staff, and students, and I am pleased to host the COPS Showcase to provide an opportunity for them to share their successes.”

The Department of Children and Families, Circuit One was named the 2014 Outstanding Community Partner; and the UWF Office of Diversity and International Education and Programs was named the 2014 Outstanding Partner.

The recipients of the 2014 Outstanding Alumni Awards are as follows:

  • ‘09 JP Roberts, BA Hospitality, Recreation and Resort Management, assistant general manager of Emerald Grande
  • ‘03 Danielle Clark, BA Elementary Education, Santa Rosa County Teacher of the Year
  • ‘05 Dr. Cheryl Flax-Hyman, Ed.D. Curriculum and Instruction, vice president for institutional effectiveness and strategic planning at Gulf Coast State College
  • ‘08 Floyd Smith, Educational Leadership Certification, principal at Hobbs Middle School
  • ‘95 and ’11 Mark Gough, BS and MS Health, Leisure and Exercise Science, Physical Education specialization, adaptive physical education teacher in Santa Rosa County and head varsity volleyball coach at Pace High School

The Showcase also featured graduate student presentations, as well as work completed by undergraduate and graduate students in high-impact practices and reflective activities as part of the Emerge Program.

The Emerge Program was developed to help faculty design and utilize high impact practices by using a combination of techniques that have been shown to deepen student learning and engagement. The Emerge Initiative is now giving UWF faculty new and effective tools to instill the knowledge and skills that are essential for success. For additional information, visit uwf.edu/emerge.

For additional information about the UWF College of Professional Studies, visit uwf.edu/cops.