UWF welcomes Fredric G. Levin Scholars inaugural cohort

The Fredric G. Levin Scholars program welcomed its inaugural cohort to the University of West Florida this fall. The invitation-only leadership development and community engagement-focused program for eligible incoming freshmen supports students throughout their four-year journey at UWF, empowering them to achieve their fullest potential and connecting them to the right opportunities at the right time.

“We are grateful for this generous gift provided by the Fred Levin estate and the unique opportunities it provides our students,” said Dr. Dallas Snider, vice provost and acting director of the UWF Kugleman Honors Program. “We are looking forward to welcoming our Fall 2026 cohort.”

Levin scholars receive many benefits, including priority registration for classes, eligibility to join living learning communities, and access to mentorship and internship opportunities. Each student in the program also receives up to $5,000 each year in financial support as part of a partnership with the Florida Prepaid Foundation. Hailing from across the state of Florida, the first cohort were selected for their outstanding academics, commitment to community service and leadership potential. The inaugural cohort includes:

• Isabella Breitenbach, nursing major from Panama City, Florida
• Cadance Martin, anthropology major from Ocala, Florida
• Savannah Mayer, biomedical sciences major from Navarre, Florida
• Lucy Rines, biomedical sciences major from Orlando, Florida
• Claire Smith, psychology major from Gulf Breeze, Florida
• Brogan Woeber, business administration major from Jupiter, Florida

In the fall semester, students in this year’s cohort completed a foundations in leadership course, collaborated on a group project that they presented at the Pensacola State College Symposium on Dec. 5, and took an immersive trip to observe leadership in civic spaces. This spring, students will participate in a leadership retreat and work on completing at least 25 hours of community service, assisting with the Honors H.E.L.P. program and adopting Shady Terrace park with Keep Pensacola Beautiful. They’re also attending global leadership sessions with the Emerging Leaders Program through U.S. Global Ties and traveled to Tallahassee for UWF Day at the Capitol, where they were able to engage with Florida leaders and witness sessions in both the House and Senate. 

“It’s a joy working with the inaugural class of the Fredric G. Levin Scholars Program,” said Dr. Athena du Pré, Distinguished University Professor in communication who teaches the foundations in leadership course. “Each of these scholars brings an extraordinary blend of leadership, creativity, intelligence and commitment to making a difference. They are already changing the world around them in ways that will benefit us all. Fred Levin would be proud!”

For more information on the Fredric G. Levin Scholars Program and how to apply, visit uwf.edu/levinscholars.