Class of 2017-18

I am an academic advisor (Advisor I) here at the University of West Florida. My role is to assist students with registration, degree planning, course selection, and academic performance. I also adjunct courses in Comparative and American Politics. The absolute best quality of UWF is the natural beauty of the campus. In my spare time, I enjoy reading books on political science and science fiction, binge watching popular TV shows, playing video games, and spending family time with my fiance and her son.

Brittany is the Coordinator for the Division of Research & Strategic Innovation. She is a graduate of UWF with a Bachelors in Political Science. She worked in D.C. to further her political knowledge and returned to Pensacola to work in the Florida House of Representatives as a Legislative Assistant from 2012-2016. She is the Advisor to the College Republicans, VP to the Escambia Republican Women’s Club, teaches Sunday school, enjoys crafting, watching Netflix, and studies Krav Maga. Brittany married her college sweetheart, who she met through Greek Life, and together they have a beautiful daughter.

April Boyett has been an Academic Advisor in Biology since 2015. Prior to that, she worked as an Office Specialist in the First Year Advising Center. April enjoys helping students achieve their goals, and loves when she is able to help students solve problems they may be facing. April currently serves as a Staff Senator at UWF. She considers the culture and diversity at UWF as the best part of coming to work every day! Outside of work, April is active with the Pensacola Opera and Pensacola Little Theatre. She also enjoys the beach, crafting, and spending time with her family- which includes a new baby girl named Kayla.

Bernita Bryant joined the Department of Communication team during the Fall of 2013 with over fifteen years of experience in Higher Education. She earned a Master's in Public Administration in 1998 from the University of West Florida and a Bachelor's degree in Human Services in 1988 from Alabama State University. She enjoys working with students, faculty and staff. Bernita has worked at three of the University of West Florida's branch campus locations in Okaloosa County where she held past positions of Recruiting coordinator 2009-2010, AA to BA program coordinator 2000-2009 and FWBC program assistant 1998-2000. She has also enjoyed meeting the Tibetan Monks while they exhibited The Mystical Arts of Tibet, Mandela Sand Painting at an Arts Center in Northwest Florida. Bernita enjoys meeting new people, traveling and spending time with family and friends.

Mary has been employed at UWF for 1 ½ years. She is currently in Human Resources as an Office Specialist. She is responsible for greeting all visitors, assisting applicants, and compiling and composing monthly HR Bulleting and HR Training Calendar. In 2016, she moved from Kentucky, where she was a successful business owner for over 8 years.

What she likes most about UWF is learning from other staff.

She moved to Pensacola for the beautiful beaches. When she is not at work, she spends her time with her husband, enjoying the beach life, downtown events or playing with her four dogs.

Jennifer is the Program Specialist for Student Health Services I am extremely happy to be working with such an awesome group of professionals at UWF. I handle all the immunizations for incoming students; I also assist with the training of new employees for the front office along with assisting the front desk operations when needed. I am a Graduate of Detroit Public High School, and I have a few years of College. I have worked in the Administrative field for over 20 years in both Medical and Customer Services. I thoroughly enjoy what I do and strive to make people feel comfortable and confident knowing that I am here to assist in any way possible. I was born and raised in Detroit, MI and relocated to Pensacola in August 2013. I love living here! I have one son (8 yrs. old) and being his Mom is truly my greatest accomplishment in my life. In my off time, I love going to my son’s games, bowling, swimming and being with family and friends.

I serve as the Assistant Director in the Student Disability Resource Center and am responsible for ensuring equal access to digital information technology. I have been with UWF for ten years and am also a UWF Alum with a degree in Hospitality. What I like most about working for UWF is the relationships I have developed with students, parents, faculty, and colleagues over the years. What gives me the most joy is spending time with my three grandchildren; I have an eight-year-old grandson and three-year-old twins. There is nothing more satisfying than watching them explore and learn how to become little people.

Jonathan Hovell is a professional advisor for the College of Education and Professional Studies at the University of West Florida. He earned his Master's degree from UWF in 2016 in Strategic Communication and Leadership. Before that, he completed his Bachelor's degree from UWF in Communication Arts. What he enjoys most about UWF is the sense of community felt between students, faculty, and staff. In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with his wife and two children. In addition to advising and teaching, he plans to begin working towards his Doctorate degree in Education within the next year.

Brandon Johnson is the Recruitment Coordinator for Undergraduate Admissions. Prior to coming to UWF, Brandon lived in Tallahassee and worked as a marketing professional for the Florida Attractions Association and the Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce. He is a lifelong Floridian and looks forward to many happy years in Pensacola. As a newcomer to the university, he enjoys simply walking the campus and exploring our facilities and grounds. When he's not helping future students make a splash as Argos, Brandon enjoys reading, playing & singing music with his church, trying out local restaurants, and going to Wahoos & Ice Flyers games.

Kathy began working with the university in 2012 and is currently a member of the Graduate School team. Being a member of the Graduate School staff has given her the opportunity to be involved with students as well as different committees and councils focused on improving the campus life for students, faculty, and staff. She recently completed her Bachelor’s in Healthcare Administration and plans to continue with her Master's in the near future. Kathy's world revolves around her three children Jansen, Jordan, and Jalyn and one fur baby Toby. She loves to travel and spend time with her family and friends when she is not working or attending classes.

I was born in Brazil but grew up in Miami Beach, Florida. I served as the City Clerk of Fort Lauderdale before moving to Destin in 2004. On June 8, 2015, I joined UWF as the Office Administrator for the Emerald Coast under the leadership of Dr. Melinda Bowers, whom I greatly respect and admire. What I like most about UWF is the wonderful people I have the privilege to work with.

As an animal advocate, I am proud to volunteer at our local shelter. I am an avid runner, and enjoy camping and hiking with my husband and dogs.

I recently graduated from UWF with a Bachelor's degree, and I am currently working on my Master's degree at UWF. I started working as the Office Administrator for the Reubin O’D. Askew Department of Government shortly after graduating. I previously worked in the Nautilus Card Office for six years, the UWF Bookstore for three years, and I did an internship in Athletics. One of my favorite things about UWF is the beautiful campus and nature trails. I also appreciate the collegial atmosphere that exists among all members of the University community. My interests include playing with my dogs and attending UWF sporting events.

I serve as the Internship Coordinator for the Department of Health Sciences and Administration. My job is to create relationships with healthcare organizations in order to place students in internships that will satisfy the program’s mandatory internship requirement. In addition to creating opportunities, I also serve as the instructor for the internship curriculum. My goal is to ensure the students are prepared to enter the workforce with strong industry knowledge and competent communication skills. My favorite part about the University of West Florida is the student-centered approach to higher education.

My name is Fiona Mowbray, and I am originally from the United Kingdom. I moved to the
United States in 1994, when my husband was stationed at Hurlburt Field for the Air Force.

I am an academic advisor for the Usha Kundu, MD College of Health, advising for the Bachelor of Science Health Care Administration and Public Health degree programs, and the Masters in Health Care Administration program.

The things I like about UWF include its commitment to encouraging excellence the advancement of employees, and diversity.

Outside of work, I enjoy sailing, paddle boarding, biking, cycling and any activities on the water.

Valerie Taylor facilitates youth education programs for the Continuing Education department. Valerie serves as Director of Explore Summer Camps is responsible for coordinating all camp programs and activities. Valerie loves the many opportunities to be outdoors on campus from the nature trail to the butterflies in the community garden. Having taught and travelled around Southeast Asia for two years, Valerie enjoys travelling and new experiences cannot wait to go on the next adventure.

My name is Melissa Vittetoe and I am originally from Tallahassee. I moved to Pensacola to attend UWF where I graduate with a degree in Public Relations. I currently work as a Coordinator in the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships. My favorite thing about the University of West Florida is the value they place on the individual student. Although the university continues to grow, faculty and staff have not lost sight of the importance of providing quality care and instruction for their students. When I am not working, I enjoy running and spending time dining outside with my husband.