William M. Healey Award
Award Description
The William M. Healey Award was established to provide financial assistance to two (2) undergraduate students who demonstrate a commitment to the programs managed by Recreation and Wellness. The overall winner of the award will receive a $2,000 scholarship and the runner-up will receive a $500 scholarship, both to be used during the spring semester.
Applicants for these awards should be easily identified as people who are dedicated to the mission, vision and values of the Recreation and Wellness department and who demonstrate leadership, sportsmanship, integrity, credibility and loyalty to encourage wellness in others.
In order to be considered for the award, applicants must:
- Be a current student at UWF, employed by, serving as an intern for, or be an outstanding participant in any program managed by Recreation and Wellness
- Must carry a minimum overall GPA of 2.85 and be enrolled in the upcoming spring semester
- Must submit an application form (see below) with the following material: current resume, headshot, one (1) letter of recommendation and a video (4 minutes or less) or cover letter (at least 1 page, single spaced) answering the following prompt "How do you exhibit consistent leadership, sportsmanship, integrity and credibility to Recreation and Wellness and the campus community."
The winners will be selected by the selection committee, consisting of alumni members from UWF Recreation and Wellness department.
To schedule a free headshot visit Handshake to schedule a standard appointment for a headshot with UWF Career Services. If you have any issues, give them a call at 850-474-2254.
Application Process
The William M. Healey Award application will be open until September 23rd at 5 p.m.
To apply, please gather the application material listed above and complete the application form prior to the deadline.
In 2002 a group of Recreation alums established the William M. Healey Scholarship in honor of Bill Healey's 30 year anniversary of working at the University of West Florida. Having worked at UWF since 1972, he has been at the forefront of the construction – both physical and emotional – of one of the more impressive Recreation departments in the country.
During his time leading the UWF recreation department, he developed into one of the more respected and valued leaders of NIRSA for over four decades, eventually earning Legacy Member designation (2013), two National Service Awards (1998, 2009), the Horace Moody Award (2008), Regional Award of Merit (1995) and serving 2 terms on the NIRSA Board of Directors (1991-1993, 2016-2019).
He has served as Interim Athletic Director four times – 1980, 1983, 2008 and 2009 – and provided stability to the department at various times of uneasiness. Healey was responsible for heading up the establishment of the UWF East Sports Complex for baseball, soccer, softball and track when athletics were reinstated at the University in 1980. He obtained funding from Florida Legislature and chaired the creation of the $15.8 million HLS Facility on campus in 2005.
Healey has been involved in athletics away from UWF as well, serving on the boards and numerous committees with Pensacola Sports (formerly the Pensacola Sports Association) and the West Florida Waves Volleyball Club. The Springfield, Mass. native was a board member and past president of Pensacola Sports from 2006-10, director of Volleyball Pensacola from 2007-13 and a board member with the West Florida Waves Volleyball Club.
He earned his Bachelor’s degree in physical education and health from Central Missouri State in 1970 and his master's in recreation and park administration from Illinois in 1972. Healey has two daughters, Mary, who graduated from UWF and is currently working in the recreation department at Old Dominion University, and Rachel is working with a local Engineering firm.
“UWF has given me a wonderful career. Although many have pointed to the facility development aspect of my job, I am most proud of our student and staff development. We have so many who have started as student assistants, interns or entry level jobs, that are now running programs on campuses around the country. That reflects well for UWF and I am pleased to have had a hand in that. I believe the most rewarding part of leadership is empowering others to lead.”
2024- Jenna Zydlo
2023- Rafael Filho
2022- Konner Bilderback
2021- Gabriela Marcon
2020- Mikaela Sites
2019- Hannah Tompkins
2018- Kelsey McKee
2017- Chance Ryon
2016- Connor Wagner
2015- Michael Morgan
2014- Tyler Martin
2013- Chelsea Scott
2012- Robin Thompson
2011- Elizabeth Godwin
2010- Mary Pittman
2009- Jenna Moes
2008- Mai-Vi Callahan
2007- Ashley Roberts
2006- Ken Granger
2005- Marlaine Hagopian
2004- Jacqueline Adams
