Insights: CASSH News

Welcome to Insights: A new chapter for the College of Arts, Social Sciences, and Humanities at UWF. Formerly known as Vantage Points, this platform is transforming to better celebrate the vibrant accomplishments, events, and stories that make CASSH a cornerstone of our university. Our college is not only a place of learning but also a community of dreamers, doers, and changemakers. This space will spotlight the remarkable journeys of our students, faculty, and alumni as they change the future.

From Student to Published Author and Adjunct Instructor

June 24, 2025 | By River Fundock, Student Intern, Department of Communication | Edited by Karen Tibbals, CASSH Communications Coordinator

June Wolfman, a 2025 graduate with an MA in English/Creative Writing, has made remarkable strides as both a published author and a future adjunct instructor at the University of West Florida (UWF). Wolfman, a resident of Miami, credits the UWF College of Arts, Social Sciences, and Humanities (CASSH) and its faculty for helping refine her writing and teaching skills, which she considers key to her success.

Leading with Insight: Michael Rader’s Story of Growth at UWF and Beyond

June 9, 2025 | By River Fundock, Student Intern, Department of Communication | Edited by Karen Tibbals, CASSH Communications Coordinator

Michael Rader, a UWF alumnus and current Captain at the Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office, graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice and Psychology in 2003, and returned to UWF to pursue a Master of Science in Criminal Justice. His experiences in law enforcement, along with the critical thinking skills developed at UWF, have shaped his career.

UWF Dr. Grier Williams School of Music Summer Festival Chorus Unites Generations

July 29, 2024 | Christie Clark

The Dr. Grier Williams School of Music’s Summer Festival Chorus continues to foster artistic communities and unite members across generations.

CASSH Faculty Support Books and Literacy for Everyone

April 26, 2024 | Karen Tibbals

Discover how the University of West Florida College of Arts, Social Sciences, and Humanities faculty and students are collaborating to promote literacy and creative writing skills among incarcerated individuals in Florida. Learn about the Reading Writing Group and the Prison Book Project, which were started by UWF faculty and supported by UWF students.

UWF Department of Anthropology Digs Deeper

November 27, 2023 | Karen Tibbals

Dr. Allysha Winburn, an associate professor of anthropology at the University of West Florida and Diplomate of the American Board of Forensic Anthropology, recently worked on the Carlisle Barracks Disinterment Project, leading her to explore her beliefs about the field of anthropology.

FPAN welcomes Dr. Mary Furlong Minkoff, executive director

August 31, 2013 | Brandy Gottlieb

Florida Public Archaeology Network welcomes Dr. Mary Furlong Minkoff as the organization’s new executive director.

CASSH Welcomes Criminology, Criminal Justice and Legal Studies

August 16, 2023 | Brandy Gottlieb

The UWF College of Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities is proud to welcome the Department of Criminology, Criminal Justice and Legal Studies. The new department will house three undergraduate programs, four undergraduate minors, two undergraduate certificates and a graduate program. These will include Criminal Justice, B.A.; Interdisciplinary Social Sciences, B.A. in Child & Society; Legal Studies, B.A.; Minor in Criminal Justice; Minor in Juvenile Justice; Minor in Forensic Studies; Minor in

Dr. Elizabeth Benchley retires from the UWF Archaeology Institute

July 28, 2023 | Brandy Gottlieb

The University of West Florida bids congratulations and farewell to Dr. Elizabeth Benchley, director of the UWF Archaeology Institute. Benchley came to UWF in 1997 and is now retiring after many years of service.

Student Spotlight: Elizabeth Royappa is speaking toward success

July 25, 2023 | Brandy Gottlieb

This summer, Elizabeth Royappa, communications major and honors student, has been putting her voice to work in Washington D.C. The Kugelman Honors program fully funded Royappa to attend the Special Education Legislative Summit in Washington D.C., which was held July 9-12th.

Alum Spotlight: Joe Vinson, Public History

June 8, 2023 | Brandy Gottlieb

Joe Vinson is a ‘23 UWF alum who recently received an M.A. in History with a specialization in public history. His achievements and contributions to public history have gained prominent exposure.

Righting the Past: Preserving History Through Obituaries

June 6, 2023 | Brandy Gottlieb

“Righting the Past” is working to preserve the memory and dignity of those who passed by writing obituaries for local citizens who never received them.

Argos in the Classroom: Sources of American Jurisprudence

June 1, 2023 | Brandy Gottlieb

“What is the law for us?” Socrates presents this question in Plato's dialogue "Minos." This question served as the basis of study for Sources of American Jurisprudence, a distinguished group of government undergraduate students from the spring ‘23 semester.

“Wishful Thinking”: A Student Production

March 13, 2023 | Hailey Castrence

A young fairy named Ollie Petal was just awarded her first human wish to grant. However, her rival, July Evergreen stole the human’s wish. Now, Ollie and her best friend Bumble Willow must search through the land to find it before time runs out. “Wishful Thinking,” an original theatre production by English major Deja Gamble, teaches us that only we can forge our own destinies and not let others define who we are.

Carpenters Creek: Keeping History Alive

December 14, 2022 | Brandy Gottlieb

Not that long ago, Carpenters Creek was characterized by a community where families enjoyed recreation and children built childhood memories. Now, local nonprofits and community organizations are joining efforts to revitalize the creek. This past fall semester, in support of the revitalization efforts, students in Dr. Jamin Wells’ Oral and Community History uncovered the history of the creek.

Wells appointed to Florida State Historical Marker Council

October 14, 2022 | CASSH Communications, UWF

Dr. Jamin Wells, University of West Florida associate professor and director of UWF’s Public History Master’s Program, was recently appointed to the Florida State Historical Marker Council. The Florida Department of State selected Wells based on his accomplishments in the field of Public History.

Dr. Leonid Yanovskiy's performance at premier event for “The U.S. and the Holocaust”

September 16, 2022 | Dr. Brian Hood, Interim Chair, UWF Dr. Grier Williams School of Music

When WSRE, the local PBS member television station, invited Dr. Leonid Yanovskiy to participate at a public presentation of the new documentary film, “The U.S. and the Holocaust” at the WSRE Amos Performance Studio at Pensacola State College on Thursday, September 8th, 2022, he readily volunteered to perform at the event.

Social media students awarded prestigious state awards

September 13, 2022 | CASSH Communications

The FPRA conducts The Golden Image Awards annually to recognize outstanding public relations programs in Florida. The organization encourages and promotes the development of public relations within the state.

FPAN director awarded the Carol V. Ruppe Distinguished Service Award

January 13, 2022 | CASSH Communications

The Carol V. Ruppe Distinguished Service Award was established in 1990 to honor those individuals who have contributed sustained, outstanding service to the society. The award was named after Ruppe, who combined her expertise in archaeology and library science. She left a legacy and example of volunteer service for others to follow.

MyStory Griot Project: Desegregation in the South with Dr. Steve Brown

December 5, 2021 | CASSH Communications

Dr. Steve Brown shares a personal encounter during Dr. Martin Luther King's assassination. His story is positioned against the backdrop of the South's desegregation era.

MyStory Griot Project: Nicole Allen - Discrimination Through the Eyes of a Brown Asian

September 27, 2021 | CASSH Communications

Nicole Allen's story highlights the discrimination she has experienced through the "eyes of a brown Asian."

UWF Department of Communication welcomes Dr. Kelly Carr as incoming chair

August 18, 2021 | CASSH Communications

The UWF Department of Communication welcomes Dr. Kelly Carr, associate professor of communication, as incoming department chair.

Scott honored for a 22-year career

August 4, 2021 | Brandy Gottlieb, CASSH Communications

"I am so thankful to have been taught by one of the best and so grateful that he took real world experiences and turned them into lessons. Thank you Professor Scott for all you have done for the University of West Florida and the numerous lives you have changed for the better, including mine." - Whitney Vaughan Fike, ‘07 alumna

Students and faculty excelled at maritime history conference

July 22, 2021 | Brandy Gottlieb, CASSH Communications

Students from fourteen universities participated in the North American Society for Oceanic History, hosted by UWF. Dr. Jamin Wells, UWF assistant professor of history, received accolades for his most recent publication.

Forensic Anthropology Field School: This summer's only five-week school in the nation

July 16, 2021 | Brandy Gottlieb, CASSH Communications, contributions by faculty

University of West Florida is the only institution in the nation offering a five-week forensic anthropology field school. The major goal of the five-week field school was to train students in standard forensic methods for the discovery, documentation, and recovery of human skeletal remains.

Meet CASSH's Outstanding Graduate Students, 2021

April 29, 2021 | Brandy Gottlieb, CASSH Communications, contributions by faculty

The College of Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities is proud to honor the CASSH Outstanding Graduate Students and Outstanding Graduate Assistants of 2021. These accomplished students have excelled academically and professionally. They have demonstrated the excellence that represents our college and university well.

MyStory Griot Project: Prasika Bhattarai

April 12, 2021 | Prasika Bhattarai, UWF Student

As a Nepali citizen, I want to share my experience of how the words of my advisor have changed my views of race in the world. I was the president of the worldwide organization Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) at my high school, where people of all races and backgrounds come together to achieve one goal: gain leadership skills in order to form one disclosure community.

Renowned poets inspire artistic and poetic response

April 13, 2021 | Brandy Gottlieb

In the shadows of recently highlighted racial tensions in the US, UWF art and English students have been contributing to the conversation through their scholarly and creative works. The students’ works have primarily been inspired by the writings of two renowned poets, who virtually visited with UWF students and participated in a community conversation.

Harjo and Rankine spark conversations on inclusion

April 9, 2021 | Brandy Gottlieb

At the heels of the most recent outbreak of racial tensions in the US, UWF students and faculty members have been responding. Through scholarship, community conversations and academic inquiry, spaces have surfaced to propel the cultivation of critical thought and understanding.

Congratulations to UWF Honors Convocation CASSH faculty awardees

March 26, 2021 | Brandy Gottlieb

We are proud to recognize the 2021 UWF Honors Convocation CASSH faculty awardees. Honors Convocation is an annual celebration where faculty and students are recognized for their distinguished academic achievements. It is one of the university's most important academic traditions.

Braddock conducts honor band

March 15, 2021 | Braddock conducts honor band

After a successful launch of the UWF High School Honor Band in early 2020, UWF took an event-hosting hiatus in Spring 2021 due to COVID-19 restrictions. However, thanks to high school partners in Santa Rosa County, honor band efforts continued.

UWF Alumna Melissa Strozza's big win in MLB history

July 20, 2020 | Brandy Gottlieb

From UWF, Melissa Strozza, 2011 graduate, made a home run in her field. She’s an immigrant, female minority and now a part of Major League Baseball history. In 2019, Melissa Strozza, 2011 UWF graduate, was a part of baseball history. She played a key position for the Washington Nationals, fielding the team’s communication efforts all the way to the World Series.

The UWF Singers stand out with Brahms "Requiem"

March 26, 2020 | Brandy Gottlieb

Under the leadership of Dr. Peter Steenblik, UWF associate professor of music and director of choral activities, the UWF Singers have been gaining prominent recognition. Melissa Watson, UWF student said, “Being in the UWF Singers has helped me realize how much of an impact music has on our lives.”

Grant-funded cooperative will feature UWF faculty Taney research 

January 30, 2020 | Brandy Gottlieb

Roger Brooke Taney (1777 - 1864) played a significant role in shaping American politics for more than three decades. Thanks to a large grant, faculty research on Taney’s contributions will be made available on an open-source digital platform. Drs. David Ramsey and Kelly Carr offer insight into the significance of Chief Justice Roger Brooke Taney's role in shaping the American political landscape.

UWF Kappa Pi members internationally recognized

January 8, 2020 | Brandy Gottlieb

Now alumnae, two UWF students recently received international recognition from Kappa Pi, the oldest and largest international college and university honorary art fraternity.

UWF Speech and Debate director recognized as outstanding new forensics educator

December 16, 2019 | Brandy Gottlieb

Dr. Adam Blood, instructor of communication and director of the UWF Speech and Debate team, recently received the Bob Derryberry Outstanding New Forensics Educator Award.

For faculty, students in the performing arts, the stage is their lab

December 6, 2019 | Jeffrey Cassady, RAE Staff Writer

Students and faculty members will demonstrate their acting skills and their commitment to their craft this evening when the Department of Theatre puts on its annual production of “A Christmas Carol: A Ghost Story of Christmas.”

Professor honored for rhetorical work surrounding Supreme Court

November 6, 2019 | UWF Communications

Dr. Kelly Carr, assistant professor of communication with the UWF Department of Communication, recently received a prestigious award for her book "The Rhetorical Invention of Diversity: Supreme Court Opinions, Public Argument, and Affirmative Action."

“Makers” unite for inaugural, creative experience

November 6, 2019 | By Brandy Gottlieb, with contributions by Thomas Asmuth 

Thomas Asmuth, UWF associate professor of art, has worked to inspire his students to create innovatively and collaborate artistically across disciplines. On November 16, Asmuth’s initial encounter with the Maker Faire will come full circle with the launch of the inaugural Pensacola Mini Maker Faire. Asmuth and Dr. Joe Piacenza, UWF assistant professor of mechanical engineering, along with a strategic planning team and more than 90 ‘makers,’ will bring the Pensacola Mini Maker Faire to life.

Fighting spirit and awarded escapades

November 4, 2019 | By Wendell Slater with contributions by Brandy Gottlieb

With his first album under Big Round Records, the award-winning Dr. Joseph Spaniola says he is on a quest to engage the hearts and minds of his audience with the powers of communicative music. Spaniola’s ESCAPADE: Music for Large and Small Ensembles (a Parma, Big Round Records release) was recently named a Top Ten Album of Fall 2019 by the Global Music Awards.

Viewpoint - Building a Tradition: Game Day with the Band

October 29, 2019 | Alyssa, Graduate Assistant, Argo Athletic Band

As the sun sets on the stadium and the crowd shouts “Blue and Green,” band members lift their instruments to play the UWF Fight Song and welcome the Argos to the field for another night of college football! However, a band member’s game day starts long before the game’s kickoff.

Art professors' keys to activating creativity

October 8, 2019 | Wendell Slater, Communications Assistant, College of Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities

Jim Jipson, UWF art professor, recently shared his insight into creativity and the innovative mind at an installment of the Center for Entrepreneurship's Speaker Series.

Bringing Ireland home - UWF students exhibit "The Irish Experience Exhibition"

September 24, 2019 | Nicholas Croghan, UWF Art Instructor and Pensacola Museum of Art Director

"I aspire to capture moments of wonder and beauty so they felt, at least a little, through a still photograph in time," said participant Rachel Oliver. The Art Gallery at the University of West Florida is pleased to present "The Irish Experience Exhibition," which is on display at The Art Gallery at UWF through September 28.

"Banned and Forbidden - Prohibited Musical Masterpieces" and Prohibited Speech

September 10, 2019 | Brandy Gottlieb

"Today, we customarily take freedom of artistic expression for granted, but there were periods in recent European history when such freedom was denied," Dr. Leonid Yanovskiy. "Banned and Forbidden - Prohibited Musical Masterpieces" features music and poetry banned from performance and publication by oppressive regimes: Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union. Join for the performance Thursday, Sept. 12, noon at Old Christ Church, Pensacola.

Session One: Rutter & Wilberg welcomes diverse voices

June 7, 2019 | Brandy Gottlieb

“Some people have been singing in choirs for more than thirty years, and other people have started their choral journey with the UWF Summer Festival Chorus. Every voice matters and the fact that we can all come together and create beautiful music in only a week is impressive,” says Karma Metzger. The UWF Festival Chorus will perform Session One: Rutter & Wilberg, June 8, 7:30 p.m.

UWF Honors Convocation Recognizes CASSH Students and Faculty

April 10, 2018 | By: Mary Stucko, contributions by Brandy Gottlieb

On Friday, March 30, UWF held the annual Honors Convocation, which recognized exemplary students and faculty during the 2017-2018 academic year. The UWF Jazz Combo performed during the event, under the direction of Dr. Joseph Spaniola, director of Jazz Studies at UWF.

Students evaluate public beach accessibility and quality

May 15, 2019 | Hannah Gainer

Dr. Jocelyn Evans, professor of political science and Honors Core 2 professor, has been working for several years on evaluating the quality of public spaces. The Honors Core 2 class theme for the 2019 spring semester was 'community.' Students investigated spaces and aspects of community identity around public beach access.

Honors Core 2 explored wall poetry as community beautification

May 2, 2019 | Hannah Gainer

This spring, UWF students laid the groundwork for introducing installations to UWF inspired by those in Leiden, Netherlands. Students explored the notion of text as art, bringing students into contact with artists, graphic designers, museum curators, and campus and city planners.

UWF Forensics Team Excels at National Tournament

April 22, 2019 | Susanna Rogers, with contributions by Hannah Gainer

UWF speech and debate competitors were recently recognized for achievements at a biennial convention. On March 20-25, the University of West Florida Speech and Debate team competed at the Pi Kappa Delta Biennial Convention and Tournament, hosted by Hofstra University, in Hempstead, New York.

PGA Tour welcomed UWF Communication students

April 15, 2019 | Hannah Gainer

On March 29, University of West Florida Communication students covered the 2019 Rapiscan Systems Classic, a branch of the PGA Senior tour in Saucier, Mississippi.

"Lights, Camera, Favorites," Glaze's Final Performance with UWF

March 26, 2019 | Brandy Gottlieb, CASSH Communicaitons

March 30 marks the final UWF Symphonic Band concert for Rick Glaze, UWF associate professor of clarinet and director of bands and the UWF Bachelor of Music Education program. Since 1990, Glaze has spent the past 29 years providing a formative influence on the UWF Department of Music.

Communication Coming to UWF on the Emerald Coast

March 20, 2019 | Hannah Gainer, CASSH Communicaitons Assistant

The University of West Florida on the Emerald Coast will officially offer a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication and a Minor in Communication this fall.

Nicolas Estrada, UWF Art Major, Takes First

March 15, 2019 | Hannah Gainer, CASSH Communicaitons Assistant

This year’s winner of the Startup Weekend Pensacola (SWP) was a CASSH student, junior Nicolas Estrada. Estrada won for his pitch of an innovative ticketing system that would serve as both concert memorabilia and a tool for measuring data related to the event.

Communication Students Excelled at the Southeast Journalism Conference

March 12, 2019 | Hannah Gainer, CASSH Communicaitons Assistant

This spring, UWF Communication students have been recognized for excellence in journalism.

Arts and Sciences Gather for "Daily Life in Ancient Rome"

April 9, 2019 | Hannah Gainer

"Daily Life in Ancient Rome" was a student-produced, two-day multidisciplinary event that was supported by the University of West Florida’s Department of History. The event welcomed student involvement from disciplines within the arts, sciences and humanities, making it a STEAM-inclusive event. Some of the represented disciplines included marine biology, art, mechanical engineering, history, digital art and bioarchaeology.

Leadership in the Arts: Art, Music and Theatre

March 1, 2019 | Hannah Gainer, CASSH Communicaitons Assistant

On Feb. 13, the UWF Center for Entrepreneurship welcomed the fine and performing arts faculty for “Leadership in the Arts.” UWF music and theatre faculty and PMA curator focused on how artists in music, theater and art define leadership within their respective fields.

Jan. 31, Downtown Lecture "Borders" welcomes "Art as Grit: Siege of Leningrad in Music and Poetry"

January 30, 2019 | Hannah Gainer, CASSH Communicaitons Assistant

UWF World Languages to host highly respected rakugo, Japanese storyteller, performer.

Rakugo, and the "Art of Storytelling"

January 15, 2019 | Hannah Gainer, CASSH Communicaitons Assistant

UWF World Languages to host highly respected rakugo, Japanese storyteller, performer.

UWF International Studies Graduate Reflects on Academic Experiences and Future Goals

December 17, 2018 | Dayzha Holland

“All of my classes at UWF gave me knowledge of the world and people."

UWF Scholar Recognized for Contributions to Mass Communication History

October 22, 2018 | By Brandy Gottlieb

The American Journalism Historians Association recently awarded Dr. Tubbs, UWF assistant professor of communication, honorable mention for the association’s Margaret A. Blanchard Dissertation Award.

Student Reflection on The National Memorial for Peace and Justice

October 25, 2018 | Bruna Fernandez Rodrigues Silva is an undergraduate cultural anthropology student at UWF.

“Thousands of African Americans are unknown victims of racial terror lynchings, whose deaths cannot be documented, many whose names will never be known. They are all honored here.” - Message on the wall of The National Memorial for Peace and Justice

Walk the Labyrinth: For Peace, For Focus, For Renewal

October 22, 2018 | By Dayzha Holland

Come, walk and experience the powerful healing of the labyrinth October 22-24 at the University of West Florida.

Students Connect The Past and The Present at St. Michael's Cemetery

October 15, 2018 | By Dayzha Holland

UWF and the Archaeology Institute have been involved with St. Michael’s preservation efforts for the past 19 years, dating back to the late 1990s. Each year, UWF archaeology and history students, faculty and staff have collaborated for the preservation efforts.

UWF Piano Students Receive International Recognition

October 2, 2018 | By Dayzha Holland with contributions by Brandy Gottlieb

This summer, UWF students received recognition for participation in international piano festivals.

From the Field: Alumni Insights

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This summer, two UWF alumni toured the UWF Archaeology and Anthropology Terrestrial and Maritime Field Schools. Here, they share their insights from the field.

From the Field: Maritime Field School Stories

August 7, 2018 | By: Jordan Ardoin

Archaeology and Anthropology students from this summer's Maritime Field School shared their experiences during archaeological investigations at the Emmanuel Point II and III sites.

This summer, students pursued passions during maritime archaeology field school

August 3, 2018 | By: Jordan Ardoin

“Stop. Breathe. Think. Act.” On the dive platform of UWF’s Maritime Archaeology Field School this summer, students recited this mantra together as they prepared to dive on the Emanuel Point II and III shipwrecks. The mantra reminded students what to do in an emergency situation and represented a commitment to communicate and support one another beneath the waves.

From the Field: Terrestrial Field School Stories

August 6, 2018 | By: Jordan Ardoin

Archaeology and Anthropology students from this summer's Terrestrial Field School shared their experiences during archaeological investigations at the Luna Settlement site.

Looking for Clues: Archaeology students contributed to Luna Settlement research during summer field school

| By: Jordan Ardoin

In 1559, Tristán de Luna y Arellano led 1,500 Spanish colonizers to settle in Pensacola on their way to South Carolina. Spread across a rectangular stretch of flat land measuring 300 by 250 meters, the settlement included soldiers and a few of their families. This summer, a Division of Anthropology and Archaeology field school gave graduate and undergraduate students the opportunity to get their hands dirty—literally and figuratively—at the Luna site

Study abroad students experienced history and culture firsthand during trip to Germany

| By: Jordan Ardoin, Photo Credit Dr. Derek Zumbro

When International Studies student Gabriella Valenti saw the Sachsenhausen concentration camp in Oranienburg, Germany with her own eyes, she felt the visceral reality of history in a way she never had before. Valenti said, “You can hear about the Holocaust all you want from lectures, and you can see the graphic pictures that send a message, but you won’t get the gut-dropping feeling that you get when you're actually stepping on the grounds of a concentration camp.”

Archaeology student pursues studies while serving country

July 3, 2018 | By: Jordan Ardoin

Malachi Berry has been interested in the field of archaeology since he was a child and his grandfather took him to see paleontological exhibits. Now, Berry is following that passion as an archaeology major at UWF. Between those childhood days with his grandfather and his start at UWF, Berry served for five years in the United States Marine Corps.

UWF alumni returned to participate in Summer Festival Chorus

July 1, 2018 | By: Jordan Ardoin

“After participating last year, I could not wait to be part of this year's Summer Festival Chorus! I love everything about it - the challenging musical selections, the diverse demographics of the choir, seeing old friends and meeting new ones,” says Margi Baker, 2015 UWF graduate in music performance and current assistant director of UWF Advancement Services.

UWF Summer Festival Chorus brings students, alumni and community members together

June 25, 2018 | By: Jordan Ardoin

Jennifer Adkins is a UWF alumna who graduated in 2008 with an M.A. in Public History and spent a few years as an adjunct professor in the UWF Department of History. She also loves to sing. This year, Adkins is one of many participants, including students, alumni and community members, of UWF’s Summer Festival Chorus, which will hold “Hayden Lord Nelson Mass,” its final performance, June 30, at 7:30 PM at UWF.

2017-18 Experience UWF Downtown Lecture Series stimulated critical thought on art’s role in society

June 18, 2018 | By: Jordan Ardoin

From October 2017 to June 2018, the University of West Florida’s College of Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities presented seven installments of the Experience UWF Downtown Lecture Series. The series, made possible by generous donors and the PACE funding promotes the value of liberal arts in building and sustaining contemporary culture. The 2017-18 installments did so by opening thought-provoking dialogues about how public art operates in the current social and political moment.

UWF music alumna lands coveted residency at Academy of Vocal Arts

June 12, 2018 | By: Jordan Ardoin

UWF alumna Renée Richardson has been admitted to the prestigious Academy of Vocal Arts as a resident artist for 2018-19. Richardson graduated from UWF in 2015 with a Bachelor of Music in voice performance and went on to earn a professional studies degree from the Cleveland Institute of Music.

UWF graduate student accepted into NASA program

June 6, 2018 | By Brandy Gottlieb; Photo by NASA and Alyssa Lee

Alyssa Lee, spring 2018 University of West Florida graduate and current UWF graduate student, is pursuing a career that is out of this world. This fall, Lee will begin the NASA Pathways Program with the Armstrong Flight Research Center. The program provides opportunities for students and recent graduates to be considered for federal employment upon completion.

UWF international studies student to intern at U.S. Embassy in Peru

May 31, 2018 | By: Jordan Ardoin; Photo: Racine Frank

Racine Frank, UWF international studies student, will soon embark on a ten week internship with the U.S. Embassy in Peru. Frank will work in the Consular Section of the embassy June 4 - Aug. 10 and will focus on immigration and visa processing during her time there.

Editing suite opens for University of West Florida Department of Communication

May 1, 2018 | By: Mary Stucko

The UWF Department of Communication has taken a step toward growth with the addition of a new editing suite. The suite is specialized toward video editing for TV production classes and UWF Argo News. Erica Dukes, a communication major focusing on telecommunications stated, “The new editing bay is an excellent way to get to know, help, and learn from your peers. I can see with this editing bay that the major will be able to grow more.”

The Bridge: A Personal Reflection of the UWF Women in Leadership Conference

March 29, 2018 | By: Mary Stucko

“Fall down seven times, get up eight” - a Japanese proverb. On Friday, March 9, I attended the 2018 Women in Leadership Conference, hosted by the College of Business Executive Mentor Program. Below is a metaphor I created while observing the opening speaker and the first panel.

UWF graphic design students contribute to Pensacon using 3-D printing technology

March 1, 2018 | By: Jordan Ardoin

On Feb. 22, 2018, UWF’s Innovation Institute hosted an evening with “Star Trek” actor Robert Picardo as part of the pop culture convention Pensacon. The event included a tour of the Innovation Institute, a photo with Picardo, and a souvenir bag, which featured limited-edition figurines created by UWF graphic design students.

UWF Collaborates with JCPenney for Argos Suit Up Event

February 23, 2018 | By: Mary Stucko

At 6 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 25, JCPenney will close its doors for the night. Thirty minutes later, the store will reopen to let UWF students and family in for the Argos Suit Up event. The event will run from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.

UWF English professor recognized as award-winning author

February 20, 2018 | By: Mary Stucko

Jonathan Fink, UWF Department of English professor and director of creative writing, was recently awarded the Merit Award in Poetry for 2017. On Feb. 3, The Philosophical Society of Texas granted the award for his book “Barbarossa: The German Invasion of the Soviet Union and the Siege of Leningrad” (Dzanc, 2016).

Contribute to the end of “The Typewriter Project: Subconscious of the City”

February 15, 2018 | By: Mary Stucko

On Jan. 16, ‘The Typewriter Project: The Subconscious of the City’ made its debut in Pensacola, Fl. According to the project’s website, “The Typewriter Project is a series of site-specific literary installations which invite passersby to join in a citywide poetic exchange that exists in both analog and digital realms.”

The Art Gallery at UWF moves from foundations to faculty exhibitions

February 7, 2018 | By: Mary Stucko

On Jan. 1, The Art Gallery (TAG) at the University of West Florida, held its closing reception for the “Points of Departure, a Foundation-level Student Art Exhibition.” The exhibition ran from January 8 – January 25 and featured over 168 pieces of student artwork ranging from drawing, ceramics, painting, photography, digital art and graphic design. On Feb. 8 TAG reopens a new exhibit with the artwork of New Orleans based artist Michael J. Deas and UWF faculty member Gregory B. Saunders.

Sen. Bob Graham highlights governmental involvement

January 23, 2018 | By Mary Stucko

On Jan. 16, former Sen. Bob Graham, an 18-year U.S. senator and an eight-year governor of the State of Florida, paid a visit to the University of West Florida. During his address he spoke about youth participation in America with governmental affairs.

Call for judges as UWF Speech and Debate Team prepares for landmark tournament

October 27, 2017 |

The UWF Speech and Debate Team has had a strong start to the 2017-2018 competition season. The last weekend of September, the team competed in Tallahassee for the first tournament of the season.