Student and Alumni Spotlights
The Reubin O'D. Askew Department of Government would like to recognize Students and Alumni for their outstanding accomplishments and achievements!
World Languages Student Spotlight
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"I chose to pursue the Spanish minor at UWF after returning from a study abroad program that impressed upon me the importance of speaking a second language. Language acquisition and cultural immersion quickly became a passion for me, and I subsequently learned French —the language that allowed me to teach English in France through the TAPIF program for 2 years. I would say that I have effectively incorporated both French and Spanish into my everyday life: I regularly use French at my internship with the United Nations, and there is no shortage of Spanish speakers in NYC!" - Jonathan Griffin - B.A. Psychology; Spanish Minor (2020)
Undergraduate Student Spotlight
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Ashton Reichard is a recent undergraduate alumna who spent 2 years in Japan working through the JET program. She completed the Japanese Certificate at UWF and after returning to Pensacola from Japan, she enrolled in the Department of Government’s graduate program in International Affairs.
“Studying Japanese at UWF has allowed me to learn not only the language in the classroom, but the culture as well. I was able to have many opportunities to connect with native Japanese speakers in events Takami Sensei was involved in, allowing me to make many lasting connections that gave me the confidence to pursue a job working in Japan through the JET Program. Because of the Japanese language program and the guidance and support from Takami Sensei, I was well-equipped to become fully immersed in Japan and deepen my understanding of the language, culture, and people.” - Ashton Reichard
Graduate Student Spotlight
Joseph Haber was an online Graduate student in the Political Science Graduate Program and was recently named Teacher of the Year for Osceola County by the Florida Council for the Social Studies! In a student interview by Robert Vinson, Joseph Haber discussed how being an online student has given him the opportunity to obtain his degree while working and teaching his students. The program, although challenging, is very enlightening, he said, and he took what he learned to his classroom. Skills such as effective researching, reading with a skeptic’s mind, new note-taking strategies, and using models and seminars to help his students better understand projects and research in class. Mr. Haber also said he feels a strong connection to UWF because the classes were synchronous.
Alumni Spotlight
Ayla Green graduated from the University of West Florida with her B.A. in History in 2015 and her M.A. in Political Science in 2017. She is currently working as an instructor at the University of West Florida, teaching American Politics online, and at Pensacola State College, teaching American Government. She is also an intern for the Coastal Alabama Business Chamber.
Spotlight Nomination
We are always interested in hearing was our students and alumni are doing. If you would like to be featured in one of our spotlights or if you would like to nominate a student or alumni please email us at govt@uwf.edu.
Outstanding Students
Each year undergraduate and graduate students are nominated by the department faculty to receive the Outstanding Undergraduate and Outstanding Graduate awards. For a list of past winners check out the Outstanding Students page.