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College of Education and Human Services
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Mission, Vision and Values

Partnering to Make the World a Better Place

Mission

The mission of the College of Education and Human Services is to:

  • Collaborate with local, regional, national, and international stakeholders to promote transformational learning experiences;
  • Establish and nurture partnerships with local institutions and agencies to address the needs of our community, which is inclusive of urban areas;
  • Develop and offer rigorous programs of study that promote high standards;
  • Use evidence-based practices to prepare effective practitioners who exhibit a professional disposition;
  • Contribute to the knowledge base in our disciplines through quality scholarship; and
  • Model and foster a commitment to professional growth, critical and creative thinking, and reflective practice.

Vision

The vision of the College of Education and Human Services is to be a premier college that:

  • Is globally recognized for innovative programs and practices;
  • Impacts our fields through high quality teaching, scholarship, and service; and
  • Prepares graduates who are transformative leaders in their professions.

Values

The College of Education and Human Services values:

  • Integrity that informs ethical behavior and professional excellence;
  • Active engagement in efforts to promote equity and social justice; 
  • Respect for others demonstrated by caring, compassion, and cultural sensitivity; and
  • Intellectual curiosity that leads to professional scholarship and innovation.

Diversity and Inclusion

As a core value, UNF promotes diversity by embracing and accepting diversity and inclusion as core institutional values. The College of Education and Human Services shares with the education community of Greater Jacksonville a firm commitment for an on-going and growing inclusive and diverse environment. Since the formation of UNF, the College of Education and Human Services has been commitment to advocating a quality and diverse society. COEHS strives to enhance communication, relationship building and a continued growing understanding of various cultures and their intersectionality and impact on educating our community, counties, city, state and nation. 

Diversity and Inclusion Faculty Committee

The Diversity and Inclusion Faculty Committee assists with developing and implementing initiatives regarding the diversity of faculty, staff and students in the college. These endeavors include recruitment efforts, curriculum investigations and support in the programs. 

Contact - Jen Kilpatrick (jrkilpatrick@unf.edu)

Diversity and Inclusion Strategic Plan

The College of Education and Human Services is developing a Diversity and Inclusion Strategic Plan to ensure that diversity and inclusion is at the center of our teaching, learning, research and service. The College's strategic diversity and inclusion plan sets goals and processes for the College to more fully embrace this critical mission. 

Contact - Dan Dinsmore, Associate Dean of Research, External Funding and Faculty Development,  daniel.dinsmore@unf.edu 

Urban Professional Development Schools 

Our Professional Development Schools (PDS) are PK-12 partner schools that function much like “teaching hospitals.” These schools prepare future and current educators using research-based instructional practices to enhance student learning.

Contact - Wendy Baker (wendy.baker@unf.edu)

Jacksonville Teacher Residency (JTR) 

Created in 2014 to address the high turnover rate of math and science teachers in Jacksonville’s high-needs middle and high schools, the Jacksonville Teacher Residency program is a partnership between Duval County Public Schools and UNF. The mission of the program is to recruit, prepare and retain a diverse population of highly effective teachers who serve in high needs schools to ensure that Duval County students are college and career ready.

Contact - Wanda Lastrapes, JTR Director, w.lastrapes@unf.edu 

Holmes Doctoral Scholars

The University of North Florida College of Education and Human Services is a proud member of the American Association of Colleges of Teacher Education (AACTE) Holmes Scholar Program. The AACTE Holmes Program supports high achieving doctoral students who self-identify from underserved groups and are pursuing doctoral degrees in education at AACTE member institutions. UNF Scholars are selected based on their accomplishments.

UNF Holmes Scholars enjoy the benefit of mentorship at the local and national level, professional development opportunities, and membership in a national network of peers. UNF Holmes scholars have opportunities to present their research at the AACTE annual conference as well as participate in the AACTE Holmes Scholars Summer Policy Institute and AACTE Day on the Hill.

Contact - David Hoppey, Professor, Director of the Ed.D. Program in Educational Leadership, david.hoppey@unf.edu