UNF announces leadership team for USoar program supporting students with intellectual disabilities
June 20, 2024
The University of North Florida is excited to announce the hiring of USoar’s leadership team. The USoar program, which is funded by a $1.5 million grant from the Florida Center for Students with Unique Abilities (FCSUA), was announced this past January as the university’s new inclusive postsecondary education program designed to offer students with intellectual disabilities opportunities to enrich their academic experience, engage with the campus and community, develop independent living skills, foster self-determination and pursue career development and employment. Students will be able to participate in college courses, join campus and community clubs, seek internships and obtain competitive employment. Additionally, USoar students will soon have the option of living on campus in a unique Living Learning Community that is supported by program residential staff and the University.
“The USoar program has the potential to change the lives of individuals with intellectual disabilities in a powerful way by bringing the conversation surrounding individualized, sustainable and enjoyable employment to the forefront,” said Dr. Marlena Jenkins, who serves as the program’s director. Jenkins, a recent graduate from the university’s doctoral program in educational leadership, is proud to have the opportunity to give back to the Osprey community by sharing her passion for working with and enhancing the lives of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities through training in independent living and self-advocacy.
Alongside Jenkins, are Amy Williams, Associate Director, and Tyler Charles, Assistant Director. Williams and Charles, who have both served in various capacities within the Student Accessibility Center, are looking forward to assisting students in realizing and reaching their potential and accomplishing meaningful goals. The trio brings an impressive combination of 40 years of relevant experience working with individuals with diverse needs to USoar and looks forward to many more spent serving the UNF community. Also instrumental in getting USoar off the ground are Dr. Debbie Reed, Principal Investigator (PI), Dr. Tara Frazier, Co-Principal Investigator (Co-PI) and Dr. Jennifer Kane, Interim Dean of the College of Education and Human Services. Their combined efforts have been crucial in establishing the foundation and direction of the program.
USoar plans to welcome its inaugural class of 10 students this fall and will add additional students across its 3-year cycle. Ideal students should be self-motivated and interested in obtaining employment by the end of their 3-year program of study. Students will audit classes, attend workshops and participate in campus life while working toward industry certification and career readiness credentials. Jenkins adds, “We must begin with the end in mind, but for many postsecondary students, the process begins too late. This is an unfortunate reality.” USoar hopes to promote early discussion regarding postsecondary goal planning and independent living amongst students and their families through community-facing workshops and trainings focused on postsecondary and transition preparation.
For more information about USoar, visit the program website at https://unf.edu/sac/usoar.
Meet the Leadership Team
Dr. Marlena Jenkins, USoar Director
Amy Williams, USoar Associate Director
Tyler Charles, USoar Assistant Director