The University of North Florida (UNF) Presidential Search Committee invited students to a listening session on Thursday, welcoming input from the student body as they continue the search for UNF’s eighth president. 

President of Funk Associates, Willie Funk, led the discussion and heard from multiple student perspectives. Students from various backgrounds, including those in Student Government (SG), voiced concerns and issues they hope the next UNF president will recognize and address, including advising, mental health, and housing issues. 

Student Body Vice President Vevvy Summerall says the next president should be student-focused and help retain students at UNF.

“We want to find someone who actually takes care of the students,” said Summerall. 

Advising  

One major issue students raised was academic advising, noting ongoing challenges despite the university’s efforts to improve the system.

Student Body Treasurer Katherine Toro Villanueva, who majors in computer science, notes that her advisor lacks experience in computing and hopes UNF will revamp the academic advising system. 

“She [assigned advisor] majored in zoology in college, so it has nothing to do with my major,” said Villanueva.

Villanueva said that students with advisors who are not experts in their major or minor can be confused about which classes to take. 

On MyWings, a UNF web portal that provides essential university resources, all students can access an academic advisor to assist with finalizing course selections or discussing academic standing.  

During the session, SG Chief of Staff Kayla Charde mentioned her experience with a stand-in advisor after the advisor assigned to her went on maternity leave. 

“He told me that he’s handling almost a thousand students,” said Charde. 

On April 2, UNF announced enhancements to its academic advising model, which introduces a data-driven dashboard to help advisors proactively identify at-risk students and tailor support. 

The program reduces administrative burdens on advisors by adding positions and training, allowing more time for individualized interactions, and shifting from reactive to proactive outreach. 

Housing issues 

During the session, freshman Shawn Selfors said the dorm he was supposed to be housed in closed due to mold, and he did not have housing until the day before classes started. 

He said that if there had been greater transparency and regular updates on his housing status, he would have been better prepared to move in. 

Selfors also hopes that the next UNF President will be transparent about the possibility of Greek housing in the future and has spoken with UNF’s Interfraternity Council to see if there has been any progress. 

“We’ve been trying to figure out if there is a way we can get Greek houses on campus,” said Selfors. “For years, it has been talked about what the time frame is, [and] if it’s even going to happen.” 

Osprey Student Conduct Advisors (OSCA) Director Sydney Osborne, who used to reside in Osprey Village, recalled seeing black mold in her bathroom. 

“I called maintenance, they painted over the mold,” said Osborne.

She says that multiple students at UNF have complained about the dorm living conditions, and that housing for Greek life cannot move forward until the issues with those dorms are resolved.

Mental health

Funk asked the group how mental health is addressed at UNF.

Charde responded that mental health is important, but also noted that it has become politicized and challenging to address at UNF. 

“It’s unfortunate because mental health is important no matter what age you are,” said Charde. 

Charde hopes the next president will support staff who provide mental health services and ensure that student resources are transparent and accessible. 

According to the UNF website, students pay health-related fees that fund services at the Dottie Dorion Fitness Center, the Counseling Center, and the Campus Alcohol and Drug Information Center. 

Further student input and more sessions

The session is part of a series of conversations the committee is holding to gather input on the qualities and characteristics stakeholders believe the next UNF president should possess.

Student Body President and Board of Trustees member, Amelia Dyal, said in an email to Spinnaker that the presidential search committee values student perspectives and is committed to student success. 

“In my role, it is my responsibility to advocate for the student voice and ensure it is clearly represented throughout the search process,” said Dyal. “I believe the student voice is essential, as students are at the forefront of the university’s mission.”

Dyal also encourages students to look out for opportunities to provide feedback throughout the search process. 

Those who were unable to attend the community listening session can share their thoughts by emailing Krisha Creal at the search firm, [email protected]. 

Additional listening sessions for faculty and staff are scheduled, and updates will continue to be posted on the UNF Presidential Search website. 

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