UNF's #1 Student-Run News Source

UNF Spinnaker

UNF's #1 Student-Run News Source

UNF Spinnaker

UNF's #1 Student-Run News Source

UNF Spinnaker

Carter Mudgett leaning on a blue Spinnaker box.

Carter Mudgett, Reporter

Carter Mudgett is a University of North Florida student majoring in multimedia journalism. He was Spinnaker's editor-in-chief from August 2021 to December 2023. Carter led Spinnaker to be awarded a 2023 Online Pacemaker Award, and most recently placed second in the Society of Professional Journalists's Sunshine State Awards for "Best Coverage of LGBT Issues" in the college category. Backed by a passion for creative storytelling and accurate reporting, Carter typically covers education, gender and race issues.

All content by Carter Mudgett
UFF-UNF is the United Faculty of Floridas UNF chapter, and represents UNF faculty.

Implementing post-tenure review without bargaining violates contract, faculty union tells UNF in cease-and-desist

Carter Mudgett, Editor in Chief June 5, 2023

The faculty union issued a cease-and-desist order to the University of North Florida administration and Board of Trustees Friday evening, according to a copy of the letter read by Spinnaker. It states...

The Chabad of Southsides new Model Family Terrace by the Lake will be dedicated on Sunday, June 4. (Courtesy of the Chabad of Southside)

Chabad of Southside to unveil new outdoor event space amid rise in antisemitism across Florida

Carter Mudgett, Editor in Chief June 2, 2023

The Chabad of Southside — an organization providing religious, educational and social services to the Jewish community in Jacksonville — will unveil a new outdoor space on Sunday.  Its new “Model...

UNF logo

Physical Facilities staff member found dead on campus, UNF says

Carter Mudgett, Editor in Chief May 30, 2023

A University of North Florida Physical Facilities staff member was found dead in Founders Hall Tuesday morning, the university said in a campus-wide alert. The unidentified person died of natural causes,...

FILE - Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis answers questions from the media in the Florida Cabinet following his State of the State address during a joint session of the Senate and House of Representatives Tuesday, March 7, 2023, at the Capitol in Tallahassee, Fla. Advocates for open government are ringing alarms about plans by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis administration that could make it harder to learn what public officials are doing and to speak out against them. (AP Photo/Phil Sears, File)

Rumors turn to reality as DeSantis files paperwork in a bid for president

Carter Mudgett, Editor in Chief May 24, 2023

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has thrown his hat in the ring and officially launched his campaign for the 2024 presidential election as he filed paperwork with the Federal Elections Commission on Wednesday. The...

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis holds up bills he signed during a bill signing ceremony at the Coastal Community Church at Lighthouse Point, Tuesday, May 16, 2023, in Lighthouse Point, Fla. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)

DeSantis signs anti-LGBTQ+ legislation restricting gender-affirming care, drag shows, pronoun use

Carter Mudgett, Editor in Chief May 17, 2023
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a series of bills on Wednesday that outlaw gender-affirming care for minors, restrict discussions of “preferred pronouns” in K-12 schools and tackle other issues that critics say attack the LGBTQ+ community.  Anti-LGBTQ+ legislation isn’t new to Florida and has been a large part of DeSantis’s war on “woke” as he is expected to announce a presidential run. 
Gov. Ron DeSantis talks during a press conference before signing legislation on Monday, May 15, 2023, at New College of Florida in Sarasota, Fla. DeSantis signed a bill that blocks public colleges from using federal or state funding on diversity programs, addressing a concern of conservatives ahead of the Republican governors expected presidential candidacy. The law, which DeSantis proposed earlier this year, comes as Republicans across the country target programs on diversity, equity and inclusion in higher education. (Douglas R. Clifford/Tampa Bay Times via AP)

Florida public universities barred from spending state, federal funds on DEI programs under new law

Carter Mudgett, Editor in Chief May 15, 2023

Gov. Ron DeSantis fulfilled his January pledge to defund all diversity, equity and inclusion programs in Florida public universities and colleges as he signed SB 266 into law on Monday. The signing,...

The header of President Moez Limayem’s letter to David Szymanski on Feb. 28, 2023, notifying him of his reassignment from MedNexus CEO to a tenured faculty member. Graphic created by Spinnaker.

UNF reassigns MedNexus CEO; gives him year of paid leave to find new job, documents reveal

Carter Mudgett, Editor in Chief May 15, 2023

A few months away from his two-year anniversary of becoming MedNexus's CEO, documents acquired by Spinnaker reveal that Dr. David Szymanski's last day in that role was April 30.  The former CEO is...

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis speaks during a press conference to sign several bills related to public education and increases in teacher pay, in Miami, Tuesday, May 9, 2023. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)

DeSantis signs bills imposing new guidelines for teachers’ unions, bans social media in classrooms

Carter Mudgett, Editor in Chief May 10, 2023

New requirements are on the horizon for teachers’ unions and Florida schools after Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a series of five bills on Tuesday.  One of the bills (SB 256) introduces new guidelines...

The Blackstone logo (Courtesy of Blackstone)

UNF Coggin College of Business granted $500,000 by Blackstone Charitable Foundation

Carter Mudgett, Editor in Chief May 9, 2023

Aiming to help University of North Florida students prepare for careers post-graduation, the Blackstone Charitable Foundation has gifted the Coggin College of Business with a $500,000 grant, the university...

The words Police Beat are written in red and white, surrounded by a white square outline. In the background, a University of North Florida Police Department cruiser is tinted blue.

Laptop program worth nearly $10,000 stolen from UNF lab, police say

Carter Mudgett, Editor in Chief May 9, 2023

An unidentified suspect stole a laptop with a software program from the University of North Florida totaling over $10,000 on April 29, police said. A single person entered a lab in one of UNF’s buildings...

DeSantis

Florida legislature passes two bills targeting diversity, pronoun use in state education, leaving UNF’s diversity efforts in limbo

Carter Mudgett, Editor in Chief May 3, 2023
The Florida legislature passed two bills to ban diversity programs in higher education and restrict the use of preferred pronouns in schools Wednesday afternoon. 
WeChat on a phone with other messaging apps

BOG WeChat ban builds barrier for international students

Judd Barczak and Carter Mudgett May 2, 2023

The Florida Board of Governor’s recent decision to ban TikTok, a popular social media app, at public universities — including the University of North Florida — created controversy among students,...

Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp Outfielder Peyton Burdick #6 hitting a ball from a Nashville Sounds pitcher on April 19th, 2023 at 121 Financial Ballpark in Jacksonville Florida.

Through the eyes of a photographer: April

Carter Mudgett, Editor in Chief May 1, 2023

Summer is less than a week away and though it's something to look forward to, that also means Spinnaker is saying farewell to Photographer Justin Nedrow who graduates Friday with a Bachelor of Science...

A screenshot of the University of North Floridas new Expression website.

What’s protected and what isn’t? New UNF website unpacks the intricacies of free speech on campus

Carter Mudgett and Liam Sanderson May 1, 2023

Editors Note: This article was last updated on May 2 to adjust a paragraph about when UNF students have protested speakers on the Green. In the first tangible response to the infamous preachers on the...

Photo by Camille Shaw

Suspects at large after attempted armed robbery at UNF, alert says

Carter Mudgett, Editor in Chief April 20, 2023

Two suspects allegedly attempted to rob a single victim at the University of North Florida early Thursday morning and are still at large, according to a university-released Clery Act alert. According...

Beatrice (played by Christine Casey).

Behind the words of UNF Shakespeare’s “Much Ado About Nothing” adaptation

Carter Mudgett, Editor in Chief April 18, 2023

When “all the world’s a stage,” writing a play can be daunting, but how about taking a play by William Shakespeare, editing and then sticking it on a stage? University of North Florida Shakespeare...

The University of North Florida will host a mayoral debate between Democrat Donna Deegan and Republican Daniel Davis at the Lazzara Performance Hall on Thursday. (Photo courtesy of Donna Deegan campaign, courtesy of Daniel Davis campaign. Background photo courtesy of Justin Nedrow/Spinnaker).

“Razor-thin” race for mayor ahead of Thursday debate, UNF poll finds

Carter Mudgett, Editor in Chief April 17, 2023

Democrat Donna Deegan will face off with Republican Daniel Davis during a debate for Jacksonville’s next mayor on Thursday; a race Deegan is leading by one percentage point, according to a new poll by...

Limayem smiles on the podium during his speech.

“Thank you”: Limayem officially inaugurated as UNF’s seventh president

Carter Mudgett, Editor in Chief April 14, 2023

Hundreds filled the Lazzara Performance Hall Friday morning for Moez Limayem’s official inauguration as the University of North Florida’s seventh president. Guests ranged from students, faculty and...

Nathaniel Rodefer (left) sits down in the Spinnaker TV studio for an interview with TV General Manager Kara Scarbrough (right) about his time as student body president.

[Photo] Less than a week away, UNF’s soon-to-be former-student body president reflects

Marissa Cannegieter, Government Reporter April 10, 2023

Nathaniel Rodefer (left) sits down in the Spinnaker TV studio for an interview with TV General Manager Kara Scarbrough (right) about his time as student body president.

(Solen Feyiss/Unsplash)

UNF joins wave of Florida universities banning TikTok, other apps from campus networks

Carter Mudgett, Editor in Chief April 5, 2023

Effective immediately, the University of North Florida has banned anyone on campus Wi-Fi from using TikTok, according to a university-wide email late Wednesday afternoon.  The ban also applies to Tencent...

The Chabad of Southside’s entrance.

How the Chabad of Southside has helped Jacksonville students prepare for Passover

Carter Mudgett, Editor in Chief April 5, 2023

Jewish people worldwide celebrate Passover today, a holiday commemorating their liberation from Egypt in ancient times. The first two nights of Passover are when Jews hold a Seder, a 15-step feast full...

A rainbow-dyed rose in focus on the right side of the image. Three members of the small band are blurred in the back

The world is better with color, not without; UNF LGBTQ Center event highlights

Carter Mudgett, Editor in Chief April 3, 2023

It was 6 p.m. on a Friday night, and light streamed through the Museum of Contemporary Art’s front windows in downtown Jacksonville. The first few dozen of about 100 guests were just arriving, there...

This year’s event was titled “The Grayscale: A World Without Color.” Each table had a bouquet of white flowers with one rainbow-dyed rose.

[Photo] Resisting, fighting added to celebration of Pride Month this year, UNF LGBTQ director says

Mallory Pace, News Editor June 21, 2023

This year’s event was titled “The Grayscale: A World Without Color.” Each table had a bouquet of white flowers with one rainbow-dyed rose.

Protesters stood in the rain, continuing chants and speeches regardless of the weather.

Student activists call for change in Florida capitol ‘rain or shine’

Carter Mudgett, Editor in Chief March 28, 2023

Rain poured down in slanted sheets, and thunder clapped overhead as protesters stood on the very edge of the Florida A&M University’s Amphitheatre green Tuesday afternoon, their chants echoing off...

Protesters stood in the rain, continuing chants and speeches regardless of the weather.

[Photo] Behind the students of activist group Students for a Democratic Society

Grae Barron, Reporter April 21, 2023

Protesters stood in the rain, continuing chants and speeches regardless of the weather.

UNFs award-winning LGBTQ Center was founded in 2006.

UNF scrubs all mention of “drag queen” from LGBTQ Center website

Carter Mudgett, Editor in Chief March 24, 2023

The LGBTQ Center’s “Signature Events” page—which included information about drag, sex education and other annual events—was readded to their website Friday afternoon after the University of North...

A UNF student holds up an LGBTQ flag with a fist at a protest

UNF LGBTQ Center told to delete webpage with drag, sex education event information

Carter Mudgett and Mallory Pace March 24, 2023

A portion of the University of North Florida LGBTQ Center’s website containing information about drag queen brunches, sex education and other annual events disappeared on Thursday.  Housed in a drop-down...

UNF logo

Update: UPD investigation found “major discrepancies” in student’s story alleging fondling, police chief says

Liam Sanderson and Carter Mudgett March 23, 2023

[This article was updated Friday, March 24, to include new information about how UNF police determined the alleged crime never actually happened.] On March 6, the University of North Florida Police...

Emily Sullivan

Judicial complaint against Soar Party chair leaves UNF election frozen

Marissa Cannegieter and Carter Mudgett March 22, 2023

A judicial complaint filed against Soar Party chair Emily Sullivan Wednesday leaves the University of North Florida’s election invalid until it’s resolved. Running uncontested, Sullivan is the student...

Florida Rep. Alex Andrade on the House floor in 2021. Photo courtesy of the Florida House of Representatives photo album.

HB 999 mirrors DeSantis pledge to eliminate diversity funding in Florida higher education

Grae Barron and Carter Mudgett March 10, 2023

Florida House Bill 999 has sparked mass debate over the future of Florida public universities as it looks to establish new guidelines for employment and degree programs if passed.  The new proposed...

SG - Student Government

Resolution advocating for mental health days delayed after procedural issue; UNF president to speak at next Senate meeting

Carter Mudgett, Editor in Chief March 10, 2023

Because of a procedural issue with how the bill was originally forwarded, Senate pushed a resolution advocating for mental health days at the University of North Florida back to committees during their...

The OneJax Institute. (Logo courtesy of OneJax)

OneJax cuts ties with UNF as state looks to eliminate diversity initiatives

Carter Mudgett, Editor in Chief March 8, 2023

The OneJax Institute, an interfaith organization dedicated to diversity, announced Wednesday that it had unanimously voted to dissolve its connection with the University of North Florida, citing a desire...

UNF logo

Alert: UNF police seeking suspect who allegedly “fondled” student on-campus

Carter Mudgett and Mallory Pace March 6, 2023

This story was updated Tuesday, March 7, 2023, changing the headline from "UNF police seeking suspect who sexually assaulted student on-campus" to "UNF police seeking suspect who allegedly "fondled" student...

University of North Florida sign

UNF president seeks to reassure community after protests with campus-wide email

Carter Mudgett, Editor in Chief March 3, 2023

Reaffirming the University of North Florida’s commitment to free speech, civil discourse, academic excellence and transparency, President Moez Limayem made good on a promise to students at last week’s...

Donna Deegan in a red shirt

Deegan leads race for Jacksonville mayor and crime is at the forefront of voters’ minds, new UNF poll shows

Carter Mudgett, Editor in Chief February 28, 2023

Democrat Donna Deegan leads her opponents by 18% in the crowded race for Jacksonville’s next mayor, according to a new poll released by the University of North Florida’s Public Opinion Research Lab...

The Board of Trustees met Monday morning for their quarterly meeting.

UNF Board of Trustees unanimously approve on-campus housing rate increase

Carter Mudgett, Editor in Chief February 27, 2023

On-campus housing rates at the University of North Florida will increase across the next three years after the Board of Trustees approved a proposal Monday morning. The changes will be applied to the upcoming...

Student Government banner

Chief diversity officer delivers message of honesty and support to UNF Senate

Marissa Cannegieter and Carter Mudgett February 24, 2023

One day after a fiery town hall meeting between University of North Florida President Moez Limayem and students, Chief Diversity Officer Dr. Richmond Wynn delivered a message of honesty, support and respect...

University of North Florida students shouted chants over music in the Student Union as they participated in a Florida-wide walkout on Feb. 23, 2023.

“Why won’t you protect us?” students ask UNF president during heated town hall meeting

Carter Mudgett, Editor in Chief February 23, 2023

Students confronted University of North Florida President Moez Limayem about campus safety, transparency and diversity issues during a Thursday afternoon town hall meeting that began with an ask for respect...

A blue Spinnaker microphone against a blurry background

Letter from the Editor: Student journalism is influential, so listen to it

Carter Mudgett, Editor in Chief February 23, 2023

The importance of a free press cannot be overstated. That is true across journalism, including student journalism. While there is no real difference, some associate the latter with lesser journalism. That’s...

UNF logo

Scabies cases at UNF rise from 13 to 16

Carter Mudgett, Editor in Chief February 20, 2023

Sixteen University of North Florida students have been either exposed to or diagnosed with scabies by Student Health Services as of Monday, the department reported.   It’s been over two weeks since...

UNF logo

UNF receives $750,000 for cybersecurity infrastructure, virtual cloud computing

Carter Mudgett, Editor in Chief February 14, 2023

Working to boost faculty and student access to computers and research labs, the University of North Florida Information Technology Services recently received $750,000 to support “much-needed” virtual...

Six students raise their fists in the air while holding a Students for a Democratic Society sign

‘Protect us’: UNF SDS to hold rally next week calling for university response

Carter Mudgett, Editor in Chief February 14, 2023

The University of North Florida’s Students for a Democratic Society, a student-led on-campus activist group, will hold a rally next week to speak out against Gov. Ron DeSantis’s pledge to curb diversity...

UNF logo

Over 300 UNF freshmen dorm residents notified of possible exposure to scabies

Carter Mudgett, Editor in Chief February 9, 2023

As of Thursday afternoon, University of North Florida Student Health Services has identified 13 students who either required treatment for infection or treatment for exposure to scabies, SHS Director Valerie...

Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry (back right), UF President Ben Sasse (close right), UF Board of Trustees Chair Mori Hosseini (close left) and another official. (Photo courtesy of the City of Jacksonville)

UF, Jacksonville propose new graduate campus focused on health administration and AI

Carter Mudgett, Editor in Chief February 7, 2023

The City of Jacksonville and the University of Florida announced a new partnership on Tuesday that would bring a new graduate facility specializing in medicine, business and engineering to the city.  Courses...

SG - Student Government

SG launches survey to gauge opinions about diversity, equity and inclusion at UNF

Carter Mudgett, Editor in Chief February 6, 2023

On the heels of Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’s pledge to defund all diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives at state institutions last week, the University of North Florida’s Student Government released...

Pentatonix performed for a packed Vystar Veterans Memorial Arena on Wednesday, Dec. 14, 2022.

Through the eyes of a photographer: December and January

Carter Mudgett, Editor in Chief February 1, 2023

A month into the new year, check out Spinnaker's gallery of photos from Dec. 2022 and Jan. 2023! ___ For more information or news tips, or if you see an error in this story or have any compliments...

DeSantis

Pushing “the philosophy of Western Civilization” in Florida education, DeSantis pledges to defund all DEI initiatives in state universities

Carter Mudgett, Editor in Chief January 31, 2023

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis announced during a press conference Tuesday morning that diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives at state universities will be completely defunded.  DeSantis’s legislative...

Small purple flowers at the base of the statue

[Photo] New additions to campus botanical gardens look to connect UNF students with nature

Aubrey Lowery, Multimedia Journalist January 31, 2023

Small purple flowers surround the Martin Luther King Jr. statue in Peace Plaza Garden.

A protester holds a Stop Death By Cops sign with names of black people killed by police written on it

“No more bloodshed. No more pain,” UNF SDS student protester tells crowd at Jacksonville rally

Carter Mudgett, Editor in Chief January 29, 2023

Dozens of Jacksonville citizens joined the ranks of protesters in cities across America as they rallied in front of the Duval County Courthouse on Sunday, calling for police reform and accountability.  The...

A collage that Rosenbloom created in 2022 from submitted photos with variations of one recurring message: “We remember.” (Photo courtesy of Sam Rosenbloom)

The world honors Holocaust victims today. “Never forget,” UNF student says

Carter Mudgett, Editor in Chief January 27, 2023

“A burnt sacrifice offered whole to God.”  Translated from its Greek origin, that’s the definition of “Holocaust.” From when it began in 1941 until it ended in 1945, approximately six million...

Spinnaker alum places for Hearst journalism award

Spinnaker alum places for Hearst journalism award

Carter Mudgett, Editor in Chief January 26, 2023

Lauren Fox, Spinnaker’s former police reporter and managing editor, placed among the top 20 winners of the Hearst Journalism Awards Program’s explanatory reporting competition, according to results...

UNF Student Union

Less than 1% of state-supplied budget put toward CRT, DEI initiatives, UNF reports

Carter Mudgett, Editor in Chief January 26, 2023

The University of North Florida reported that over $3 million of funding is put toward critical race theory and diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, according to records released to Spinnaker.  Complying...

UNF logo

UNF to propose housing rental rate increase at February BOT meeting, first increase in 8 years

Carter Mudgett, Editor in Chief January 23, 2023

[Updated Jan. 26, 2023 to change date of Board of Trustees meeting. The BOT will meet on Feb. 27, 2023 not Jan. 27, 2023. Spinnaker apologizes for the mistake.] The University of North Florida (UNF)...

DeSantis

Florida universities pivot again to supply DeSantis with records of gender-affirming care

Carter Mudgett, Editor in Chief January 18, 2023

[This story was updated at 11:45 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 19, 2023, to include a statement from the University of North Florida, received by Spinnaker Thursday morning.] Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has...

Load More Stories