UCF College of Community Innovation and Education

Internship experience is a vital part of our UCF SGHMI programs, and the hands-on learning opportunities students receive accelerates their careers in healthcare administration. Orlando Health internship partner and alum Jose Araneta '14 has been an instrumental mentor for current Knights, helping them navigate the ins and outs of working for a large healthcare organization — and his desire to do so was sparked by his own internship experience 11 years ago.

One of our alumni is about to embark on an exciting new chapter! Vanessa Lopez-Littleton, a graduate of the public affairs PhD program, has been named the new dean of the School of Nursing & Health Studies at the University of Washington Bothell, effective November 1, 2024. With nearly three decades of leadership experience under her belt and a strong background in award-winning research focused on health equity and community wellness, Lopez-Littleton is ready to equip the next generation of healthcare professionals to make a real impact.

We love when our alumni come back to visit! From cornhole and Jenga competitions to great food and friends, the CCIE Alumni Tailgate this past weekend was the perfect opportunity to reconnect with members of the college community while cheering our Knights on. 🖤💛 (Photos by UCF Alumni Engagement & Annual Giving)

At the University of Central Florida, we're committed to fostering a vibrant workplace where staff thrive and grow together. Associate Director of Research Administration Erin Blackwell, an alumna of UCF School of Public Administration's online master's in research administration program, celebrates this supportive environment. Since earning her degree in 2017, she has taken on leadership roles, expanded her team and worked to integrate services that support our faculty. "At UCF, staff are just as valued as the faculty and students. It's great to be in an environment that provides the support and resources we need to succeed." https://lnkd.in/eDFA97E7

Nonprofits are driven by people who are passionate about a cause, but it takes more than motivation to keep them operating sustainably. Our UCF Center For Public and Nonprofit Management helps equip nonprofit professionals in Orange and Osceola counties with the necessary skillsets for nonprofit management through capacity-building and financial-management seminars. From board governance and strategic planning to grant writing and resource stewardship, the workshops are a prime opportunity to assist community partners in achieving their goals. Check out how it works. 👇 https://lnkd.in/eQScCRQh

Elizabeth Dooley, professor of exceptional student education, received a $1.2 million U.S. Department of Education grant to help address the shortage of special education teachers here in Florida. The grant will fund 40 exceptional student education master's students over the next five years through Project Next-Gen SET, and the first cohort of 10 full-time teachers from Orange and Osceola counties is underway. The program caters to the specific needs of current teachers and enables them to continue working and earn their master's degrees simultaneously. https://lnkd.in/g2RhaXf5

In recognition of her early-career work and dedication to becoming a leader in education, Earlisha Whitfield was honored with the Emerging Leader Award from the SITE Conference - Society for Information Technology & Teacher Education at its National Technology Leadership Summit last week. As an assistant professor of reading education, Whitfield's passion and research primarily focus on reading education and how to improve access to instructional technology for literacy development. Congratulations! https://lnkd.in/eJScDuHv

It’s official: UCF has been ranked by U.S. News & World Report as one of the most innovative universities in the nation — and the most innovative in Florida for the seventh year in a row! We innovate by fostering impactful partnerships that empower social mobility. That’s why our college is leveraging partnerships with local school districts, nonprofits, community organizations and industry partners to ultimately help build stronger communities. ✨

Supporting the communities we serve is part of our mission; after all, there's a reason we have community in our name! We're so grateful for the CCIE AlumKnights who joined us Saturday at Heart of Florida United Way, where we created 116 Welcome Home Comfort Kits for children in need during our Knights Give Back day of service. This heartwarming volunteer experience also served as a reminder of how important partnerships are in building stronger communities!

In August, Abi Ruiz was one of 14 teachers in the Noyce fellowship program to graduate with a doctorate in curriculum and instruction with a specialization in K-8 mathematics education. Now, the triple Knight is using what she’s learned to not only mentor and empower fellow mathematics teachers, but also to help her Orange County Public Schools elementary students discover the joy of math. WFTV Channel 9 recently highlighted Ruiz’s story and how her education at UCF inspired her to become a teacher leader and advocate for math education! https://lnkd.in/ed3RV8zt