Brooks College of Health – March 2026 Dean's Update

DearBCHfamily,

Thismonth reflects strong momentum across the Brooks College of Health,withcontinued growth in enrollment, expanded partnershipsand meaningful student impact.

27% ADMITTED GRADUATE 42% GRADUATE CREDIT HOURS

UNF: 29% of UNF total

Largest increase among UNF colleges

BCH continues to see strong enrollment performance across programs, reflecting focused marketing, recruitment and program alignment efforts. We are working closely with university partners to convert applicants into enrolled students and sustain this growth.

Celebr and Do

Nearly200students, donors, faculty and university leadersgatheredfor the 2026 Brooks College of Health ScholarshipCelebration, recognizing student achievement and strengthening meaningful connections acrossthecollege.

Theevent highlighted the impact of philanthropy, with donorsengaging directly with studentsand learning how theirsupport is shaping academic and career pathways. KeynotespeakerDr. Carl Doughty reinforced the importance ofcontinued investment instudent success.

200+ attendees

Students • Donors

Faculty • Leaders

Expanding Access to Maternal Mental Health Through Telehealth

$400,000

TheUniversityof North Florida has been awarded a $400,000grant fromthe Florida Blue Foundation to advance the Osprey Psych Telehealth Maternal Mental Health Initiative, led by Dr.Marie Smith-East

This initiative expands access to perinatal and postpartum behavioral health care through telehealth, bilingual support and AI-enabled tools.

Byincreasingaccess to timely, culturally responsive care,thiswork helps remove barriers for families duringcriticalstages of maternal and infant health. Theinitiativerepresents an important step in making caremoreaccessible, innovative and responsive to communityneeds.

NEURAXIAL ADJUNCTS

Advancing Anesthesia Practice Through Education and Innovation

Inaugural symposium brings together faculty, students and clinicians

The BrooksCollege ofHealth Nurse Anesthesiology program hostedits inaugural symposium, welcoming faculty, students and cliniciansfora day focused on advancing anesthesia practice. Theeventfeatured presentations centered on integrating currentresearch into clinical care across theperioperative process. The symposium reflectsthe program’s

The Effectiveness of Caffeine in Preventing Perioperative Headaches in Chronic Caffeine Users

Strengthening Academic and Clinical Partnerships

The School of Nursing Advisory Board spring 2026 meeting brought together nursing leaders and stakeholders to discuss program development, health care trends and strategic priorities. The meeting strengthened partnerships and provided valuable guidance to enhance student learning and clinical experiences.

Engaging Future Ospreys

More than 300 prospective students and families connected with the Brooks College of Health during Admitted Ospreys Day, engaging with faculty, advisers and current students. These interactions highlighted the college’s hands-on learning environment, career pathways and commitment to preparing the next generation of health professionals.

Expanding Professional Connections

and Career Pathways

Students and faculty from the Brooks College of Health engaged with health care leaders at the American College of Healthcare Executives Congress, gaining insight into leadership, innovation and emerging trends in the field.

Students in the Master of Science in Health Informatics program also attended the HIMSS Global Health Conference, exploring advancements in digital health, data systems and technology shaping the future of care. These experiences strengthen career readiness and expand professional networks.

Advancing Collaboration and Community Impact

Students from across Brooks College of Health programs participated in an interprofessional capstonecompetition, working in teams toaddress complex health challenges. The experience brought together students from multiple disciplines to develop solutionsfocused on improving patient outcomes and community health. Teams exploredreal-world issues including food insecurity, mental healthconditions and access topreventivecare. Throughcollaboration, students strengthened communication, critical thinking and problem-solving skills essential for today’s health care workforce.

STRENGTHENING REGIONAL PARTNERSHIPS

Brooks College of Health continues to expand its impact through partnerships that support health care education and workforce development across Northeast Florida. University leadership attended the grand opening of Lincoln Memorial University’s health sciences campus in Orange Park, reinforcing a shared commitment to advancing medical education and strengthening the regional health care workforce.

Building a Healthier Campus Community

The Healthy Osprey Advisory Board launched the first SoaringintoWellness Block Party, bringing together students, faculty and staffthrough interactive wellness activities and campus partnerships.

Led by public health studentinterns and supported by Brooks College of Health departments andcommunity partners, the event highlighted UNF’s commitment to holistic health and a thriving campus culture. Plans are underway to makethis an annual spring tradition.

We remain committed to advancing the college’s growth, supporting our faculty and staff, and ensuring the success of our students. Please feel free to reach out with any questions.

Thank you.

BCH Deans