USF’s Dr. Deep Sea breaks world record for living underwater University of South Florida 2023-05-15 | Hyperbaric researcher and biomedical engineer Joseph Dituri surpassed 73 days underwater on May 13. Read the full story on usf.edu/news
Andrew Devendorf | Boundless Bulls University of South Florida 2023-05-11 | Andrew Devendorf’s family history inspired his passion to promote mental health literacy. Since an early age, he noticed the stigmas and lack of open dialogue about mental health, particularly depression. His older brother, Matt, suffered from depression, and sadly it resulted in his suicide. His death significantly impacted Devendorf’s life and motivated his research on how societal stigmas affect outcomes for individuals with depression. He’s also working to find new ways to normalize conversations about mental health, especially with clinical psychologists, who tend to distance their own mental health from their work.“Psychologists are not immune to mental health problems and that’s okay,” Devendorf said. “By us being openly accepting of our own mental health problems, I’m hoping we can set a good example for how others can talk openly and seek care.”USF’s Counseling Center offers several confidential mental health resources including in-person and virtual visits with a crisis counselor. The center also provides access to Togetherall , a free anonymous peer support platform, and TimelyCare, a virtual health and well-being platform and mobile app that’s free to current students. https://www.usf.edu/student-affairs/counseling-center/
The Moms Project University of South Florida 2023-05-09 | Three emeritus professors from the USF College of Behavioral and Community Sciences are honoring their mothers by providing students a gift that was unavailable to most women of their mothers’ generation – the gift of education. The Moms Project has funded 44 student scholarships since being established in 2012. Visit https://intra2.cbcs.usf.edu/cbcs/MomsProject/donate.php to learn more about how to honor your mother by making a contribution to The Moms Project in her name.
USF Spring 2023 Commencement Ceremony | May 7th ceremony at 6:30 p.m. University of South Florida 2023-05-08 | The May 7th ceremony at 6:30 p.m. features doctoral degree recipients from the colleges of Arts and Sciences, Behavioral and Community Sciences, Muma College of Business, Education, Engineering, Marine Science, Morsani College of Medicine, Nursing, Taneja College of Pharmacy, Public Health, and The Arts
USF Spring 2023 Commencement Ceremony | May 7th ceremony at 1:30 p.m. University of South Florida 2023-05-07 | The May 7th ceremony at 1:30 p.m. features master’s degree recipients from the colleges of Behavioral and Community Sciences, Engineering, Morsani College of Medicine, Nursing, Taneja College of Pharmacy, and Public Health
USF Spring 2023 Commencement Ceremony | May 7th ceremony at 9 a.m. University of South Florida 2023-05-07 | The May 7th ceremony at 9 a.m. features master’s and educational specialist degree recipients from the colleges of Arts and Sciences, Muma College of Business, Education, Patel College of Global Sustainability, Graduate Studies, Marine Science, and The Arts
USF Spring 2023 Commencement Ceremony |May 6th ceremony at 6:30 p.m. University of South Florida 2023-05-07 | The May 6th ceremony at 6:30 p.m. features bachelor’s degree recipients from the College of Behavioral and Community Sciences and the Chemistry Department of the College of Arts and Sciences
USF Spring 2023 Commencement Ceremony | May 6th ceremony at 1:30 p.m. University of South Florida 2023-05-06 | The May 6th ceremony at 1:30 p.m. features bachelor’s degree recipients from the following departments of the College of Arts and Sciences: School of Geosciences, Integrative Biology, Mathematics and Statistics, Molecular Biosciences, Physics, Psychology, and Sustainability Studie
USF Spring 2023 Commencement Ceremony | May 6th ceremony at 9 a.m. University of South Florida 2023-05-06 | The May 6th ceremony at 9 a.m. features bachelor’s degree recipients from the following departments of the College of Arts and Sciences: Zimmerman School of Advertising and Mass Communications, Anthropology, Communication, Economics, English, History, Humanities and Cultural Studies, School of Information, School of Interdisciplinary Global Studies, Journalism and Digital Communication, Philosophy, Religious Studies, Sociology and Interdisciplinary Social Sciences, Women’s and Gender Studies, and World Languages
USF Spring 2023 Commencement Ceremony | May 5th ceremony at 6:30 p.m. University of South Florida 2023-05-06 | The May 5th ceremony at 6:30 p.m. features bachelor’s degree recipients from the colleges of Education, Engineering and The Arts
2023 Spring Commencement Recap University of South Florida 2023-05-05 | The University of South Florida awarded more than 7,100 degrees during the 2023 Spring Commencement. Congratulations, Bulls!
USF Spring 2023 Commencement Ceremony | Friday, May 5th at 1:30 p.m. University of South Florida 2023-05-05 | The May 5th ceremony at 1:30 p.m. features bachelor’s degree recipients from the colleges of Nursing and Public Health
USF Spring 2023 Commencement Ceremony | Friday, May 5th at 9 a.m. University of South Florida 2023-05-05 | The May 5th ceremony at 9 a.m. features bachelor’s degree recipients from the Muma College of Business and the Office of Undergraduate Studies
Innovation In Online Design & Teaching Award 2023 University of South Florida 2023-05-02 | Sanghoon Park, winner of the 2023 Innovation In Online Design and Teaching Award, shows off his online course design and unique engagement tactics. | Video by: USF Innovative EducationLearn more about Park's research and course: https://www.usf.edu/news/2023/associate-professor-develops-motivational-chatbot-and-candyland-like-maze-to-ensure-student-success.pcf
Construction of the Judy Genshaft Honors College building to conclude with classroom experience University of South Florida 2023-04-26 | USF is just a few weeks away from the grand opening of the Judy Genshaft Honors College building and its construction has provided students first-hand experience in a variety of fields, such as engineering, architecture, interior design and sustainability. For the last four semesters, the college has offered a capstone course called Exploring Behind the Veil: The New Honors Building. The course has had a different focus each semester – depending on the stage of construction – where students participated in regular tours of the building to document the construction process.
Andrew Carroll | Boundless Bulls University of South Florida 2023-04-25 | USF associate dance professor Andrew Carroll spent the first ten years of his career performing as a soloist for Philadelphia Ballet. “The performing chapter of my life was so extraordinary,” said Carroll, who teaches ballet in the School of Theatre and Dance.When a teaching position became available at the University of Akron, Carroll’s alma mater, he took the opportunity to start the next chapter of his career in the university setting. While Carroll was initially worried if any career would measure up to the thrill of performing on stage, he quickly realized he liked teaching even more. “To see these students excelling is also super rewarding,” Carroll said.Shortly after joining USF in 2010, Carroll was commissioned by The Florida Department of Health to produce a dance video that illustrates proper procedures for new cleaning staff and use dance as the language. The video became an international success and led to two more commissions. This inspired Carroll to produce more videos to raise awareness for bullying, suicide and human sex trafficking, all of which have been implemented in educational programs worldwide.Carroll also works with Arts4All Florida to teach Parkinson’s in Movement, a hybrid series of classes based on the Dance for Parkinson’s Disease program. The in-person and virtual classes help people with limited mobility, Parkinson’s or related conditions, stretch and stimulate balance and sensory awareness.
Gerry Bohanon | Boundless Bulls University of South Florida 2023-04-10 | As starting quarterback for the USF Bulls football team, Gerry Bohanon, Jr., is enthusiastic about being at USF. His goal is to complete his studies, then play for the National Football League and later switch his position on the field and into the sidelines as a coach.
USF hospitality students gain real-world experience through internship program University of South Florida 2023-04-06 | The USF School of Hospitality and Tourism Management's internship program provides students with real-world experience at three- to five-star hotels and at USF’s on-campus dining locations. The Hospitality Industry Internship program also provides employment to a select group of graduate students. The success of this program is thanks to strong partnerships with McKibbon Hospitality, Aramark and Mainsail Lodging and Development.
USF anthropologists help local K-12 students how to grow fresh produce University of South Florida 2023-04-05 | Local 5th graders from the Academy Prep Center for Education in St. Petersburg in Pinellas County participate in the 15th Street Farm-Nutritional Education Program (15th St. Farm-NEP). A new USF-led initiative, led by David Himmelgreen, which brings gardening to local schools and communities.
Asa Oxner | Boundless Bulls University of South Florida 2023-04-05 | Dr. Asa Oxner is a two-time graduate of USF. She first received her bachelor’s degree in 2007 from the Judy Genshaft Honors College, where she majored in biomedical sciences, and her medical degree from the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine in 2011. As a young student, Oxner was inspired by the Indiana Jones adventure movies and wanted to be an archaeologist. However, her father persuaded her to try a science class first. She excelled in the coursework and decided to instead pursue a medical degree. But Oxner never let go of her love for adventure.
The USF iPad band, Touch University of South Florida 2023-03-24 | The University of South Florida’s iPad band, Touch, is a student-led music ensemble. Audience participation is a key part of the band’s concerts, creating a lively experience where everyone is on their feet. Touch was formed in 2010 when Apple first introduced the iPad and inspired founder, David Williams, director of the USF School of Music, to explore the possibility of creating music with the tablet. Catch Touch when their "Turn the Quiet Down" tour is in town for a free performance on Tuesday, April 4, at 7:30 p.m. inside the USF Concert Hall on the Tampa campus.
Beverly Frank | Boundless Bulls University of South Florida 2023-03-21 | Growing up in St. Petersburg, Beverly Frank was more concerned with helping support her family than dreaming about what her own future might hold. She got a full-time job in a Chinese restaurant at age 12, and later went on to work in the insurance industry. But after getting laid off, Frank decided to pursue a degree at the University of South Florida. Her path eventually led her to USF’s School of Architecture and Community Design, and she fell in love. Today, as the principal of BFRANK Studio, Frank has designed structures on all three of USF’s campuses, as well as municipal and civic work and several projects with the Tampa Bay Lightning. Her work has resulted in some of the most beautiful and welcoming spaces on the USF St. Petersburg campus, including The Edge, a student lounge and gathering spot on the waterfront, and the first-floor renovation of the Nelson Poynter Memorial Library. Frank was recently named president of the Florida Association of the American Institute of Architects or AIA Florida. She is the first USF graduate and the first Asian American woman to hold the position. Frank said one of her goals as AIA president is to help people recognize the important role architects play in helping shape our communities, emphasizing the word “profession.” "The very root of the word means 'a vow.’ Architects make a deep commitment to building a world that is better, more beautiful and more resilient," Frank said. "We are also entrusted with the health, safety and welfare of our communities."
USF-developed app creates augmented reality experience for downtown Clearwater murals University of South Florida 2023-03-09 | The University of South Florida’s Access 3D Lab and Advanced Visualization Center are helping bring four murals to life in downtown Clearwater through a new partnership with the city’s Community Redevelopment Agency. A first of its kind for the Tampa Bay region, the ARTours Clearwater mobile application takes users on an interactive tour throughout the city using virtual and augmented realities. To learn more about the Downtown Clearwater Mural Program and download the ARTours app, visit downtownclearwater.com/artours
Get to know USF Provost Prasant Mohapatra University of South Florida 2023-03-06 | Welcoming Prasant Mohapatra as USF’s new provost and executive vice president of academic affairs. Mohapatra comes to USF from the University of California, Davis, where he has served as vice chancellor for research since 2018.
Jeanne Travers | Boundless Bulls University of South Florida 2023-03-02 | For USF dance Professor Jeanne Travers, dance is a way of life. “My mom says I was dancing the minute I burst into the world,” said Travers, who teaches modern dance, choreography, entry seminar and pedagogy in the School of Theatre and Dance. While earning her undergraduate and graduate degrees, Travers fell in love with the university community for all its possibilities to work as a professional dancer, choreographer and teacher for new generations of artists. Throughout her time at USF, Travers has taken joy in working collaboratively to choreograph performances that focus on issues of social justice that help educate audiences. “Choreography can be inspired by everything and anything,” Travers said. Travers is finalizing the collaborative film, “Murmurs of a River: An Interdisciplinary, Collaborative, Dance-Theatre Film Project," funded by grants from USF Research and Innovation and the College of the Arts.There are a number of free performances scheduled throughout the spring semester, including the annual USF Spring Dance Concert. Ticket reservation information can be found here: ticketmaster.com/usf-theatre-1-tickets-tampa/venue/106945
Media Availability: USF researcher attempts to set world record by living underwater for 100 days University of South Florida 2023-03-02 | A University of South Florida associate professor is attempting to break a world record by living underwater for 100 days. Joseph Dituri is studying how the human body responds to long-term exposure to extreme pressure – all while teaching his biomedical engineering class online.On March 2, media were given the opportunity to speak with Dituri and ask questions. Full story: https://www.usf.edu/news/2023/usf-researcher-attempts-to-set-world-record-by-living-underwater-for-100-days-hopes-to-emerge-super-human.aspx
USF School of Music offers free classes to the community University of South Florida 2023-02-17 | The University of South Florida College of The Arts is on a mission to make the performing arts more accessible to the community. Standing by this mission, the USF School of Music has launched two, 10-week courses for free as a part of its USF Community Music Project. Open to nearly all ages and levels, this semester’s courses are Shades of Broadway and Beatmakers Club.
McArthur Freeman | Boundless Bulls University of South Florida 2023-02-16 | From drawing to sculpting, to photography, video, animation and 3D printing, McArthurFreeman’s artwork explores the Black diaspora. His diverse methods inspire students to pursue careers in the fine arts and entertainment fields. Using traditional art methods with cutting-edge technology, the associate professor of animation and digital modeling visually explores alternate realities and Black representation. His work draws from fairy tales and science fiction to critically engage real-life events. In his latest work, Imagine Blackness: Alternate Realities and Collective Dreaming, Freeman collaborates with his wife and USF Associate Professor Elizabeth Horge-Freeman to create evocative AI-generated images that imagine new possibilities. The collaborative project is also a thought experiment where “what if” questions are pursued without constraints, such as “what if we developed communities in space, what would our encounters in space be like?” “We were intentional about highlighting racial features that have been historically devalued,” Freeman said in a recent artist talk hosted by Creative Pinellas.
Les Shaw | Boundless Bull University of South Florida 2023-02-02 | Since Professor Lindsey (Les) Shaw joined USF as a researcher in 2007, he’s discovered several systems within bacteria cells that have led to significant therapeutic developments for treating drug-resistant bacteria. He attributes his success to USF’s interdisciplinary and collegial community of scientists.Shaw’s collaborative work with chemistry researchers has led to significant findings. One example is discovering Darwinolide, a compound extracted from a sea sponge from Antarctica by Bill Baker, a professor in the Department of Chemistry. Shaw tested the compound in one of his biofilm assays and discovered it successfully attacked the biofilm, the microorganism’s protective coat.
Christine Grossman | Boundless Bulls University of South Florida 2023-02-02 | Christine Grossman had always felt fulfilled with the life she made for herself. She moved to central Florida to be closer to her parents and loved her work in the restaurant industry. But after hearing about the horrifying experiences of several young, transgender coworkers, Grossman decided she needed to make a change and find a way to support her LGBTQ+ community. A native of Long Island, New York, Grossman identifies as a cisgender lesbian woman. When she came out in her youth, she says she had access to plenty of support, resources and a thriving community. But as she’s gotten older, she’s realized that not everyone is as fortunate. So, she transferred to the USF St. Petersburg campus to gain the skills and knowledge she needs to one day open a nonprofit community center and housing facility for LGBTQ+ youth.
Sarah Painter | Boundless Bull University of South Florida 2023-02-02 | Sarah Painter is a fifth-grade teacher in Pinellas County, Fla. who has spent more than 18 years serving in the classroom. Her talent for developing lasting connections with her students and their families led her to be named Florida’s 2022 Teacher of the Year—a role in which she helps celebrate Florida teachers and elevate the education profession.
Manley Jaquiss | Boundless Bulls University of South Florida 2023-02-02 | Manley Jacquiss, is one of USF’s most famed alumni. In a sense, Jacquiss never really left USF since that first time he stepped on the Tampus campus forty years ago. He attends almost all the games and alumni events with his and and daughter who are also USF alumni. His constant engagement led to his role as the Alumni Association’s director, in which he served for two terms. Jacquiss and his family continue to be involved at many levels of the university community. Jacquiss’ student experience was transformative. His initial plan was to become a dentist, but after taking Kathleen Heide’s Intro to Criminology course, Jacquiss excitedly pursued his studies at the College of Community and Behavioral Sciences. In 1986, Jacquiss earned his bachelor’s degree in Criminology and in 2015, he completed a master’s degree in Criminal Justice Administration. “Both degrees prepared me and got me excited about my job, Jacquiss said. “It lit a fuse that still burns to this day.” Jacquiss applies the ethics and concepts he learned in his long-standing career at the Florida Department of Corrections as a Senior Correctional Supervisor. Boundless Bulls is a collection of stories about what truly makes USF great – the people. It is a focus on our community footprint, our impact and the trajectory of where we can go together. To nominate a member of the USF community for Boundless Bulls, please fill out this submission form. usf.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0CeATHjvtwg
Rio Tate | Boundless Bulls University of South Florida 2023-02-02 | U.S. Air Force veteran Rio Tate was awarded the 2022 Tillman Scholarship through the Pat Tillman Foundation for his commitment to service work through research. Since high school, Tate was set on earning his higher education degrees and learning more about how the brain works. Tate joined the U.S. Air Force to help pay for his education and completed his bachelor’s degree while on active duty. While stationed in Iraq, Tate searched for a doctoral program to pursue his research on cognitive decline and found his home at the School of Aging Studies in the College of Behavioral and Community Sciences. Tate is now determined to continue to serve his community through inclusive research that focuses on disparities in dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. “African Americans are more likely to have Alzheimer’s but not as likely to be involved in data analysis,” Tate said. “So, I’m trying to fill this research gap.”Boundless Bulls is a collection of stories about what truly makes USF great – the people. It is a focus on our community footprint, our impact and the trajectory of where we can go together. To nominate a member of the USF community for Boundless Bulls, please fill out this submission form. usf.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0CeATHjvtwg
Freeman Talla | Boundless Bulls University of South Florida 2023-02-02 | Freeman Talla enrolled at USF with big goals. He is determined to expand the solar power sector in his native Cameroon, Africa. Inspired by the tragic death of his aunt, who died while seeking emergency medical care during a power outage, Talla plans to start a business that will offer a sustainable solution. “There is no reliability. On average, people lose 35 hours of power per week,” Talla said. “At the same time, there is a disparity between the rich and the poor – most people can’t even pay for electricity.”Talla feels responsible for improving the future of Cameroon and his time at USF is spent refining his plan and building his resource network. Talla is based on the USF Sarasota-Manatee campus and is a dual-major graduate student in the Muma College of Business and the College of Engineering. He improved his language and leadership skills while volunteering as an orientation tour guide for prospective students and families. Talla has also benifited from internships, competitions, experiential learning opportunities and student organizations. “USF has helped tremendously getting close to that goal,” Talla said. This feature is part of USF's series of stories that celebrate the work and accomplishments of its community members throughout Black Heritage Month. A list of university events can be found here: https://www.usf.edu/student-affairs/multicultural-affairs/events/bhm.aspx
USF College of The Arts inspires local K-12 students through new outreach program University of South Florida 2023-01-31 | The University of South Florida College of The Arts is piloting an outreach program to bring interactive music, theater and dance performances to students in Hillsborough County Public Schools – a reflection of USF’s commitment to community engagement. Learn more here 👉 usf.edu/news/2023/usf-college-of-the-arts-inspires-local-k-12-students-through-new-outreach-program.aspx
USFs 8th President | Inauguration Recap University of South Florida 2023-01-23 | It was a multi-day celebration across Tampa Bay for the inauguration of Rhea Law, the 8th President of the University of South Florida.
Maxon Victor | Boundless Bulls University of South Florida 2023-01-20 | Maxon Victor’s life changed after he was struck by lightning the summer before his senior year in high school. At the time, Victor had a low GPA and he wasn’t thinking about college. The incident triggered a spark in him that never left. That fall, he aced his senior year, significantly improving his weighted average. Following graduation, Victor packed his things into a mini van and drove towards Tampa for the first time with his older brother who was transferring into USF. With $200 in his pocket, Victor had one goal: to do something great with his life.USF was a place of extreme growth for Victor. As a communications major, Victor thrived. By the end of his freshman year, he joined Student Government and several student organizations. His service work with the community inspired him to create Stampede of Service, an annual initiative designed to pay tribute to Martin Luther King, Jr. Since 2006, Stampede of Service has brought thousands of students and alumni together to volunteer across Tampa Bay. “You miss a golden opportunity if you don’t choose to serve in some capacity as a USF student,” Victor said. “Make it a priority in your life.”Victor continues his life of service as a program director for the National Youth Advocate Program in Tampa, which helps match foster parents with children who need safe homes. Victor remains involved with USF as a member of the African American Advisory Council.
USFs 8th President | The inauguration of Rhea Law University of South Florida 2023-01-20 | The University of South Florida Board of Trustees and President Law are honored to welcome delegates from fellow higher education institutions, including the State University System of Florida, Florida College System, American Athletic Conference, and more. Delegates will participate in the Investiture Ceremony at the Yuengling Center, including the academic processional.
Xiomara Montes Gil | Boundless Bull University of South Florida 2023-01-06 | USF was Xiomara Montes Gil’s top choice for college. She wanted to stay near her family in Orlando and enjoy USF’s diverse student community. Born in Lima, Peru, Montes Gil is focused on becoming the first in her family to graduate college and work in finance. Since high school, Montes Gil has worked hard to pave a path for herself – earning high grades and taking advantage of new opportunities, such as joining the Florida Business Leaders of America, the Hispanic Student Association, the school band and soccer team."“Being super involved and to excel in everything you do was something that my parents taught me from very early on,” Montes Gil said.As a freshman, Montes Gil was awarded USF’s Green and Gold Scholarship and the Bright Futures Scholarship and is completing a double major in finance and business analytics and information systems in the Muma College of Business. In 2021, she completed the JP Morgan Global Finance Internship program in New York City and was offered a full-time position there, which she’ll begin following commencement this spring. Boundless Bulls is a collection of stories about what truly makes USF great – the people. It is a focus on our community footprint, our impact and the trajectory of where we can go together. https://www.usf.edu/news/boundless-bulls/index.aspx
2022 Winter Commencement Recap University of South Florida 2022-12-12 | The University of South Florida awarded more than 4,500 degrees during fall commencement. The ceremonies included recipients of approximately 3,282 undergraduate, 1,101 master’s and 161 doctoral degrees. The group features 41 undergraduate students earning a perfect 4.0 GPA and 584 student veterans, and includes graduates from 49 states and 84 nations. At 18 years old, the youngest graduate earned a bachelor’s degree in biomedical sciences. The oldest graduate, who is 76 years old, received a bachelor’s degree in history. USF President Rhea Law presided over all ceremonies, which were held at the Yuengling Center on the Tampa campus.
USF Winter 2022 Commencement Ceremony | December 10 at 6:30 p.m. University of South Florida 2022-12-11 | The December 10 ceremony at 6:30 p.m. features Master’s, educational specialist and doctoral degree recipients from all colleges (approximately 720 graduates attended).
USF Winter 2022 Commencement Ceremony | December 10 at 1:30 p.m. University of South Florida 2022-12-10 | The December 10 at 1:30 p.m. commencement ceremony features Bachelor's degree recipients from the colleges of Engineering, Nursing, and Public Health, and from the following departments of the College of Arts and Sciences: Communication, English, History, Humanities and Cultural Studies, Philosophy, Religious Studies, and World Languages (approximately 720 graduates expected to attended).
USF Winter 2022 Commencement Ceremony | December 10 at 9 a.m. University of South Florida 2022-12-10 | The December 10 at 9 a.m. commencement ceremony features Bachelor’s degree recipients from the following departments of the College of Arts and Sciences: Zimmerman School of Advertising and Mass Communications; Anthropology; Cell Biology, Microbiology, and Molecular Biology; Integrative Biology; Chemistry; Economics; School of Geosciences; School of Information; School of Interdisciplinary Global Studies; Journalism and Digital Communication; Mathematics and Statistics; Physics; Psychology; School of Public Affairs; Sociology; and Women’s and Gender Studies (approximately 820 graduates attended).
USF Winter 2022 Commencement Ceremony | December 9 at 6:30 p.m. University of South Florida 2022-12-10 | The December 9 at 6:30 p.m. commencement ceremony features Bachelor’s degree recipients from the colleges of Behavioral and Community Sciences, Muma College of Business, Education, The Arts and the Office of Undergraduate Studies (approximately 690 graduates attended).
2022 Homecoming Parade and Carni-bull University of South Florida 2022-11-02 | Homecoming, a week-long celebration of USF pride and Bull spirit, is the most popular annual event of USF students, alumni, and the campus community.
Heather Walders | Boundless Bulls University of South Florida 2022-10-28 | Heather Walders approaches mental health and well-being holistically. As a mental health outreach clinician at the USF Counseling Center, Walders uses her background in social work, public health and yoga to consider how social pressures and current events impact her student clients. Throughout the semester, Walders facilitates workshops, visits residential students and conducts weekly counseling sessions. “We want to make sure that we can provide coping mechanisms for our students,” Walders said.Walders is also a USF alum and knows what it’s like to be a student balancing academics and the anxieties of young adult life. She earned a bachelor’s degree in mass communications (‘98) and master’s degrees in social work (‘14) and public health (‘15). The USF Counseling Center provides individual and group counseling services to more than 3,500 students each year, and extends its outreach and consultation services to more than 13,000 members of the USF community annually.To meet increased demand for mental health services, USF expanded resources this fall, including the launch of TimelyCare, a virtual health and well-being platform and mobile app that’s free to current students. USF also offers online platforms Togetherall and TAO.Boundless Bulls is a collection of stories about what truly makes USF great – the people. It is a focus on our community footprint, our impact and the trajectory of where we can go together. To nominate a member of the USF community for Boundless Bulls, please fill out this submission form. https://www.usf.edu/student-affairs/counseling-center/
Clara Buie | Boundless Bull University of South Florida 2022-09-23 | As director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Clara Buie focuses on inclusive excellence to support the university community and promote the value of multiple perspectives. Buie uses an intersectional approach, which considers accessibility, social economic status, sexual orientation and race, to create a sense of belonging for everyone.Buie partners closely with several university partners, such as the Office of Multicultural Affairs, to ensure that faculty and staff have the resources they need to help their students succeed. During Hispanic Heritage Month, Buie celebrates as a community leader and as an Afro-Latina from the Dominican Republic. “The month allows us to highlight the strength and resilience of our community,” Buie said. “And we will continue to do that throughout the year as we focus on our other communities and heritage celebrations.”Boundless Bulls is a collection of stories about what truly makes USF great – the people. It is a focus on our community footprint, our impact and the trajectory of where we can go together. To nominate a member of the USF community for Boundless Bulls, please fill out this submission form.
Nithin Palyam | Boundless Bull University of South Florida 2022-09-12 | As an international student, Nithin Palyam felt embraced by USF’s culture, which emphasizes inclusion, leadership and student success. Palyam’s college experience was his first time abroad and initially he was timid as a first-year student. Once he learned about the many student organizations and academic opportunities at USF, Palyam found himself immersed in a community of student leaders. As a computer science major in the College of Engineering and Student Government president, Palyam is a true reflection of his parents (his mother is a mayor and his father works in civil engineering). His goal is to complete his bachelor’s degree and join India’s growing technology industry as an international business leader. “I feel like I am right where I have to be for that dream to come into action,” Palyam said. Boundless Bulls is a collection of stories about what truly makes USF great – the people. It is a focus on our community footprint, our impact and the trajectory of where we can go together. To nominate a member of the USF community for Boundless Bulls, please fill out this submission form.
Andrea Davis | Boundless Bulls University of South Florida 2022-08-25 | Andrea Davis knew from an early age that stormy weather would be part of her career. But instead of pursuing meteorology, Davis turned her attention to helping communities impacted by natural hazards. As emergency coordinator of the USF Department of Emergency Management, Davis and her team are responsible for coordinating emergency operations to ensure a safe and secure environment. “One of the things I love about working here is the spontaneity,” Davis said. From monitoring thunderstorm warnings to hurricane alerts and the pandemic, Davis provides high-level guidance in managing emergency and crisis situations. Just last year, USF was recognized for maintaining a high-quality emergency management program, earning accreditation from the Emergency Management Accreditation Program – placing USF as one of the top higher education institutions in the nation for emergency preparedness.Boundless Bulls is a collection of stories about what truly makes USF great – the people. It is a focus on our community footprint, our impact and the trajectory of where we can go together. To nominate a member of the USF community for Boundless Bulls, please fill out this submission form.
