Creating connections: A program coordinator’s award-winning debut

Anna Spaschak, program coordinator for special populations in the Division of Student Life’s Center for New Student and Family Programs, supports orientation and transition efforts with a focus on both UF Online and transfer student populations. This past spring, Spaschak won a University-Level Superior Accomplishment Award for Rookie of the Year.

Nominations for the current award cycle are due Oct. 24. Read on to learn more about Spaschak and her work at the University of Florida, and visit the UFHR website to submit a nomination today!

Describe your educational and professional background.

After graduating from Arcadia University with a Bachelor of Arts in Education Studies and a minor in sociology, I went on to earn a Master of Education in Higher Education and Student Affairs from the University of South Carolina, where I worked as a graduate assistant in the Office of Undergraduate Admissions. Following graduate school, I began my professional career in the Center for New Student and Family Programs at the University of Florida.

I started working at UF in May of 2023, so I’ve been here for a little over two years. My career so far has been incredibly fulfilling, full of personal and professional growth, surrounded by supportive colleagues and made even better by the opportunity to work with truly amazing students who continue to inspire and challenge me every day.

What are your current job responsibilities?

In my current role, I support orientation and transition efforts with a focus on both UF Online and transfer student populations. I developed and now manage an online orientation program for UF Online students through Canvas, collaborating with over 60 campus partners to ensure a comprehensive and engaging transition experience. I also lead the planning and execution of orientation programs for new transfer students, overseeing logistics, staffing and communications.

Additionally, I supervise student assistants who handle office communications, providing regular training to strengthen their customer service and administrative skills. I also supervise and mentor our four Preview Coordinators who are experienced student leaders with advanced responsibilities within Preview and two NODA interns, offering leadership development and guidance throughout their summer internship experience. A key part of my role includes assessing and enhancing our orientation programs by reviewing student feedback and engagement data to continuously improve the transition experience for incoming students.

To further support students in their transition, I teach First Year Florida courses for both UF Online and transfer students, creating space for connection, skill-building and a deeper sense of belonging. I’m also continuously brainstorming new ideas and developing programs that better support the evolving needs of all the student populations we serve.

What do you like most about your job?

What I love most about my job is the people I work with and the meaningful impact of the work we do. I’m surrounded by a team that genuinely cares about my growth and success. They consistently support and challenge me to keep developing both personally and professionally. That kind of environment makes a huge difference. On top of that, the work itself is incredibly fulfilling. Being able to create programs and experiences that help students feel welcomed, supported, and empowered during such a crucial transition in their lives is something I’m really proud of. It is rewarding to know that what I do helps students feel more confident and ready to take on their new journey.

How did you feel when you found out you won a Superior Accomplishment Award (SAA)?

I was in total shock! For a solid week after finding out, I had to keep reminding myself it actually happened and that it wasn’t just a dream. Being nominated and selected for a Superior Accomplishment Award means so much to me. It’s one thing to love what you do, but it’s another to have that work recognized by the people around you. It reminds me that the energy and care I pour into supporting students and my team is truly seen and valued. Knowing that my colleagues took the time to nominate me is incredibly meaningful and it motivates me to keep showing up as my best self, both for the students we serve and the people I work alongside every day.

Who inspires you the most? Do you have any role models or mentors?

My biggest inspiration comes from the people I’ve had the opportunity to work with both at UF and across the field of higher education. I’ve been fortunate to have mentors at various institutions who have shared their wisdom, supported my growth and helped shape how I approach this work. Their guidance and encouragement have been incredibly meaningful throughout my journey.

I’m also inspired every day by my colleagues at UF. They bring so much care, creativity, and dedication to what they do, and being surrounded by that kind of energy pushes me to keep learning and striving to do my best. It’s really motivating to be part of a group of people who care deeply about students and want to make a real difference.

What are your professional goals moving forward?

Moving forward, my goal is to continue growing within the field of orientation, transition and retention. I’m passionate about creating meaningful experiences that help students feel connected, confident and supported from the moment they step onto campus. I hope to keep expanding my impact, whether through program development, leadership opportunities or collaboration across campus, to ensure all students have a strong foundation for success. Long-term, I’m excited to continue learning, take on new challenges and stay rooted in work that truly makes a difference in students’ lives.

Do you have any hobbies, special interests, or personal goals you are willing to share?

Outside of work, I’m a big fan of traveling. I actually took 35 flights last year! I love exploring new places and taking little adventures whenever I can. None of my family lives in Florida, so I travel back to New Jersey often to visit them. I’m also a huge women’s basketball fan, whether it’s college or the WNBA. Watching games is one of my favorite ways to unwind. Travel and basketball definitely keep life fun and exciting for me.

What advice would you give to others striving to make a meaningful impact at UF?

The best advice I can give is to invest in relationships. Building strong, genuine connections with the people you work with — whether they’re colleagues, campus partners or students — makes all the difference. Collaboration, trust and support grow from those relationships, and that’s where some of the most impactful work starts. When you take the time to listen, learn from others and show up consistently, you not only grow as a professional but also help create a more welcoming and supportive environment for everyone. People remember how you made them feel, and that’s where lasting impact really comes from.

UF is also full of incredible, seasoned professionals with so much wisdom and experience to share. Don’t be afraid to ask them questions, pick their brains about how they got to where they are and really listen to their advice. Their stories and guidance can give you valuable insight and help shape your own path forward.

Nominations for the current award cycle are due Oct. 24. Visit the UFHR website to submit a nomination today!