Strategic Communications Academy celebrates 2019 graduates, opens registration for 2020
How does a leader or scholar need to communicate in order to make a difference? What does it take to be a “changemaker” — someone who can build relationships and influence others for the greater good?
With these questions in mind, the UF Strategic Communications Academy (SCA) for UF Leaders and Scholars helps faculty and staff develop next-level communication skills to build communities, communicate persuasively and drive positive change. A partnership between the Center for Public Interest Communications and UF Training & Organizational Development, the academy provides interactive classroom sessions and requires a final project.
Program participants learn and apply skills in the areas of storytelling, the science of strategic communications, systems thinking, message development, TED-style presentations, working with media and influencers, and social media. Information on how to apply for the 2020 Strategic Communications Academy for UF Leaders and Scholars is now available on the SCA program website. The application deadline for next year’s academy is January 22.
“What makes this program unique is that participants learn to apply scientific principles and recognize best practices in their communications,” said Scott Blades, assistant director for UF Training & Organizational Development. “Faculty and staff bring a wide range of goals to the SCA, and all leave with a solid skillset for being a more strategic and influential communicator and leader.”
On September 24, the SCA wrapped up its third year with UF faculty and staff delivering strategic communications campaigns and TED-style presentations. The evening concluded with a celebration and graduation ceremony at the Keene Faculty Center.
“The program, instructors, and personal outcomes have moved my research and extension communication to new levels,” said Raelene Crandall, assistant professor in the School of Forest Resources and Conservation. “I am now more purposeful and more effective at conveying messages and eliciting calls to action. I would recommend the program to anyone who needs to strategically communicate.”
“UF faculty and staff should consider taking this program because success is predicated on communication,” added Darcie Burde, director of fitness & wellness for UFRecSports.
“If we don’t challenge ourselves to be the best communicators we can be, our success is limited.”
Congratulations to the 2019 graduates of the Strategic Communications Academy for UF Leaders and Scholars:
| Akito Kawahara | Associate Curator and Professor | Florida Museum of Natural History |
| Alisha Katz | Marketing Manager | UF Health Communications |
| Anna Hoffman | Director of Communications | College of Nursing |
| Anthony Kolenic | Assistant Dean | College of the Arts |
| Cherise Conte-Bush | Human Resources Specialist III | Office of Administrative Affairs, College of Medicine-Jacksonville |
| Darcie Burde | Associate Director | Department of Recreational Sports |
| Deon Winchester | Accountant II | Dermatology |
| Elvira Mercado | Assistant Clinical Professor | College of Medicine Dept Comm Health and Family Medicine |
| Florencia Otegui | Special Assistant | UF Online |
| Gabriel Pena | Assistant Director of Development | College of the Arts |
| Ines Aviles-Spadoni | Coordinator, Research Programs | Civil & Coastal Engineering/ESSIE |
| Karen Thomas | Community Relations Specialist | Office of Government and Community Relations |
| Kevin Coulson | Digital Communications Strategist | College of Education, e-Learning, Technology and Communications |
| Kim Scotto | Communications Specialist | UF/IFAS School of Forest Resources and Conservation |
| Krista Vaught | Director, Academic Strategic Initiatives & Compliance | College of Law |
| Laurel Brown | Assistant Director | Distance and Continuing Education |
| Matt Cox | Associate Director, Operations | University of Florida Performing Arts |
| Melissa L Rethlefsen | Associate Dean | George A. Smathers Libraries |
| Monika Oli | Senior Lecturer | Microbiology and Cell Science |
| Naim Montazeri | Assistant Professor | Food Science and Human Nutrition |
| Paloma Carton de Grammont | Research Coordinator III | Water Institute |
| Raelene Crandall | Assistant Professor | School of Forest Resources and Conservation |
| Sheila Bosch | Assistant Professor | College of Design, Construction and Planning |
| Tara Cataldo | Biological Sciences Librarian | Marston Science Library |
Pictured above: Kevin Coulson, digital communications strategist for the College of Education, is cheered on by his academy-mates as he receives his graduation certificate.