UCF’s nationally ranked men’s and women’s tennis teams each clinched their spot in the NCAA Tournament, with the men’s team securing hosting rights for the first and second rounds on May 1–2 at the USTA National Campus.

UCF is the only university in the state of Florida to host a regional, and is one of just two schools in the state to see both its men’s and women’s team clinch spots in the premiere postseason tournament.

The No. 21 women’s team is looking to build off its back-to-back Big 12 Conference regular season championship campaign while the No. 15 men hope to keep their undefeated streak on their home court alive this season.

The semifinal and championship rounds will be held at the Dan Magill Tennis Complex in Athens, Georgia, May 16–17.

Outlook

The Knights will travel to Raleigh for their regional round matches, hosted by the tournament’s No. 8 national seed NC State.

UCF’s opening-round match against Navy is slated for Friday, May 1, at 2 p.m. at the J.W. Isenhour Tennis Center. If they advance, they will face the winner of the NC State vs. Morgan State match.

Outlook

Men’s tennis program secured its third consecutive at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament, serving as a regional host school for the second season in a row at the USTA National Campus.

UCF will face South Carolina State on May 1 at 5 p.m. looking to advance to face the winner of the Stetson vs. Florida match.

UCF’s Tournament History

The UCF women’s team is making its 11^th postseason appearance in program history, and the seventh of head coach Bryan Koniecko’s 10-year tenure. Prior to his arrival in 2016, the program had made just four NCAA Tournament appearances.

The men secured their ninth all-time bid to the tournament as the No. 16 national seed, continuing the streak of making the postseason in all three seasons of Head Coach Lloyd Bruce-Burgess’ tenure, beginning in 2024. Last year’s squad made history, advancing to the Sweet 16 for the first time.

Parchment is one of just two nurse leaders in Florida — and the only one from a Florida university — inducted into the 2026 class of fellows. The distinction honors individuals who’ve made sustained contributions to nursing leadership and are influencing the future of healthcare.

With more than two decades in the field, including her recent role as corporate director of nursing strategy implementation at Orlando Health, Parchment has guided two hospitals to Magnet Recognition, an honor for quality patient care, nursing excellence and innovation in practice. She’s actively mentored nurses and built systems that help them progress. At one multi-hospital health system, her framework supported 62% of clinical nurse leaders in advancing professionally.

Turning Mentorship Into Momentum

Since 2022, Parchment has mentored graduate students at UCF as an assistant professor in the College of Nursing, helping prepare future nurse leaders.

“In my career, I have learned that continual growth and lifelong learning are essential,” she says. “As our profession continues to evolve, it is crucial that experienced leaders help guide the path forward, navigate new norms and provide support during times of change.”

Filling the Gaps in Leadership Training

Her research — cited nearly 50 times in national and international journals and books — examines professional nursing practice and leadership science, including defining role-specific factors behind workplace bullying among nurse managers and its effects on those in these leadership positions.

One of her most notable contributions is an evidence-based manual for interim nurse managers that addresses a critical gap in leadership training. It equips managers with the skills and resources to lead in complex, demanding environments and has been downloaded nearly 200 times to date. The manual was recognized by the Association for Leadership Science in Nursing as an innovative solution to the nurse manager workforce crisis and adopted by a 357-bed hospital to support its nurse manager transition-to-practice program.

Advancing Nursing at the National Level

Beyond the classroom and research lab, Parchment’s influence extends nationally. She serves as the academic commissioner for the American Nurses Credentialing Center Commission on Magnet Recognition and sits on The Nurses Legacy Institute board. She’s also an active member of the American Organization for Nursing Leadership and the Association of Leadership Science in Nursing, where she co-led three funded national research studies on nursing leadership and system science priorities within healthcare leadership.

“I will continue to advocate for the profession, advance nursing leadership [and] nurture future leaders …”

“It is an incredible honor to be recognized by the American Organization for Nursing Leadership, an organization that has encouraged me to seize opportunities and use my voice to inspire transformation across levels of healthcare,” she says. “I will continue to advocate for the profession, advance nursing leadership, nurture future leaders and empower them to excel in today’s challenging healthcare landscape.”

To better understand Assistant Professor Hamzeh Ghasemzadeh and his work, he goes back to a childhood memory of broken toys. Within hours of receiving little robotic figures or remote-control cars, he’d dissembled what had once been a carefully crafted package of technology. To him, sitting among the remnants of a new gift meant he was sitting in a circle of fun.

“My favorite game was to take the toys apart to see how they work and then try to put them back together,” Ghasemzadeh says. “My parents saw my curiosity as a great thing.”

“This is why I came to UCF. I’ve been able to jump right in and address mysteries that haven’t received much attention.”

That same curiosity now drives his research at , where he seeks to take apart discomforted voices, figuratively, so he can develop strategies to make each one whole again. Ghasemzadeh, who joined UCF in late Summer 2025 and will teach in the school’s newly launched , has already secured one research project funded by the U.S. National Institutes of Health and is developing another.

“This is why I came to UCF,” he says. “I’ve been able to jump right in and address mysteries that haven’t received much attention until now.”

A Common Problem Without Clear Answers

The first such mystery sounds quite straightforward: vocal fatigue, a common vocal complaint. Beneath the surface, however, it’s deceptive. Solutions have mostly evaded scientists, leaving vocal fatigue as an ongoing problem for many people who rely on their voices, like coaches, public speakers, singers and teachers. Many of Ghasemzadeh’s colleagues experience the very throat discomfort that he’s deconstructing during the funded project just underway.

“We want to collect … multi-modal data and use machine learning models to analyze [vocal fatigue] and develop recommendations for each person.”

“Some instructors get vocal fatigue quickly, some get it slowly and some don’t get it at all,” he says. “There’s a genetic component, but there are also behavioral components. How do they use their voice? How often do they use it? What about the environment where they’re using it? What about personality? We want to collect such comprehensive multi-modal data and use machine learning models to analyze it and develop recommendations for each person.”

The recommendations might include pacing voice usage, projecting the voice efficiently and allowing the voice to recover. Ghasemzadeh envisions this model being predictive and — this is the part he stresses most — personalized.

“The approach to general medicine started with an assumption that while we’re different on the outside, we are very similar inside. Patients with similar ailments took the same medications and [the] same dosages. But we now know that people don’t always respond to pills the same way. If we can quantify how we’re different inside, we can create a computational model to predict responses to medications and optimize treatment plans.”

To integrate artificial intelligence (AI) into vocal fatigue solutions, subjects in Ghasemzadeh’s study will wear sensors that track how and where they use their voices. He’ll prompt them to perform specific vocal tasks and monitor their phonatory function throughout the day. The AI model will analyze these patterns in real time to identify early signs of vocal strain and predict when fatigue is likely to occur.

“We are different. Every prescribed solution should be different, too.”

Participants will also visit his lab at the in Central Florida Research Park, where specialists will collect imaging, aerodynamic and acoustic data. The highly equipped facility brings together America’s leading hearing and voice scientists to develop new technologies and clinical tools for people with hearing loss or voice disorders.

With all of that in hand, including the technology, Ghasemzadeh and his team hope to unwind the mystery of vocal fatigue — one person at a time.

“That’s the idea I want to put forward with every project,” he says. “We are different. Every prescribed solution should be different, too.”

From Engineering to Human Connection

Many would think a toy-reassembling boy is destined to become an engineer. That’s what Ghasemzadeh thought, too. He earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in electrical engineering and began his career with a focus on telecommunications and signal processing.

“There was something important missing,” he says. “Human connection.”

“Speech became my research interest because … it sets us apart as a species and as individuals.”

He crossed paths with a close friend who mentioned his own research in a field Ghasemzadeh was vaguely familiar with: communication sciences and disorders. The conversation sparked Ghasemzadeh’s enthusiasm for applying his expertise in areas such as signal processing to personally help others.

“Speech became my research interest because it’s the signal we predominantly use to communicate,” he says. “It sets us apart as a species and as individuals.”

For example, it’s quite easy to identify Ghasemzadeh without even seeing him. He sounds young yet intelligent enough to have dual doctoral degrees. There’s an inflection of humility in his voice. The curiosity is always there, too. In fact, his peers have noticed, from his work, what his parents noticed among his broken toys: his curiosity leading to great things. Shortly after arriving at UCF, the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association chose Ghasemzadeh for its Early Career Contributions in Research Award.

“It’s also a reminder that I’m early in my career,” he says, “and the sky is the limit.”

At the center of his work as a principal investigator is a belief that progress doesn’t happen alone, but through teamwork.

“You have to surround yourself with different skillsets, all of us willing to take things apart that have never been taken apart, with everyone focused on one goal,” Ghasemzadeh says. “When you win, I win and everyone wins.”

Research reported in this publication was supported by the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders of the National Institutes of Health under award number R00DC021235. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Institutes of Health.

Burke was recognized for her exceptional contributions to advancing the science and practice of industrial-organizational psychology, as well as her sustained impact on the professional community. The distinction of SIOP Fellow is awarded to individuals who have made significant, enduring contributions to research, leadership and application within the field.

“I’m honored to be named a SIOP Fellow,” says Burke, director of IST’s Team Research and Adaptability in Complex Environments (TRACE) Lab. “This recognition reflects the collaborative efforts of the students, researchers and partners I’ve had the privilege to work with, and the importance of advancing training and decision-making in complex environments.”

“This recognition reflects the collaborative efforts of the students, researchers and partners I’ve had the privilege to work with, and the importance of advancing training and decision-making in complex environments.” — Shawn Burke, research professor

ɫ���� IST, Burke leads the TRACE Lab, where her work focuses on team performance, adaptive training and human-centered approaches to complex systems. Her research has supported advancements in high-stakes environments across defense, healthcare and industry, reinforcing UCF’s leadership in modeling, simulation and training.

“This honor recognizes not only Dr. Burke’s scientific contributions, but also her leadership and mentorship within the research community,” says Carolina Cruz-Neira, executive director ɫ���� IST. “She has played a vital role in developing the next generation of scholars and practitioners in industrial-organizational psychology.”

New fellows will be formally recognized during the SIOP Annual Conference, with a ceremony held on April 29 in New Orleans. The honor represents a significant milestone in Burke’s career and highlights the continued impact ɫ���� IST in shaping the future of workforce research, training and performance.

About UCF’s Institute for Simulation and Training

UCF’s Institute for Simulation and Training is an internationally recognized, interdisciplinary institute conducting basic and applied human-centric research that affects nearly all sectors of industry and government, from healthcare to national defense and education to manufacturing. UCF and IST have built the industry, together with more than 200 Central Florida modeling, simulation and training companies and the U.S. Department of Defense. IST is an early adopter whose vision and leadership have spurred new applications and opportunities. (ist.ucf.edu)

Gray, who died April 22 at age 94, leaves behind a legacy woven into nearly every corner of Central Florida. A lawyer, civic leader, builder and philanthropist, he helped create the institutions, infrastructure and opportunities that generations have benefited from.

“At a time when this region was still defining its future, Charlie Gray was among those who saw what could be — and had the courage and persistence to help build it.” — Alexander N. Cartwright, UCF president

For UCF, his impact was foundational. It exists in every student who walks campus with possibility ahead of them, in every graduate who helps shape the future of this region and in every reminder that one person can change the course of a community.

“At a time when this region was still defining its future, Charlie Gray was among those who saw what could be — and had the courage and persistence to help build it,” Cartwright says. “His leadership and belief in the power of higher education helped lay the foundation for the ɫ����, an institution that has opened doors of opportunity for generations of students and strengthened communities across Central Florida and our state.

“When we first arrived at UCF, Charlie and Saundra were incredibly gracious in welcoming Melinda and me. It meant a great deal to know him not only as a leader and champion of this university, but as someone whose warmth and generosity left a lasting impression on our family.

“On behalf ɫ����, we extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and all who were touched by his life and legacy. We are grateful for his contributions and will continue to honor the example he set for what is possible.”

Building a New University for Central Florida

Gray is often described as the “grandfather ɫ����,” a title earned through decades of action. In the mid-1960s, as a young attorney and rising political strategist, he helped deliver the momentum needed to turn the vision of a Central Florida university into reality.

After Gray helped Haydon Burns win the race for governor for 1965-67, Burns asked what he wanted in return. Gray’s answer was simple: “Number one, I want a new university.”

Burns delivered, making the project the state’s top higher education funding priority and helping secure what would become Florida Technological University — now UCF.

It was a defining example of Gray’s leadership style: he asked not for personal gain, but for something transformational for the community.

Today, UCF graduates nearly 19,000 students annually and stands as one of the region’s greatest economic engines. Gray remained deeply connected to the university long after its founding, serving as chair of the UCF Foundation and helping guide its growth. In 2016, he received an honorary doctorate of public service.

Driving Prosperity Across Florida

Gray’s impact extended far beyond UCF.

As chairman of the Florida Turnpike Authority, he oversaw the design and construction of the turnpike interchange with Interstate 4 — the gateway to Walt Disney World. That infrastructure helped solidify Walt and Roy Disney’s decision to bring their vision to Central Florida, forever reshaping the region’s economy and identity.

He also secured state support for State Road 408, opening new pathways for growth. As Orange County Attorney, he helped resolve a crippling sewer moratorium, advance the Tourist Development Tax and support development of the Orange County Convention Center, downtown County Administration Center and expansion of the Orange County Library System.

Gray co-founded the Orlando Economic Development Commission (now the Orlando Economic Partnership) and helped attract major employers and mission-driven organizations, including Campus Crusade for Christ and Wycliffe Bible Translators.

He also helped finance the original Orlando Arena, supporting the city’s effort to secure an NBA franchise and helping Orlando become what many called a “major league city.”

In every chapter, Gray believed strong communities do not happen by accident — they are built by people willing to think long-term and serve selflessly.

That philosophy shaped GrayRobinson, the law firm he co-founded in 1970. His guiding principle — “when you build your community, you will build your firm” — became the base of one of Florida’s most influential law firms.

Honoring Charlie Gray’s Legacy

Beyond his professional accomplishments, those closest to him remember a man defined by faith, family and partnership.

He and his wife, Saundra, shared more than 70 years of marriage and adventure — sailing around the world aboard Sea Gem, ranching cattle and preserving Florida’s natural beauty. Together, they donated their beloved Gemini Springs home to Volusia County as a permanent public park.

Gray is remembered as a selfless leader who gave freely to help others, as he believed in putting in the hard work to solve problems, empower people and build together.

A service will be held Monday, April 27, at 3 p.m. at Orlando Lutheran Towers in the Chapel, with the entrance on Liberty Avenue.

In lieu of flowers, consider honoring Gray by — those building a future Gray would be proud of.

They proclaimed there is no better place than UCF, the closest medical school to Kennedy Space Center, to create a new frontier in healthcare as humans prepare for longer missions to the moon, Mars and beyond.

“You are in a global destination for medical innovation,” Michal Masternak told participants in the Star Nona 2026 event in Lake Nona’s Medical City. An anti-aging and cancer researcher at the UCF College of Medicine, Masternak organized the event as part of the Lake Nona Research Council, which is focused on encouraging interdisciplinary scientific partnerships between industry, academia and healthcare.

Space medicine is one of the council’s priorities. Deep space travel and the commercialization of space bring unique health challenges that science is just beginning to explore. The College of Medicine’s focuses on how factors such as microgravity, radiation and isolation impact the human body in space and how that knowledge can drive innovation into diagnostics, treatment and disease prevention for patients on Earth.

Former NASA Administrator and U.S. Senator Bill Nelson told attendees the Artemis voyage’s return to the moon should inspire space medicine experts to make new discoveries.

“We’re in a whole new era, an exciting era, of space exploration that makes this time so special,” Nelson said.

Star Nona’s goal was to bring together experts to understand current research on the health impacts of space travel and what challenges need to be addressed as more professional and commercial space travelers go to the moon and beyond.

The Physical Challenges of Space Flight

Former NASA astronaut Robert Curbeam holds the record for most spacewalks on a single mission. He described how the body feels during launch and splashdown when G-forces are so strong you must remind yourself to breathe. He presented with his former NASA flight surgeon, Smith Johnson, now a faculty member at UCF’s new Center for Aerospace and Extreme Environments Medicine (CASEEM). The two discussed the important relationship between physicians and space travelers before, during and after a mission.

“I loved being an astronaut and flying space shuttles,” Curbeam says. “The only problem with space travel is that not a lot of people get to do it.”

Your Brain Actually Shifts in Space

Living in space causes the body’s fluids to move up to the head and brain. But symptoms of that condition do more than cause puffy faces. Space travel actually causes the brain to shift. Jogi Pattisapu, of the Hydrocephalus and Neuroscience Institute, said as astronauts go to Mars for years-long missions and settle on the moon, scientists will have to understand how living in space affects brain function and create predictive tests and preventative measures. Eye health will be key, as fluid buildup has caused spaceflight-associated neuro-ocular syndrome (SANS) in 70% of astronauts on the International Space Station, leading to farsightedness, optic nerve swelling and eyeball flattening.

“What are we going to do if the pilot goes blind 210 million miles from Earth?” he said.

Team Dynamics in Space

Interpersonal communication is key to any team’s success, but how do relationships change for crews in confined spaces and face additional challenges such as sleep deprivation, isolation and differences in rank and roles. Shawn Burke and Stephen Fiore from UCF’s Institute for Simulation and Training have researched team dynamics in space to understand and prevent collaboration failures that can impact mission success.

Their research has also identified the formal and informal roles crew members play in encouraging positive social interactions and teamwork, especially in long-term missions. Missions to Mars may take up to 36 months and include 20-minute communications delays to and from Mission Control. Team dynamics will impact performance, mental health and affect, Burke said, because “you’re stuck with the people you have.”

Conducting Medical Research in Microgravity: Everything’s Upside Down

The weightlessness of space provides a unique research environment for new discoveries in areas including nutrient production, waste treatment, crystallization and biomanufacturing, said Alain Berinstain, director of the Florida Space Institute at UCF.

“Terrestrially, whenever space can make a difference, it’s a great economic driver,” he said.

In space, air doesn’t slow down processes, he explained, so experiments that involve weight, separation, sedimentation, fluid flow and buoyancy change. His advice to researchers considering space as a lab?

“Turn your experiment upside down. Does it still work? If the answer is no, you have a lot of work to do.”

To advance knowledge in this area, UCF Assistant Professor of Biology , collaborated with international researchers through the Antscan, a global initiave led by the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) and Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), with contributions from universities and museums.

The effort has led to a Nature Methods publication and created a freely available, morphological database of over 2,000 ant specimens representing nearly 800 species.

“Ants are important to study because they are ubiquitous, abundant and highly varied, ecologically dominant, and some species practice agriculture, facing challenges similar to human agriculture, such as crop pests,” says Sosa-Calvo, who began researching insect diversity at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History and the University of Maryland.

Using a fast and powerful X-ray scanning technique, researchers created phenotypically accurate 3D models, providing a detailed look at both ants’ external and internal anatomy that can benefit a wide range of fields.

“There is strong potential for more ant species to be added to Antscan and that other small insect or invertebrate groups create similar repositories of phenotypic data to advance our understanding of biological morphology,” Sosa-Calvo says.

Closing the Gap Between Genetic and Morphological Data

Standard imaging tools used to photograph specimens, like high-resolution cameras, can capture the external morphology of ants from multiple angles, and micro-CT scanning can capture the internal morphology like organs and muscle tissue. However, these methods are time-consuming and limit how many specimens can be studied.

The Antscan initiative is filling this gap of available data by providing a library of morphologically accurate 3D models of ant anatomy. To solve the throughput bottleneck, the team of researchers is using high-throughput X-ray micro-CT scanning powered by a synchrotron particle accelerator.

“The synchrotron particle accelerator produces much higher intensity light beams, resulting in images with higher contrast and faster processing times than a normal micro-CT scanner,” Sosa-Calvo says. “It takes about 3,000 images per specimen in a short period of time. So instead of taking most of the day to scan a single specimen, researchers can scan a single ant in about a minute or so.”

Once the 2D images are captured, they are reconstructed into a 3D tomogram of the specimen, allowing researchers to see fine details from the exoskeleton to internal structures like the nervous system.

Why This Tech Matters for Biodiversity Research

By streamlining the process of scanning smaller specimens and making the 3D models publicly available, the Antscan initiative has opened the door for researchers to study morphology at a scale previously only possible for genetic data, helping morphological research catch up with its molecular counterpart.

It has also helped document the presence of characteristics previously thought to occur in only a single species.

“A few years ago, we discovered that fungus-farming ants—a group of ants that grow fungus for food and are the subject of Sosa-Calvo’s research at UCF—have biomineralized armor that protects them like the shell of marine crustaceans and mollusks,” he says. “With the scans performed in this project, we now know that other species, within fungus-farming ants also have this armor, which appears to be a unique feature among ants.”

Applications in Art and Media

Scientists aren’t the only group that benefits from this extensive library. Since the files are open to the public, Sosa-Calvo says artists are using them to better understand and animate natural ant movement and is a valuable tool for education by engaging students.

He adds that this proven method of collecting morphological data could encourage researchers to generate similar databases, including other Hymenopteran groups, such as wasps andbees, as well as other insect groups like beetles, and other invertebrates.

Sosa-Calvo’s work contributed expertise on insect diversity, particularly within the order Hymenoptera, which includes ants, bees, and wasps. His research focuses on fungus-farming ants, a group known for their highly organized, cooperative colonies and unique agricultural behavior, or fungiculture.

This research was supported by the U.S. National Science Foundation (DEB-1927161).

Researchers and students in the Department of Biology within UCF’s College of Sciences, including the Sosa-Calvo Ant Lab, have contributed to the Antscan initiative.

UCF Pegasus Partner Orlando Health has named , dean ɫ����’s College of Nursing, the Orlando Health Endowed Chair in Nursing.

The prestigious endowed faculty position, which will support Tucker’s nursing research, teaching and scholarly activities, is just the latest example of how UCF is leveraging industry partnerships to drive real-world impact.

Tucker is a distinguished scholar in both psychiatric mental health nursing and evidence-based practice who has made sustained impacts on the field, for nurses and patients alike. She is nationally board certified as an adult psychiatric-mental health clinical nurse specialist and integrative nurse coach.

Her research, which has been published in more than 100 peer-reviewed publications and presented around the world, focuses on behavior change through mental health and wellness interventions and organizational change through evidence-based practice.

“With its partnership, Orlando Health is elevating excellence in education and research to support future Knight nurses and improve the health of our communities.” — Sharon Tucker

“I am incredibly honored to be named to this esteemed endowed position, and grateful for Orlando Health’s support of the college,” says Tucker. “Partnerships are powerful and with its partnership, Orlando Health is elevating excellence in education and research to support future Knight nurses and improve the health of our communities.”

In addition to the new endowed chair appointment, Tucker holds the prestigious distinctions of fellow of the American Academy of Nursing and fellow of the National Academies of Practice in Nursing.

Orlando Health has been a long-standing partner ɫ���� and the College of Nursing. The Orlando Health Endowed Chair in Nursing was established in 2009, and Tucker is the second faculty member to be named to the appointment. It was formerly held by Professor Emerita Mary Lou Sole, the previous dean and a renowned critical care researcher.

Kelly Edmondson, Orlando Health’s senior vice president of nursing and patient care services, says the partnership speaks to the organization’s mission to improve the health and quality of life of the individuals and communities they serve.

“Dr. Tucker’s research supports our efforts to empower nurses and elevate clinical excellence to deliver compassionate, evidence-based care,” Edmondson says. “It is an honor to continue to partner with UCF to strengthen the nursing workforce and create a healthier future for all.”

In 2023, Orlando Health became one ɫ����’s inaugural Pegasus Partners with a $5 million commitment to support the Dr. Phillips Nursing Pavilion as well as provide tuition assistance and additional paid internships for UCF nursing students.

to support the College of Nursing

Philanthropic support is critical to the creation of endowed faculty positions, helping UCF attract and retain nursing experts, and support groundbreaking research that impacts the profession and the health of communities. Help launch more faculty experts to lead nursing into the future by joining UCF’s Go for Launch campaign.

Academic Support and Study Strategy

Preparation is the best way to reduce anxiety, and UCF offers a variety of coaching, tutoring, or peer support to help you conquer your study strategy.

•  From Monday, April 27 through Friday, May 1, the Student Union again will become your campus study headquarters, offering free live review sessions led by tutors and Supplemental Instruction leaders across a variety of courses. Plus, Academic Consultation & Engagement peer consultants will be available to provide personalized academic support.
• :��Peer mentors from the Office of Academic Advocacy will host a Mindsets & Motivations Event on Tuesday, April 28, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., in Trevor Colbourn Hall, room 202.  They will also be in the Student Union Atrium during the hours listed below to connect you with resources, such as the Writing Center (Trevor Colbourn Hall, room 109 and the John C. Hitt Library, room 330) and Math Lab (Mathematical Science Building, rooms 153, 241, 240, and 242). Graduate students, remember that the  is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. in Trevor Colbourn Hall, Room 213.
• Reserved Study Rooms: We all know how busy the library can get during finals week. Use the to book a room at the John C. Hitt, Downtown, or Rosen libraries in advance to make sure you have a designated quiet space to study.

Wellness Resources

Your mental health is the foundation of your academic performance. If the pressure begins to feel unmanageable, there are several ways to find support.

• Mental Health Support: Beyond traditional counseling, (CAPS) provides 24/7 crisis support by dialing 407-823-2811.
• Free Mental Health Apps: Students have free access to , an anonymous peer-to-peer mental support community, and for free tele-therapy sessions, including evening and weekend appointments.

• Meeting Basic Needs: If your budget is tight during finals, the provides food, toiletries and even clothing to Knights in need.

Finals Week Events Around Campus

Conquer the end of the semester with these main campus events. Whether a study session or a social break, these opportunities are designed to help you cross the finish line feeling supported and confident.

• OverKnight Study (various dates between April 20 – May 5, 1 – 6 a.m.): The John C. Hitt Library will extend normal hours during to accommodate late-night study sessions in a safe, quiet environment.
• Sunset Yoga at Lake Claire (April 22, 7 – 8 p.m.): Join the Recreation and Wellness Center (RWC) for a special end of semester Sunset Yoga session — the perfect way to decompress and stretch out after a long day of studying. Check the to register for a spot.
• Float Into Finals (April 23, 4 – 5:30 p.m.): Graduate Student Life to Trevor Colbourn Hall Room 213 for some well-deserved ice cream floats and good vibes with other students.
• Study Union (April 27 – May 1): SARC partners with the Student Union to bring multiple final exam review sessions in-person and online before and after finals week, with by a Peer Tutor or Supplemental Instruction Leader.
• Late Knight Breakfast (April 28, 10 p.m. – midnight):��Mark your calendars to come by the Student Union Atrium to enjoy your favorite breakfast foods. Hosted by Student Government, for students.
• Mindsets & Motivations with PeerKnights (April 28, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.): Held in Trevor Colbourn Hall Room 202, this event helps students prepare for finals with campus resources focused on time management, study tips and staying motivated.

Transportation and Parking

To avoid parking delays, students are encouraged to arrive at campus early during finals week.

• will run on their regular schedule Monday, April 27 through Thursday, April 30, from 6:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., and on Friday, May 1, from 6:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.

• Need a ride on Saturday? There is a special shuttle service on May 2. Routes 1–10 will provide transportation to the Main Campus from 6:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Quick Links for Success

Whether you are hitting the books in a reserved study room, meeting with a PeerKnights coach or taking a brain-break at the gym, remember that every resource at UCF is designed to help you succeed. Take a breath, trust your preparation and know that the UCF community is there to help and cheer you on.

In his role as the senior associate vice president for government and community relations, Kittinger has been a constant and trusted presence in UCF’s work across Central Florida.

He has faithfully represented the university with a spirit of collaboration, generosity, and care that has strengthened relationships and opened doors for years, leading to some of the university’s most impactful, long-lasting, and strategic partnerships.

On April 22, Kittinger will conclude his tenure at his beloved alma mater after nearly 23 years of service.

“Fred Kittinger has approached his work with authenticity, optimism and a sincere joy that brings people together and builds the connections that propel our success,” says UCF President Alexander N. Cartwright. “He has left a lasting impression with everyone he has worked with and leaves an enduring legacy at UCF.”

Joining Knight Nation

An Orlando native, Kittinger remembers the main campus being built in the 1960s. He enrolled at UCF in 1977, known then as Florida Technological University.

He was intent on staying one year to save enough money to eventually transfer to another, more established university in northern Florida. He abandoned the plan in mere weeks, falling in love with the school that he would later spend so much of his career serving.

“We always had that chip-on-our-shoulder attitude, even back then. I like that part ɫ����,” Kittinger says. “We were the little engine that could. We knew we were going someplace. We knew we were important.”

He served on orientation team and President’s Leadership Council, joined Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity, witnessed UCF’s first home football game in 1979 and stockpiled memories he now relays with a smile before graduating with his bachelor’s degree in criminal justice.

After completing his master’s degree at Florida State, he went on to work as a legislative aide in the Florida Senate and as vice president with the then Orlando Chamber of Commerce. He later served as chief of staff for City of Orlando Mayor Glenda Hood.

In 2003, he was approached by the late Senior Vice President Emeritus Dan Holsenbeck and Board of Trustee charter member Patrick Christensen to gauge his interest in a position at UCF working with local governments.

Now nearly 23 years later, he’s ready for his next adventure.

Advocating for his Alma Mater

When you’re anywhere as long as Kittinger has been at UCF, you’re bound to pick up a few keepsakes. Precious items that once adorned his office walls and bookshelves will now have a new place in his home.

A metal pipe from the Reflecting Pond’s old plumbing before it was refurbished in 2018.

A Florida Tech Boulevard street sign, which may or may not have been procured in an unofficial capacity in 1978 under the guise of darkness by some of his fraternity brothers.

But his most treasured mementos are the relationships he carries with him — from the university to the community to government offices across the state.

“My greatest fortune is the number of folks I’ve had a chance to work with and develop long-term friendships with.” — Fred Kittinger

“It takes that trio to make an impact — you’ve got to have private industry, you’ve got to have government, and you have to have the non-profit independent sector all working together,” he says. “My greatest fortune is the number of folks I’ve had a chance to work with and develop long-term friendships with. I’ve been very blessed.”

He says his proudest moments are wrapped up in some of the university’s biggest milestones, all made possible through partnerships: approval for the College of Medicine; the creation ɫ����’s Florida Interactive Entertainment Academy (FIEA);  the UCF Downtown campus; the growth of the UCF Business Incubation Program that spans all Central Florida counties; and working on the team that secured $90 million in Tourist Development Tax revenues from the Orange County Board of Commissioners to invest in Acrisure Bounce House.

“His ability to build trust and make people feel valued has left a lasting impression on colleagues, partners and communities across our region,” says Janet Owen, UCF vice president for government and community relations and associate general counsel.

More Than a Job

In addition to his role as an administrator, Kittinger played an active part in students’ lives for many years.

Alongside Holsenbeck and former government relations team member Alison Schultz, Kittinger helped form and guide the UCF Legislative Scholars Program, a premier, immersive, full-time experience during state legislative sessions. From the classroom to the Capitol, students gain firsthand exposure to the legislative process by working directly with legislative staff and professional lobbyists in Tallahassee, Florida. Since the program’s inception in 2005, more than 320 students have participated.

Kittinger served as a longtime adjunct instructor in the , which is part of the College of Community Innovation and Education (CCIE).

Alongside his wife of 43 years, they established the Fred and Sandra Kittinger Scholarship Fund in 2020. This scholarship supports graduate students in public administration, assisting with tuition, textbooks, fees and any other items included in the cost of education.

“What has always set Fred apart is not just what he has done, but how he has done it,” Owen says. “He brings a genuine positivity and a welcoming presence to every interaction, approaching his work with kindness, thoughtfulness and a sincere interest in others. On a personal level, I am especially grateful for Fred’s friendship and counsel over the years. He will be deeply missed.”