The University of North Florida Board of Trustees announced recently that four finalists are being considered to lead the institution.

After three years as president of the University of North Florida, David Szymanski transition next month to lead UNF MedNexus, a collaborative effort he created to expand educational programs and enhance medical research created last year with $6 million in funding from the Florida Legislature.

University of North Florida President David Szymanski sent a message on Wednesday, urging students, faculty and staff to get vaccinated against COVID-19.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The University of North Florida ranks among the nation’s best public universities, according to the latest rankings released by U.S. News & World Report. For the second year running, the magazine recognized UNF on its list of “Best National” universities – this time ranking No. The university, located on Jacksonville’s Southside, also distinguished itself as a “Top Public” university, as well as one of the top choices for social mobility and the least amount of student debt. “This prestigious recognition affirms the tremendous ongoing efforts UNF puts forth to build one of the finest universities in the nation,” UNF President David Szymanski said. 4 “Best Regional College” for the South region by U.S. News & World Report.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The University of North Florida has tabbed Robert Greenlaw to serve as its COVID-19 taskforce coordinator, the school announced on Tuesday. Greenlaw will oversee UNF’s reopening efforts this fall as the school attempts to safely bring students back to campus in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic. “Our main priority is ensuring the safety and well-being of all members of our Osprey community as we continue to deal with the challenges brought on by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic,” UNF President David Szymanski said in a statement. Among Greenlaw’s credentials, he has been the program coordinator for the Compliance and Professional Standards office at the University of South Carolina in the Division of Law Enforcement and Safety. He has also led consolidation efforts of 911 emergency services in New Jersey, Idaho and Ohio and also served as the chief of emergency services in Ridgewood, NJ for more than 25 years.

The Florida university systems Board of Governors on Tuesday approved individual reopening plans put together by each of the states 12 state universities. At Florida Gulf Coast University, optional testing will be provided to all students and employees prior to their return to campus. For example, Florida A&M plans to install temperature kiosks at busy campus locations, such as libraries. University of North Florida President David Szymanski said university students will be asked to conduct their own temperature checks and self-report their well-being to school officials prior to entering classrooms or buildings. Lydecker asked Szymanski if the Jacksonville university would consider prohibiting students from attending the convention, to prevent a COVID-19 outbreak on campus.

Today, were going to make a commitment to abolishing racism as best as we can and taking the first steps, Szymanski said. Were going to make anti racism, education, mandatory for all incoming freshmen, for all transfer students.The UNF president said it will become an integral part of the first day experience. He said all new faculty and staff will undergo the course. Additionally, Szymanski said the university will create a new position -- the chief diversity officer, who will report directly to the president. We denounce racism, Szymanski said. We want to make sure everybody knows that black lives matter, and were going to try to make that difference.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The University of North Florida Board of Trustees on Monday approved a preliminary blueprint for returning to campus this fall. UNF will establish capacity limits for each classroom, promising to reduce class sizes or move to larger on-campus venues. Only 13% of UNF classes have 50 or more students with none at 200 students or more. Everyone on-campus — students, faculty, and staff — will be required to wear face coverings indoors and even outdoors if social distancing isn’t possible. “The Board of Trustees sincerely appreciates the thoughtful and diligent efforts that were put into this draft blueprint and addressing the SUS priority areas,” said Kevin Hyde, UNF Board of Trustees Chair.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Dr. Madeleine Albright, the former Secretary of State who served under President Bill Clinton, spoke to students at the University of North Florida on Wednesday night, giving a lecture at the UNF Arena. UNF President David Szymanski hosted the event, “A Conversation with Madeleine Albright,” which was not opened to the media, however, the university shared photos with News4Jax. It was co-hosted by the World Affairs Council of Jacksonville. Albright, the 64th U.S. Secretary of State, was named the first female secretary of state in 1997 and became, at that time, the highest-ranking woman in the history of the U.S. Government. She received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2012.

State Attorney Melissa Nelson discusses a study that analyzes the connection between race, prosecution and the process of civil citations. Also UNF President Dr. David Szymanski sits down with us.