Student Stories Archives | University of Florida Online

Active-Duty Father of Four Earns Geography Degree via UF Online

Earning a college degree is no easy task on its own, but try doing so in a home where the children outnumber the parents 2-to-1. Add a full-time active-duty U.S. Air Force profession into the mix, and you’ve got an idea of what it’s like for Brandon Deusenberry. Brandon is a 37-year-old UF Online Geography

It Isn’t About Where You Started, But Where You Finish: Double-Major Finds Path to the Gator Nation

Living in Orlando, FL with their spouse and two children, 37-year-old Lei Rizea joined the University of Florida via UF Online in 2016 to double-major in Geology and Psychology. With the dream of attending the University of Florida, Lei first enrolled at Santa Fe College right out of high school and moved to Gainesville with

Father of Two Completes His Bachelor’s Degree via UF Online

Working as a paralegal can be stressful enough, but for 38-year-old Chris Rapozo it’s just one part of an impressive balancing act. This Spring, Chris achieved his goal of becoming a Florida Gator grad after completing his bachelor’s degree via UF Online. “I never saw myself as the university student type,” Chris said when speaking

Dr. Crystal Marull Is Revolutionizing Online Language Learning at UF Online

Since becoming a Spanish professor at UF Online, Dr. Crystal Marull has earned recognition from colleagues and admiration from students for her groundbreaking language course. Crystal has revolutionized the way students learn and comprehend language in an online environment, earning her the CLAS International Educator of the Year award. As she continues to implement successful

UF Online Prepares Student for Life After the Military

While serving 11 years as an aircraft mechanic at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, Florida, 30-year-old Pommary Kem wanted a head start on her next chapter. As a first-generation American from a Cambodian family, she decided to enroll in UF Online’s environmental management program to pursue her dream of building homes in third-world countries.

A Married Couple Pursues Their Nursing Degrees Together at UF Online

David and Erin Franklin first met while working at the same restaurant in West Palm Beach, Florida, before getting married and having three children. With their own passion and drive for nursing, they both graduated from Palm Beach State College’s RN program before pursuing their BSN at UF Online simultaneously. After beginning their UF Online

A Firefighter Advances His Career in Fire & Emergency Services via UF Online

While working in fire and emergency services for several years, 38-year-old Brian Canaday decided to pursue a four-year degree to further his education and advance his career. Growing up with love and admiration for the Florida Gators, he fulfilled his dream of becoming one himself via UF Online—the #1 online program for his degree. Set

UF Online Public Relations Student Named PRWeek’s Student of the Year

After spending a decade as a professional ballerina, 34-year-old Angela Null discovered her newfound passion for public relations while studying at UF via UF Online. Plus, Angela is the proud recipient of PRWeek’s 2022 Outstanding Student Award for her groundbreaking Olympic PR campaign. “I hope to inspire people,” Angela said. “It’s definitely one of my

An Active-Duty Student Pursues His Political Career via UF Online

When moving to the United States from Venezuela over ten years ago, Brown Simon arrived with the goal of one day attending the University of Florida. He later achieved this dream by pursuing his criminology degree via UF Online while serving at sea in the United States Navy. Now, 30-year-old Brown Simon is a Gator

Meet Your Dedicated College of Liberal Arts & Sciences Advisor: Dylan King

Rare among university models across the country, UF Online students each have an assigned, personal UF academic advisor for their entire journey through graduation. From application to graduation, UF Online students receive individualized guidance from their personal advisor who offers one of the most valuable relationships they’ll develop throughout their academic journey. Working across and

Category: Student Stories