A decade ago, UF Online was founded to fulfill the Florida Legislature’s goal of establishing a Preeminent State Research University Institute for Online Learning. More than 6,000 students from 47 states and 25 countries have earned their degrees since 2014 through the fully remote program at the University of Florida. Today, many of these students are working in Florida, contributing to the economy and improving the lives of people all over the state.
From Naples to Tallahassee, Florida thrives economically as UF grads join the state’s workforce
A first-generation college graduate makes an impact on health care in Naples
Nayibis Pacheco became the first college graduate in her family when she earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology through UF Online in 2018.
“Being the first to graduate college in my family was a huge accomplishment and well-celebrated at home,” Pacheco said. “It became such a moment of joy that included my young daughter, and my hope is that she will see how much this education enriched our lives personally and professionally and follow in those footsteps.”
Today, Pacheco serves as the manager of patient care technicians and administrative services for the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation in Naples, Florida, where she oversees two departments. She works closely with individuals on their paths to recovery, guiding her staff to uphold the foundation’s mission of bringing healing and hope to those affected by substance abuse.
Pacheco recently enrolled in an online master’s program through the Hazelden Betty Ford Graduate School for integrated mental health and substance abuse disorders to continue her education journey and expand her expertise in the field.
“My degree in psychology has been well-applied to my field of employment, and so many of the things I learned provided a wonderful foundation to continue my career,” Pacheco said.
Pursuing an online degree allowed Pacheco to continue working while prioritizing the job she values most – being a mother. UF Online’s flexibility enabled Pacheco to create a schedule and efficiently organize her time to meet the demands of her personal, professional, and educational responsibilities.
In her current work, Pacheco uses similar online platforms to schedule meetings, collaborate with colleagues, and train staff members. Her experience in an online learning environment prepared her for the challenges of a global pandemic and equipped her to navigate the increasingly digital landscape of the professional world.
Pacheco advises current and future UF Online students to be proactive about asking questions and seeking support. She emphasizes that UF offers a wealth of resources designed to enrich the online learning experience, and staff members are always eager to help students succeed.
By taking full advantage of these resources, students can not only navigate their academic journeys more effectively but also foster wellness and self-care, which are essential for maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
For Pacheco, being a lifelong member of the Gator Nation means success, community, and pride.
“It is always a bragging point, and UF has a rich alumni community,” Pacheco said. “It is so fun to meet other graduates and bond over our shared experiences.”
Read Pacheco’s graduation story and learn more about UF Online’s Bachelor of Arts in Psychology program.
A proud Gator lawyer serves clients in the capital city of Tallahassee
At just 16 years old, V. Amber Moisman first embarked on her college journey by enrolling in UF Online’s Pathway to Campus Enrollment (PaCE) program – a track that allowed her to study fully online and finish her degree residentially. The experience set Moisman on an accelerated path to success.
By 19, she had already earned her degree in general business with a minor in entrepreneurship. Driven by her career ambitions, she continued her education at UF’s Levin College of Law. Today, Moisman is making her mark as a regulatory lawyer, serving as an associate attorney at Meenan P.A. in Tallahassee, Florida.
“I have several investment projects I am working on, and my business degree through UF Online has been a great foundation,” Moisman said.
Starting college earlier than most, Moisman found that UF Online’s flexible format gave her the freedom and the direction she needed.
“I was very young at the time and my family was concerned about me moving away at 16 to start college,” Moisman said.
The ability to spend a few extra semesters at home, particularly with her younger sister, was helpful to Moisman’s entire family. The opportunity also made Moisman more appreciative of the transition to in-person classes when she eventually moved to Gainesville.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Moisman returned to online courses for three semesters in law school. Thanks to her previous experience with UF Online, she felt better prepared to handle the shift than many of her law school classmates.
Remote learning also taught her the importance of work-life balance. Since most of her current legal work can be done remotely, Moisman now holds a hybrid position that offers her the flexibility to adjust to life’s inevitable changes.
Moisman said her UF alumni status has helped her in her legal career in the state’s capital, too. In Tallahassee, there is profound camaraderie in Gator Nation.
“There really are Gators around every corner. I am very proud to be a Florida Gator. To me, it is something that can never be taken away,” Moisman said. “It is a credential. It is a sign of shared life experience that, in some way, every other Florida Gator can relate to in some manner. I look back so fondly on my undergraduate days as some of the best of my life. Being a Florida Gator…there is nothing quite like it.”
Read Moisman’s graduation story and learn more about UF Online’s PaCE program.
A business strategist and wellness coach empowers companies and clients in St. Johns County
After graduating from UF Online with a bachelor’s degree in business administration, La’Trece Bartley embarked on two career journeys. She became the founder and principal consultant at E3 Training and Consulting Agency and created Purposefully Living, LLC while living in St. Johns County, Florida.
At E3, Bartley helps companies integrate AI technology with conventional business strategies to enhance operational efficiency and foster innovation. As the CEO and founder of Purposefully Living, LLC, as well as a certified wellness coach, she empowers women to embrace a focused, intentional, and tenacious approach to life through her “Get F.I.T.” program.
“I am passionate about inspiring women to lead purpose-driven lives, with confidence and grace, guided by faith,” Bartley said. “I applied the foundational business knowledge and skills I gained at UF to broaden my scope in the field of administrative management.”
Through UF Online, Bartley developed a comprehensive understanding of business, covering everything from organizational management to international business. The experience equipped her with strategic thinking skills and a proactive mindset to navigate the complexities of corporate America. The foundation she built enabled her to seamlessly integrate innovative technologies and methodologies into her work, ensuring that her services remain cutting-edge.
The flexibility and self-discipline Bartley cultivated while studying online at UF was vital, particularly when she was a new mother with a 2-year-old son. Balancing her roles as a student, wife, and mom demanded meticulous scheduling. Although Bartley had to miss many activities, her sacrifices paved the way for a better future for her family.
“My education and experiences at UF Online taught me the power of grit. Being a young mother, wife, and student, especially during times when my son faced health challenges, was incredibly tough,” Bartley said. “There were days I barely made it through, but I never gave up. My grit, fueled by my faith, is my greatest success story.”
Bartley encourages current UF Online students to purposefully engage with their coursework, participate in online forums, and apply what they learn in real time through internships and projects to gain practical experience.
“Remember, the real world differs significantly from college, but success hinges on being agile and forward-thinking,” Bartley said. “Be open to new opportunities and innovative ways to apply your knowledge.”
Looking ahead, Bartley is committed to continuing her purpose-driven journey, whether it is by expanding her role as an AI consultant or deepening the impact of her wellness coaching. She is focused on encouraging and empowering others to live purposefully. Beyond her professional aspirations, Bartley is devoted to homeschooling her three children and cherishing the opportunity to watch them grow and step into the next phases of their lives.
“Being a Florida Gator means embodying the spirit of perseverance and excellence. My time at UF taught me to strive for excellence in all aspects of life, whether in the classroom, the community, or beyond,” Bartley said. “To me, being a Gator is a lifelong commitment to carrying forward the values and lessons learned during my time at UF. It’s definitely great to be a Gator.”
Read Bartley’s graduation story and learn more about UF Online’s Bachelor of Arts or Science in Business Administration program.
