In January 2014, UF Online was founded to fulfill the Florida legislature’s goal of establishing a Preeminent State Research University Institute for Online Learning. The new online program was designed to break down barriers and extend the reach of the University of Florida’s education beyond traditional boundaries. With a mission to make a UF degree more accessible to students who could not physically relocate or attend a residential program, UF Online has empowered learners from across the globe to pursue their dream of becoming a Florida Gator.
Over the past decade, more than 6,000 students from 47 states and 25 countries have proudly earned their degrees, transforming their lives and careers. To celebrate the program’s 10th anniversary, UF Online revisits remarkable alumni to reflect on their incredible post-graduate journeys and the impact they are currently making in Florida and the world. This is the second story in a three part series. Read the first story here.
UF Online Alumni Reflect on Their Post-Graduation Journey to Celebrate UF Online’s 10th Anniversary
Dariel Liakhovetski
Dariel Liakhovetski has always had a combined passion for both dentistry and music. Before beginning his academic journey at UF Online, he and his brother performed a viral cello act on America’s Got Talent that captivated the nation. After earning his B.S. in Microbiology and Cell Science from UF Online, Dariel continued his studies at the University of North Carolina Adams School of Dentistry in Chapel Hill and will be pursuing Prosthodontics residency in the future. “Being a UF alumnus means being a Gator for life,” he said. “I am a proud Gator grad, and it has opened many doors for me, including getting accepted to my dream dental school. Being a Gator means being a part of the UF family and as a proud Floridian, that is something I love and cherish deeply.”
A solid foundation in microbiology is essential for success in any healthcare field. UF Online’s dedicated faculty empowered Dariel to pursue his dream career as a clinician by introducing him to clinical research. “Having graduated in 2020, I am grateful to UF for having built a strong online infrastructure so that when COVID took classes online, UF was ready to hit the ground running,” he said. “I give enormous credit to the innovative professors at UF for rethinking how science classes and labs can be taught. It certainly doesn’t work for everyone, but for those with a busy work schedule, or any other factor that would make traditional learning a challenge, online education is a fantastic option.”
The flexibility of UF Online allowed Dariel to balance coursework with traveling and performing music as he pursued his rigorous science degree. He believes this impressive feat would not have been possible had he chosen a different academic path. “My brother and I competed on America’s Got Talent, playing the cello, and have since had the privilege of performing for tens of thousands of people,” he said. “Aside from being immensely passionate about dentistry, we both love few things more than sharing the gift of music with people. That is something I will always be grateful to this program for allowing me to pursue.”
Dariel encourages current and future UF Online students to engage with their peers, connect with faculty, and fully embrace their time in the program. He also emphasizes the importance of having fun along the way, noting that students can choose their level of involvement. “I certainly did not want to regret not taking advantage of all the brilliant faculty at UF prior to graduation and I am proud of all the experiences I was able to accumulate during my time as a student,” he said. “The skills learned at UF Online are the very same skills that will make you a rockstar in the real world!”
After finding success at UF Online, Dariel is looking ahead toward his prosthodontics residency. “I cannot wait to start residency and learn to become a pro smile engineer specializing in esthetic, implant, and reconstructive dentistry,” he said.
While he works toward his future in dentistry, Dariel reflects fondly on his time as a UF Online student and believes it will always be a part of his identity. “Being a Florida Gator means being a part of something greater,” he said. “It means being tough as nails. It means being a part of a bright, vibrant community who want to strive for excellence and make the most of themselves. I will always be proud to be a FLORIDA GATOR!”
Read Dariel’s first student story and learn more about UF Online’s B.S. in Microbiology and Cell Science degree program.
Marissa Vetter
Inspired by her three Gator daughters, Marissa Vetter from Green Cove Springs, Flo., first enrolled in UF Online’s sociology degree program while the trio attended the university. This created a rare and unique opportunity for the Vetter family to pursue their UF education together. One of the most cherished moments of Marissa’s life was walking across the graduation stage alongside her daughter, Taylor. “I take great pride in holding a degree from an institution that has profoundly influenced my entire family,” she said. “It is a privilege to be affiliated with the Gator Nation.”
After graduating with her UF degree, Marissa now works as a grant manager and housing counselor at Jacksonville Area Legal Aid, where she saves families and homes from foreclosure. “The sociology courses provided me with a deeper understanding of the social conditions affecting the community I serve, enhancing my compassion and empathy for its more vulnerable members,” she said. The flexibility of the online program enabled her to pursue her sociology degree while effectively balancing her full-time work and family. Looking toward the future, Marissa is currently exploring her options for pursuing her master’s degree.
Marissa wants to encourage current UF Online students to connect with their advisors. Building a strong relationship with advisors can lead to valuable insights and resources that support academic and personal growth. The support and guidance Marissa received from her advisors were instrumental to her success, particularly during challenging times when their encouragement provided the motivation she needed to stay focused on her goals.
As a family of Gator grads, the University of Florida will always hold a special place in her family’s hearts. “It’s GREAT to be a Florida Gator,” she said. “I am proud to have graduated from such a distinguished university.”
Read Marissa’s first student story and learn more about UF Online’s B.A. in Sociology degree program.
Chris Rapozo
UF Online alum Chris Rapozo discovered his passion for marketing while working as a paralegal at a law firm in Tampa, Fla. In addition to his legal duties, he took on part-time responsibilities in the firm’s marketing department. The experience inspired him to aim for a full-time marketing career, and he enrolled in UF Online’s B.S. in Public Relations program. Just two months after graduating, Chris secured a full-time marketing position at Hannon Hill, a tech company located in the Atlanta Tech Village. “This move not only launched my career in marketing but also set the foundation for the professional growth I’ve experienced since,” he said.
The flexibility and self-discipline Chris developed during his time at UF Online were pivotal in managing both his personal and professional responsibilities. While pursuing his degree, he balanced working as a paralegal, marketing duties, and raising two young children. This demanding schedule required him to excel in time management, prioritize tasks efficiently, and stay committed to his goals. These skills have since proven invaluable in his professional life. Whether managing multiple projects, meeting tight deadlines, or adapting to a fast-paced environment, his ability to juggle responsibilities while maintaining focus has been a cornerstone of his success.
When Chris first joined Hannon Hill, he anticipated working under direct departmental leadership. However, unexpected shifts created an opportunity for him to step up and take on additional responsibilities. Thanks to his education and experience at UF Online, he felt confident in stepping up to lead the department. Over the past two years, he has driven significant growth and innovation in marketing strategies. “This experience is a testament to how well UF Online prepared me for real-world challenges,” he said. “It equipped me with the confidence and capabilities to seize opportunities and excel in leadership roles, even when they arise unexpectedly.”
UF Online’s public relations degree provided a strong mix of theoretical knowledge and practical skills, enabling Chris to thrive in the fast-paced marketing field. The curriculum focused on industry trends, emerging technologies, and leadership development, which have been critical to his career growth. UF Online fostered Chris’ skills through collaborative learning, strategic thinking, and problem-solving in a digital environment, preparing him to manage teams, implement AI-driven strategies, optimize SEO, and lead digital campaigns with agility and foresight.
Chris’ UF alumni status has opened doors to new career opportunities, making the reputation of the University of Florida and its strong network of alumni vital in his professional journey. “Being part of such a well-regarded institution has given me credibility and recognition in the industry, which has, in turn, helped me connect with other professionals and discover opportunities that may not have been available otherwise,” he said. “It’s a powerful reminder of the enduring value of my education and the connections I’ve made along the way.”
Chris advises current UF Online students to collaborate with their fellow students and professors, building connections that continue long after graduation. “After graduation, I interviewed a former professor on my podcast, hired a fellow student to help me create content for Hannon Hill, and even met another classmate in real life when they visited Atlanta,” he said. “These connections have enriched my professional network and opened up new opportunities. Take the time to network, engage with your peers, participate in discussions, and reach out to your professors. The relationships you build now can be invaluable as you transition into the professional world.”
To Chris, being a part of the Gator Nation is a source of strength, identity, and purpose. “Being a Gator means being part of a legacy, a community that is both vast and deeply connected,” he said. “It’s about pride, resilience, and the unspoken bond shared with fellow Gators around the world. It’s knowing that wherever you go, you are part of something bigger, something that stays with you long after graduation. For me, being a Florida Gator is everything.”
Read Chris’ first student story and learn more about UF Online’s B.S. in Public Relations degree program.
