In January 2014, UF Online was founded to meet the Florida legislature’s goal of establishing a Preeminent State Research University Institute for Online Learning. This innovative program was designed to break down barriers, extending the University of Florida’s education to students worldwide. With a mission to make a UF degree accessible to those unable to attend a traditional residential program, UF Online has empowered learners across the globe to achieve their dream of becoming Florida Gators.
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 its 10th anniversary, UF Online revisits remarkable alumni to reflect on their post-graduate journeys and the impact they are making in Florida and beyond. This story is the third and final installment of a three-part series. The first and second stories are available to read now.
UF Online Alumni Share Their Post-Grad Stories to Celebrate the Program’s 10th Anniversary
Ashley Pria Persaud
Ashley Pria Persaud’s passion to create positive change spurred her to enroll in the University of Florida’s online bachelor’s degree in Sociology. “The program encouraged me to engage with contemporary issues in human rights and social justice, enabling me to stay informed and responsive to emerging issues,” she said. “My UF Online degree equipped me to adapt to changes and advancements in the nonprofit sector by fostering a strong foundation in research and communication.”
While pursuing her UF Online degree, Persaud accepted an internship at Human Rights Watch in New York. “Walking into the office in the Empire State Building, I felt like my dreams were coming true — I was working for a world-renowned organization, making a global impact, all from one of the most iconic buildings in the world,” she said. Today, she serves as the senior coordinator on Human Rights Watch’s Creative Team, working remotely from the state of Florida.
The flexibility and self-discipline she developed through UF Online have been instrumental in her career. She applies these essential skills like time management, task prioritization, and adaptability daily. Her involvement in roles like shop steward for unionized staff and co-chair of the DEI Taskforce also refined her ability to juggle diverse responsibilities — a testament to the accountability and adaptability instilled during her education.
Connecting with fellow Gators across the U.S. and around the globe has opened doors and fostered a sense of community that has inspired Persaud. She encourages current UF Online students to prioritize networking remotely and in person. “Take advantage of the flexibility of online learning by actively seeking professional development opportunities related to your area of study… or not!” she said. “This is your time to build relationships and explore!”
Persaud continues to expand her tools for serving communities and individuals with education in academia and holistic health. She recently earned a Master’s in Public Administration specializing in Advocacy from New York University. Recognizing the toll of burnout in advocacy work, she also became a trauma-informed yoga instructor and deepened her understanding of the mind-body-soul connection through wellness programs. She now integrates this knowledge into her advocacy work, promoting holistic healing and empowerment. Her goal is to weave this knowledge into her advocacy work, not only as a personal practice but also to support communities.
For Persaud, graduating from the University of Florida will always be a point of pride. “Being a Florida Gator means being part of a vibrant and diverse community that values education, service, and leadership,” she said. “As Gators, we come together to learn from one another’s backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. This collective knowledge enriches our understanding and empowers us to make a meaningful difference in our communities.”
Read Persaud’s first student story and learn more about UF Online’s B.A. in Sociology degree program.
Brett Dunckel
Brett Dunckel is driven by his desire to help others. Motivated to better protect his community, he enrolled in UF Online’s bachelor’s program in Fire and Emergency Services program. After graduating, he was promoted to Prevention Battalion Chief, overseeing fire prevention across four cities, Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, and Port Everglades. “Being a Gator means being a force for good,” he said.
Dunckel credits the program for refining his communication and writing skills, which are essential in his leadership responsibilities that include engaging with stakeholders and addressing code requirements. “The program at UF really helped me refine my communication skills,” he said.
Many of his UF Online class assignments required him to delve deeply into concepts that were initially only vaguely familiar to him. This bolstered his knowledge of fire and emergency services, which directly benefited his daily work projects and assignments. While the program offered the flexibility of asynchronous courses, he dedicated time each day to complete his coursework. This commitment further strengthened the discipline he had cultivated through his years in the fire service. “It has helped me stand out from my colleagues,” he said.
He advises UF Online students to explore additional certifications and connect with the UF community. “If you don’t live near campus, take a trip at least once as a student to go tour the campus and attend a UF football game,” he said. “It will be an experience you’ll remember forever!”
Recently graduating with a Master of Studies in Law at Wake Forest University, he plans to earn more certifications and prepare for a career shift with the support of the UF community. “It is amazing to go to places all over the country and see people representing the Gator Nation,” he said. “I’m confident that when I make the transition from public sector to private sector employment, the alumni network will pay dividends.”
Read Dunckel’s first student story and learn more about UF Online’s B.S. in Fire and Emergency Services degree program.
Jillian Purner
As a young student exploring online degree options, Jillian Purner chose to enroll in UF Online’s Bachelor’s program in Business Administration program while living with her family in Chicago, Ill. More than six years later, she continues to apply the skills she gained to thrive in her career. “Being able to quickly adapt to working with remote and online teams is a professional success from early on in my career that I would attribute to UF Online,” she said.
After earning her business degree from the University of Florida, Purner joined Aon, an international professional services provider, as a project specialist working on insurance brokerage and consulting services. She advanced to her current role as a senior consultant and aims to continue her growth at Aon in the company’s Health Innovation practice.
Purner has worked across business disciplines, including project management, operations, financial analysis, and innovation, with colleagues around the world. “Online learning gave me great skills to be successful in the professional world,” she said. “I work with teams spread out across the globe, so we are always connecting and collaborating virtually.”
Her ability to quickly adapt to new technologies and innovations has been a cornerstone of her professional success. “My UF Online degree prepared me to be comfortable with change and navigating new things without in-person support,” she said.
Purner encourages students to view online education as a unique advantage. She believes earning a bachelor’s degree online provides an opportunity to cultivate a valuable skillset not typically gained in traditional bachelor’s programs. “Tap into and highlight those strengths and skills as you transition to the professional world!” she said.
Through her UF alumni status, Purner joined local Gator organizations to connect with fellow UF alumni in the Chicago area. These connections led to both personal and professional development. “Being a Florida Gator means leading the way and establishing new norms,” she said. “I believe the UF Online program is an example of that!”
Read Purner’s first student story and learn more about UF Online’s Bachelor’s in Business Administration degree program.
