Jennifer K. Smith is the Director of the Center for Teaching Excellence. She has served as the Associate Director of Course production for UF Online and as manager of Instructional Design Services at UF’s Center for Instructional Technology and Training. Prior to her work at CITT, Jennifer was an Associate Professor with the University of Florida Theatre and Dance Department. She has supervised costume construction for performing arts companies such as the Los Angeles Opera, Santa Fe Opera, Alabama Shakespeare Festival, and the Colorado Shakespeare Festival in Boulder. Her creations have been worn by many performers including opera singers Placido Domingo and Denyce Graves as well as rock musician Prince. Jennifer received her Master of Fine Arts degree in Theatre Production from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. Her Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication and Theatre Arts came from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire.

Alexandra discovered her passion for teaching in 1998 as a graduate student instructor. She has been teaching ever since. She joined the Center for Teaching Excellence in 2015. Since then, she has worked closely to support excellence in teaching and learning across the University of Florida. She works on a wide variety of initiatives and projects including the Passport to Great Teaching, Pathways to Online Teaching Excellence, Interface, First Year Faculty Teaching Academy, Faculty Learning Communities, the Teaching Beyond the Podium Podcast Series, and the Inspired Teaching Newsletter. She earned her Ph.D. from the University of Florida in Higher Education Administration, her M.A. in Romance Language Linguistics from the University of Florida, her M.S from Florida State University in Information and Library Science, and her B.A. in History and Anthropology from the University of Florida. Alexandra loves spending time with her family and friends, especially when cooking and sharing a great meal around the kitchen table. She also enjoys spending time soaking in nature while gardening, hiking, kayaking, or doing yoga. For Pathways to Online Teaching Excellence and Teaching Beyond the Podium podcast questions, or to schedule a teaching consultation, contact Alexandra.

As a member of the Center for Teaching Excellence, Dr. Jordi is responsible for supporting university initiatives by overseeing the GatorEvals course evaluations, as well as developing and implementing projects related to learning analytics. When not at work, John enjoys spending time with his wife and two children. He also enjoys playing tennis and golf. He earned his Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration from the University of Florida, a Master’s in Educational Leadership from the University of North Florida, and his B.A. in History from the Pennsylvania State University. For student evaluation questions, contact John.

Zaina is responsible for the coordination, creation and delivery of face-to-face and online workshops and materials for faculty and teaching assistant development. During her free time, Zaina enjoys spending time outdoors fishing, hunting, or just being around the water. She also loves to dance, read a good novel or attend an athletic event, like Gator Football, Go Gators! Zaina earned her M.A.E. in Educational Technology from the University of Florida, and her B.F.A. in Creative Photography from the University of Florida. For event, workshop, and Passport to Great Teaching questions, contact Zaina.

Micah Jenkins is the eText Coordinator for the Center for Teaching Excellence. Since joining the team in 2018, she has worked to facilitate textbook affordability efforts here at UF. Outside of work, Micah enjoys reading mystery novels, listening to podcasts, and exploring Fortean phenomena and haunted places. Micah earned her M.A. in Applied Linguistics from the University of South Florida, and her B.A. in History from the University of Central Florida. For UF All Access and Affordable UF questions, contact Micah.

Nikki assists with Pathways to Online Teaching Excellence course reviews, teacher assistant training and development, and instructional design for the team. She spends her free time listening to podcasts, reading, catching up on her Netflix queue, crafting, cooking & eating, and going on field trips. Nikki earned her M.A. in Educational Technology from the University of Northern Iowa, and her M.Ed. in Early Childhood Education and B.S. in Early Childhood Education from Albany State University. For Pathways to Online Teaching Excellence questions, contact Nikki.

Michael was thrilled to join the team at the Center for Teaching Excellence at UF in 2022. He is passionate about learning and teaching, and loves the synergy that he feels when a group gathers to discuss how to improve as learners and teachers. With over 25 years of teaching experience in higher education and a doctorate degree in educational psychology, Michael is always excited to share things he’s learning. He is on a mission to dismantle the paradigms that have made learning and teaching feel artificial and institutional rather than instinctive, social, experiential, and fun. Outside of work, he enjoys baking, DIY projects, and spending time with his family. For questions about faculty development or to schedule a teaching consultation, contact Michael.

Paul is the newest member of the Center for Teaching Excellence at UF. Over the last decade he has worked as an arts administrator, teaching artist, and New Media art professor. Paul maintains the teach.edu website, designs publications and graphics, and produces the Teaching Beyond the Podium Podcast. He has a BFA in painting from the Kansas City Arts Institute and an MFA in New Media art from the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign. Outside of CTE, he is an accomplished artist focused on artist made books, videos and signs. For issues or questions with the website please contact Paul.