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.

Dr. Zaina Sheets is responsible for the coordination, creation and delivery of face-to-face and online workshops and materials for faculty and teaching assistant development. She also assists in the development and management of the center’s budget, hiring processes, project management, and marketing. 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 Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from Florida State University, 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 leads the UF+Quality Matters online course review process for the team. 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. She’s currently a Ph.D. student in the UF College of Journalism and Communications. When Nikki’s not reading and researching, she spends her free time listening to podcasts, catching up on her Netflix queue, cooking & eating, and going on field trips. For online course review 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.

Kimberly is the Graduate and Postdoc Development Coordinator for the Center for Teaching Excellence, and she is involved with CIRTL programs, the Preparing Future Faculty and First Year Faculty Teaching Academy workshop series, faculty consultations, and supporting graduate and postdoc students in the process of planning and implementing Teaching as Research Projects. With over 25 years of experience in teaching at different educational levels, a master’s degree in education and family studies, and graduate certificates in teaching, Kimberly is passionate about implementing inclusive teaching practices and creating supportive learning environments in which all students are successful. Kimberly considers teaching a journey of discovery, growth, and reflection, and learning. To schedule a consultation please contact Kimberly.

As an EduGator and life-long resident of Gainesville, FL, Leota is very excited to join the Center for Teaching Excellence at UF after a nearly 30-year odyssey in teaching. She collaborates in the online course review process, consults on best teaching practices as part of the course review process, and provides Academic Integrity support. Outside of work, Leota loves to read, traveling with her family (road trips!), and outdoorsy activities like hiking and kayaking. However, like her furbabies, she is equally content with lazy moments on the couch. She earned her BA in English and M.Ed in Secondary English Education from the University of Florida . Contact Leota.

Lupita joined CTE in 2023 as part of the Online Course Quality Team. In addition to collaborating in the online course review process helping online courses meet UF+QM standards, she is the project manager and lead facilitator for CTE’s Great Online Course Series. Lupita holds an MFA in Creative Writing from the University of Florida, and a B.A. in Business Economics from the University of South Carolina. A life-long writer and educator, she has taught English since 1996 at every level: from elementary to undergrad. Lupita is a published poet and translator, and when she is not designing courses and thinking about Backward Design, Lupita spends as much time as possible outside enjoying Florida and practicing black and white portrait photography with her 50-year-old Nikon FTN film cameras. Contact Lupita.

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.