UF College of Agricultural and Life Sciences

The College of Agricultural and Life Sciences hosted its annual Teaching Enhancement Symposium (TES) on Monday, August 17, 2026. This conference brings together graduate students, faculty and staff to promote the exchange of best practices, lessons learned, and teaching scholarship through presentations and workshops.

This year's event featured Jay Akridge as the keynote speaker. Dr. Akridge serves as the trustee chair in teaching and learning excellence and a professor of agricultural economics at Purdue University. His keynote presentation focused on the state of higher education in 2026 and how higher education professionals can adapt to the changing industry.

We would like to take a moment to thank all who made this year's event possible, including Dr. Al Wysocki. For the past 14 years, Dr. Wysocki has spearheaded this event, organizing presenters and logistics to ensure the day runs smoothly. Dr. Wysocki was honored at this year's conference as it was his last TES before his retirement in 2027.

This one’s for all our CALS families out there. 📸Happy First Day of Classes! 🐊📚

Name a better feeling … we’ll wait! 🎓

One week since our CALS grads became the newest alumni in the Gator Nation! 🐊💙🧡

Congratulations to alumna Jennifer Hemingway ('95) for being awarded the UF Distinguished Alumnus Award during Saturday’s Summer Commencement Ceremony.

Hemingway earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Food Resource and Economics from CALS, in addition to a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science. Currently, she serves as the Sergeant at Arms and Doorkeeper of the United States Senate, committing herself to public service and ensuring the United States Senate operations occur seamlessly.

This is an incredible honor and we extend a heartfelt congratulations to Jennifer for all her accomplishments!💙🧡🐊

A special letter to our CALS alumni! 💌🐊

Our calendars are marked and our registrations for TailGATOR are complete ... are yours?! 📆

Join us on September 25 at the Horse Teaching Unit for this year's TailGATOR! Spend the evening indulging in food, fun, as well as connecting with fellow CALS alumni and current students 🐊

Register here: cals.ufl.edu/events/tailgator 🔗

The UF/IFAS Department of Animal Sciences unveiled its new Horse Teaching Unit Multipurpose Building.

This new space includes a student residence, a classroom, and a break room kitchen for staff, faculty, and student workers.
We are excited to enhance the living spaces for our students who are integral to the operations of our equine program.

If you missed it, mark your calendar for September 25, 2026, because we are moving the CALS TailGATOR to the Horse Teaching Unit this year! 🐊🐴

We are halfway through our first week of the Florida Youth Institute and Florida Teacher Institute! Rising high school juniors and seniors, as well as K-12 teachers across Florida, are learning how agriculture, natural resources, and related life sciences all play a part in global food security. Thank you to Florida Farm Bureau Federation for hosting our groups and supporting both FYI and FTI!