UWF College of Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities

The UWF Archaeology Institute is leading an important preservation effort at Magnolia Cemetery, restoring century-old vernacular grave markers that reflect Pensacola’s early 20th-century African American heritage.

Led by archaeologist Jennifer Melcher, the project is supported by a $50,000 grant from Florida’s Abandoned African American Cemeteries program and focuses on preserving handcrafted markers created by local artisans while honoring the cultural history they represent.

This restoration highlights the importance of safeguarding historic burial sites and the stories they preserve for future generations.

Read more, here: https://www.wuwf.org/local-news/2026-05-12/uwf-leads-restoration-of-century-old-vernacular-markers-at-pensacolas-magnolia-cemetery

The Florida Public Archaeology Network recently hosted its bi-annual Heritage Awareness Diving Seminar (HADS) in partnership with the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary and Biscayne National Park, bringing together divers, instructors, and underwater archaeology professionals from around the world.

Over three days, participants explored underwater historic preservation, the importance of protecting shipwrecks, and how to share the message of becoming a Heritage Aware Diver. Attendees joined both in person and virtually, including professionals from as far as Portugal and Singapore.

This year’s seminar will also be highlighted nationally through the Department of the Interior’s Expedition 250 initiative, showcasing partnerships that support stewardship of underwater cultural heritage.

Learn more about HADS here: https://www.fpan.us/training-courses/hads/

How do we bring history to life 250 years later? The UWF Archaeology Institute’s Margo Stringfield is partnering with the UWF Historic Trust on the 1776 Sampler, a public history project commemorating America’s 250th anniversary. The project explores the lives of 1,776 individuals connected to British West Florida during the American Revolution and invites community members to help tell their stories by representing them in a modern-day gallery.

Through this interactive project, participants can connect with the diverse people who shaped our region’s history while celebrating the stories that continue to define our community today.

Learn more and explore the 1776 Sampler as part of America’s 250th anniversary commemoration, here:

America 250 in Pensacola, Florida - 1776 Sampler Welcome to the 1776 Sampler, a living portrait of West Florida on the edge of Revolution. During Pensacola’s British period (1763-1781), this Gulf Coast outpost was a crossroads of empires and allegiances—officials and soldiers from various armies and navies, enslaved and free Africans, Native p...

Congratulations to Lily Verhage from the Department of Anthropology on receiving the Distinguished Undergraduate Researcher Award from the Office of Undergraduate Research. This award honors students who show excellence in research through dedication, creativity, and perseverance. Lily’s recognition highlights her hard work and commitment to academic inquiry. Her research was completed under the mentorship of Dr. John Worth. We are proud to celebrate Lily’s achievement. Congratulations on this well-deserved honor!

(Lily Verhage, pictured on the left. Photo by Gregg Pachkowski, Pensacola News Journal.)

Join us in congratulating Linda Hendrieth from the Department of Criminology, Criminal Justice, and Legal Studies on receiving the Nautilus Excellence Award.

This award recognizes employees who demonstrate outstanding performance, professionalism, service excellence, and meaningful contributions across campus and in the community. We are proud to celebrate Linda’s dedication and the impact she continues to make at UWF. Congratulations on this well-deserved recognition!

Congratulations to Kelsey Valente from the Department of Theatre on receiving the Distinguished Undergraduate Researcher Award! This award celebrates students who show excellence in research through creativity, dedication, and growth and Kelsey embodies all of these.

In November 2025, she presented her thesis on gender disparities among Broadway creatives at the National Collegiate Honors Council Conference in San Diego. We’re proud to celebrate her incredible work and achievements! 🎭✨

The Reubin O'D. Askew Department of Government hosted its 2026 Student Award Ceremony at the end of the Spring semester. Presented by Dr. David Ramsey, Dr. Adam Cayton, and Dr. Merry Beth Low, the ceremony recognized department students of the year and new Rho Pi members for their accomplishments. Please join us in congratulating all Department of Government award winners.

World Languages Students of the Year:

Chara Stevenson – French
Serenity Johnson – Italian
Joel Ellis – Japanese
Lillie-Belle Sztukowski – Spanish

Government Programs Students of the Year:
Chloe Hayes Conaghan – international affairs, MA
Declan Hinton - international studies
Mick Kaliski - pre-law
Gracie Whitley - political science
Rebecca Wiles – political science, MA

Rho Pi Chapter - New Members 2026:
Holly S. Brown-Ramby
Rebecca L. Wiles
Marshall W. Dobson
Gracie A. Whitley
Giovanni F. N**o
Rosalia Flores
Rebecca L. Paczkowski

The Office of Undergraduate Research hosted its annual Distinguished Undergraduate Researcher Award Ceremony, highlighting outstanding students and projects from across the university.

Within CASSH, the Department of History and Philosophy was proud to recognize Liberty Moench with this honor. Liberty is an Advanced Bachelors-to-Masters student taking three graduate courses, interning with the Chappie James Museum, and conducting research on Pensacola’s historic San Carlos Hotel.

Her dedication and passion for research truly represent the spirit of academic excellence across our college.

Congratulations to Liberty and all of this year’s award recipients, and thank you to the Office of Undergraduate Research for hosting this special event.

Congratulations to Ramie Gougeon on being named the 2026 Marion Viccars Award recipient.

This prestigious honor recognizes outstanding leadership, service, and impact, and Dr. Gougeon exemplifies each of these through his work at UWF. As Chair of the Department of Anthropology and Acting Director of the Archaeology Institute, his collaborative approach has expanded opportunities for students and strengthened the university’s presence across the region.

He has also provided clear direction in advancing major archaeological projects, mentoring faculty, and building meaningful partnerships.

We are proud to celebrate this well-deserved recognition and grateful for his continued dedication to our students, colleagues, and community.

The Inside-Out Prison Exchange Program course held its closing ceremony on Wednesday, April 15 at the Santa Rosa Correctional Institution. Fourteen UWF students took a course on criminal justice topics this semester, meeting each week with fifteen incarcerated men from the prison. The students received certificates and listened to guest speakers from the Florida Coalition for Higher Education in Prison.

The course is led by Jennifer L. Brinkley, Associate Professor of Legal Studies Pre-Law.