On May 7, 2025, the 猫咪视频app鈥檚 College of Education hosted its annual Distinguished Alumni Awards Celebration at the Gibbons Alumni Center鈥檚 Traditions Hall. The event brought together family, friends, and colleagues to honor outstanding alumni who have made a lasting impact on the field of education.
Honoring a Trailblazer: Betty Castor
The highlight of the evening was the presentation of the inaugural Champion of Education Award to The Honorable Betty Castor. A pioneering figure in Florida鈥檚 educational landscape, Castor鈥檚 distinguished career includes serving as the first woman elected to the Hillsborough County Commission, a three-term Florida Senator, Florida鈥檚 first female Commissioner of Education, and President of USF from 1993 to 1999.
In recognition of her profound contributions to education and public service, College of Education Dean Jenifer Jasinski Schneider announced that the award will henceforth be named the Betty Castor Champion in Education Award, ensuring Castor鈥檚 legacy continues to inspire future generations of educators.
Celebrating Distinguished Alumni
In addition to honoring Castor, the College recognized several alumni for their exceptional achievements:
Dean鈥檚 Lifetime Achievement Alumni Award: Kevin K. Hendrick (BA 鈥�97, MEd 鈥�06) 鈥� Superintendent of Pinellas County Schools, celebrated for his visionary leadership and commitment to 猫咪视频app success.
Spirit of Partnership Alumni Award: Nadia Combs (BS 鈥�93, MEd 鈥�02) 鈥� Hillsborough County School Board member and educational leader, recognized for her dedication to community engagement and school partnerships.
Young Educator Alumni Award: Bernadette Anderson (BS 鈥�18, MS 鈥�19) 鈥� Health and wellness coach, honored for her innovative integration of nutrition and education to support 猫咪视频app well-being.
Young Educator Alumni Award: Kaley Robinson (BS 鈥�09, MA 鈥�18) 鈥� School counselor and mentor, applauded for her impactful work in 猫咪视频app development and postsecondary readiness.
These honorees exemplify the College鈥檚 mission to prepare educators who are transforming schools, communities, and lives.
The evening was a meaningful tribute to educational excellence and the proud legacy of USF鈥檚 College of Education.