A Note from the Dean
Winter 2026
As 2025 wraps up at the University of Florida, I’m thrilled about our progress at the College of Health & Human Performance (HHP). Over the past year, we increased our investment in student success, expanded experiential learning, and strengthened our entrepreneurial and industry partnerships. In parallel, HHP investigators made pioneering discoveries that advanced the frontiers of knowledge in business, biomedicine, and community health. This progress continues to be led by our exceptional faculty and staff whose commitment to excellence is a pillar of our college.
At HHP, excellence drives growth. In the fall term, we had 3,052 full-time students enrolled in our degree programs. This makes our college the fifth-largest among sixteen colleges at UF. We are proud to be training UF students who will lead industries ranging from healthcare to sport management, from tourism to health promotion. Similarly, the research enterprise at HHP is burgeoning. Averaged over the past three years, the nation’s leading authority has ranked HHP #1 for research productivity among over 100 peer universities in North America.
Entering 2026, HHP is well-positioned to celebrate the college’s 80th anniversary. This milestone invites us to honor our legacy while plotting a new course for the future. Already, we are preparing our students for careers that did not exist a decade ago. Equally important, we are listening to our community. The insights of students, faculty, alumni, and industry advisers inform our priorities and fuel our progress.
In this issue, we celebrate our history and our future. You’ll take a trip down memory lane and revisit the story of the Gator Grapplers – UF’s former wrestling team, led by the late Keith Tennant – as we mark the 50th anniversary of their SEC wrestling championship. Looking ahead, you’ll read about two groundbreaking studies in biomedical research. One study harnesses artificial intelligence to detect early signs of Parkinson’s disease. The other examines the mental health benefits of medical ketamine for individuals with PTSD.
As we toast to new beginnings, one constant remains: this college thrives because of you, our HHP family. If you would like to be more engaged, please reach out to me directly. Your insights and support can help shape the future of HHP.
With gratitude and excitement, Go Gators!
Michael Reid
Dean
In This Issue
Performance Magazine is a place to celebrate the successes of our faculty, students and alumni. We also hope it’s a useful tool to keep you updated on the most recent happenings.
Features and Research
Helping Alachua County Youth Thrive, Florida College Students Teach Wellness in the Classroom
Children in Alachua County elementary and middle schools are learning to lead healthier, happier lives, with a little help from University of Florida student volunteers.
As Florida Tourism Surges, UF Trains Students in AI-Driven Hospitality
Florida welcomed 34.4 million visitors over the summer to theme parks, beaches and trending destinations, shattering tourism and hospitality records. To keep the pace, statewide businesses are increasingly looking to innovate, and turning to AI to deliver personalized, memorable experiences that exceed the expectations of today’s travelers.
Full Court Finish: A Former NBA Star’s Journey Back to the Classroom
After leaving Michigan State in 2001 to pursue his dream of playing in the NBA, Jason Richardson (BSSPM ’25) recently fulfilled his promise to his mother: to graduate with his bachelor’s degree in sport management.
Honoring the Legacy of the Legendary UF Wrestling Coach Keith Tennant
The Florida Gym has been a treasure to the University of Florida, hosting sporting events, concerts and other university functions. However, one lesser-known gem associated with this iconic venue is the UF wrestling team and its founder, Coach Keith Tennant.
Rob Stecklow: Scoring Big in Sports Marketing
A veteran in sports and entertainment marketing, Rob Stecklow, has seen the landscape evolve dramatically over the past two decades.
‘Lifesaving’ Ketamine Offers New Hope for PTSD Sufferers
A growing number of Americans are turning to ketamine — long used as a surgical anesthetic and known for recreational misuse — as a powerful treatment for depression and post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD. A new University of Florida study, led by 2024 graduate Shahar Almog, Ph.D., suggests that the drug may offer even more mental health benefits than previously thought.
AI Detects Hidden Movement Clues Linked to Brain Disorders, Study Shows
Early detection of even the slightest motor function changes can be critical to slowing the progression of Parkinson’s disease. Yet these subtle signs often go unnoticed. Now, UF researcher Diego L. Guarín, Ph.D., is harnessing AI to spot these subtle changes from video recordings before clinical symptoms become evident to the clinician’s eyes.
Alumni Profiles
Submit Your Story Idea!
Do you have an inspiring alumni testimonial, recent research findings or impactful community story related to your education at HHP? Whether you’re a student, recent grad or long-time alum, we want to hear from you! Submit your story using the link below for a chance to be featured in an upcoming edition of Performance magazine.