The Santa Fe College and UF Health Nurse Training Partnership received the Win Phillips Town Gown Relations Award on Friday, December 5. The award was presented during a University of Florida Foundation Board of Trustees meeting.
This partnership, now in its third year, was launched at a ceremony held in the spring on Santa Fe College’s Northwest Campus. The initiative aims to address community healthcare needs by training nurses through collaboration between Santa Fe College and UF Health.
During the award presentation, Shakira Henderson, Dean of the UF College of Nursing and Chief Administrative Officer, described the partnership as “a model of what happens when two anchor institutions come together to meet a critical community need.”
Santa Fe College President Paul Broadie II and UF Health Chief Nursing Officer Leah Blackwell accepted the award. Also present were Santa Fe Provost Nate Southerland, Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs Health Sciences Nilanjana Cabellero, and Nursing Programs Chair Tracy Ison.
The Win Phillips Town Gown Relations Award was created in 2022 to recognize efforts that strengthen ties between the University of Florida and the Greater Gainesville area. It highlights collaborations that benefit both campus and community.
Henderson said the partnership exemplifies effective town-gown relations: “at its best – responsive, innovative and committed to building a better future for the entire community.”
Through their joint efforts, Santa Fe College and UF Health have expanded faculty capacity, improved simulations and clinical training opportunities, developed pathways for working adults into nursing programs, and addressed barriers faced by students entering or completing their studies.
“Together Santa Fe College and UF Health are ensuring that students receive hands-on, real-world preparation that reflects the complexity of today’s clinical environment,” Henderson said. “This collaboration not only elevates the educational experience for their students, but it also supports the long-term health of our region.”
Chuck Clemons, UF Vice President for Government and Community Relations stated: “The University of Florida deeply values strong town-gown relations. We know that a university thrives when it works in true partnership with its community, and that our community benefits when UF is fully engaged and invested.”
