Executive Leadership

Our program leaders have collective expertise in all areas of the Honors experience, from course development and advising to study abroad and experiential learning. An accessible, hands-on group, this enterprising team connects directly with students and faculty across campus to shape and guide our program at all levels.

Start scrolling or click a name below to jump to a profile.

Dr. Melissa L. Johnson, Interim Director
Regan Garner, Associate Director
Dr. Kristy Spear, Assistant Director for Honors Experiential Learning

Dr. Melissa L. Johnson

Interim Director

mjohnson@honors.ufl.edu

Contact for:

Campus partnerships and outreach
Teaching for Honors
Honors strategic initiatives and planning
Program requirements
Fundraising and annual giving
Special events

Dr. Melissa L. Johnson ("Dr. J") is the Honors Program Interim Director. She previously served as the Senior Associate Director for the program. A lifelong “honors” student, Dr. Johnson’s personal drive for challenge and growth is the groundwork for her commitment to high-achieving Gators – and her role in facilitating the office committed to them.

Known across the country as a leading expert in honors advising, Dr. Johnson brings together a vast knowledge of undergraduate honors education to her role. Helping students understand the value of the holistic Honors experience – including support by a staff who champion their ambitions, intellect and drive – provides meaningful purpose and lifelong connection (she’s still in touch with alumni from her first year with UF Honors 20 years ago!).

The 2^nd youngest ever to be named a Fellow of the National Collegiate Honors Council, Dr. Johnson has been active in Honors on a national scale—she has published, presented and facilitated national institutes on all aspects of the Honors experience. She receives regular requests to serve as an external consultant and program reviewer for honors programs and colleges across the country. She is an Editorial Board Member for the Honors in Practice journal and was previously a member of the NACADA Academic Advising Consultants and Speakers Service.

Dr. Johnson’s Gator-connections extend beyond her position with Honors, too. She earned her Ph.D. from UF and has served on the executive board of the Phi Beta Kappa, Beta of Florida chapter. She has also served on numerous university committees over the past 20 years, including Academic Assessment (co-chair), University Libraries (chair), Faculty Senate (steering committee), and Infrastructure Council.

Off campus Dr. J can be found with her greyhound, Kenzie – a (now retired) certified therapy dog and canine blood donor at UF Vet Med!

Awards:

Fellow of the National Collegiate Honors Council, 2018
Field and Fork Faculty Teaching Fellow, 2017-2018
Faculty Honoree, UF Anderson Scholars, 2008, 2011-2014, 2016
Professional Advisor of the Year for Undergraduate Affairs, 2015
Outstanding UF Service Learning Faculty of the Year, 2009
Outstanding New Advisor Certificate of Merit, NACADA Region 4, 2007

Regan Garner

Associate Director

rlgarner@ufl.edu

Contact for:

Internal scholarship questions (Lombardi/Stamps, Davis UWC)
Study abroad advising
Social justice/activism opportunities
Phi Kappa Phi
UFIC Study Abroad Faculty Advisory Committee Member

Regan Garner is an Associate Director for the Honors Program. She serves as the coordinator for the Honors’ selective internal scholarship programs: the Davis United World College Scholars Program, the John V. Lombardi Scholarship Program and the Stamps Scholars Program. Regan believes the tenacity, motivation and curiosity of these scholarship recipients demonstrates how to thrive in an increasingly complex world, which she is proud to support.

Previously, Regan worked as an Assistant Director and National Merit Scholar Recruiter in the UF Office of Admissions. She’s a double Gator with a BA in Classical Studies and M.Ed. in Social Foundations of Education. Vast past experience as study abroad program director and Fulbright Program Advisor make Regan a great resource for all Honors students interested in studying abroad.

Outside of Honors, Regan is deeply involved in the community. She is a leader in the Gainesville chapter of National Women’s Liberation, active member of the Alachua County Labor Coalition, the Civic Media Center, the Gainesville Anti-Fascist Committee, and United Faculty of Florida at UF.

Also: Regan has deep knowledge of local restaurants, cultural happenings, and outdoor activities. Wondering where to find, say the best tacos in town? Ask Regan!

Additional Information:

Phi Kappa Phi Chapter President
UF International Educator of the Year Award 2016

Dr. Kristy Spear

Assistant Director for Honors Experiential Learning

kspear@honors.ufl.edu

Contact for:

Seeking or promoting experiential learning opportunities
(Un)Common peer instructors
Internship credit
SHO and creating new Honors student organizations
(Un)Common Classrooms
Mindfulness Learning Community
Honoring the Ocean

Dr. Kristy Spear is the Assistant Director for Honors Experiential Learning. She supports Honors students by creating and curating opportunities for purposeful engagement and active experimentation both in and out of the traditional classroom. Dr. Spear finds it rewarding to champion honors students as they seek and engage in uniquely meaningful experiences that foster intellectual and personal growth.

Dr. Spear is an alumna of the University of Florida, earning a Master's degree in Education Leadership, a Doctorate in Educational Technology, and a graduate certificate in Digital Humanities. She also holds an interdisciplinary Bachelor of Science in Health and Communication. Her research interests include wellbeing and designing educational experiences that foster learning and engagement for high-achieving students. Formerly, she served as chair of the Advising High Achieving Students Community through the National Academic Advising Association.

Before joining Honors in 2014, Dr. Spear supported the career development of students and faculty with roles in human resources and career services. Her interest in career development may be a product of her own unique employment history, which includes ballroom dance instructor, Halloween Horror Nights Scareactor and pyrotechnician.