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.
- Regan Garner, Associate Director
- Dr. Kristy Spear, Assistant Director for Honors Experiential Learning
Regan Garner
Associate Director
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, 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
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.
Awards:
- Champions for Change, 2025
- Professional Advisor of the Year for Undergraduate Affairs, 2018
- Outstanding New Advisor, 2017
- Outstanding First-Year Student Advocate Award, 2016
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