Kozyak Summer Fellowship Fund
Kozyak Summer Fellowship (KSSF) continues the legacy of the Kozyak Minority Mentoring Foundation, which for more than 15 years awarded $5,000 summer fellowships to minority and first-generation law students. These fellowships support students enrolled at Florida law schools or Florida residents attending law schools out of state.
KSSF provides financial assistance for unpaid internships with judges, nonprofit organizations, or government agencies offering opportunities that align with values of service, diversity, and fairness. Each fellow is paired with one or more mentors, gaining meaningful legal experience and building valuable professional connections.
In 2026, KSSF anticipates awarding 10–12 fellowships to outstanding students committed to making a difference in the legal profession.
The application deadline is March 15, 2026.
Guidelines: https://miamifoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/2026-KMMF-Fellowships-Guideline-2.pdf
Apply here: https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=miami
Nina B. Hollis Impact Grant Applications Due March 11
Looking for funding to support projects that expand the boundaries of education? The Nina B. Hollis Research Impact award may be for you!
The Nina B. Hollis Research Impact Award (NBHRIA) offers seed funding to support research for the advancement of all, particularly birth through grade 12 and non-traditional learners. The Impact Award encourages innovative approaches to addressing barriers faced by affected populations in our society to improve their educational outcomes. Proposals may address such areas as academic progress, social/personal growth, school culture and climate and teacher/leader enhancement.
Projects may vary in scope, with larger-scale projects funded at a maximum level of $10,000 per fiscal year, renewable annually for up to three years of total funding, and small-scale projects funded annually at a maximum of $1,500, renewable for up to two years of total funding.
Applications can be found on the NBHRIA website and are due March 11.
February Birthday Celebration!
Join us in the People Ops conference room on Thursday, Feb 26, from 9:30am – 10:30am to celebrate our February birthdays!
Champions. Champions. Champions.
Champions.
Champions.
Champions.
This past weekend, the Dispute Resolution Board went out and came home with THREE championships!
It began Friday morning with 28 teams competing at the 4th Annual National College Athletics Infractions Hearing Competition. Team captain Laura J. Hutton; first-time competitors Lauren D. Suggs, Victoria Heighton, and Camila Crepaldi Macchia; student coach Tyler Goldberg; DR alumnus and coach Blake A. Radford, Esq.; and Professor James A. Sheehan set up camp in Seminar 202 and Courtroom 203.
After two preliminary rounds, the first great news arrived — BOTH of our Stetson teams advanced to Saturday’s semifinal round, a battle between just four teams. While Victoria and Camila were wrapping up their closing arguments, they heard screams from the other room — Laura and Lauren had advanced to the finals!
Ten minutes later, the team learned that the final round of the 4th Annual National College Athletics Infractions Hearing Competition would be . . . STETSON v. STETSON!
Laura and Lauren scored the final touchdown and took home gold.
In the end, Stetson won.
[L–R] Professor Sheehan, Laura, Lauren, Victoria, and Coach Blake.
Earlier that day in Chicago, our Hong Kong Vis Team — all first-time competitors — Lauren D. Geenan, Kyra L. Marshall, Renag R. Morkous, and Kelland Timothy — zealously advocated over the sale of orchids.
This was also Stetson’s first time participating in the 15th Annual Loyola University Chicago School of Law Vis Pre-Moot. The competition was unique because it did not include preliminary rounds to advance. Thirteen teams competed, and one prevailed — Stetson. Our very own Kelland was awarded 2nd Runner-Up Best Oralist!
The Hong Kong Vis Team is coached by DR alumnus Matthew A. Ceriale, Esq., and Professor Stephanie A. Vaughan. They will travel to Hong Kong for the 23rd VIS East Moot during spring break.
[L–R] Kyra, Renag, Coach Matt, Professor Vaughan, Kelland, Lauren, and Grayson Ferber (VIS Team Captain).
That same day, in the charming Midwest city of Lincoln, Nebraska, our ABA Client Counseling Team began its competition weekend. Madi Goff and Paul Castellano — 2025 regional champions and national semifinalists in the ABA Client Counseling Competition — returned alongside teammates Corinne Rose, team captain, and Adriana Pereira, with their coach, Professor Emily Bollman.
At 2:40 p.m., the team received news that Madi and Paul had advanced to the semifinals as the No. 1 seed.
Twenty-two hours later, Madi and Paul advanced to the finals — again as the No. 1 seed.
On Sunday at 6:00 p.m., the final news came — for the second year in a row, Madi and Paul were crowned regional champions in the ABA Client Counseling Competition. The team will compete at the 2025–2026 National Competition in Chicago on March 20–21, 2026.
[L–R] Madi and Paul.
Please join us in congratulating the NCAA Infractions Hearing Team, the Hong Kong Vis Team, the ABA Client Counseling Team, and the entire DR Board — you are all champions!
The DR Board is extremely appreciative of the support from our wonderful students, staff, and faculty across campus — you are our champions.
We are proud to represent Stetson!
Congratulations to Our ABA NAAC Team—Heading to Nationals!
In Boston this weekend, Stetson had two teams participating in the ABA National Appellate Advocacy Competition (NAAC) regional, and one of our teams is advancing to nationals in April!
NAAC is one of the largest domestic moot court competitions in the nation, with over 170 teams participating this year. Teams participate in one of six regionals with the hope of being one of the four regional champions to advance to nationals. Our two teams—Drew Valenti, Anna Janowski, and Parker Schlichte, coached by alum Jeremy Bailie; and Asa Guydo, Jack Clark, and Ava Shore, coached by alum Evan Dix—have been working since mid-December on a Record that involves two issues concerning the First Amendment and TSA. (And yes, we will never go through security at the airport again without thinking about this Record.)
After five rounds of competition, the team of Drew, Anna, and Parker won their round to earn the invitation to nationals. This is the first time we have headed to nationals since the pandemic. In addition, the team won fourth-best brief. As a long-time member of the NAAC Committee (responsible for hosting all the regionals and nationals), I need to screen myself off from our teams. But that did not stop coaches and judges from pulling me aside to tell me about Stetson’s amazing advocates. Drew, Anna, Parker, Asa, Jack, and Ava represented Stetson well!
Congratulations, again, to Drew, Anna, and Parker! A special thanks goes out to Jeremy and Evan, the teams’ coaches, and to the faculty and Moot Court Board members who helped the teams prepare. Go Stetson!
Professor Bowman
Employee Appreciation Week – March 2-6
Join us next week as we celebrate YOU — the heart of everything we do. We’ve planned a fun lineup of theme days and activities to show our appreciation and bring a little extra joy to the workplace:
🟢 Monday – Favorite Sports Team
Wear a jersey from your fave sports team to kick off the week!
🎨 Tuesday – Pattern Day
Bold, bright, funky patterns encouraged.
🎄 Wednesday – Holiday Day + Ice Cream Social
Dress for your favorite holiday and stop by the pool for ice cream from 2–3 PM.
📼 Thursday – Throwback Thursday
Bring back a favorite decade — 50’s, 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s, or 2000s!
🧡 Friday – Twinsies Day (Employee Appreciation Day!)
Match outfits with a coworker and celebrate the friendships that make work better.
✨ Wellness Punches:
Earn a wellness card punch each day you participate and submit a photo to the Watercooler channel. Bonus punches for attending Wednesday’s ice cream social!
Let’s make it a week full of fun, connection, and appreciation. We can’t wait to celebrate with you! 💚
Kozyak Summer Fellowship Fund
The Kozyak Summer Fellowship (KSSF) continues the legacy of the Kozyak Minority Mentoring Foundation, which for more than 15 years awarded $5,000 summer fellowships to minority and first-generation law students. These fellowships support students enrolled at Florida law schools or Florida residents attending law schools out of state.
KSSF provides financial assistance for unpaid internships with judges, nonprofit organizations, or government agencies offering opportunities that align with values of service, diversity, and fairness. Each fellow is paired with one or more mentors, gaining meaningful legal experience and building valuable professional connections.
In 2026, KSSF anticipates awarding 10–12 fellowships to outstanding students committed to making a difference in the legal profession.
The application deadline is March 15, 2026.
Guidelines: https://miamifoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/2026-KMMF-Fellowships-Guideline-2.pdf
Apply here: https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=miami
Foreman Biodiversity Lecture – Dr. Christina Leb
Don’t miss Dr. Christina Leb, Lead Water Specialist with the World Bank, speak about the role of multilateral development banks in advancing environmental and water law standards worldwide. More information is available here.
Tuesday, February 24, 2026, 12:00 p.m.-1:00 p.m. in the Great Hall
Lunch will be available for registered attendees. Register at this link by February 23rd: Edward and Bonnie Foreman Biodiversity Lecture
Inside the Interviewer’s Mind – 1L Program
Tuesday, February 17, 2026 • 12:00pm -1:00pm • Mann Lounge
RSVP: https://forms.office.com/r/7Q9dnjsh8e
Wednesday, February 18, 2026 • 12:00pm -1:00pm • Mann Lounge
RSVP: https://forms.office.com/r/fcwiDqMcCt
Thursday, February 19, 2026 • 12:00pm -1:00pm • Mann Lounge
RSVP: Inside the Interviewer’s Mind – February 19, 2026 – Fill out form
INSIDE THE INTERVIEWER’S MIND
Wednesday, February 18, 2026 • 12:00pm -1:00pm • Mann Lounge
RSVP: https://forms.office.com/r/fcwiDqMcCt
Thursday, February 19, 2026 • 12:00pm -1:00pm • Mann Lounge
RSVP: Inside the Interviewer’s Mind – February 19, 2026 – Fill out form
Nina B. Hollis Impact Grant Applications Due March 11
Looking for funding to support projects that expand the boundaries of education? The Nina B. Hollis Research Impact award may be for you!
The Nina B. Hollis Research Impact Award (NBHRIA) offers seed funding to support research for the advancement of all, particularly birth through grade 12 and non-traditional learners. The Impact Award encourages innovative approaches to addressing barriers faced by affected populations in our society to improve their educational outcomes. Proposals may address such areas as academic progress, social/personal growth, school culture and climate and teacher/leader enhancement.
Projects may vary in scope, with larger-scale projects funded at a maximum level of $10,000 per fiscal year, renewable annually for up to three years of total funding, and small-scale projects funded annually at a maximum of $1,500, renewable for up to two years of total funding.
Applications can be found on the NBHRIA website and are due March 11.
INSIDE THE INTERVIEWER’S MIND
Tuesday, February 17, 2026 • 12:00pm -1:00pm • Mann Lounge
RSVP: https://forms.office.com/r/7Q9dnjsh8e
Wednesday, February 18, 2026 • 12:00pm -1:00pm • Mann Lounge
RSVP: https://forms.office.com/r/fcwiDqMcCt
Thursday, February 19, 2026 • 12:00pm -1:00pm • Mann Lounge
RSVP: Inside the Interviewer’s Mind – February 19, 2026 – Fill out form
Kozyak Summer Fellowship Fund
The Kozyak Summer Fellowship (KSSF) continues the legacy of the Kozyak Minority Mentoring Foundation, which for more than 15 years awarded $5,000 summer fellowships to minority and first-generation law students. These fellowships support students enrolled at Florida law schools or Florida residents attending law schools out of state.
KSSF provides financial assistance for unpaid internships with judges, nonprofit organizations, or government agencies offering opportunities that align with values of service, diversity, and fairness. Each fellow is paired with one or more mentors, gaining meaningful legal experience and building valuable professional connections.
In 2026, KSSF anticipates awarding 10–12 fellowships to outstanding students committed to making a difference in the legal profession.
The application deadline is March 15, 2026.
Guidelines: https://miamifoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/2026-KMMF-Fellowships-Guideline-2.pdf
Apply here: https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=miami
INSIDE THE INTERVIEWER’S MIND
Tuesday, February 17, 2026 • 12:00pm -1:00pm • Mann Lounge
RSVP: https://forms.office.com/r/7Q9dnjsh8e
Wednesday, February 18, 2026 • 12:00pm -1:00pm • Mann Lounge
RSVP: https://forms.office.com/r/fcwiDqMcCt
Thursday, February 19, 2026 • 12:00pm -1:00pm • Mann Lounge
RSVP: Inside the Interviewer’s Mind – February 19, 2026 – Fill out form
INSIDE THE INTERVIEWER’S MIND
Tuesday, February 17, 2026 • 12:00pm -1:00pm • Mann Lounge
RSVP: https://forms.office.com/r/7Q9dnjsh8e
Wednesday, February 18, 2026 • 12:00pm -1:00pm • Mann Lounge
RSVP: https://forms.office.com/r/fcwiDqMcCt
Thursday, February 19, 2026 • 12:00pm -1:00pm • Mann Lounge
RSVP: Inside the Interviewer’s Mind – February 19, 2026 – Fill out form
Inside the Interviewer’s Mind – 1L Program
Tuesday, February 17, 2026 • 12:00pm -1:00pm • Mann Lounge
RSVP: https://forms.office.com/r/7Q9dnjsh8e
Wednesday, February 18, 2026 • 12:00pm -1:00pm • Mann Lounge
RSVP: https://forms.office.com/r/fcwiDqMcCt
Thursday, February 19, 2026 • 12:00pm -1:00pm • Mann Lounge
RSVP: Inside the Interviewer’s Mind – February 19, 2026 – Fill out form
Gulfport Senior Center – Needs Volunteers
The Gulfport Senior Center Foundation is looking for volunteers to assist with their Comedy Night on Saturday, February 21, 2026. Please contact Rosemary Minton at 252-241-5674.
INSIDE THE INTERVIEWER’S MIND
Tuesday, February 17, 2026 • 12:00pm -1:00pm • Mann Lounge
RSVP: https://forms.office.com/r/7Q9dnjsh8e
Wednesday, February 18, 2026 • 12:00pm -1:00pm • Mann Lounge
RSVP: https://forms.office.com/r/fcwiDqMcCt
Thursday, February 19, 2026 • 12:00pm -1:00pm • Mann Lounge
RSVP: Inside the Interviewer’s Mind – February 19, 2026 – Fill out form
Kozyak Summer Fellowship Fund
The Kozyak Summer Fellowship (KSSF) continues the legacy of the Kozyak Minority Mentoring Foundation, which for more than 15 years awarded $5,000 summer fellowships to minority and first-generation law students. These fellowships support students enrolled at Florida law schools or Florida residents attending law schools out of state.
KSSF provides financial assistance for unpaid internships with judges, nonprofit organizations, or government agencies offering opportunities that align with values of service, diversity, and fairness. Each fellow is paired with one or more mentors, gaining meaningful legal experience and building valuable professional connections.
In 2026, KSSF anticipates awarding 10–12 fellowships to outstanding students committed to making a difference in the legal profession.
The application deadline is March 15, 2026.
Guidelines: https://miamifoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/2026-KMMF-Fellowships-Guideline-2.pdf
Apply here: https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=miami
Inside the Interviewer’s Mind
Tuesday, February 17, 2026 • 12:00pm -1:00pm • Great Hall
RSVP: https://forms.office.com/r/7Q9dnjsh8e
Wednesday, February 18, 2026 • 12:00pm -1:00pm • Great Hall
RSVP: https://forms.office.com/r/fcwiDqMcCt
Foreman Biodiversity Lecture – Dr. Christina Leb
Don’t miss Dr. Christina Leb, Lead Water Specialist with the World Bank, speak about the role of multilateral development banks in advancing environmental and water law standards worldwide. More information is available here.
Tuesday, February 24, 2026, 12:00 p.m.-1:00 p.m. in the Great Hall
Lunch will be available for registered attendees. Register at this link by February 23rd: Edward and Bonnie Foreman Biodiversity Lecture
INSIDE THE INTERVIEWER’S MIND
Tuesday, February 17, 2026 • 12:00pm -1:00pm • Great Hall
RSVP: https://forms.office.com/r/7Q9dnjsh8e
Wednesday, February 18, 2026 • 12:00pm -1:00pm • Great Hall
RSVP: https://forms.office.com/r/fcwiDqMcCt
OurKINDofStetson Week 2026
Get ready! Kindness Week is next week — February 16–20.
We have a full lineup of activities planned to help spread positivity throughout our community. Stop by any location, any day next week to join in and take part in the fun!
Stetson Law Review 2026 Symposium and 47th Annual National Conference on Law & Higher Education
The Stetson Law Review 2026 Symposium Higher Education on Trial: Confronting Shifts in Governance, Autonomy, and Academic Freedom, will take place on Friday, March 6, 2026.
Due to recent controversies, political pressures, and rapid technological change, higher education law and policy are at a pivotal crossroads. This moment reflects broader tensions between tradition and innovation while raising important questions about the future of colleges and universities. Amidst this uncertainty, it is time to reexamine and redefine the legal and policy frameworks within the higher education context. The Symposium will explore this evolving legal landscape and consider how institutions, policymakers, and scholars can best adapt to contemporary expectations.
The Symposium will take place in the Dunes III Ballroom at the Wyndham Grand Clearwater Beach, located at 100 Coronado Drive, Clearwater Beach, FL 33767.
The event is free for any Stetson University faculty, staff, and students who wish to attend. However, Symposium seating is limited. To secure your spot, please register at: Summary – Stetson Law Review 2026 Symposium: Higher Education on Trial: Confronting Shifts in Governance, Autonomy, and Academic Freedom
The Stetson Law Review 2026 Symposium is taking place in conjunction with Stetson Law’s 47th Annual National Conference on Law & Higher Education. Reduced conference rates for that event are available for members of the Stetson University community. You can learn more about the Conference here: Summary – The 47th Annual National Conference on Law and Higher Education.
For further information on the Symposium, or to receive a discount code for the Conference, please contact: Jennifer Lake at [email protected].
Kozyak Summer Fellowship Fund
The Kozyak Summer Fellowship (KSSF) continues the legacy of the Kozyak Minority Mentoring Foundation, which for more than 15 years awarded $5,000 summer fellowships to minority and first-generation law students. These fellowships support students enrolled at Florida law schools or Florida residents attending law schools out of state.
KSSF provides financial assistance for unpaid internships with judges, nonprofit organizations, or government agencies offering opportunities that align with values of service, diversity, and fairness. Each fellow is paired with one or more mentors, gaining meaningful legal experience and building valuable professional connections.
In 2026, KSSF anticipates awarding 10–12 fellowships to outstanding students committed to making a difference in the legal profession.
The application deadline is March 15, 2026.
Guidelines: https://miamifoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/2026-KMMF-Fellowships-Guideline-2.pdf
Apply here: https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=miami