Angela Garcia Falconetti is interim president of the University of North Florida, chosen by the university’s board of trustees Feb. 5.
A UNF double alumna, former school employee and Jacksonville native, Falconetti was the president of Polk State College in Winter Haven since 2017.
“The University of North Florida is on an upward trajectory, and Angela Garcia Falconetti will continue building on that momentum during the transition process,” trustees Chair Steve Moore said in a news release.
“As a UNF graduate who grew up in Jacksonville, Angela knows the University, has strong ties to business and civic leaders and will ensure continued focus on ensuring student success, investing in research and innovation, accelerating the success of faculty and staff and expanding and strengthening community partnerships,” he said.
Falconetti will take office Feb. 16 as the university’s trustees begin a national search to replace outgoing President Moez Limayem, who is the new president of the University of South Florida.
Her continued service as interim is subject to confirmation by the Florida Board of Governors.
“It is truly an honor to return home to the University of North Florida to serve as Interim President,” Falconetti said in the release.
“As a proud double alumna of this remarkable institution, UNF has shaped my life in profound ways that tie me directly to our mission. I am grateful to the Board of Trustees and look forward to the work ahead alongside our students, faculty and staff.”
Falconetti said she will not apply for the long-term position of president.
She received a bachelor’s in communications and education from New York University. She received a master’s degree and a doctorate in educational leadership from UNF with instructional leadership, postsecondary education and adult learning specializations.
Falconetti worked at UNF in the Office of Student Affairs and as an academic adviser/recruiter to the assistant vice president of student affairs.
Under Falconetti’s leadership, Polk State College expanded partnerships with local businesses, added academic and workforce programs to prepare graduates with industry skills and secured funding for campus enhancements including construction of the college’s eighth location, the Polk State Haines City-Davenport campus.
The UNF Spinnaker reported that Falconetti’s brother-in-law is John Falconetti, chairman and CEO of Drummond Press, a Jacksonville-based commercial printing company.