Nancy Fetterman

UWF degree and year of graduation:
B.A. History ’98 & M.A. History/Public History 2005

Why did you choose to attend UWF?
Former University of West Florida President, Dr. Marx, asked me to become a member of the UWF Foundation when Jack and I first arrived in Pensacola in 1991. I saw the energy of the Foundation and the enthusiasm of our students and decided that I would return to finish the undergraduate degree that I never completed, a B.S. in nursing. I completed the requisite math requirements at Pensacola Junior College, despite a math learning disability, and entered UWF a year later.

What were your goals as a student?
Upon reentering the science field, I realized that I was no longer capable of the physical requirements demanded in the nursing field and, quite honestly, reality hit. Thankfully, I serve as an advisor for Sacred Heart Hospital and maintain a close association with nurse associates so that interest continues, albeit on a different level - as an advocate. Deciding my major became a quandary. Peg Couch, a friend working on a graduate degree at UWF, suggested that the history curriculum was challenging but mesmerizing. I met the great professors, took an initial survey class and was on my way. In the beginning, my only goal was to keep up with my talented, bright and much younger classmates!

What is your best memory from your days at UWF?
Upon returning to UWF, essentially as a “freshman” in a new major, I took a survey class in world history from Carolyn Knefely and I realized that this was the correct choice for my return to college. It was a defining moment for me as I was fascinated...and hooked on learning more. My dear husband was instrumental in my return to college as he eagerly quizzed me about my subjects. His enthusiasm, encouragement and zeal were instrumental in my success. We chatted about my classes each day and those thoughtful discussions are my fondest memories of UWF...and of Jack.

Who was your favorite professor and why?
In the Department of History, each professor was my favorite! Early survey lectures provided a continually fascinating study of world history. As I learned more I realized the intense connections world events have meant to our American history. The politics, culture, wisdom, intrigue, and human stories that only history provides became a great opportunity for my personal education. Science was black and white in its lessons, but narratives from history are unequaled in their reach. I told my history professors that they had given me the world!

What do you do now?
I serve as an advisor on several local and state boards. Currently, my focus is raising funds for the UWF Foundation and the Vice Admiral John H. Fetterman State of Florida Maritime Museum and Research Facility in the upcoming Whibb’s Maritime Park in Pensacola.

How did UWF help you progress to this point?
The university classes helped me build on my life experiences. As a mature person returning to college, I needed to review the survey classes to give myself a broader understanding and perspective of world issues. In doing that, I began historical research in areas that drew my interest. An easy public example is my work with Pensacola’s historic cemetery in the heart of our urban core. St. Michael’s Cemetery became a personal quest with me when Bishop Ricard asked me to take over the cemetery’s care in an advisory capacity. Luckily, others joined me in its preservation. With the knowledge that I gained from history, I could explain the account of the old grave yard and the importance of the pioneers who populate it using its story as a living museum in several areas of research. I gave lectures to local civic groups and individuals, hoping to gain both awareness and money for its care. Gradually gaining the support of city and county officials, the cemetery foundation presently enjoys a renaissance of interest and is known as a flagship preservation effort. Because of research skills learned at UWF, I was able to gain recognition for St. Michael’s Cemetery. It is now an Official Project of Save America’s Treasures within the National Trust for Historic Preservation. As such, it is one of the few American cemeteries so recognized.

It follows that I believe that each person must help society in ways that are unique to their interests. I believe that my chosen field provides a conduit to understanding the value of the history, culture, and wisdom of a city I love. I only have so many hours each day, but I believe in making each one count. Creative projects, like the future Maritime Museum, offer our community an opportunity to share the history of Pensacola and the stunning narrative of Florida. I encourage students to visit the website about the Museum because it promises to provide great prospects for our students in every field of endeavor. From the website: (www.uwf.edu/maritime) “Envisioned as part of the waterfront Community Maritime Park project in historic Pensacola, the Admiral John H. Fetterman State of Florida Maritime Museum and Research Center will serve as a signature educational and research facility for the State of Florida.”

Outside of working, what activities and organizations are you currently involved in and what are your hobbies?
For the past fifteen years I have served on several of the advisory boards of Sacred Heart Hospital. For three years, I enjoyed serving on the Florida House Board in Washington, D.C. and various non profit boards in Pensacola. Currently, I am a Trustee of Sacred Heart Health System, Florida Humanities Council, Global Connections, the Library Foundation, ECARE (Every Child a Reader in Escambia) and the Community Outreach Board. I serve as a Trustee for the University of West Florida until 2011. Most importantly, I am advisor and honorary chairman of the Vice Admiral John H. Fetterman Maritime Museum and Research Center.
Personally, I am close to my two sons and adore their families. As for hobbies, even during hot weather, I love to work in my garden! Having traveled in the East during our time in the Navy, I am now focusing on traveling in Europe. My Scottie, Gracie, and I take long walks or bike around our neighborhood.

What advice do you have to current and future UWF students?
Sit quietly, learn from your professors and fellow students, and ask questions if you are not clear on any subject. Continue to ask questions, it allows you the opportunity to expand your language skills. Keep quiet when you know you have said enough. Don’t chew gum in class – it is just rude. Keep an open mind. Be nice to everyone. Don’t burn bridges. Do not allow yourself to get discouraged. Do not become arrogant or self-important – learning keeps you humble. Saying “Thank you” goes a long way. Maintain a passion for learning - everything. Enjoy the culture and wisdom of foreign lands. Encourage and promote professors and students who allow you to think reflectively while learning either new subject matter or skills related to your interests. Share. Stay focused, but enjoy every day. And when you graduate – smile and appreciate that you were able to attend UWF.

What quality makes UWF special or unique?
In my opinion, UWF was well planned from its inception as a community based campus responding to the needs of Northwest Florida business. It now has a splendid campus, caring faculty and staff, quality programs and a progressive attitude towards its future in Northwest Florida. The Board of Trustees, the Foundation Board, and faculty and student boards offer the public an open look at the operations of the school on every level. In my opinion, those who take part in these boards have no other agenda than doing the right thing for this school. These individuals truly care about the school on an unprecedented level. As a result, UWF offers both in state and out of state students a solid academic background, preparing them, through scholarship and teamwork, to understand the expectations required of them in their future employment. Innovation and collaboration among the various colleges allow students to receive a balanced, resourceful and distinctive education. In my opinion, UWF offers our students an exceptional and creative environment and they respond with great enthusiasm.

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