Dr. Kate Fletcher
Instructional Associate Professor
Biography
Kate H. Fletcher, Ph.D., is an Instructional Associate Professor in the Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences at the University of Florida. Dr. Kate has taught a wide array of undergraduate courses since 2004, while also serving as an academic advisor since 2008, leading study abroad programs to Ireland, and mentoring doctoral students in youth development and family sciences. She integrates high-impact practices, including service-learning and experiential learning activities, into her teaching. Recognized for her dedication to student success, Dr. Kate has received numerous honors, such as the CALS Teacher of the Year, NACTA Educator Award, the Leadership and Service Advocate of the Year Award, and most recently the CALS Faculty Advisor/Mentor of the Year. She remains passionate about helping students discover their passions, cultivate purpose, and foster community engagement and global perspectives in her courses.
Contact Information
khfletch@ufl.edu
(352) 273-3517
Office:
G085 McCarty Hall B
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Education
- Ph.D. Agricultural Education and Communication, Leadership, University of Florida, 2024
- M.S. Family, Youth and Community Sciences, University of Florida, 2003
- B.S. Human Development and Family Studies, University of Alabama,1999
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Professional Experience
- Instructional Associate Professor, Family, Youth and Community Sciences, University of Florida, 2024 - Present
- Senior Lecturer, Family, Youth and Community Sciences, University of Florida, 2016 - 2024
- Lecturer, Family, Youth and Community Sciences, University of Florida, 2008 - 2016
- Adjunct Lecturer, Family, Youth and Community Sciences, University of Florida, 2004 - 2008
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Teaching
- FYC3001: Principles of FYCS
- FYC3201: Foundations of Youth Development
- FYC4114: Ethical Issues
- FYC4204: Positive Youth Development for the Youth Professional
- FYC4951: Youth Development, Irish Culture, and Service-Learning
- FYC4950: UF in Ireland Field Study
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Research
- Conducted qualitative interviews with original mentees from the YDFS mentored-teaching program to evaluate the effectiveness of this program
- High-impact experiences for doctoral students/candidates in a one-year mentored-teaching program
- Conducted qualitative research on high-impact experiences for undergraduate students in global classroom (study abroad program)
- Dissertation on high-impact experiences, personal and professional medium-term transformative experiences, impacts and outcomes on a international service-learning study abroad program across multiple cohorts
- Conducting a human library study to evaluate connection, community and mattering in entry-level social sciences courses
- Conducted qualitative interviews with original mentees from the YDFS mentored-teaching program to evaluate the effectiveness of this program
- Publications
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Awards and Honors
- 2025 – UF/IFAS CALS Excellence in Teaching. CALS Graduate and Undergraduate Students, Alpha Gamma Rho Fraternity, Sigma Alpha Professional Sorority and Collegiate Farm Bureau.
- 2024 - Global Scholar. International Symposium on Service Learning.
- 2022 – CALS Faculty Advisor/Mentor of the Year, University of Florida
- 2019 – Care To Action Award, UMatter, We Care and the Dean of Students Office, University of Florida
- 2018 – Leadership and Service Advocate of the Year, Brown Center for Leadership and Service and the Office of The President, University of Florida
- 2015 – NACTA Educator Award
- 2014 – Anderson Scholar Faculty Honoree. College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
- 2012 – Undergraduate Teacher of the Year. College of Agricultural and Life Sciences.
- 2012 – Anderson Scholar Faculty Honoree. College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.
- 2012 – Amazing Teacher. Gainesville Today.
- 2009 – Mujeres de Excelencia (Women of Excellence) Honoree. The Institute of Hispanic-Latino Cultures "La Casita", Dean of Students Office at The University of Florida.
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Other Professional Activities
- AIAEE Professional Development - Co-Chair (2025 - 2026)
- Kids Count of Alachua County, Inc. Board Member (2023 - Present)
- Gainesville Thrives Board Member (2023 - Present)
- Gainesville Thrives Executive Board Member (2016 - 2021)
- North American Colleges and Teachers of Agriculture (NACTA)*
- Association for International Agricultural and Extension Education (AIAEE)*
- AIAEE Professional Development Committee Member (2020 – Present)
- National Academic Advising Association (NACADA)
- International Leadership Association (ILA)
*Denotes active membership