Congratulations on your retirement, Dr. Beryl Watnick!

Today, we honor and celebrate the extraordinary career of Dr. Beryl Watnick as she embarks on a new journey in her life – retirement. After dedicating 21 years to Union Institute & University, Dr. Watnick leaves behind a legacy of excellence and unwavering commitment to education.

Dr. Watnick began working for Union in 1994 as an affiliate faculty member and earned her doctorate from Union in 1996. In 2001 she transitioned from the Miami Dade County public school system to create and direct Union’s Florida Master of Education and Specialist program. Impressed by Union’s lactation counseling program, Dr. Watnick went through training and earned her lactation counseling certificate. In 2014, she joined the doctoral faculty full-time and served as the Education Studies advisor and Coordinator of the Graduate Educational Leadership Certificate.

During her time at Union, she has presented at conferences and published articles on culturally responsive practice, maternal child health, brain development in early childhood, family-school partnerships, and solo vs collaborative research.

Dr. Tom Frederick, Union’s Vice President for Financial Affairs, wishes Dr. Beryl Watnick a happy retirement.

“We would like to take a moment to express our heartfelt appreciation for Dr. Beryl Watnick, who is retiring after an incredible twenty-one years of dedicated service to UI&U students. Throughout her tenure, Dr. Watnick has made a significant impact as the Director of the Masters of Education program, the Dean of the Florida Academic Center, and a Ph.D. faculty member. She has served as the Director of the Masters of Education program, the Dean of the Florida Academic Center, and a member of the Ph.D. faculty. Dr. Watnick is the 2023 winner of the Union Institute & University Excellence in Teaching Award. A true teacher/practitioner, Dr. Watnick leaves a legacy for those she has influenced.”

Dr. Watnick’s influence reaches far beyond the classroom. As a respected academic leader, she has played an instrumental role in shaping the curriculum, fostering innovation, and cultivating a learning culture within the university. Her knowledge and guidance have helped countless students attain their educational goals and aspirations.

“I will miss the extraordinary Ph.D. learning community,” she said, “and I am grateful for the generosity of my faculty colleagues as well as the passions and activism that drives our students.”

The day the pandemic became official Dr. Watnick moved from Miami to Los Angeles to be close to her family. She is looking forward to spending more time with her 3 sons and grandson, writing, and refining her skills in the art of ceramics. She is also planning on becoming a volunteer at LA’s LGBTQ center.

Thank you, Dr. Watnick, for your unwavering dedication, passion, and leadership. You will be missed by all of us at Union Institute & University as you embark on this new chapter in your life