The University of North Florida has made a decision not move Professor Mark Ari to a tenured track line. This means that when his current contract with the university is done, he will have no security that he will continue to be teaching there. To those who have taken his courses, his value as an instructor, and creative mentor is well known. However, the beloved award winning instructor cannot afford to fix his car or roof. For all of the lipservice paid to the value of highly effective instructors, where is the compunction of the university for making such a decision? Ari has faithfully served the university for over ten years, often taking on challenges which eluded other faculty members. 

Now, I know only a fraction of the folks that Mark Ari has touched through his work with UNF.  I want a grassroots movement of former and current student support. I would like to articulate Ari's importance to the students of UNF. Ari has won the undergraduate professor award for yet a third time. He has served UNF faithfully for over 10 years, first as an adjunct professor carrying the load of a full time professor--it was student voice that facilitated his transition to being a regular faculty member. Now UNF seems to feel it has outgrown the need to do everything they can to ensure that quality professors, such as Ari are retained. Please join me by adding your name to this petition. Let us demonstrate to UNF the magnitude of impact this professor has had on our lives. Thank You.