Inclusive Education Services Graduate Returning to Help Lead UCF Tours

When Matthew Nagle first set foot at UCF, the size of the campus amazed him. Right away, he was ready to be a Knight.

“I saw how big the school was, and I wanted to go there,” Nagle says.

Fast forward two years, and Nagle is a Spring 2024 graduate of the Inclusive Education Services program, which is housed in the Toni Jennings Exceptional Education Institute.

Inclusive Education Services advocates for non-degree-seeking adults with intellectual disabilities by providing assistance in acclimation to campus life, encouraging involvement in student organizations and facilitating community internship opportunities. By helping them cultivate confidence and independence, the program prepares them for rewarding, long-term employment.

Research Associate  Kiera Anderson describes the program as a next step after high school to prepare students to find meaningful employment and maximize independence.

“Our students learn to be a part of the community — through work experiences, social interactions and volunteer work,” Anderson says. “They learn how to network and make valuable connections.”

The program had a strong impact on Nagle, who says he will be returning in the fall to help lead UCF tours for prospective students and their families. He is well-acquainted with the main campus, having lived there for two years.

“I’m excited to help with the tours,” Nagle says. “My favorite parts of campus are the restaurants — especially 63 South and Knightro’s. I like the football stadium, too.”

Back in 2022, Nagle was thrilled to be accepted into the program. He participated in various activities — including pickleball and basketball — and developed a vibrant social life. He also joined Knights Exemplar and Best Buddies, two clubs that support adults with special needs.

“I really wanted to get involved,” Nagle says.

Inclusive Education Services offers career tracks in hospitality, social services and early childhood education. As a hospitality student, Nagle took career-preparation courses in the program as well as classes in the Rosen College of Hospitality Management.

Nagle’s involvement with the program also led to him landing a full-time job. After applying at one of UCF’s Chick Fil-A locations, he was hired as a frontline associate.

“I packaged chicken nuggets, made sandwiches and took orders at the register,” Nagle says.

Nagle says he is grateful to Anderson for helping him prepare for the job.

“Dr. Anderson taught me how to help customers and employees,” Nagle says. “She also showed me how to dress for work.”

When Nagle was a senior, he asked if he could help the program’s support staff with campus tours. Anderson promised him that if he did well, he could help with the tours until he graduated. She says he did a great job.

“He has so much initiative,” Anderson says. “He really enjoys sharing everything with families and prospective students.”

Program Director Jaime Best recalls how Nagle developed throughout his time in the program. “When he started in 2022, he was eager for the college experience,” Best says. “He wanted to meet new people, join intramural basketball and attend football games. By Spring 2024, his interests reflected those of a more mature college student. He started picking up work shifts and making independent living plans post-graduation.”

When he returns to UCF in fall, Nagle plans to live with degree-seeking friends. Whenever not helping with campus tours or working at Chick Fil-A, he looks forward to spending time at the Recreation and Wellness Center.

For anyone who may be interested in participating in the Inclusive Education Services program, Nagle has encouraging words.

“I had a fantastic time in the program,” Nagle says. “UCF is a big place, and everything about it is great.”