Educated Here, Employed Here, Gives Here: Emmily Stufflet ’24

For Emmily Stufflet ’24, UCF was never just a choice — it was part of her family’s story. Raised in Sanford, she grew up surrounded by Black & Gold. Her parents (Shane Stufflet ’93 ’96MA and Angela Stufflet ’94), sisters (Hailey Stufflet ’22 and Hannah Stufflet ’22 ’25), aunts, uncles and cousins all became Knights, and her father still teaches history here as an adjunct professor.

“When it came time to apply for college, it wasn’t even a question,” Stufflet says. “Everyone in my family went to UCF — now it was my turn.”

Living with Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease

Stufflet’s path to UCF was shaped by her experience with Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) disease, a rare neurological disorder that affects the peripheral nerves and can cause muscle weakness, balance problems and loss of sensation. Diagnosed at age 3, she grew up navigating the condition’s challenges with determination.

As a child, she wore leg braces, but still danced, played soccer and tumbled in gymnastics. By the end of fifth grade, however, her disease had progressed to the point that she began using a wheelchair full-time.

“Emotionally, it was tough,” she recalls. “Especially in middle school, when you just want to blend in. But eventually I realized my life could be easier if I listened to my body. That’s when I started to advocate — not just for myself, but for others, too.”

That shift became a defining part of her identity. She began fundraising for the Charcot-Marie-Tooth Association and joined its national Youth Council, shaping outreach and communications for the organization. Each summer, she also volunteers as a staff member at Camp Footprint, a place where kids with CMT can connect, belong and build confidence.

“Those campers remind me so much of myself,” Stufflet says. “I get to tell them: ‘Yes, middle school is hard. But you’re not alone. Look around — we all get it.’ That community is everything.”

Stufflet is involved in Beyond the Campfire, a documentary being produced by director Emily Sullivan, who has CMT and explores the transformational changes Camp Footprint’s attendees experience.

Finding Belonging at UCF

When Stufflet arrived on campus in Fall 2021 as an advertising and public relations major with a minor in medical sociology, she immediately felt at home.

“In high school, I never saw anyone else in a wheelchair. On my very first day at UCF, I saw two other students using wheelchairs. That was the moment I thought: ‘This is where I belong.’”

UCF’s accessibility helped, too. Automatic doors, curb cuts, scooter parking and responsive student accessibility services gave her the freedom to focus on what mattered most: getting involved.

And she did just that. Stufflet became a Limbitless Solutions scholar, contributing to projects like 3D-printed prosthetics. She served as a social media ambassador, creating videos for UCF’s central marketing team — including content celebrating Disability Pride Month. Everywhere she went, she used her voice to advocate for accessibility and inclusion.

“I just wanted to be part of everything,” she says with a smile.

Giving Back

That involvement inspired another commitment: philanthropy. Even as a young alumna, Stufflet has chosen to support programs that shaped her UCF journey.

One of her philanthropic passions is Limbitless Solutions, where she saw firsthand how engineering and creativity come together to empower children through bionic arms and immersive video games for rehabilitation. “Supporting Limbitless means kids can keep receiving life-changing technology at no cost to their families,” she says.

She also contributes to initiatives that expand accessibility and opportunity for students, ensuring future Knights can thrive regardless of their background or challenges.

“UCF poured so much into me,” she says. “Supporting the university is my way of paying it forward so others can find the same belonging, encouragement and possibility that I did.”

Coming Full Circle

After graduating in spring 2024, Stufflet didn’t have to go far to begin her career. She now serves as a marketing specialist for UCF’s School of Visual Arts and Design (SVAD), where she tells the stories of students and faculty breaking new ground in art, design and emerging media.

“I’m a storyteller at heart, and this role allows me to highlight incredible people and their journeys,” she says. “Every program, every student, every professor has a story worth telling.”

Her passion for advocacy continues, whether through her professional role, her work with CMTA, or her support of UCF. “Disability is not a bad word,” she says. “It’s part of who I am — and it’s given me an incredible community.”

A Knight for Life

Looking back, Stufflet says UCF gave her more than a degree. It gave her belonging, opportunity and the confidence to make her voice heard.

“I’m proud to be part of a university that truly values accessibility, diversity and community,” she says. “I’ve learned that the people you surround yourself with matter most. At UCF, I found my people — and now I get to help others find theirs, too.”