Linda S. Caldwell was a member of the UF Student Health Advisory Committee and the first Lady Gator Volleyball Team. Caldwell became certified to teach many subjects, everything from anatomy and physiology to health education and zoology. She was an editor for the first HIV/AIDS textbook series and contributed to Florida curriculum guides in several areas of health education and science.

Caldwell was runner-up for Health Educator of the Year and named one of Florida’s Most Outstanding Secondary Science Teachers. She coached several sports, awarded thousands of first-aid and CPR training cards, and coached her school’s biomedical academic team. While at the College of Health & Human Performance, Caldwell began donating blood. Her blood type, O-negative with CMV negative, is the only blood transfused in pediatrics. Caldwell has donated more than 100 units and UF Pediatrics receives her blood immediately following donation.

Other volunteer efforts include judging science fairs, Take Stock in Children, Therapy Dogs International, Marion County Tobacco-Free Partnership, and Department of Health and Human Services Senior Medicare Patrol. In 2020, Caldwell published "He Made Ice and Changed the World: the Story of Florida’s John Gorrie." Dr. Gorrie (1803-1855) was Florida’s first public health educator and his statue represents Florida in the U.S. Capitol. Dr. Gorrie is also the inspiration for the UF College of Medicine John Gorrie Award.

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