Class of 2016-17

Hello, my name is Aliya Brandon and I work as an Enrollment Specialist in Argo Central.  I am originally from Miami and will be graduating this fall with my degree in Business Management.  In my current position, I work directly with students assisting them with everything from admissions, financial aid, and registering for classes.  I enjoy working at UWF because I get a chance to interact with students and I am also able to make a different in students’ lives every day.  When I am not at work, I enjoy being involved at my church, volunteering at events on campus, and traveling.

Originally from Miami, Gabby moved from the busy big city to Pensacola in 2010 and hasn’t looked back since.  The people and flurry of personalities are what Gabby loves most about her campus; UWF is her home, and the friends she has made as a student and employee are her family.  Currently Gabby is CUTLA’s Administrative Specialist.  When not at work, Gabby enjoys gardening, baking/cooking, traveling and spending time with her family and two cats.  Gabby and her sister Steffy are extremely close and the two can often be found vacationing at Disney or trying new recipes in their kitchen.

Theresa Cserep has been a Senior Training Specialist for child welfare training at the University of West Florida ten years this July.  She stays connected to Pensacola as the incoming president of the Junior League of Pensacola, is an active Leadership Pensacola alumni, coordinates her church’s quarterly blood drive with OneBlood, is on the board of Gaieties des Femmes, and is a part of the Hip Huggers Mardi Gras Krewe. She and her husband enjoy spending their time outdoors with their three young children. Theresa’s favorite part of UWF is the beautiful campus and the friendly people on campus.

I’ve been at UWF for over thirteen years and am currently the Student Records Coordinator in the Registrar’s Office.  I love UWF’s natural environment and feel blessed to be able to work on such a beautiful, serene campus.  I love spending time with my family watching movies – I think we quote more movie lines to each other than anybody.  I also love history and am working on my MA.  Someday when I retire, I hope to spend all of my time at the beach with my husband, hanging out with my grandkids and teaching history classes.

Sarah is a recent graduate of the UWF College Student Affairs Administration (CSAA) program and received her Master of Education degree.  She is currently working as a Career Planning Coordinator in Career Services and focuses on career development needs of first and second year students.  Sarah thoroughly enjoys working with students in her position, presenting to classrooms on career development topics, and serving on various committees, including Argo Arrival and Day of Exploration.  In her spare time, she enjoyed spending time with family and friends, serving as a member of the Pensacola Young Professionals and competing in local triathlons.

Mike Genovese is currently Coordinator of Academic Support Services in the First Year Advising Center.  He began working at UWF in the summer, 2013 as a part-time employee in the graduate admissions office.  In his current position, Mike is responsible for advising over 200 freshmen students and overseeing all Probation, Suspension and Reinstatement processes in University College.  He is also the Gradesfirst Early Warning administrator which is a process that helps identify students at risk of failing.  He is also a full-time graduate student in the Strategic Communication and Leadership program here at UWF.  When he is not working or studying, he enjoys traveling and being outdoors.  Also, based on his experience as a Division 1 athlete at Mississippi State, he enjoys playing golf in his spare time.  He is a results-driven individual who is committed to enhancing his student’s experience at UWF.

April is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and the Outreach Counselor for Counseling and Psychological Services.  She is a proud UWF alumni, earning both her master’s and doctorate degrees here. What initially attracted her to UWF was the small campus community, individual student focus, and nature-oriented campus.  These areas continue to be her favorite parts of working on this campus.  Outside of work, one of her primary hobbies and stress relievers is running.  She especially enjoys running on the many trails available on the beautiful UWF campus.

Lauren completed her undergraduate degree in Athletic Training at the University of Delaware.  She earned a Masters of Education at Old Dominion University.  Previously, Lauren worked as an athletic trainer before giving that up to become the pre-health programs advisor here at UWF.  Lauren has worked at UWF for the last year assisting students interested in pursuing medical professions.  Lauren enjoys helping students create a path to accomplishing their goals within the medical field.  Outside of work, Lauren enjoys spending time with family at the beach and exploring all of the activities the Pensacola area has to offer.

As the Marketing and Creative Manager for Distance and Continuing Education, Jenny is responsible for all marketing campaigns and creative projects within the unit.  A UWF graduate, Jenny previously served as the Assistant Director of Graduate Recruitment and Marketing in the UWF Graduate School, Creative Director of Atlanta Metropolitan Publishing, Inc., in Atlanta, Georgia and as a Graphic Designer at the Pensacola News Journal.  She loves being a part of the growing UWF community and spends her free time traveling, attending live music events, and making memories with family and friends.

Sylvia is the Program Manager for Diversity and ADA Initiatives, Office of Equity and Diversity.  She received her ADA Coordinator certification from the University of Missouri, School of Health Professions Disability Studies and Policy-Center, 40 credit hours.  She is currently a junior at UWF majoring in Women’s and Gender Studies, University of West Florida with a minor in Psychology.  She says that working at the University of West Florida has given her the opportunity to further my education and enhance my professional skills.  Outside of work I participate in fundraisers for the Project Search Program.  She is a member of the Disabilities Summit Council, the Business Leadership Network, and the Project Search Advisory Council.

Salina is the Online GIS Coordinator in the Earth and Environmental Sciences department. She is responsible for a wide variety of duties in her position, however seeing the way GIS education opens doors for her students is the highlight of her day. Salina also teaches two CE courses in GIS and is on the teaching team for UWF’s first MOOC. She considers the faculty, staff and students to be the best part about working at UWF.  Outside of the office, Salina enjoys being creative, learning new things and going on fun adventures with her family and friends.

Angela received her B.S. from the University of Montevallo in 2005.  She then worked in the customer service industry as an agent supervisor for Convergent USA.  Angela joined the Haas Center staff as a research coordinator in 2012.  She transitioned into her research coordinator role for the Office of Economic Development and Engagement in 2015 where she continues to provide administrative support for the Haas Center, OEDE and CREO.  In her free time, Angela enjoys baking and traveling.

Genia Taylor joined the University of West Florida family in the summer of 2013 assuming the position of Office Administrator and Program Advisor for the Bachelors of Science in Nursing program. In November 2015 she joined the new Usha Kundu, MD College of Health Dean’s Office staff as the Senior Administrative Specialist. Prior to coming to UWF she held staff positions at Pensacola State College and the School District of Hillsborough County in Tampa, FL. She is a graduate of Escambia High School and is currently pursuing her Bachelors of Science in Healthcare Administration degree at UWF. Genia also serves as a Staff Senator. When not at work or in class, Genia can be found playing with her grandson William, with her husband Steve and spending time with her grandmother, parents, sibling, and children Robert, Laura and Steve.

Keaton West is the Assistant Director for Student Involvement and has been at UWF for three years.  She is originally from Dallas, TX.  She received both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees at Texas Tech University.  Keaton enjoys working at UWF because she has the opportunity to collaborate with her passionate and dedicated colleagues every day.  Outside of work, Keaton enjoys spending time at the beach, working out, running, spending time with friends, and serving in a leadership role within the Team Red White and Blue.

Julie is the Office Administrator for the Center for Cybersecurity and the Communications Officer for Staff Senate.  She is also a new member of the Academic Affairs Staff Development Council (AASDC).  She began at UWF in 2013 as the Office Specialist for Physics and Computer Science.  Julie was born and raised near Pensacola.  If you cannot find her at the beach, she is in her craft room – with her daughter – crafting up a storm.  If she is not doing those two things, Julie is more than likely spending time with her amazing family.  To her, family is everything!