Class of 2022-23
Learn more about the LEAD class members.
Meet the Staff LEAD Class of 2022-2023
Aaron graduated from UWF with his Bachelor’s in English in 2017 and joined UWF as an Enrollment Specialist in Argo Central in 2018. He now works in the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships and enjoys collaborating with other departments to ensure that students are successful in their academic careers. Aaron plans to earn his Master’s in Public Administration in early 2023. In his spare time, Aaron enjoys reading about history and science, listening to music, playing the drums, and spending time with his wife.
Carolyn has been employed at the University of West Florida for 10 years. She started as OPS in the file room for the Registrar’s Office. In less than a year she accepted the role of CCR Coordinator. In 2019 Carolyn was promoted to Assistant Registrar. She stayed in that role until an opening in the Institutional Effectiveness Office became available. Currently she is the Assistant Director of IE. Carolyn completed her MSA degree in Human Performance Technology at UWF in 2018. She and her husband have a grown daughter and a five-year old son.
Ginger is the Senior Administrative Specialist for the Dean of the College of Business. She handles the Dean’s busy schedule and helps keep the office running smoothly. Ginger loves seeing potential in people and watching it grow, and she’ll be your biggest cheerleader when you need one. She has a bachelor’s degree in English and Writing and is pursuing a master’s in Strategic Communication and Leadership. A native of the Colorado Rockies, Ginger now finds the beach beautiful, too. In her free time, she’ll be searching for shells, digging in her garden, or playing with her grandson Jack.
Sabrina joined the UWF family in January 2020 and serves as the Assistant Director of the Graduate School. She has been in the higher education industry for over thirteen years, mainly working in admissions, enrollment management, and enrollment system operations. She received her undergraduate degree in human services and resources and her graduate degree in higher education administration. Sabrina is currently on track to graduate with her Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration from Liberty University in late 2023. In her spare time, she loves to walk on the beach and care for the forest animals surrounding her neighborhood.
Venus is currently the technical Associate Director of Financial Aid, performing all of their “nerdy data stuff.” Her background is in analytics, programming and data warehouse management, although sometimes these subjects seem to clear the room. Venus has been recognized as a Point of Light and a Member of the Military and Hospitaller Order of Saint Lazarus of Jerusalem for her volunteerism in Africa and other parts of the world. When not working, Venus and her husband, Rob enjoy going on adventures with the cookie gang, Mr. Pogo and Baby Maggie (a one-eyed, golden-doodle and chunky cavalier spaniel).
Andrew has a Bachelor’s Degree in Aviation Management from Louisiana Tech University and a Master’s Degree in Aeronautical Science from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. He served in the U.S. Army National Guard, then as an officer in the U.S. Navy. Andrew worked with Embry-Riddle as an advisor for six years before getting hired on at the University of West Florida in 2014. Andrew initially taught the SLS 1109/1990 Student Survival for College course and served on Faculty Senate. Today, Andrew works in First Year Advising, serves on Staff Senate and is the advisor for multiple student organizations.
Tiffany has been the Marketing Coordinator for Hal Marcus College of Science and Engineering since 2015. She also serves on the Commencement Committee. As a broadcast communication graduate of Asbury University in Kentucky, Tiffany has worked for almost 30 years in some capacity of communications including as director of news at her local ABC affiliate and as a video editor at the 1996 Olympics for the European Broadcast Union. Her love for major event planning, graphic design and communication has served her well in the many roles she takes on in her day-to-day job. Outside of work, Tiffany enjoys yardwork, beach time, and traveling. Or, you just may find her teaching others how to throw an axe. There’s no slowing down this mother of two and grandmother of one.
Tina is Administrative Specialist to the Assistant Vice President of Enrollment Affairs. Her role consists of providing administrative support for the AVP as well as the Office of Undergraduate Admissions, Financial Aid, and Registrar’s Office. In addition, she serves as the office manager for Undergraduate Admissions. Tina’s strengths are organization, inspiring positive attitudes, and ensuring the office runs smoothly and efficiently; she is an integral member of the team. Tina and her husband have been married for 28 years and have two sons. She enjoys spending time with family and friends, going to the beach, traveling, photography, and kicking back on her porch enjoying the view.
Adriene is a two-time alum from UWF, graduating most recently in 2020 with a M.A. in Strategic Communication and Leadership. She has been an employee of UWF since 2019 and is currently an employee in the Department of Communication as an Office Administrator and an adjunct instructor. Adriene is extremely passionate about leadership and believes that leadership runs from the “head to the hem”. Adriene’s leadership role models include: Simon Sinek, Oprah Winfrey and Brené Brown. Adriene and her family reside in Daphne, Alabama.
Susan is an Academic Advisor with the College of Education and Professional Studies (CEPS). She has been in this role for more than four years and advises undergraduate and graduate Education students. Prior to coming to UWF, Susan worked as an Elementary School Counselor. She enjoys helping and guiding students to achieve their goals. In her free time, Susan enjoys reading, crafts, hiking, paddleboarding, and traveling.
Missy has worked at UWF for 7 years as a Project Manager in Facilities Planning & Construction. She is a graduate of Mercer University with a degree in Electrical Engineering and is a licensed Civil Engineer. Missy has lived in Milton most of her life and is a single mom to a 24-year-old son who lives in Orlando and a 21-year-old daughter who is currently attending UWF as an anthropology major. When not at the office, Missy enjoys spending time with her family and her two dogs. She also loves to vacation at Disney World.
Karen was born and raised in Pensacola, Florida. She has since lived in North Carolina, Wisconsin, Illinois, Virginia, New Jersey, and Georgia. Karen has three grown daughters and one little dog. She originally came to work at UWF as a volunteer through an outside organization; but, it did not take her long to realize she loved the people and the work. Karen became the inaugural Office Administrator for the Department of Health Sciences and Administration and has contributed to every aspect of the Department’s growth. She enjoys gardening, reading, and spending time with her daughters and friends.
Adetoyosi is a Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern and Diversity Coordinator at Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) at the University of West Florida. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology from Tuskegee University and a Master of Arts degree in psychology from UWF. Adetoyosi joined the clinical team at CAPS in August of 2021 and currently provides teletherapy, individual counseling, crisis services, and outreach. She is truly passionate about providing a welcoming and inclusive therapeutic experience for all students and feels especially energetic about decreasing the stigma surrounding mental health within communities of color.
Aurora began her career at UWF in 2019 in the Office of Equity and Diversity. Her primary function is as the Equal Opportunity Officer and she also supports Title IX as a Deputy Title IX Officer. Aurora’s professional background is in civil law. She is a two-time graduate of UWF. Aurora graduated magna cum laude with her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with a minor in pre-law in 2009 and she graduated with honors with her Master of Arts in Political Science in 2020. Aurora is active in volunteerism in the local community and loves Pensacola’s beaches.
Christian has spent his entire adult life as a proud Argonaut and Pensacola resident. He graduated from the University of West Florida in 2014 with a bachelor’s degree in English Writing. After writing and editing for local companies and publications such as Indigo River Publishing and Ballinger Publishing, Christian returned to UWF in 2016 to work for Enrollment Affairs Banner Document Management, where he is the Lead Program Manager today. He then graduated with a master's degree in College Student Affairs Administration in 2021, and is dedicated to improving the lives and collegiate experiences of students and colleagues alike.
Berkeley, pronounced like the Irish philosopher, George Berkeley (/ˈbɑːrkli/ BARK-lee), is named for the derivative of the birch tree. Through his pursuit of life-long learning, he found his calling in working with students in secondary and post-secondary education in England and Florida, with nearly a decade of experience working in higher education. His goal is to complete his Licensure in Mental Health Counseling and pursue further education and he hopes to one day study and earn a Ph.D. in Sociology, continuing his first Masters in Sociology from the University of Essex.
Meagan hails from the pizza capital of the United States, New Haven, Connecticut. She attended UWF, where she earned her B.S. in Environmental Science in 2010. She is a proud single mother to her son Radley and held three jobs while she worked on her M.S. in Environmental Science at UWF, graduating in 2019. She joined the Engineering Department at the University of New Orleans in 2019, where she completed two years of PhD studies before accepting a position at UWF as the Program Coordinator for the UWF STEM Scholars, MARC Scholars, Chemistry Scholars, and STEM Living Learning Community.
Nicole is a Residence Life Coordinator for Housing and Residence Life and has been at UWF since 2020. In her current role, Nicole works with the department’s Graduate Assistants and Resident Assistants to provide students living on campus engagement and developmental opportunities. Nicole also serves as an advisor for the department’s student organizations. Nicole loves working with the student leaders as well as having the opportunity to connect with other advisors across the South Atlantic region. In her spare time, Nicole enjoys reading, kayaking, and spending time with her dog Ruthie!
Elan is a Senior Grants Specialist in the Office of Research Administration and Engagement here at UWF. She received her BS in Human Sciences from Florida State University and her Master’s in Public Health from Capella University. During her tenure in research administration she has held both sponsored office and departmental roles that have been in pre-award and post-award grant management. These roles have afforded her the opportunity to work in various capacities, provide continued growth in the field, and be a change agent. She is a wife and mom to two amazing girls that bring her joy.
Jessica is a Pensacola native who graduated from the University of West Florida in 2004 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice. She worked as a digital court reporter and a legal assistant before joining the Office of the General Counsel as a Paralegal in August 2021. Jessica enjoys photography, pottery, and spending time with her nieces and nephews when she isn’t working toward her Master’s Certificate in Data Science. She also volunteers with local animal rescues, including fostering for the Campus Cats program. Taming hissy kittens is her favorite challenge!