College President’s Office

Steven Ray Wallace became the College’s fourth President on July 28, 1997. His résumé includes professional service in Minnesota, Ohio and California. In all, Dr. Wallace has spent more than 35 years working in community and state colleges, starting with his alma mater, Chaffey College in California. He reached the 20-year mark as a college president in 2010.

Dr. Wallace has served as both an instructor and administrator during his career. He began in 1975 as a faculty member at Chaffey in the college’s innovative Learning Center. In 1977, Dr. Wallace became Chaffey’s district director of learning disabilities and subsequently served as director of marketing and legislative affairs for the 20,000 student college.

In 1981, Dr. Wallace left Chaffey for Lakeland Community College in Ohio. There he served as vice president for administrative services for nine years. Dr. Wallace administered a wide range of college functions including finance, facilities, computer services, human resources, institutional research, strategic planning, admissions and registration, legislative and legal affairs, and the Center for the Fine and Performing Arts.

Dr. Wallace has held two previous college presidencies — both in Minnesota: first at Austin Community College (1990-92) and then at Inver Hills Community College (1992-97). He also had statewide responsibilities concerning faculty professional development, academic and administrative computing, labor relations, and distance learning. He is recognized nationally for his leadership in community economic development, student success initiatives, academic technology and community college baccalaureate degrees.

Dr. Wallace earned an associate in arts degree in 1972 from Chaffey College, followed by bachelor’s and master’s degrees in psychology from California State University. He received a doctorate in higher education administration in 1989 from Claremont Graduate University in California. His dissertation was on economic development. He has authored chapters in several books and is a frequent speaker at national conferences. 

Dr. Wallace’s tenure at the 85,000+ student Florida State College at Jacksonville has been devoted to enhancing the College’s responsiveness to student, employer and community needs. Dr. Wallace was instrumental in securing authorization for the College to grant baccalaureate degrees and to change the name from Florida Community College at Jacksonville in 2009. Under his leadership, the College has made significant advancement in student access and success, technology, program development and facilities construction on all five campuses and seven centers – plus the development of two new campuses.

Since arriving in Jacksonville, Dr. Wallace has been actively involved in the community serving on numerous local boards such as the Jacksonville Regional Chamber of Commerce (2007 chair); Rotary Club of Jacksonville (president-elect); Alliance for World Class Education (2008 vice chair); WJCT Public Broadcasting (2005 chair); First Coast Workforce Board; Jacksonville Symphony; Prosperity Scholarship Fund Governing Council (chair); Take Stock in Children (2001-04 chair); United Way; Communities in Schools; First Coast YMCA; Enterprise North Florida; and the Schultz Center for Teaching & Leadership. His state-wide leadership roles have included chairmanship of the Florida Community College Council of Presidents and appointments to the boards of the Florida Chamber of Commerce, Florida Distance Learning Consortium, Florida Virtual Campus (co-chair), and the Military Child Education Coalition. Appointments by the governor include the Florida Children and Youth Cabinet and the Commission on Jobs for Floridians with Disabilities. He is a Florida College System representative to the Florida Council of 100. He was a member of Leadership Florida’s Class 18 (2000), the Leadership Jacksonville Class of 1999 and was inducted into the First Coast Business Hall of Fame in 2011.

Dr. Wallace resides on the Southside with his wife, Amelia. He has two children — Devon, a college professor in California, and Michael, a sophomore athlete at FSU.

Patti Williams, Project Coordinator

In early 2006, Patti received her Bachelor of Science in Management (B.S.M.) and started her career at the College in Resource Development. With immense enthusiasm she became part of the College President’s Office in December 2006. She serves as a liaison for the College and District Board of Trustees, assists with organizing monthly Board meetings and performs various duties in support of the College.

Outside of the office, Patti enjoys spending time with her family, lounging by the pool, Tae Kwon Do, reading, cooking and bowling.

Jeffie Woodham, Secretary to the College President

Jeffie has been an employee of the College since 1999. Since receiving her B.S. from Auburn University (War Eagle!), she has held positions at universities in Indiana and Florida. Her responsibilities include coordinating the College President’s schedule and facilitating special projects.

When not at work, you can find Jeffie with her family, worshiping with her church family, reading, gardening or bicycling.

Shirley Hendley, Administrative Assistant II

Shirley has been an employee at the College since 1974 and has been a part of the College President’s Office since 1989. She is the first person you see when you enter the reception area greeting you with a warm smile.

She performs clerical duties which include processing incoming mail, payroll, disbursement requests, requisitions, maintaining office equipment, supplies and supervising student assistants.

In addition, Shirley received her A.S. degree at Florida State College at Jacksonville. She is a native of Jacksonville and in her spare time, she enjoys watching movies, listening to gospel CD’s, watching and attending sports events and spending time with her family (especially her grandchildren). She is actively involved in the Women’s Missionary Ministry of her church and throughout the District, State and National Baptist Convention of America, Inc. as well as the youth departments.

Kim Sodek, District Board of Trustees Support Specialist

Kimberli has been an employee at the College since 1994 and part of the College President’s Office since 2007. Prior to that time, she worked in the General Counsel’s Office and the Finance Department. Her current responsibilities include coordinating the compilation of the monthly Board agenda and meetings of the District Board of Trustees. In addition, she serves as event coordinator for the College President and District Board of Trustees.

You can find Kimberli spending her leisure time with her son, family, friends, shopping, parent’s lake house, or attending sports events.