The Administrative & Professional Collaborative (APC) is the representative voice for the Administrative & Professional employees of FSCJ. In an effort to build cohesiveness, awareness and collegiality, each month we put a “spotlight” on one of our members.
September's APC Spotlight shines on our new APC Chair, Lori Cimino. Lori serves as the instructional program manager for the ASL/English Interpreting and Digital Media programs. She began her career at the College as an adjunct faculty for American Sign Language more than 15 years ago. Lori joined the FSCJ family after coming to the College to take a few interpreting courses and stumbling upon an opportunity for a faculty position; she has been here ever since.
Every step in Lori’s career path has connected her to a passion for education, teaching and learning. However, it is in higher education, specifically, the college environment, where her wings have spread most widely. As an instructional program manager, Lori not only manages the day to day operations of these programs, but she supports the students and faculty through advising, career exploration and planning, curriculum and program development, and serves as a liaison, coach, and problem solver; in sorts, she feels like a ‘jack of all trades’ some days. Her position also requires the ability to adapt to the diversity of our students, faculty, administration, support staff, industry leaders and community partners on a daily basis. Not only does she appreciate the diversity of these interactions, she thrives in an environment where no two people or days are the same.
Lori holds both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in special education with an emphasis in deaf/hard of hearing and behavioral disorders. She has completed additional coursework and training in ESOL, crisis intervention, and applied behavior analysis and is also a nationally certified sign language interpreter.
Lori has a passion for people and has a strong belief that we are ‘humans first’ in all that we do, but also values the uniqueness of each of us as an individual. As an athlete for the better part of her life, the concept of team is rooted deep within her soul and she enjoys the ability to communicate, collaborate and build relationships with her colleagues and communicate at every opportunity.
When Lori is not at FSCJ, she is spending time with her family, cooking or working as a sign language interpreter.
Our spotlight shines on each campus/center at least once a year. Nominations for the spotlight may be directed to your campus representative or any officer. Learn more about APC on their website, blogs.fscj.edu/apcollaborative.
Recently, FSCJ’s Open Educational Resources (OER) program was featured in the Achieving the Dream newsletter for its role in expanding access and increasing completion rates for working adults, low-income students and first time in college students. In 2017, FSCJ introduced the OER degree program, which provides free, online textbooks to students enrolled in OER courses.
To read FSCJ’s spotlight in the Achieving the Dream newsletter, click here.


Cameron Robinson, age 7, is a third grader at River City Science Academy. At a very early age, Cameron’s parents recognized his advanced logical reasoning and mathematics abilities.
With the help of his family, he has worked through advanced level math courses at home and over the summer, took an Intermediate Algebra course at FSCJ’s Kent Campus. He completed the course with an "A" and looks forward to continuing his College-level studies in calculus and chemistry.
Watch his spotlight video.
FSCJ awarded its first-ever First Generation Scholarship to Daisha Bullard, a recent graduate of Englewood High School. The two-year scholarship was established from a 1:1 match opportunity provided by the Florida Prepaid College Foundation.
As a result of the scholarship, Daisha will become the first in her family to attend college. She was selected for the award based on the nominations she received from FSCJ Student Recruitment representatives who were impressed by her discipline, respectfulness and confidence.
“This scholarship has allowed me to be able to start college without the worry of where the money would come from for my classes or books,” said Ms. Bullard. “It’s given me the opportunity to get a jump start on my education without starting in debt.”
Beginning this Fall Term, Daisha will pursue her Associate in Arts degree at FSCJ. Upon completion, her goal is to transfer to Florida A&M University where she hopes to study to become a nurse.
Aligned with their mission to support higher education and at-risk students, the Florida Prepaid College Foundation announced in February that the Challenge Match Scholarship program would contribute half of the cost for one two- or four-year Florida Prepaid College Plan for first-in-family incoming freshmen of state universities and colleges in Florida. The remaining funds are to be supplied by the institution.
“FSCJ is proud to have the ability to support Ms. Bullard’s educational goals through the First Generation Scholarship,” said FSCJ Interim President Kevin Hyde. “There are many worthy students who have the desire to attend college but simply do not have the means. The Florida Prepaid College Foundation continues to be an invaluable educational partner and resource for families in our state.”


Recent FSCJ grad Shannon Denedo was recognized at the Nurse Pinning Ceremony for saving her 4-year-old nephew after he fell into a pool.
Shannon put her training and skills to use performing immediate CPR and saving the boy's life. We are proud of the quick action Shannon took, thrilled her nephew is alive and well thanks to her, and know that she will go on to continue helping many others in the future.
Join Us for an FSCJ Blood Drive

All faculty, staff and students are invited to participate in the upcoming blood drive. One Blood will be bringing the Big Red Bus so join us in saving lives!
When? Thursday, October 4, 2018, 8 a.m.-1 p.m.
Where? FSCJ Administrative Offices
Look for the Big Red Bus!
Learn more.
Benefits Open Enrollment Begins Soon
2019 Benefits Open Enrollment will begin Monday, October 15 and will continue through Friday, October 26. A new High Deductible Health Plan with a Health Savings Account is a new option for 2019. Learn more.
Join Us for an enrollment session to learn more about your options! Benefit representatives will be on hand to provide details and answer your questions. See schedule below.
FREE Flu Shots will be offered for employees and dependents covered by the College’s medical plans and for employees who opt out of the College’s medical insurance coverage.
Kent Campus
Monday, October 15
8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Room F128B
Benefit vendors will be in Room F128S.
Flu shots in the Auditorium F128 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Cecil Center
Monday, October 15
11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Room A206
(Flu shots not available at this location.)
Nassau Center
Wednesday, October 17
11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Room A205
(Flu shots not available at this location.)
North Campus
Tuesday, October 16
8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Room E166
Flu shots in Room E166 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
South Campus
Thursday, October 18
8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Lakeside Room (Wilson Center)
Flu shots in the Woodside Room from 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Deerwood Center
Wednesday, October 17
8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Room B1204
Benefit vendors will be in Room B1204.
Flu shots in Room B1204 from 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
Downtown Campus
(DC, ATC, AO, URC)
Friday, October 19
8 a.m.-5 p.m.
ATC, Room T111
Flu shots in Room T111 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
myFSCJ Online Enrollment
To access Benefits Open Enrollment online, log into myFSCJ, select My Benefits, and select Benefits Enrollment. Once Open Enrollment begins on Monday, October 15 at 8 a.m., you should see an option to select “Open Enrollment.”
If you need assistance, please contact any member of the Benefits Team at
benefits@fscj.edu.
FSCJ BlueWave Athletics Updates
FSCJ BlueWave Athletics is pleased to welcome its new Associate Director of Athletics Diana Couch. She will assume duties in the area of compliance, event management, intramurals and website management. Couch comes to FSCJ from Indian River State College (IRSC), where she served as the head women’s basketball coach from 2012-18. During her six seasons with IRSC, she earned a reputation for producing solid student-athletes who annually garnished FCSAA and NJCAA honors. Read her full bio.
The FSCJ BlueWave Volleyball Team, led by All-Region outside hitter Nicolette Ramos, is ranked 5th in the NJCAA Region 8 Division 1 Volleyball Coaches' Poll. The 2018 team returns to compete this year as the reigning Panhandle Conference Champion.
FSCJ's BlueWave Softball Team will host the 2018 NCAA National Champions Florida State University (FSU) Softball for a scrimmage game on Sunday, October 7 at 2 p.m. at FSCJ's North Campus Softball Field. Parking lots open at noon, gates open at 1 p.m.
Tickets will be available for purchase at the gate. The cost will be $5 for adults. Children age 5 and under may attend for free. Seating is limited so attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs.
FSCJ faculty and staff are leaders, not only within the College, but outside the College as well. We are proud to recognize and honor their achievements and successes.

Professor Rebecca Levy's dance company, Jacksonville Dance Theatre, was featured in an article in the September 5-11 Folio Weekly. The article, titled "Making the Dream Work," overviews how the troupe got its start and the passion that drives it forward. Click here to read the full article.

Professor Tim Gilmore's newest book, "Goat Island Hermit" was featured in an article on Jacksonville.com. The book focuses on Rollians Christopher who inhabited Goat Island on the St. Johns River in the 1950s. His story made national news when the state attempted to displace him. Read the full feature here.
We would like to recognize and congratulate the following people who recently received a degree and completed the Earned Degree Recognition steps as outlined in the March HR Newsletter.
Clarissa Barclay
Bachelor of Applied Science
Florida State College at Jacksonville
Marc Boese
Doctor of Philosophy
Walden University
Deborah Brabham
Doctor of Philosophy
Nova Southeastern University
Kim Deer
Master of Science
The University of Alabama
Laura Pitois
Master of Education
The Pennsylvania State University
Who's New:
This list includes those individuals who are filling the newly appointed Faculty full-time positions, A&P positions and full-time Career Employee positions.
Faculty Full-Time
- Deborah Brabham was appointed to the position of Professor of Nursing
- Frederick Campbell was appointed to the position of Professor of Dental Assisting
- Charlotte Clark-Rowe was appointed to the position of Temporary Professor of Medical Assisting
A&P Full-Time
- Fre'Shonda Alston was appointed to the position of Assistant Director of Financial Aid
- Ashli Archer was appointed to the position of International Admissions & Academic Coordinator
- Vonnell Baggett was appointed to the position of Director Campus/Center Enrollment and Student Services
- Thomas Cason was appointed to the position of Interim Department Chair
- Ujjwal Chakraborty was appointed to the position of Department Chair
- Lisa DeSanctis was appointed to the position of Associate Director of Admissions
- Beatrix Dunn was appointed to the position of Associate Director of Academic Advising Services
- Sabrina Edwards was appointed to the position of Director of Program Development
- Herschel Finch was appointed to the position of Associate Director of Academic Advising Services
- Joseph Hale was appointed to the position of Interim Coach
- Kristine Hibbard was appointed to the position of Director of Financial Aid
- Karen Howard was appointed to the position of Director Campus/Center Enrollment and Student Services
- Christopher Johnson was appointed to the position of Director of Military and Veteran Services
- Heather Kenney was appointed to the position of Director Campus/Center Enrollment and Student Services
- Susan Mythen was appointed to the position of Library and Learning Commons Manager
- Angela Nickel was appointed to the position of Assistant Director of Financial Aid
- Adeyemi Olaogun was appointed to the position of Budget Analyst
- Martina Perry was appointed to the position of Associate Director of Training & Organizational Development
- Danielle Revills was appointed to the position of Assistant Director of Financial Aid
- Jacqueline Schmidt was appointed to the position of Registrar and Director of Student Records
- Billy Thomas was appointed to the position of Department Chair
- James Tynan was appointed to the position of Assistant Director of Financial Aid
- Terence Wright was appointed to the position of Director Campus/Center Enrollment and Student Services
Career Full-Time
- Sarah Ashbrook was appointed to the position of Interim Project Coordinator
- Shyann Carter was appointed to the position of Bachelor Program Advisor
- Sharlene Chatham was appointed to the position of Vision Rehabilitation Case Manager/Career Specialist
- Jacob Colee was appointed to the position of Interim Advisor II
- Carolyn Floyd was appointed to the position of Plant Service Worker
- Andrew Gray was appointed to the position of Purchasing Agent II
- Steven Gunter was appointed to the position of Senior Faculty Development Specialist
- Carrington Hall was appointed to the position of Library Assistant I
- Johnathan Hancock was appointed to the position of Bachelor Program Advisor
- Amber Hare was appointed to the position of Financial Aid Coordinator - Verification
- Carolyn Johnson was appointed to the position of Financial Aid Coordinator - Clock Hours
- Kelly Lapp was appointed to the position of Instructional Support Specialist
- Marshun Middleton was appointed to the position of Enrollment Development Coordinator
- Tiffany Nelson was appointed to the position of Integrated Communications Specialist
- Glenda Parrish was appointed to the position of Benefits Coordinator
- Dorraine Perry was appointed to the position of Plant Service Worker
- Robin Peterson was appointed to the position of Journeyman
- Julie Phillips was appointed to the position of Administrative Assistant II
- Megan Price was appointed to the position of Instructional Support Specialist
- Megan Reed was appointed to the position of Plant Service Worker
FSCJ's faculty, staff, students, programs and leadership are often highlighted by local and regional media outlets - online, on air and in print. Read all of the recent articles regarding important activities happening within the College.
FSCJ adding student housing downtown with major renovation
Published on news4jax.com on September 11, 2018. Learn more »
FSCJ Offers Student Housing For 1st Time At Downtown Jacksonville’s Historic Lerner Building
Published on wjct.org on September 11, 2018. Learn more »
FSCJ’s new downtown housing is not your typical dorm
Published on jacksonville.com on September 11, 2018. Learn more »
Downtown student housing with a view: Florida State College at Jacksonville’s first student housing is open in the Lerner Building."
Published on jaxdailyrecord.com on September 10, 2018. Learn more »
This Week in Jacksonville Supervisor of Elections Mike Hogan, UNF Political Analyst, and FSCJ's Interim President
Published on news4jax.com on August 31, 2018. Learn more »
To view all upcoming events, visit the Collegewide calendar of events.




Did you know September is Suicide Prevention Month? Join faculty and staff for an educational workshop to help you better understand the facts and symptoms of mental illness and how you can help prevent suicide.
When: Tuesday, September 25, 10-11:30 a.m.
Where: Downtown Campus – Building A, Large Auditorium (A-1068)
Educational resources will be available in the atrium for students to access information on suicide awareness and prevention.
All FSCJ faculty and staff are welcome to attend. Click here to add the event to your calendar.
Check out the latest 20West Cafe menu and follow them on Facebook for the latest on specials and events.
Don't forget, faculty and staff get 20% off the purchase price of a meal by presenting their official FSCJ ID.
Test your knowledge. To ensure all faculty and staff have an opportunity to submit answers, the quiz winners will be selected at random from all entries that have answered all questions correctly. You have until 6 p.m. on the day the newsletter is distributed to email your answers to bluewavenews@fscj.edu. The three winners will receive a BlueWave promo pack!
Please note: Previous quiz promo prize pack winners, while eligible to submit answers, are not eligible for additional prizes for six months.
- How many pounds of food did FSCJ employees donate during Convocation 2018?
- More than 131
- Nearly 160
- 200
- 300
- Where will the Big Red Bus be stationed for the upcoming blood drive?
- Downtown Campus
- Urban Resource Center
- Administrative Offices
- Cecil Center
- FSCJ's BlueWave Volleyball Team is ranked _____ in the NJCAA Region 8 Division 1 Volleyball Coaches' Poll.
- First
- Sixth
- Fifth
- Third
- When does 2019 Benefits Open Enrollment end?
- October 26
- October 4
- October 31
- October 18
- The month of September is recognized as ___________.
- Suicide Prevention Month
- National Campus Safety Awareness Month
- Hispanic Heritage Month
- Both A and B