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. April's Administrative & Professional Collaborative (APC) spotlight shines on South Campus Library & Learning Commons (LLC) Manager Dr. Phenessa A. Gray. In this role, she doesn't just oversee operations; she pioneers strategic initiatives aimed at enriching students' academic journeys, fostering engagement and enhancing their overall collegiate experience. With a team of 20 dedicated professionals, Dr. Gray drives holistic innovation, collaboration and excellence in service delivery.
With over 25 years of diverse leadership experience spanning
secondary and higher education, corporate, government and nonprofit sectors, Dr. Gray embodies unwavering dedication to student success and community empowerment. Her journey at FSCJ began in 2018, when she first served as an adjunct professor in the Continuing Education department, igniting her passion for empowering learners in the Data Busters STEAM Program. Transitioning to the Adult Education department, she excelled as an academic and career coordinator, notably co-leading the Adult Education Onboarding Six Sigma Improvement Project, a testament to her commitment to operational excellence and continuous improvement.
She has presented multiple workshops on emotional intelligence during Professional Development Day, underscoring her expertise in fostering emotional resilience and workplace harmony. Recognized as an up-and-coming authority in trauma-informed leadership in libraries, Dr. Gray's expertise is sought after in scholarly circles. Her forthcoming chapter in “Advances in Library Administration and Organization,” promises to revolutionize an emerging field with its creative insights and altruistic approach. Her research interests, spanning dimensions of wellness, emotional intelligence, trauma-informed librarianship and workplace wellbeing, reflect her ethos of lifelong learning, scholarly contribution and passion for creating sustainable, positive change.
Dr. Gray's academic achievements include a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature from Florida State University, a Master of Science in Library Services from Clark Atlanta University, a Master of Science in Industrial- Organizational Psychology from the University of Phoenix, and a Doctor of Philosophy in Business Management from Capella University. She was also accepted into the Harvard Graduate School of Education Leadership Institute for Academic Librarians Cohort 2024.
Dr. Gray is deeply committed to community engagement, volunteering her time and expertise with organizations such as 904WARD, Hope at Hand, Feeding Northeast Florida, Clara White Mission, Junior Achievement of Northeast Florida/JA Girl$, Mayor’s Commission on the Status of Women, Jacksonville Sister Cities Association, Jacksonville Women’s Business Center, and the Northeast Florida Library and Information Network.
When not at work, you may find Phenessa enjoying nature by birdwatching, bowling, cooking/baking, losing track of time in antique malls and bookstores, inspirational writing, binge-watching superhero and martial arts movies, escaping reality in Oculus Quest VR, and her latest hobby of learning to play the handpan.
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 our website, http://blogs.fscj.edu/apcollaborative.
