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.

Patrice Williams began her role as the Continuing Workforce Education (CWE) Program Manager in August 2021. She holds a Master of Arts in Career and Technical Education from the University of Central Florida and a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from the University of North Florida.

Patrice’s journey in education began with a permanent part-time position in Continuing Education before transitioning to a full-time role in Distance Learning in 1998, when FCCJ offered telecourses on TV. In 2000, she left the College to pursue a career at CSX. However, in 2004, she returned, joining the English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) department, where she dedicated 17 years to serving students. During her time in ESOL, she wore many hats—from advisor to project coordinator—overseeing a refugee grant program that supported more than 300 students.

In her current role, one of Patrice’s key responsibilities is managing the English Language Institute (ELI) for non-credit international students who seek to learn English before transitioning to a degree program. The ELI program offers three levels: beginning, intermediate and advanced.

When she started as program manager in 2021, the College was just beginning to recover from the pandemic, and fall enrollment was at 16 students. Today, the program has grown to 45 students, representing a diverse mix of nationalities, including China, Vietnam, Albania, Turkey, Peru, Argentina, Brazil, Cambodia, El Salvador, Colombia, Chile, Panama, Russia and Morocco. Patrice’s overarching goal is to ensure that students have a positive and successful experience while studying at FSCJ.

As CWE Program Manager, she also aspires to expand access to Continuing Education programs, providing valuable resources to help individuals enhance their economic opportunities and improve their quality of life.

Outside of work, Patrice is deeply involved in her church and finds joy in volunteering, particularly with the children’s ministry and programs supporting the unhoused. She cherishes time spent with her nieces and nephews and is a devoted animal lover with two cats, Tiberius and Ayra.

One surprising fact about Patrice: She served in the U.S. Marine Corps—Ooh-rah, Semper Fi!

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 here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1024098564929654.