Associate Provost, Baccalaureate, Career and Technical Education Dr. Tara Haley has been a dedicated member of FSCJ since 2017, beginning as the Instructional Program Manager for Human Services at North Campus. By 2019, she had advanced to the position of Dean of Education and Human Services, where she oversaw the Early Childhood Education and Human Services academic degree programs, as well as managed the Child Care Access Means Parents in Schools (CCAMPIS) grant and the Vision Education & Rehabilitation Center (VERC). In 2022, Tara began her three-year tenure as the inaugural Campus Dean for the Downtown Campus. Her dedication and leadership were further recognized in May 2025, when she was appointed Associate Provost for Baccalaureate, Career and Technical Education programs. 

Tara's years of service at FSCJ have been marked by significant leadership roles such as APC Chair and Dean’s Council Co-Chair. Additionally, she is actively involved in several executive boards, including as the Cabinet Chair for the Children’s Home Society Community Partnership Schools and the Institutional Representative and State Conference Chair for the American Council on Education (ACE) Leadership Network of Florida. Tara is a graduate of the Leadership Jacksonville Class of 2024, and has been selected to serve on several accreditation site review teams both statewide and nationally.

Tara holds a bachelor's degree in both Psychology and Journalism, a master's degree and Florida Licensure in Marriage and Family Therapy, and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership. Additionally, she has earned a postgraduate certificate in Early Childhood Education. As a Qualified Clinical Supervisor for Mental Health Counseling and Marriage and Family Therapy, Tara has had the honor of supervising fellow FSCJ colleagues as they pursue their counseling degrees.

Outside of work, Tara and her husband, Dan, love catching sunsets on the St. Johns River after a busy day. She enjoys golfing, kayaking, spoiling her two cats and traveling the world. Tara is particularly excited about her 2026 trip with her husband, where they will visit the last two continents on their bucket list to travel to all seven!

Fun Fact: Tara loves all kinds of music but has a special preference for anything from the 90s! She is an avid (not crazy!) New Kids on the Block fan and has attended at least one show from each of their headlining tours since 1990. Last summer was especially memorable, as she was invited on stage during the Jacksonville show for her birthday and serenaded by the band!

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.