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.

Donna Mollis Richardson serves as the new Associate Dean of Operations for Information Technology Programs at FSCJ, providing leadership for the development, evaluation and continuous improvement of IT programs including Computer Systems Networking, Computer Information Technology, IT Security and Data Science Technology. In this role, she supports faculty in curriculum development, analyzes student data to inform program enhancements, oversees instructional resources and works closely with Business and Industry Leadership Teams to ensure programs align with regional and national workforce needs.

Donna brings more than two decades of experience across higher education, K–12 education, workforce development, healthcare, marketing and public administration. Prior to joining FSCJ, she served as Dean at First Coast Technical College, where she led the launch and expansion of high demand programs in cybersecurity, nursing, health sciences and surgical technology, secured grant funding, and strengthened partnerships with healthcare and industry leaders. Prior to that she served St. Johns County School district as an administrator who led districtwide efforts to implement Florida Mathematics Standards, strengthen curriculum and assessments, and support high quality instruction across secondary schools.

As a leader in education, she has always worked closely with teachers/professors, administrators and district/college leaders to strengthen instructional practices through targeted professional development focused on effective instructional strategies and technology integration, analyzed student data to inform school improvement initiatives, and secured grant funding to support curriculum and instructional priorities.

She also served as an adjunct professor of Public Administration at Flagler College and is a current licensed Certified Nursing Assistant, reflecting her commitment to both education and service.

Passionate about student success, workforce alignment and innovative program design, Donna holds a Master of Public Administration degree from George Mason University and a bachelor’s in Politics from Rollins College. Her background spans instructional leadership, faculty development, financial operations and community engagement, and she remains dedicated to creating meaningful pathways from education to employment for students across the Northeast Florida region.

Donna has lived in Jacksonville for over 20 years, is married to a police officer, and has a daughter who also lives in Jacksonville, a son in Atlanta, and a bonus daughter in New Jersey. She has a chocolate lab named Gunny that she takes everywhere she can – on hikes, to the beach and to area facilities as a therapy pet. Donna is also an avid golfer and always open to a friendly game.

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