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The Career Employees' Council (CEC) is the representative voice for the Career employees of FSCJ, with the goal to be committed to the continuous development of a collaborative work environment whereby the value and respect of Career employees are elevated through increased recognition, involvement and opportunities to achieve a higher degree of excellence. In this spirit, we put a "spotlight" on one of our members each month.

October's Career Employees' Council (CEC) spotlight features Health Sciences Academic and Career Advisor Francis M. Walton.

Francis has been dedicated to helping students build a strong foundation for success at FSCJ. As a First Year Experience (FYE) advisor and instructor, she plays an important role in welcoming students to the College and helping them develop the skills they need to succeed academically, professionally and personally.

Through the FYE course, Francis guides students in learning strategies for persistence, resilience and high achievement while connecting them with FSCJ's supportive and inclusive community. Her favorite part of the job is watching students discover their own potential.

"I have a passion for supporting students," Francis says. "I love helping students realize that they are capable of tackling hard things, even when the path ahead looks challenging. Seeing them reach the finish line after all their hard work is incredibly rewarding."

Francis embodies the Center for Engagement and Completion's mission by supporting student success, fostering open communication and cultivating a collaborative work environment. Her commitment to student achievement extends beyond the classroom through her involvement with the FSCJ Scholarships Team and the First Year Experience Faculty.

A lifelong learner, Francis earned a bachelor's degree in Social Science from Jacksonville University and a master's degree in Business Management and Leadership from Webster University. She is currently pursuing a Doctor of Education in Human Services at Nova Southeastern University, with plans to graduate in spring 2028.

Outside of FSCJ, Francis volunteers as a mentor with Take Stock in Children, helping high school students prepare for graduation and college. She enjoys encouraging students to pursue their goals and believes that mentorship can make a lasting difference in their lives.

When she's not working or studying, Francis enjoys spending time with her daughter, family and friends. As her daughter prepares to begin college this fall, she's making the most of every opportunity to create lasting memories together. She also enjoys journaling, creating custom journals, reading, exploring new local restaurants and attending live concerts.

Whether she's supporting students in the classroom, mentoring young people in the community, or continuing her own educational journey, Francis brings passion, positivity, and a genuine commitment to helping others succeed. 

Our spotlight seeks to showcase a CEC representative from each campus/center at least once a year. Nominations for the spotlight may be directed to the CEC Publicity Committee Chair Vanessa Gordon at CEC@fscj.edu. Learn more about CEC on our SharePoint website, https://fscj.sharepoint.com/teams/CareerEmployeeCouncil.

The College Open House returns next month after a summer 2026 hiatus, and this time we're hosting it on the Downtown Campus!

As we gear up for one of our biggest recruitment events of the recruitment cycle, let's answer a few questions you might ask:

1. What’s an Open House? This is our chance to roll out the blue carpet and welcome our community of learners to dive into our Manta Rays environment, showcasing what has made FSCJ a special place for more than 60 years.

2. Who's attending? Future students and their supporters. Parents, guardians, friends, mentors and community members are all welcome.

3. Who will represent FSCJ? We want you! Faculty, staff, academic programs and student services play a critical role in showing and telling the FSCJ experience.

4. Why should I participate? Because you’re FSCJ and you make the difference. If you're part of an academic program, this is your chance to connect with prospective students who are interested in your field, or whose flame might grow after speaking with you. If you're part of a student affairs office, this is your opportunity to showcase the resources, services and support systems designed to help our students thrive and persist.

5. How can I help?

• Host a table
• Lead an information session
• Volunteer to greet guests and help them navigate the open house
• Share your FSCJ role and expertise with prospective students and families

Remember, success begins at hello. Join us by indicating your intent to participate here.

National College Fair
Kudos to the Student Recruitment team for their leadership and support of the annual National Association of College Admission Counseling (NACAC) National College Fair Jacksonville. This year, the event took place at the University of North Florida, with FSCJ participating alongside scores of colleges and universities. The college fair featured schools from across the country and offered various information sessions aimed at preparing families of middle and high school students for successful college entry.

Student Recruitment October calendar at a glance:

10/10: Big Brothers/Big Sisters Senior Success Summit
10/12: Why FSCJ? Presentation @ Youth Crisis Center
10/13: Trinity Christian Academy College and Career Fair
10/17: HBCU Legacy College Fair
10/22: CareerSource/American Job Corps Partner Day
10/27: Global Leadership Financial Aid Night
10/30: Community Partner Event (Duval County)

We want to hear from you! The Student Recruitment Office welcomes your ideas and partnership. To share collaboration ideas or to learn more about what we do, email fscjrecruitment@fscj.edu with the subject line: Dive Into Manta Rays Nation.

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.

Dr. Alvin A. Davis joins FSCJ as the Director of Student Life & Engagement. In this role, he provides strategic leadership, decision-making, and resource and expenditure management and allocation for Collegewide initiatives that strengthen student involvement, organizations, leadership development and inclusion programming. This position advances FSCJ’s mission by implementing a unified vision that enhances campus life, ensures effective use of resources and fosters student belonging across all locations. 

Originally from Chicago, Illinois, Dr. Davis has served in leadership roles with the Florida Department of Education, Florida A&M University, Edward Waters University and several nonprofit organizations. Most recently, he served as Director of Bands at Edward Waters University, where he expanded student engagement, strengthened community partnerships and developed leadership opportunities for students.

A former Florida Teacher of the Year and National Teacher of the Year finalist, Dr. Davis has been recognized for his commitment to educational excellence, innovation and student success. He is passionate about creating an inclusive campus environment where every student feels connected, supported and empowered to succeed.

Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his wife and children, serving his church and community, mentoring future leaders and making music. He is excited to become part of the FSCJ family and looks forward to serving students and colleagues across the College.

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