DR: John Avendano installed as Florida State College president

John Avendano was installed as Florida State College at Jacksonville's sixth president Feb. 7 at the college's South Campus.

About 500 faculty members, students, administrators from other educational institutions and guests witnessed the ceremony at the Nathan H. Wilson Center for the Arts.

“Pretty much everybody who was involved with the search to find our next president is either sitting up here on the stage – or several of you out in the audience. It was one of the most collaborative efforts of teamwork that I've been involved with in my life,” said Thomas McGehee, FSCJ board of trustees chair.

“I feel we made a good choice and we are looking forward to what the future is going to hold,” he said.

McGehee was joined on the stage by Florida College System Chancellor Kathy Hebda; Jonathan Gueverra, president of The College of the Florida Keys; Jim Murdaugh, president of Tallahassee Community College; and St. Johns River State College President Joe Pickens.

Also on the stage was Nassau County School District Superintendent Kathy Burns and Duval County Public Schools Superintendent Diana Green.

Representing FSCJ was Jon Woodward, president of the Faculty Senate; Youlanda Henry, chair of the Administrative and Professional Collaborative; Career Employees Council Chair Camilla Collins; and SeQoya Williams, president of the Student Government Association.

Avendano said while there is no oath of office for FSCJ president, his charge from McGehee is to serve with diligence, dedication, energy, vision and integrity.

“In essence, this is the oath of office. In essence, this is my commitment to all of you,” Avendano said.

In the months that I have been here, I keep hearing that FSCJ is on the brink of greatness. It's time for us to walk through that door and show this community, and show this state, what FSCJ is all about,” he said.