Employee of the Month Archive

Sofia Saavedra

Campus Recreation

Sofia Saavedra is a Coordinator for Outdoor Pursuits and Camp Flastacowo, under Campus Recreation. Sofia oversee the operation of Camp Flastacowo at the Lakefront Park, which includes training and recruiting counselors and instructors, and coordinating 8 weeks of camp and 650 campers!
In the words of Sofia's nominator: "Camp season is a marathon out here at the Lakefront Park and Sofia is absolutely crushing it. She was instrumental in hiring and training a superb staff of counselors and instructors this season and keeping the energy up for these long and hot days outside. We are just finishing week 4 of our 8 weeks and there is no way the program would be going as well as it is without Sofia at the helm."
Sofia is "passionate about student development through outdoor recreation and education! Connecting with the nature can provide many opportunities for rest, recreation, and personal growth." She loves seeing "our students develop and thrive over time through our outdoor programming."

Florida State University’s Division of Student Affairs thanks you for your exemplary leadership qualities through the "marathon of heat, chaos and fun"!

Helen Miller

University Housing

Helen Miller is a Program Director for Budget and Finance for University Housing. Helen handles the budget info for all of Housing and has found ways to streamline processes.
In the words of Helen's nominator: "Helen has many qualities that should recognized. The Fiscal dept is usually overlooked but wears many hats. For a while this dept was short staffed and Helen worked tirelessly to make sure that all the work was completed correctly. She tries to promote a fun work environment by supplying her staff with breakfast or lunch and tries to always be available for questions."

Florida State University’s Division of Student Affairs thanks you for your exemplary leadership qualities and for your care for the staff you serve.

Tatiyana Loayza

Department of Student Support and Transitions

Tatiana Loayza is a Victim Advocate for the Department of Student Support and Transitions. FSU's Victim Advocates offer free and confidential support to members of our community who may have been a victim of a crime or similar situation. Advocates are able to provide support through administrative and legal processes.
In the words of Tatiana's nominator: "Tatiana has been an amazing Assistant Director of our Victim Advocate Program for years but over the past few months has stepped in as the Interim Director of Case Management Services leading the Case Management team through a transition. She is a selfless individual and a strong professional who is always willing to step up and help others. She exemplifies a strong student affairs professional by always treating every student, parent, colleague, and community member with care and respect."

Florida State University’s Division of Student Affairs thanks you for your exemplary leadership qualities and for your care for the students you serve.

Alice Maxwell

Marketing and Communications Office

Alice Maxwell is the Senior Director of Marketing and Communications for the DSA Marketing and Communications office. In her role, Alice spearheads marketing campaigns, develops operational strategies, supervises subordinate staff members and communicates progress to other executives and stakeholders in the university.
In the words of Alice's many nominators: "Alice has excelled in fostering collaboration with various departments, creating a unified approach to communication and marketing efforts. Her inclusive and collaborative style has resulted in effective partnerships, allowing for diverse perspectives to be represented in communication strategies. She has demonstrated a commitment to excellence in all aspects of her work, consistently going the extra mile to get the job done. She is a team player and always willing to lend a helping hand. Alice sets an excellent example for her staff, and is respected by everyone she works with."

Alice is "passionate about making an impact. My goal is for my work and my team’s work to make an impact in our students’ lives. I am also passionate about supporting my team and making sure they know their work makes a difference and that the outstanding level of marketing and communications work we produce is making an important contribution to our profession. It is so impressive to witness who students are when they begin their journey here and how the work that we do as a division can really make a difference in who our students become by the time they graduate. I love that our creative team has the opportunity to tell these students’ stories through written and visual communications."

Florida State University’s Division of Student Affairs thanks you for your exemplary leadership qualities and for your care for the students you serve.

Granvill Adkins

University Housing

Granvill Adkins is a Residence Coordinator for University Housing, doing an upstanding job being visible within his community supporting his graduate assistant, 18 RAs, and 706 member residential community. In their role, Granvill is responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of DeGraff Hall, which composes of supervising 18 resident assistants, planning and facilitating monthly community wide events, and partnering with campus partners to support resident's full potential.
In the words of Granvill's nominator: "This past month Granvill went above and beyond with providing assistance and support to a student of concern and other community members impacted by the student of concern. His communication and timeliness of meeting with students and documenting each account was much appreciated, allowing us to work seamlessly with campus partners to support the student, community members, and families involved in the crisis. Granvill consistently exceeds expectations when it comes to providing care and support of his student leaders and students, while maintaining his administrative and committee/workgroup duties and responsibilities.

Granvill also supports his fellow peers and graduate assistants, by sharing resources and practices of promise so everyone can thrive in their respective communities. If you need a ride, Granvill will lend you one. If you need someone to hold the duty phone for you, Granvill will be one of the first to step up. Granvill is a giving soul who is always willing to help others and create space for the team to bond and check in throughout the year. We are grateful to have him and witness his impact."

Florida State University’s Division of Student Affairs thanks you for your exemplary leadership qualities and for your care for the students you serve.

Felicia Williams

Department of Student Engagement

Dr. Williams is the Director of Student Engagement, which oversees a portfolio that includes Student Governance & Advocacy, SGA Accounting, Student Organizations & Involvement, and Student Agencies & Institutes. In her role, Dr. Williams is responsible for overseeing and implementing programs that enhance student involvement and campus community interaction.
In the words of Dr. Williams' nominator: "In her capacity as our director, Dr. Williams consistently demonstrates exceptional leadership skills, dedication, and a passion for fostering a positive and productive work environment, both for our staff teams and for the students we serve.

Dr. Williams exhibits remarkable leadership by continually guiding our team through challenges and busy times of the year with grace and resilience. She is always readily available to support all of our team members, providing guidance and encouragement to ensure that everyone feels valued and motivated. Her ability to inspire and empower our team contributes daily to our collective success and the achievement of our department’s goals.

In addition to all of this, Dr. Williams is committed to fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation. She has led the implementation of several important projects in our work area that have not only improved our efficiency but have also promoted a sense of camaraderie and togetherness among the staff. Her open-door policy and willingness to listen to the ideas and concerns of all team members have created an environment where everyone feels heard and appreciated.

Furthermore, Dr. Williams has consistently demonstrated a strong work ethic and a passion for excellence that sets the standard for our entire department. Her exceptional performance and unwavering dedication have sincerely been an inspiration to us all."

Florida State University’s Division of Student Affairs thanks you for your foundational commitment to bettering student's lives!

Haley Gentile

Department of Student Support and Transitions

Haley is the Manager of the Food for Thought Pantry in the Department of Student Support and Transitions. Haley performs food pantry and warehouse work necessary to provide food assistance to students. They have worked for the Division of Student Affairs for 8 and a half years. In the words of Haley’s nominator, "aside from providing food and necessities to thousands of FSU students, Haley demonstrates profound enthusiasm for helping others. Even with a limited staff, Haley works tirelessly to serve our students.”
Haley is “passionate about recognizing our students first and foremost as human beings who have basic needs that need to be met. All else emanates from that foundational commitment...In honor of the belt, I have to mention one of my favorite wrestlers Jade Cargill. She is focused, hardworking, and incredibly strong. I started lifting weights so I could be better at the physical aspects of my job and she was a significant inspiration!”

Florida State University’s Division of Student Affairs thanks you for your foundational commitment to bettering student's lives!

Li Pon

The Career Center

Li is a Senior Assistant Director for Experiential Learning for the Career Center. She serves as the InternFSU program manager, and supervises a team of Career Liaisons who are embedded in academic programs across campus. She has worked for the Division of Student Affairs for 6 years. In the words of her nominator, "Not only is Li excellent at her job, but she is kind, supportive, and a true leader. She is both student-first and colleague-first, and supports a strong team… She is one of my favorite people to work with and we're so fortunate to have her on the Experiential Learning team at the Career Center."
Li is “inspired by phenomenal colleagues who each play an important role in fostering a sense of community for our students. And my children, my ever-present reminder that that life is a never-ending journey of discovery!” “Our students are so impressive,” Li says, “and I learn something new every day! Seeing their confidence grow and land internships, get admissions into their graduate program, or secure their dream jobs is what drives my work each day.”

Florida State University’s Division of Student Affairs thanks you for your commitment to bettering student's lives!

Michelle Lawson

Center for Global Engagement

Michelle is a SEVIS Data Manager for the Center for Global Engagement (CGE). She oversees the in-house database for CGE students and makes sure that international students have submitted all of their e-forms for enrollment. She has worked for the Division of Student Affairs for 5 years. In the words of her nominator, "Michelle's laughter and smile brightens the office absolutely every day! She is a dedicated employee who is always trying to learn new things...She is a major team player who excels at her job duties!"
Michelle is "passionate about ensuring our international students and scholars have what they need to succeed! Anything I am able to do to support them and make the process of getting here, staying here and graduating easier is my ultimate professional goal."

Sean Wilkinson

Campus Recreation

Sean is the Assistant Director of Outdoor Pursuits & Camp Flastacowo of Campus Recreation. He has been working at the Division of Student Affairs for 5 years. Sean is inspired by Tommy Caldwell, a rock climber who has set records in sport climbing, traditional climbing, and big-wall climbing. His favorite part of the job is enjoying the outdoors by playing outside. Sean is passionate about his job because it allows him to get people who have never been on an outdoor trip to participate in Campus Recreation's programming. Sean stated, "Introducing new people to outdoor recreation is what I love to do".

Robyn Brock

New Student and Family Programs

Robyn is the new Director of New Student and Family Programs. She has been working at the Division of Student Affairs for over 19 years. Her favorite part of her job is working with our amazing student leaders to welcome new students and families! She loves bringing people together to create and build students, staff, programs, and experiences that make a positive impact! Robyn's inspiration is her family, friends, students, and colleagues. She continues to learn from so many different people both personally and professionally.

Lexie McGarvey

University Housing

Amy Haggard

Student Conduct & Community Standards