THE LIFENET
N E W S L E T T E R
Summer 2024
Director’s Letter
Dear LifeNet!
It is wonderful to be re-launching the Hardee Newsletter after taking some time off to regroup. As we all know, these last few years have been like no other not only in higher education, but in our collective history. We wanted to honor all these last years have thrown at us and to hit pause to
reflect on how to best support our students, faculty, alumni, partners, and friends. I, along with Ravi Bhatt, Associate Director of the Hardee Center, have listened, reflected, and learned. It has been a journey, that is for sure. One of the things we know is that the LifeNet has always been and continues to be something special. I often wonder if Dr. Hardee really knew the powerful network this would become. My guess is yes, she knew exactly!
We are preparing for an exciting and busy Fall semester. We continue to be grateful for being a part of Florida State University and sharing Hardee’s legacy in all we do, and we look forward to some new initiatives in building on both Hardee’s legacy and the reputation of the Higher Education Program at Florida State University. The Hardee Center appreciates the constant support and love we receive from the LifeNet- you make what we do possible. Enjoy the updates in this newsletter and please continue to connect with us and each other! It matters. You matter.
Kathy L. Guthrie Director, Hardee Center for Leadership & Ethics Professor, Higher Education
Where We Left Off
Wow! We are THRILLED to bring back the LifeNet Newsletter! Over the past two years, I have been humbled, grateful, and continually motivated by the LifeNet as our graduated and current students continue to excel and thrive within all aspects of Higher Education and Beyond. As we continue to shine as a LifeNet community, you may be wonderin what has been going on in our program and at Florida State University, and this special summer edition of the LifeNet Newsletter will provide some very exciting updates!
To start with the university, along with a whole new brand launch, which you can see reflections of the n brand marketing throughout this Newsletter, our program alumni, and incoming and current students continue to represent the program throughout campus. From University Housing to the Division of Student Affairs, students and graduates from the Higher Education program continue to present their skills and expertise in applying what they are learning in the classroom to their professional spaces.
The College of Education also has a new name! With an expansion that includes programs from both the College of Education and the College of Health and Human Sciences, the College has been renamed to the College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences.
These changes have vastly impacted our program as they provide rejuvenated vision for its faculty staff, and students. What remains unchanged, though, is your unwavering support for the program as we continue navigating the current climate of higher education. Thank you for supporting our Florida State University Higher Education program and as Dr. Beatty said during the 2024 Hooding Ceremony,
Go LifeNet!
Events & Celebrations HARDEE BOARD
MEETING
The Hardee Center was elated to reconvene the Hardee Board in person after several years in November of 2023 With updates from the Dean’s Office, University Foundations, and engagement opportunities with students and staff, this meeting was not only crucial but fun!,
NASPA IN SEATTLE!
In keeping the tradition alive, the incredible LifeNet got together to celebrate our community of scholars, practitioners, and friends! In addition to the LifeNet filling up the program book with presentations, Dr. Lauren Brown, LifeNet M.S. Class of 2013, was awarded the Hardee Dissertation of the Year!
ACPA IN CHICAGO!
In Chicago, the LifeNet converged once again to celebrate ACPA’s 100th anniversary! Additionally, through the support of the Dean’s Office and the Department of Educational Leadership & Policy Studies, this year, we were also able to host a dinner reception!
CONFERENCE TRAVEL & HOTEL
SEMINAR
In the Fall and Spring semesters of this past year, Adam Ware (M.S. Class of 2022) and Danielle Boone supported several Higher Education students through our inaugural Conference Travel & Hotel Seminar. Through dedicating time slots to each student, Adam, Danielle, and Ravi worked with students to adequately and seamlessly use professional development funding to attend national conferences Given the amount of support and success this initiative generated, the seminar will continue in the 20242025 year!
Events & Celebrations
DR. AMELIA PARNELL NAMED PRESIDENT OF NASPA
After graduating with her Doctorate in Higher Education in 2010, Dr. Amelia Parnell went on to serve in several research and teaching roles before serving as Vice President for Research and Policy for NASPA. After a tenure of 9 years in that role, Dr. Parnell accepted the presidency of NASPA and continues to make the LifeNet proud!
DR. CAMERON BEATTY NAMED 2024 ACPA DIAMOND HONOREE
In recognition of his incredible impact on the Florida State University Higher Education program, his student mentees and advisees, and his lasting legacy within the field, Dr Beatty deservedly accepted his Diamond Honoree in Chicago this past March!
DR. TAMARA BERTRAND JONES ACCEPTS NEW ROLES AS PROFESSOR & ASSOCIATE DEAN
After serving as a monument within the Higher Education program as a faculty member, world-renowned researcher, and inspiration, Dr. Bertrand Jones has accepted new roles as a Professor in the Department of Education Policy, Organization and Leadership and as an Associate Dean for Faculty Affairs in the College of Education at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
DR. SHAWNA PATTERSON-STEPHENS NAMED 2024 ACPA DIAMOND HONOREE
Dr. Patterson-Stephens serves as a Vice President for Inclusive Excellence and Belonging at Central Michigan University, a brilliant scholar and researcher, and a groundbreaking podcast co-host with Dr. Beatty. Through her research, advocacy, and diligent work, Dr. PattersonStephens continues to advance the field.
Congratulations to our Faculty and Alumni! To be featured in future celebrations, please scan the QR code on the last page!
Events & Celebrations
DR. WALTER ECTON JOINS FACULTY OF UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN MARSAL FAMILY SCHOOL OF EDUCATION
After two incredible years at Florida State University, Dr. Ecton has joined the University of Michigan to continue his phenomenal roles as an assistant professor and critical scholar. Throughout his time at FSU, Dr. Ecton has provided mentorship, support, and research opportunities to countless students
DR. LAURENCE B. ALEXANDER NAMED CHANCELLER
After an extraordinary career as a professor, provost, and attorney, Dr. Alexander was named to serve as the chancellor of the University of Michigan - Flint. Among many notable achievements, Dr. Alexander served as the chair of the Board for International Food and Agricultural Development appointed by President Joe Biden.
THE HIGHER EDUCATION PROGRAM WELCOMES DR. SOPHIE MCGUINNESS
The Higher Education program is elated to welcome Dr McGuinness as an Assistant Professor of Education Policy! Dr. McGuinnes joins us from Vanderbilt University, where she served as a research fellow at the U.S. Department of Education Office of the Chief Economist. Dr. McGuinness comes to Tallahassee with interest in labor markets and their connection to Universities for adult
DR. MARY COBURN & DR. CRAIG STANLEY III PRESENT HOODING KEYNOTES
. Mary Coburn and Dr. Craig Stanley III celebrated graduates of 2023 and 2024 through riveting keynote peeches Their keynotes spoke to the legacy of Dr ardee, the impacts the classes of 2023 and 2024 will ve on the field, and the LifeNet community they are joining.
Hardee Fellows
2023 - 2024 Hardee Fellows
This class of Hardee Fellows applied their fellowship toward conferences, dissertations, and professional development events within and outside of FSU. Thank you for continuing to support the Hardee Fellows!
Congratulations to the 24 Hardee Fellows of 2023!
Janel Acosta, Johnnie Allen Jr., Ravi Bhatt, Joshua Burns, Zachary Collins, Morgan Danyi, Antonio Ezquerro, Dylan Fields, Zahra Gholami, Ta'lia Gordon, Amy Haggard, Gabrielle Haggins, Holly Henning, Payton Krumholz, Madison Merrill, Derrick Pacheco, Savanna Perry, Sydney Pickett, Darius Robinson, Corbin Ryder, Martin Saldana Jr., Venus
Skowronski, Gabrielle Ulate, Laura Vaughn
Practicum
While cultivating impactful memories, this class experienced different institution types and campus cultures. Their reflections spoke to this culture of higher education and remind us why we continue to Practicum each year!
In February, the first-year class, along with Dr. Kathy Guthrie and Ravi Bhatt, went to Orlando for the annual Practicum trip. In Orlando, we had the incredible opportunity to attend the University of Central Florida, Full Sail University, Valencia College, and Rollins University.
Thank you, LifeNet donors, for allowing us to continue contributing support to the overall costs of Practicum. Shifting the experience to the semester brought on a pivotal change in the costs of the experience, and your financial support during and beyond the Great Give also allows us to further support our students!
2023 Hardee Hooding Ceremony
Congratulations to the Class of 2023!
DR BRITTANY DEVIES, DR O'JUAN EDWARDS, DR CIERA
CASANDRA FLUKER, DR CASSANDRA RAE KEPPLE, DR COURTNEY ROXANNE PEARSON, DR DA'SHAY TEMPLETON, HANNAH ELIZABETH BRYSON, MAKENNA CAMPBELL-HUTTS, ASHLEE NICOLE CHENSKY, CARLYE COLLISON, NORMA JULIANA CRUZ, MADISON BROOKE DRUMMOND, CHLOE DYAL, ABREON DANIELLE JACKSON, VA'QUEL JUNIOUS, OKSANA KOZLOVA, ANN LANGSTON, CAMEREN MAHONE, GRANT RHINEHART MITCHELL, GENESIS RAMIREZ, CATHERINE È
Holly Henning, Arnez Wallace, Amy Haggard, Ashley Chensky, Adarius Simpkins, Cassandra Kepple, Da’Shay Templeton, and Makenna CampbellHutts received peer and colleaguenominated awards during the 2023 Hooding Ceremony representing their incredible passion!
2024 Hardee Hooding Ceremony
Congratulations to the Class of 2024!
DR. TORY ELIZABETH DELLAFIORA, DR. ANTONIO RUIZ EZQUERRO, DR. YANG LI, DR. KIAIRA DENISE MCCOY, DR. CHALLEN SIMONE WELLINGTON, DR. DANIEL SHEETS, MATTHEW R. ANDERSON, JOSHUA BURNS, ZACHARY COLLINS, DARY FELIX, DYLAN MARSHALL FIELDS, TA'LIA ALEXIA GORDON, PAYTON NOELLE KRUMHOLZ, ANTHONY KURZA, MADISON LEE MERRILL, SAVANNA PERRY, SYDNEY YVONNE PICKETT, DANIEL READ, CORBIN HUNTER RYDER, MARTIN SALDANA JR., VENUS JENE SKOWRONSKI, AND GABRIELLE MCCUNE ULATE
Danielle Porter, Sydney Pickett, Joshua Burns, Challen Wellington, Madison Merrill, Derrick Pacheco, and Laura Vaughn received awards that day commemorating their notable dedication!
In collaboration with University Foundations and the Dean’s Office in the College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences, the Hardee Center launched the Hardee Hundred initiative two years ago. We named it Hardee Hundred as the goal was to acquire at least 100 donors for our Great Give and we achieved and surpassed that goal! This past year, we kept Hardee Hundred and passed our financial goal once again!
The Hardee Hundred initiative speaks to the compelling and compassionate support the LifeNet continues to provide to our students. Every program we have spoken to in this Newsletter has occurred due to your contribution and support.
Thank you for making the Hardee Hundred initiative so successful and supporting each and every Higher Education student!
2024 Hardee Events!
Recent Graduate Gathering!
Calling all graduates from 2020 - 2024!
Tuesday, October 22, 2024 | 6:30 PM - 8 PM EST
The Hardee Center is proud to introduce the Recent Graduate Gathering! In this virtual time together, graduates from 2020 - 2024 will have dedicated space to connect with their cohorts, across cohorts, and with ease register via the QR Code
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2024 6:30 PM!
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2024 Time TBA!
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2024 6:30 PM!
Thank you, LifeNet!
The Higher Education program thrives because of you! Thank you for continuing to support our students through the Great Give, interviews in capstone, resume reviews in practicum, referrals, and so much more! We invite you to submit a self-nomination or a nominated feature for another LifeNet member for the next Newsletter! To submit a nomination, please submit the form via the QR Code, below.
