SJR State - Academic Advising

ACADEMIC ADVISING CONTACTS

Liz Wondell
Dean, Advising and Student Services

PALATKA CAMPUS

Gina Denning
Advising Secretary

Ms. Denning has been employed at St Johns River State College since February, 1995. She started at the College first working in the Adult Education Department as a Secretary III. Ms. Denning loved helping students complete their high school diplomas and has continued this helping role in the Advising Department as the Counseling Secretary for the Palatka Campus. She sees the amazing changes in students as they pursue a college degree and follow their goals for life changing careers.

Shyla Joy
Academic Advisor, Disability Coordinator

Ms. Joy is a native of Ohio, and served in the United States Navy as a Hospital Corpsman. She was stationed on the USS Mount Baker (AE 34), and at the Naval Hospital in Charleston, South Carolina. Ms. Joy began her education at Leeward Community College, in Pearl City, Hawaii where she received her Associates in Arts, and is also a proud alumnus of the University of Hawaii at Mānoa, where she received her Bachelor’s degree in Social Work. Ms. Joy is honored to have served students for 18 years at SJR State, and is looking forward to serving students for many more years. She enjoys spending time with her two children, and is an avid collector of Fiesta ware.

Destiny Schaffer
Academic Advisor

For general questions or to make an appointment contact Gina Denning, Advising Assistant at 386-312-4035 or at .

ORANGE PARK

Dr. Patrick Arnwine
Assistant Director of Advising for Disability Services

Dr. Arnwine earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Vocational Education from Southern Illinois University, a Master of Science degree in Administration from Central Michigan University, and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from the University of North Florida. Dr. Arnwine has been with SJR State College since 2001 and in Academic Advising since 2009. He has also taught various college level and vocational courses. In his spare time, Dr. Arnwine enjoys watching movies.

Joanna Simpson
Senior Academic Advisor

Ms. Simpson is a proud alumnus of the University of North Florida where she graduated with her Bachelor of Health Science degree with a concentration in Public Health and is currently obtaining her Master of Science degree in Higher Education Administration at UNF. Ms. Simpson enjoys assisting students on their educational journey and watching them succeed. She loves to travel, spend time with her family and friends, and try new recipes.

Misel Soto
Academic Advisor

Misel is a proud alumna of Florida State College at Jacksonville where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Human Services. Misel is working toward two master’s degrees in public administration and nonprofit management at the University of Central Florida and uses her personal experience to help others achieve their academic and personal goals. Misel is fueled by her passion for education and her dedication to students’ success.

For general questions or to make an appointment, contact Tonya Shook, Advising Assistant at 904-276-6855 or at .

ST. AUGUSTINE

George Brownett
Academic Advisor, Disability Coordinator

Mr. Brownett earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Health Science and a Master’s Degree in Counselor Education from the University of North Florida. His career has been focused on helping students achieve their personal, academic and career goals. Mr. Brownett worked as a middle school counselor and educator for many years before entering higher education as an academic advisor and counselor. At SJR State College, he has been involved in grant projects that promote both academic and career development for SJR State students, and now continues these services through the Academic Advising Department. His favorite hobby is drawing cartoons and digital graphics.

Laura Rogers
Senior Academic Advisor

Mrs. Rogers is a proud alumnus of the University of Florida (GO GATORS!) where she graduated with a Bachelor of Health Science degree and a Master’s degree in Health Science with a major in Rehabilitation Counseling. She is passionate about steering students in the right direction, especially in the Health Science fields. Ms. Rogers has a background in working within Disability Services and Mental Health, and is also an adjunct instructor for the Nursing Department at SJR State College. She enjoys singing and making people smile as well as going to Disney as often as possible!

Lynne Smith
Senior Academic Advisor

Ms. Smith earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications at Bethany College and a Master’s degree in Education at Harvard University. She has worked in both nonprofit and government sectors, primarily as a grants administrator for educational and health promotion programs before coming to SJR State College in 2012. Here at SJR State, Ms. Smith has worked on two Career & Technical Education grant projects and now advises AA/transfer and AS students about strategies for attaining their educational goals. Her favorite activities include biking, exploring and cooking.

Rebekah Wilson
Academic Advising Assistant

Mrs. Wilson became a member of the SJR State family in 2013. She began first as a student, and later became a student-worker in Advising. She is now the Academic Advising Assistant at the St. Augustine campus. Mrs. Wilson and her husband of 26 years, and two adult children, have lived in the area since 2009. She loves taking Cruises, and is a self-proclaimed Christmas fanatic. Mrs. Wilson is thrilled to be a member of the SJR State team!

For general questions or to make an appointment call Rebekah Wilson, Advising Assistant 904-808-7402 or at .

THE STUDENT'S ROLE

Be Responsible. Know and understand the College Catalog / Student Handbook and SJR State website.

Be Prepared. Bring all related paperwork to advising appointments and class. Arrive on time with a positive attitude and prepared to take notes. Research degree requirements in advance of advising appointments and/or registration.

Be Attentive. Listen respectfully to advisors, teachers and peers. Be aware of important dates and deadlines including: registration dates, deadlines for adding or dropping classes with a refund, and deadlines for withdrawing from classes. Check MySJRstate campus announcements, email and Canvas daily.

Be Resourceful. Research degree requirements, course and program transfer specific courses. Utilize Degree Works and other resources including: Canvas, academic support workshops, career counseling, professor’s office hours, tutoring, course syllabi and Florida Shines at www.FLVC.org.

THE ADVISOR'S ROLE
Advisors are available on each campus to help students understand current program information, graduation requirements, college policies and procedures. They are also available to provide guidance on career exploration, academic and career goal setting and developing an academic plan. Advisors also serve as an academic resource for all students in order to facilitate and encourage student persistence and graduation.

Students are required to meet with an academic advisor once they have completed 12+ credit hours of a limited access AS program of study or 20 credit hours of an AS or AA degree program to discuss their progress and program completion. Please contact an academic advisor for any academic questions you might have.