SJR STATE ALUMNI SPOTLIGHTS
APRIL 2018
Logan Becker (2013)
Dual Enrollment Student
Bachelor of Science in Organizational Management (SJR State 2013)
Each week, St. Johns River State College will honor one of its own in an alumni salute, celebrating the career milestones, community contributions and personal reflections of those who began their collegiate journey as SJR State Vikings.
Logan Becker, who was recently named the new finance director for the City of Palatka, is an excellent example of SJR State’s “This Is Where It Starts” campaign. Logan began her journey at SJR State as a dual-enrollment student and later returned to the College to earn her Bachelor of Science degree in Organizational Management. She was also employed in two departments at SJR State and says it was in the College’s Business Office where she found her “niche for finance.”
“There are many employees (faculty, staff and administration) who went the extra mile to help me and guide me. I wouldn't be where I am today without SJR State. And, for that, I am forever thankful,” says Logan.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR ACADEMIC START AT SJR STATE.
I participated in dual enrollment at SJR State during my junior and senior years and graduated from high school with 59 college credit hours. I then transferred to the University of Florida.
Being a small-town girl at heart, I ultimately decided to move back home. It was then that I re-enrolled at SJR State and began working toward my Bachelor of Science in Organizational Management and graduated with that degree in 2013.
DESCRIBE YOUR MOST MEMORABLE EXPERIENCES AT SJR STATE?
My experience at SJR State was one that I will never forget. I learned so much and gained many friendships. One of my most memorable experiences at the College was meeting with the Dual Enrollment department as a high school student. The staff was beyond helpful! They went the extra mile to be sure that I set goals and then followed up to be sure I was on track with reaching those goals. Starting college for the first time can be overwhelming, but they always had an open door for me.
There were many key people who were instrumental in helping me reach my goals. The advisors, administration and faculty members were always there to answer questions and give guidance. One thing that I love about SJR State is the family-like atmosphere. This is something that you won’t necessarily find at a university.
WHICH AWARDS OR ACCOLADES DID YOU RECEIVE WHILE ATTENDING SJR STATE?
I was a member of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society while attending SJR State.
PLEASE SHARE YOUR ACADEMIC/CAREER JOURNEY WITH US.
Absolutely! It was in the SJR State Business Office that I found my niche for finance. I knew then that this was a career path I wanted to follow. In 2014, I had an opportunity to advance my career in the Florida College System with a position in the budget department at Florida State College at Jacksonville. While working in Jacksonville, I began working on my master’s degree in accounting.
Fast forward a few years and I’m back in Palatka as the new city finance director. This opportunity means so much to me. I'm beyond happy to be back in my hometown where it all started.
WHICH COMMUNITY SERVICE PROJECTS HAVE YOU BEEN INVOLVED IN?
One service project that meant a lot to me was “Project Praise - Christmas” that SJR State organizes for employees to participate in each year. This project donates toys and clothing to children in the Putnam County area during the Christmas holiday. I had the opportunity, along with a few other SJR State employees, to help coordinate efforts for this event. Being able to be a part of a project that gives back to the youth in our community is inspiring.
ANY ADDITIONAL COMMENTS?
St. Johns River State College is very special to me. The College is a true definition of opportunity. I began taking classes when I was in high school, ended up returning for a bachelor’s degree and also started my career there. For me, it's where I grew up; it's home.
ARE YOU AN SJR STATE ALUMNUS?
Click on the link below to share your recent accomplishments and join the SJR State Alumni Association today - we'd love to hear from you! SJRstate.edu/alumni.html
MEDIA CONTACT:
Susan Kessler
Director of Public Relations and Publications
(386) 312-4021