SJR STATE ALUMNI SPOTLIGHTS

FEBRUARY 2015

TINA GORDON (2007) - Coastal/Environmental Training Coordinator

Each week, St. Johns River State College is honoring 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.

Tina Gordon's love for environmental science began during a visit to Anastasia State Park, where she was instantly awed by the wonder of turtle nesting. She then began volunteering for the Vilano Beach Turtle Patrol and dedicated her life to environmental science.

While earning her Associate in Arts degree from SJR State, Tina worked as a visitor services specialist at the Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve (GTM Research Reserve). She also volunteered with the San Diego Zoo's Institute for Conservation and Research protecting endangered species of iguana in the Caribbean.

After graduating magna cum laude from the University of Florida with a bachelor's degree in wildlife ecology and conservation, she began a full-time position with the GTM Research Reserve.

In 2013, Tina was promoted to the Reserve’s coastal training program coordinator. As coordinator, she is responsible for the training and professional development of environmental professionals and governments.

Tina continues to give back to SJR State. She was a guest lecturer for the "Invasive Species in Northeast Florida" presentation sponsored by the Phi Theta Kappa honor society. She has also participated in the Annual Air Potato Round Up, where she joined faculty and student volunteers in collecting and removing the invasive plants from the St. Augustine campus.

Tina also enjoys sharing her time and expertise with organizations such as:

- The Florida Native Plant Society – Sea Oat Chapter
- The Iguana Specialist Group
- The First Coast Invasive Working Group
- The Coastal Wildlife Conservation Initiative

Tina’s strong relationship with the College stems from her appreciation of SJR State’s faculty and the impact the College has had on her life.

“I think this school has a great student community, but most of all, it has some of the best professors,” Tina said, adding that she felt SJR State’s professors were comparable to the professors she studied under at the university- if not better. “The professors always strive to give personal attention to students and really take the time to know you - not just as a student, but as a person. They want to foster your interests and your passions, which meant the most to me.”

SJR State Highlights:

- Phi Theta Kappa Outstanding Chapter Officer Award, 2005-2006
- National Dean’s List, 2005-2006
- Phi Theta Kappa Most Outstanding Member, Florida Region, 2005-2006
- Principles of Biology Outstanding Achievement, 2006
- Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society President, 2006 - 2007
- All Florida Academic Team - 1st Team, 2007
- Florida Character Counts Award Winner, 2007
- All-USA Academic Team, 2007
- Who’s Who Among Students in American Junior Colleges, 2007
- SJR State Hall of Fame inductee, 2007

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