These three outstanding leaders are making a remarkable impact at the University of South Florida, in the local community and globally. They are forging opportunities to enhance current programs and developing new initiatives to support a community of learning and discovery.

Dr. Cheryl Ellerbrock collaborates with campus leadership, faculty and the local school districts to develop and implement new opportunities for USF students to learn, grow and work. This year she led the Booker Middle School Literacy Initiative, a donor-supported effort that employs USF students to tutor and mentor sixth-grade students. The USF students strengthened their teaching skills while making a real and positive impact on children’s lives.

Dr. Cayla Lanier creates meaningful experiential learning opportunities in community service, global studies, research and leadership for students in the Judy Genshaft Honors College. Each year she leads an immersive 10-day study abroad experience in the Dominican Republic, where students support community health efforts, including mobile medical clinics, sustainable gardening projects and education programs while learning about the local language and culture.

Dr. Joni Jones is known for getting things done, and done right. This fall she will celebrate 20 years at USF, where she has created and led programs across the university. She’s currently working with faculty and university partners as the campus dean at the USF Sarasota-Manatee campus to advance programs in the Muma College of Business, including the Risk Management and Insurance program, to ensure students are well prepared to enter the talent pipeline locally and nationally.

About USF

• The University of South Florida, a high-impact research university dedicated to student success and committed to community engagement, generates an annual economic impact of more than $6 billion.
• In 2023, USF became the first public university in Florida in nearly 40 years to be invited tojoin the Association of American Universities, a prestigious group of the leading universities in the United States and Canada.
• A major transformation is underway on the USF Sarasota-Manatee campus with the construction of the first-ever student center and residence hall, opening in fall 2024, and the planning and design for a Nursing/STEM building that will serve as a hub for innovative learning and research.

8350 N. Tamiami Trail
Sarasota, FL 34243
sarasotamanatee.usf.edu
941-359-4200

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