#Lakeland #Florida Southern College #Cara Mackie #John Miller Chair

Dr. Cara Mackie Named Chair in Communications

Florida Southern College (FSC) has recently appointed Dr. Cara Mackie as the John and Eleanor Miller Chair in Communications. This prestigious honor recognizes Dr. Mackie's significant contributions to the field and the positive impact she has made on the lives of her students. The chair is established with the generous support of Dr. John R. Miller II and Dr. Eleanor Honeyman Miller, long-time benefactors of the college. For over 17 years, they have played critical roles in supporting FSC's educational mission.

Dr. Tracey Tedder, Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs at FSC, expressed his excitement about Dr. Mackie's appointment, noting, "Her extraordinary contributions exemplify the highest standards of academic excellence and innovation that we value here at Florida Southern College." This recognition reflects not only Dr. Mackie’s individual achievements but also a commitment to student success and transformative education.

Joining the FSC faculty in 2008, Dr. Mackie has over 20 years of teaching experience, focusing primarily on creating engaging learning environments and fostering meaningful relationships with her students. Her mentorship goes beyond mere academics; she aims to guide her students throughout their personal and professional journeys. Furthermore, Dr. Mackie is an affiliate faculty member of the Women and Gender Studies Minor and the College Honors Program.

Her research expertise lies in understanding how loss and trauma shape personal identity and influence interpersonal relationships and networks. Throughout her career, Dr. Mackie has presented her findings at various local, national, and international conferences, along with articles published in several esteemed academic journals.

Expressing her gratitude, Dr. Mackie said, “I am truly honored to have been selected as the recipient of the John and Eleanor Miller Chair in Communications. This recognition is not only a significant personal achievement but also a reflection of the support from mentors, students, and amazing colleagues.”

The Miller couple’s passion for the arts led them to Florida Southern College, where they found a welcoming community through the Festival of Fine Arts. Their appreciation for the college culminated in not just the establishment of the John and Eleanor Miller Chair in Communications but also the Miller Residence Hall, the Miller Planetarium, and the Honeyman Pavilion. Each contribution highlights their commitment to enhancing the college’s educational landscape.

Founded in 1883, Florida Southern College holds the distinction of being the oldest private college in Florida. It aims to maintain a high standard of academic excellence with more than 70 undergraduate programs and a variety of graduate offerings in fields like business administration, education, nursing, and physical therapy. With a favorable student-to-faculty ratio of 14:1, Florida Southern is recognized as a national leader in engaged learning, also boasting 30 NCAA Division II National Championships. In the 2025 U.S. News & World Report's ranking, FSC scores impressively with #11 among Best Regional Universities in the South, #9 for Most Innovative Schools, and #20 for Best Value Schools. Additionally, the college features prominently in The Princeton Review's 2024 Best 389 Colleges guide and has ranked on its