#United States #Lakeland #Florida Southern College #Dr. Shameka Shelby #Inclusive Excellence

Florida Southern College Welcomes Dr. Shameka Shelby

Florida Southern College (FSC) has recently announced an exciting addition to its leadership team: Dr. Shameka Shelby has been appointed as the new Deputy Chief of Staff and Associate Vice President for Inclusive Excellence. This significant appointment marks a pivotal moment for the institution as it strives to enhance its commitment to inclusivity and excellence. Dr. Shelby will officially start her new duties in September.

Dr. Shelby is not new to FSC; she has been a dedicated faculty member for over ten years. Most recently, she held the position of Department Chair of Chemistry, Biochemistry, and Physics and is also recognized as the Dr. John A. Leighty Endowed Chair in Chemistry. Her extensive background in academia and leadership positions makes her a fitting choice for this critical role focused on fostering an inclusive environment for all members of the community.

In a statement, Dr. Jeremy P. Martin, President of Florida Southern College, expressed his enthusiasm about Dr. Shelby’s appointment. He noted her diverse professional experiences and deep understanding of the college as valuable assets that will benefit her new position. He stated, _"I was delighted to discover someone ideally suited for this new role was already a valued member of our community. I look forward to seeing all that she will accomplish."_

Dr. Shelby holds a B.S. in Biochemistry from Xavier University of Louisiana and a Ph.D. in Biological Chemistry from the University of Michigan. As a first-generation college graduate, she is not only passionate about her field but is also committed to mentoring students. She has a proven track record of collaborating with undergraduate students in research, culminating in numerous publications and presentations at conferences.

Upon accepting her new role, Dr. Shelby stated, _"I am honored to step into the role of Deputy Chief of Staff and Associate Vice President for Inclusive Excellence at Florida Southern College. This unique position allows me to collaborate across the institution to advance strategic initiatives that enhance our impact and visibility while fostering a culture of inclusion where all students, faculty, and staff can thrive."_

Dr. Shelby’s leadership journey at FSC has been marked by numerous contributions to institutional initiatives. She has served as the Associate Director of the Honors Program, chaired the Second-Year Student Success and Retention Task Force, and has been a pivotal member of several committees, including the Enrollment Management Committee and the General Education Curriculum Task Force. Moreover, her active participation in advancing diversity and inclusion efforts, particularly as a member of the DEIB Council and co-developer of the Race, Culture, and Ethnic Studies minor, showcases her commitment to fostering collaboration across diverse sectors of the college.

In her new position, Dr. Shelby aims to leverage her experiences to align strategic plans with actionable steps that bolster student success and encourage an engaging atmosphere for faculty and staff. She expressed her eagerness to work towards an environment where everyone feels valued and empowered.

Dr. Shelby’s forthcoming tenure is poised to significantly impact Florida Southern College positively. Her rich academic experience, along with her authentic approach to leadership, positions her well to drive initiatives that support student achievements and promote institutional growth. Dr. Shelby’s appointment signifies an exciting new phase for the college as it continues to cultivate a thriving, collaborative community.

About Florida Southern College
Founded in 1883, Florida Southern College stands as the oldest private college in Florida, renowned for its commitment to academic excellence. With over 70 undergraduate programs and unique graduate offerings in business administration, education, nursing, and physical therapy, the College maintains a 141 student-to-faculty ratio and is recognized nationally for engaged learning. Florida Southern continues to achieve accolades, placing #11 among Best Regional Universities in the South according to the U.S. News & World Report 2025 guide. Touted for excellence and innovation, Florida Southern aims to create an enriching educational experience for all its constituents.