2021
Elizabeth Pineda
Academic Advisement Center - Program Support Specialist
Elizabeth Pineda began her journey here at Santa Fe College through the amazing Displaced Homemaker's Program (DHP), worked as a Temp Force employee, then moving up to her current FT position as the Academic Advisement Support Specialist. Elizabeth enjoys helping our students feel confident and shares with them the great resources that Santa Fe College has to offer, so they can achieve their college goals with ease. She is most rewarded when the students come back and share all their accomplishments. Congratulations Elizabeth on being the 2021 S.T.A.R. Award recipient!
2020
Phil Scarpace
Master Desktop Computer Specialist - User Support, Information Technology
Phil Scarpace has been in IT department of Santa Fe College since August of 2000. He is a Master Desktop Computer Specialist – User Support and our Lead Apple Technician. He is a world traveler having visited and lived in some beautiful and exotic locales. Phil loves music and was even in a band for a number of years (long hair and all). He has a passion and aptitude for fixing up homes, doing everything from the floors to the ceilings. Phil is always willing and ready to assist with your computer problems. He is well liked by all faculty and staff and is a valued career service employee here at Santa Fe. Congratulations on the Star Award Phil!
2019
Krystal Nelson
Administrative Assistant, Student Life
Krystal has worked for Santa Fe College in Student Life for over 5 years. She is responsible to facilitate the SF Graduation tickets as the “face” of the college to the graduate students. She has created a “will call” system for the graduation tickets, as they are limited tickets available for each graduating student. She is the “unsung hero” in her department. As her nickname is “Martha Stewart”, she supports her staff (and their tummies) by bringing in homemade baked goods to share! She coordinates the “Trees for Life” holiday event involving the student organizations who decorate a tree and the selected tree is later donated to a local family. Her positive attitude, above and beyond approach, and her “behind-the-scenes” tasks is what her co-workers and supervisors appreciate the most about her, which has earned her nomination and recognition as the 2019 STAR Recipient.
2018
Judy Nickell
Custodian, Facilities
Judy has been with SF for 4 yrs. She is constantly looking out for our students, staff and guests at all the different areas of the college. Judy consistently ensures that areas are clean, fully supplied with all the necessary items, and much more. If there is an outage of supplies, or something is not working properly she makes sure the issue gets fixed promptly! Many people would say that Judy is very upbeat and always has a smile on her face. She is a valued member of Santa Fe’s facility department.
2017
Beverly Hurst
Lab Support Specialist, Nursing
Beverly has been with SF for 28 years. She is always willing to help with faculty or students who need assistance. Beverly is reliable and very knowledgeable. She keeps the nursing simulated lab running! Many of people would say Beverly is dedicated to Santa Fe and is a valued member of the nursing program.
2016
Mike Christy
Senior Mover, Facilities
Mike has worked for Santa Fe College as the Senior Mover for the Facilities Service department for close to three (3) years. He helps to coordinate setups for college events, move furniture, and any other tasks that might arise. During his time at SF he has maintained a positive relationship with college staff. Co-workers describe him as a “supportive and directive leader”.
2015
Heather Domin
Support Specialist, Purchasing Department, Office of Finance
Heather has worked at Santa Fe College as the Support Specialist for the Purchasing department for close to 10 years. During her time at SF she has maintain positive relationships with college staff and serves as the point person providing help to anyone that needs assistance with purchase orders, requisitions, vending machine refunds, vendor information, and participates as an active member of the SF Wellness committee. Recently, Heather created a number of helpful tutorials and guides that provide training and instruction on Purchasing's policies and procedures.
2014
Fred Long
Police Officer, SF Police Department
Fred has served in law enforcement for 24 years. He has served with the Santa Fe College Police Department for 19.5 years. Fred has also served in the Patrol Division of the Columbia County Sheriff's Office and the Bailiff Section of the Alachua County Sheriff's Office. Fred currently serves as a Field Training Officer and the Coordinator of the Volunteers in Police Service (VIPS).
He is also involved with the Crisis Intervention Team. Fred has received two meritorious citations and was honored at the inaugural Valor event (June 26, 2014) honoring first responders from Alachua, Gilchrist, Lake, Levy and Marion counties. Honorees were elected by their respective supervisors for outstanding job performance or a specific act of heroism.
2012
Karen Knott
Administrative Assistant, Nursing Programs
Karen is the Administrative Assistant for the Nursing Programs and a valued member of the team. Karen's previous positions with SF were support staff with Facilities and with Endowment. Both Karen and her husband are, at present, empty-nesters who enjoy scuba diving and travel. Karen also coordinates weddings and serves on the board of a local women’s clinic. Karen feels valued here and enjoys working for SF Nursing Programs. Her coworkers describe her as a "get the job done" person and incredibly organized.
2011
Blanca Betances
Administrative Assistant, Information Technology Education Programs
Blanca Betances is the Administrative Assistant for the ITE programs and much more! She enjoys helping the faculty and students each day, and she provides help to anyone with questions about her program or Santa Fe College. Prior to working at Santa Fe, Blanca worked with the Florida Department of Corrections Probation & Parole Services, and the Atlantic City Hilton Casino. Blanca enjoys a fast paced environment, working with her colleagues and interacting with students. Rumor has it that she is also quite funny, too!
2010
Jason Head
Senior Electrician, Facilities Services
Jason has been at SF for 14 years and is currently a Senior Electrician with the Facilities Services department. He is also a Williston, Florida native that enjoys hunting, fishing and all sports. Jason is married and a proud father of two. He also participates in community events such as the Williston Peanut Festival, coach’s baseball, supports the cheerleaders club and the Williston Relay for Life event.