February 13, 2024 – Santa Fe College President Paul Broadie II, Ph.D. announced Dr. J. Nathaniel “Nate” Southerland is the college’s next Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs. In an email to the Santa Fe College community, President Broadie wrote:
“I am pleased to announce that after a rigorous search process, I have selected Dr. J. Nathaniel “Nate” Southerland as our next Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs. His first day will be Monday, March 11.
“Dr. Southerland has served in multiple leadership roles in higher education, including four and a half years as Provost at Coconino Community College in Flagstaff, Arizona, which followed five years as Associate Provost during his nine-year career in academic leadership at Salt Lake Community College in Salt Lake City, Utah. He has led efforts in developing academic master plans and has launched multiple innovative academic programs. He understands that robust Liberal Arts and Career and Technical programs are vital to a well-rounded college experience, promotes the importance of dual enrollment programs to support a college-going culture, and has 20 years of teaching experience, including nearly a decade of experience as an adjunct in both community college and university settings.
“Most recently, Dr. Southerland served St. Johns River State College as Assistant Vice President for Workforce Development. His deep understanding of the role and mission of the community college and vast experience in Academic Affairs will be valuable in providing our faculty the support they need to promote student success.
“I want to thank our Provost Search Committee, led by Vice President Liam McClay and Chair of the Center for Emerging Technology Dr. Mary El-Semarani for their leadership, the entire Human Resources team, led by Director Lela Frye for coordinating the logistics for the entire process, and the college community who participated in the forums and provided vital feedback in the decision-making process.
“Finally, I want to thank Dr. Mercy Quiroga for serving as our interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs throughout the search process. Dr. Quiroga has been instrumental in guiding Academic Affairs through the transition and has helped position us for even greater success upon Dr. Southerland’s arrival.”