Academic Programs

Academic and Advising Staff

 

Kyna Betancourt

Kyna Betancourt, Ph.D.
Assistant Dean, General Education, Assessment, and  Academic Programs

Dr. Betancourt earned her M.S. in Clinical Linguistics from University of Potsdam, Germany followed by her M.S. and Ph.D. in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of South Florida. She was an inaugural fellow of the Doctoral Leadership Program at USF and completed the Professional Development in Higher Education Leadership Program. Before joining Undergraduate Studies she was an Instructor and Director of the Language, Speech, and Hearing Undergraduate Program for the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders. She was also the Chair of the General Education Council for two years and helped lead the effort of the General Education Enhancement at USF. In her current role, Dr. Betancourt is the Assistant Dean of Undergraduate Education in Undergraduate Studies. She oversees general education, two degree completion programs, one minor, undergraduate curriculum, major reselection, Exploratory Pathways, and summer initiatives.

Beth Taylor

Beth Taylor, MA
Assistant Director

Beth was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York. In 1995, Beth moved to Ocala, Florida and attended the College of Central Florida. Beth transferred to USF, where she earned her B.A. in Political Science, an M.A. in Adult Education and Leadership, and a graduate certificate in College Student Affairs. Beth currently serves as the Assistant Director for two degree completion programs housed in the Office of Undergraduate Studies: the Bachelor of General Studies (BGS) and the Bachelor of Science in Applied Science (BSAS). Beth also serves as the administrative contact for Complete Tampa Bay, a degree completion initiative funded by the Lumina Foundation.  

Academic Foundations

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Caroline Twachtman
Assistant Director

Caroline Twachtman supports the UGS adjunct faculty and coordinates student success courses for first-year and transfer students. Caroline earned her Bachelor’s degree from Florida State University (History) and her Master’s degree from the University of South Florida (College Student Affairs). She is currently a doctoral candidate in the University of South Florida's Higher Education program. Her previous work experiences in higher education include admissions, Honors programs, and academic advising. She is particularly passionate about the success of first-year college students and supporting students with major changes and other transitions.

Student Assistants

rocky

TBD
Student Assistant

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Bachelor of Science in Applied Sciences (BSAS) 

Bsas advisor

Jessica Spring
Academic Advisor 

Jessica is originally from Orlando, Florida and received a B.S. in Psychology from Florida State University.  She still enjoys reading articles about new trends in research and loves discussing psychology concepts/theories!  She has also earned a Master's of Education, with a concentration in Higher Education Administration; this program taught her a great deal about student development and fostering student success on  campus. Jessica has a passion for student support- she has 6+ years of academic advising for undergraduate and graduate programs across a broad range of disciplines.  Her time as an adjunct instructor provided much experience mentoring first-time in college students as they navigate the successes and challenges of transitioning to college. She has presented at national advising conferences, specifically on the student-parent-advisor relationship and coaching diverse student populations. Her hobbies include baking (always practicing the French macaron recipe!), hiking, kayaking, and enjoying the sun with her yellow-lab husky mix, Winston.

Bachelor of General Studies (BGS)

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Ryan Hughes
Academic Advisor (last names A-K)

A born and raised Floridian, Ryan graduated from the University of South Florida with his Bachelors degree in Finance and Masters degree in College Student Affairs. He has held several positions in higher education ranging from college admissions to academic advising. At USF, Ryan has served on a variety of committees through the Council on Academic Advising (CAA), and is working on his dissertation in higher education administration. In his free time, he enjoys traveling, live music, volunteering, and supporting USF Athletics. Go Bulls!

 

walter

Walter A. Davis, III
Academic Advisor (last names L-Z)

Walter A. Davis III is a two time graduate of Southern Illinois University Carbondale with a Bachelor of Science in Education with a major in Recreation and a Master of Science in Education with a major in Workforce Education and Development. He is currently pursuing his doctoral degree in Education Administration and Higher Education. He is a native of Orlando and enjoys spending his free time exercising, lifting weights, and fishing with his six year old daughter, going to the movies with his family, reading, and watching sports.

 

NOTE: Please fill out an Intake Form before your BGS/BSAS Advising Appointment. Phone appointments must call 813-974-4051 and will be transferred to their Academic Advisor.

Exploratory Curriculum

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Shane Combs
Academic Advisor

Shane is dedicated to helping students make their own decisions regarding academic plans, career goals, and most importantly their major of choice. In his prior role with the Collier Student Success Center in the USF Muma College of Business, Shane helped students obtain internships and careers with companies like Amazon, Lockheed Martin, Raymond James, Goldman Sachs, Disney, and more. Shane is a proud alumnus of the University of South Florida, where he earned a Master of Business Administration and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration. 

 

Need to schedule an appointment? Please click on the appropriate link below:

Undergraduate Studies Minors contacts:

Campus partners

Note: Please be sure to contact / schedule appointments with your specific USF college advisor. Questions related to your specific major should be directed to the appropriate advising contacts. The above advisors specialize in the programs mentioned above and cannot advise on majors other than those listed.