Dr. Steven R. Wallace, College President

Steven Ray Wallace became FCCJ’s fourth College President on July 28, 1997. His résumé includes professional service in Minnesota, Ohio and California. In all, Dr. Wallace has spent 30 years working in community colleges, starting with his alma mater, Chaffey Community College in California.

Dr. Wallace has served as both an instructor and administrator during his career. He began as an adjunct faculty member at Chaffey, and in 1975 became a full-time faculty member in the college’s innovative Learning Center. In 1977, Dr. Wallace became Chaffey’s district director of learning disabilities and then served as director of marketing and legislative affairs for the 20,000 student college.

In 1981, Dr. Wallace left Chaffey for Lakeland Community College in Ohio. There he served as vice president for administrative services for nine years. Dr. Wallace administered a wide range of college functions including finance, facilities, computer services, human resources, strategic planning, admissions and registration, legislative and legal affairs, and the Center for the Fine and Performing Arts.

Dr. Wallace has held two previous college president positions — both in Minnesota: first at Austin Community College (1990–92) and then at Inver Hills Community College (1992–97). He also held statewide responsibilities concerning faculty professional development, academic and administrative computing, labor relations, and distance learning. He is recognized nationally for his leadership in community economic development, student success initiatives, academic technology and the emerging community college baccalaureate degree.

Dr. Wallace earned an associate in arts degree in 1972 from Chaffey Community College, followed by bachelor’s and master’s degrees in psychology from California State University at San Bernardino. He received a doctorate in higher education administration in 1989 from Claremont Graduate University in California. His dissertation was titled “Influence of the Economic Development Program of a Comprehensive Community College on Business Decisions of Companies in its Service Area.”

Dr. Wallace’s tenure at Florida Community College at Jacksonville has been devoted to enhancing the College’s responsiveness to student, employer and community needs. Significant planning efforts have resulted in major new initiatives in student access and success, technology, program development and facilities construction.

Since arriving in Jacksonville, Dr. Wallace has been actively involved in the community serving on numerous local boards such as the Jacksonville Regional Chamber of Commerce (2007 chair), Alliance for World Class Education (chair-elect), WJCT Public Broadcasting (2005 chair), Prosperity Scholarship Fund Governing Council (chair), Take Stock in Children (2001–04 chair), United Way, Communities in Schools, First Coast YMCA, Enterprise North Florida, WorkSource, Jacksonville Symphony, and the Schultz Center for Teaching & Leadership. His state-wide leadership roles have included chairmanship of the Florida Community College Council of Presidents and the Council’s Economic Development Committee, plus appointments to the boards of the Florida Chamber of Commerce, North Florida Technology Alliance, Florida Distance Learning Consortium, Florida Virtual Campus (co-chair), Enterprise Florida Life Sciences Advisory Committee, and the Business & Higher Education Partnership of the Florida Council of 100. At the national level, he was vice-chair of the Community College Baccalaureate Association. He was a member of Leadership Florida’s Class 18 (2000), the Leadership Jacksonville Class of 1999, and is currently a member of the Downtown Jacksonville Rotary.

Dr. Wallace resides on the Southside with his wife, Amelia — a teacher — and two children, Devon (25) and Michael (15).

Dr. Wallace’s Bio in PDF format

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Patti Williams, Project Coordinator

In early 2006, Patti received her Bachelor of Science in Management (B.S.M.) from the University of Phoenix and started her career at the College in Resource Development. With immense enthusiasm she became part of the College President’s Office in December 2006. She serves as a liaison for the College and District Board of Trustees, assists with organizing monthly Board meetings and performs various duties in support of the College.

Outside of the office, Patti enjoys spending time with her family, lounging by the pool, Tae Kwon Do, reading, cooking and bowling.

Jeffie Woodham, Secretary to the College President

Jeffie has been an employee of the College since 1999. Since receiving her B.S. from Auburn University (War Eagle!), she has held positions at universities in Indiana and Florida. Her responsibilities include coordinating the College President’s schedule and facilitating special projects.

When not at work, you can find Jeffie with her family, worshiping with her church family, reading, gardening or bicycling.

Shirley Hendley, Administrative Assistant II

Shirley has been an employee at the College since 1974 and has been a part of the College President’s Office since 1989. She is the first person you see when you enter the reception area greeting you with a warm smile.

She performs clerical duties which include processing incoming mail, payroll, disbursement requests, requisitions, maintaining office equipment, supplies and supervising student assistants.

In addition, Shirley received her A.S. degree at Florida Community College. She is a native of Jacksonville and in her spare time, she enjoys watching movies, listening to gospel CD’s, watching and attending sports events and spending time with her family (especially her grandchildren). She is actively involved in the Women’s Missionary Ministry of her church and throughout the District, State and National Baptist Convention of America, Inc. as well as the youth departments.