Floyd Scholars

Daniel J. Cornely

Dr. Cornely leads the world-renowned MBA in Sport Management program at Florida Atlantic University. His dissertation was about sports management and career services in universities.

“Thanks to the generous support of the donors, the Floyd Scholars program continues to transform lives by fostering meaningful mentorship. Your contributions empower students to thrive, connect with dedicated mentors, and become leaders in their fields. The ripple effect of your investment is felt across campuses and communities, shaping a brighter future for higher education.” – Dr. Dan Cornely

Marlynn Lopez

Dr. Lopez serves as the Director for the Weppner Center for LEAD and Service-Learning at Florida Atlantic University, and the focus of her dissertation was student affairs leadership and Hispanic-Serving Institutions.

“It is immeasurable the impact the Floyd Scholars program has had on my life and will continue to have as I now transition to return the gesture for those who dare to dream.” – Dr. Marlynn Lopez

Susan E. Richard

Dr. Richard is an experienced athletics advisor and researcher. Her dissertation was about university senior-level administrative women’s leadership in Division I intercollegiate athletics departments.

“As an Inaugural Floyd Scholar, I am grateful or the learning, mentorship, and networking the program has provided. I am dedicated to carrying forward the mentoring legacy and committed to “pass it on” by championing others, so we can continue to make a lasting impact.” – Dr. Susan Richard

Angela Almaguer

Angela serves as the Assistant Director for Student Government Advising and Operations at Florida Gulf Coast University, where she is dedicated to student success, drawing on her own transformative experiences to help individuals thrive academically, professionally, and personally. Her research interest is in exploring the Role of Mentorship in Developing Mid-Level Professionals for Senior Leadership Roles at Hispanic Serving Institutions.

Emily Chavez Nunez

Emily serves as an Assistant Director for Residence Life at Florida Gulf Coast University, where she fosters supportive residential communities and creates intentional learning experiences that help first-year students successfully transition to college. Emily's research focuses on how mid-level managers make sense of organizational change and how institutions can better support these leaders during times of transition.

Kimberly Chirinos

Kimberly is a first-generation student who learned early on during her undergraduate studies to navigate higher education with determination and patience, working full time and completing her degree in nearly 10 years. That long path wasn’t a setback but a real insight into the academic and financial challenges first-generation students face. Kimberly’s research focuses on first generation minorities in doctoral programs.

Janelle Freire

Janelle serves as an Assistant Director in Student Conduct and Conflict Resolution at Florida Atlantic University, where she supports students through complex institutional processes and opportunities for learning and growth. Her research examines resilience among formerly incarcerated undergraduate students and the barriers and supports that shape their experiences in higher education. As a Latina scholar, she values education as a pathway to opportunity, personal growth, and meaningful change.

Laura McDermott

Laura is a Senior Professor of English and Dual Enrollment Faculty Coordinator at Broward College. An accomplished educator, writer, and community leader, she is dedicated to advancing student success through teaching, mentorship, and academic leadership. Her research focuses on experiences and challenges of creative writing faculty.

Andrew Moreira

Andrew is the Assistant Director of Student Government Advising and Operations and an adjunct instructor in the Leadership Studies minor at Florida Atlantic University. He is passionate about mentoring and empowering students to reach their fullest potential through leadership development, engagement, and collaborative learning experiences.

Sheila Walden

Sheila Walden has over 20 years’ experience in higher education in numerous roles, including leadership in accreditation, assessment, academics and mentoring young women. She is pursuing her second doctoral degree as she aspires to strengthen her knowledge and skills to continue making a difference in higher education. Her research aligns with her interest in women’s experiences in higher education roles, especially their experiences with bullying.

Nelson Omar Barahona, Jr.

Nelson is an enthusiastic advocate for students and actively involved in campus life. He serves as the Associate Director of New Student Engagement and Transitions, and is an adjunct instructor in the undergraduate leadership minor program at Florida Atlantic.

Jordan DiPentima

Jordan is deeply invested in providing leadership and oversight of programs that involve students, families, mentors and the community at Florida Atlantic, where she serves as the Executive Director of Mentoring Programs and an adjunct instructor in the undergraduate leadership minor program.

Fedilia Guzman

Fedilia is a successful philanthropy professional who is passionate about the impact of education on communities and individuals. She serves the Broward College Foundation as the Campaign and Development Manager in the Office of Advancement.

Amber Mc Cune

Amber is committed to making a difference, especially with first-generation college students, and is focused on ways to support their successes. In addition to her Ph.D. studies, Amber serves as a Graduate Teaching Assistant and teaches in the Leadership Studies minor at Florida Atlantic. She is dedicated to helping students feel supported, connected and empowered throughout their academic journeys.

Sita Ramnarace

Sita is a caring professional who values the transformative power of education and student success, while striving to set a positive example for others. In Florida Atlantic’s College of Education, she serves as the Assistant Director for Academic and Student Services, where she works daily with students and faculty.

Francine Coker

Francine brings valuable experience from several student affairs roles, and now serves the University of Miami as the Associate Director of Student Activities and Student Organizations. She is deeply committed to modeling the way as an inclusive leader and “passing it on” as a mentor to others.

Daniel J. Cornely

Dan leads the world-renowned MBA in Sport Management program at Florida Atlantic University. He is passionate about sports management, leadership, and career services in universities.

Enaris A. Inman

Enaris, a dedicated Floyd Scholar, has taken an active role in mentoring Ph.D. students – sharing guidance about how to thrive in the program, offering writing and research tips, and more. He is the Campus Director of Daytona State College, New Smyrna Beach/ Edgewater campus.

Kelli J. Listermann

As a Floyd Scholar, Kelli shines through her publications, teaching, editorial work, and mentoring of masters and Ph.D. students. She is a Florida Atlantic Graduate Teaching Assistant and Editorial Assistant for the Community College Journal of Research and Practice.

Marlynn Lopez

Marlynn serves as the Director for the Weppner Center for LEAD and Service-Learning at Florida Atlantic University. She has won numerous student awards and is active in campus life. Her research interests vary but include was student affairs leadership and Hispanic-Serving Institutions.

Susan E. Richard

Dr. Richard is an experienced athletics advisor and researcher. Her dissertation was about university senior-level administrative women’s leadership in Division I intercollegiate athletics departments.