Great Colleges to Work For

Meet Our Sentinels

Sentinel Spirit Shines Bright

For the tenth consecutive year, North Florida College has been recognized as one of the best colleges in the nation to work for, earning the coveted Great Colleges to Work For® distinction in the 2025 program.

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Katie Terry, NFC Graduation Specialist

Katie Terry

NFC Graduation Specialist

For a decade, Graduation Specialist Katie Terry has been a vital part of the North Florida College family, ensuring students stay on track to reach one of the most important milestones of their academic journey—graduation.

Drawn to NFC by the opportunity for new challenges and personal growth, Katie quickly found that the College not only valued her skills but also fostered her development as a professional. Among her proudest accomplishments is organizing a team to create Grad Fest, a now-beloved tradition that celebrates students and their achievements in one of NFC’s most meaningful events.

For Katie, the best part of her job has always been the people—coworkers who she describes as family. That support became deeply personal when her colleagues rallied around her during her husband’s cancer diagnosis, embodying NFC’s motto, Sentinels Stand Together. Reflecting on her decade at the College, Katie describes NFC simply as “home—the warm hug, the steady hand, the support system that reminds me I belong here.”

Hear what Katie Terry has to say about NFC

 


Ashley Bell

Ashley Bell, an NFC alumna, has spent five years serving the College she once called home. She says what makes NFC special is simple: “Everyone is literally friendly and willing to help each other.”

Ashley Bell - Nursing Instructor

Jack Agee

Jack Agee first came to NFC as a student and loved it so much he chose to stay on as staff. He says NFC has helped him “come out of my shell and really enjoy life,” and sums it up simply: “NFC is the place to be!”

Jack Agee - CTC Advising Assistant

Bill Eustace

Bill Eustace, Industrial Machinery and CPT Instructor, has spent 11 years at NFC after a friend first told him about the position. What he loves most is the family atmosphere among colleagues, and he says it best: “If you’re lucky enough to start here, the friendships made will keep you here.”

Bill Eustace - Industrial Machinery and CPT Instructor

Lori Pleasant

For 17 years, Lori Pleasant, Registrar, has found purpose in helping students reach their goals. She says it best: “NFC may be a small college, but the work here makes a big impact. You can be a part of that too!”

Lori Pleasant - Registrar

Tara Mesnard

Tara Mesnard, Coordinator of Allied Health, has spent the past four years living out a dream she’s had since childhood—working at NFC. She says it best: “A truly supportive workplace feels like family: caring for one another while always putting student success at the center.”

Tara Mesnard - Coordinator of Allied Health


Philip Wilkerson

Philip Wilkerson

NFC Director of Advising & Early College Programs

For more than 13 years, Philip K. Wilkerson, Director of Advising & Early College Programs, has dedicated his career to helping students find their paths and succeed at North Florida College. After beginning at NFC in a grant-funded role that offered both new opportunity and stability, Philip soon stepped into leadership and has since guided countless students and programs forward. He reflects with pride on the behind-the-scenes projects and initiatives he has contributed to—work that defined his “why” and strengthened NFC’s mission. Through it all, he says the greatest blessing has been the people, especially during one of his family’s most difficult times, when his daughter faced an unexpected health crisis. The grace and support he received from colleagues across campus left a lasting impact, reminding him of the true strength of the Sentinel family. As he puts it: “There is always plenty to do, but there are also great people around to help make things happen.”

Traci McClung

Traci McClung, Director of Resource Development, first joined NFC as a part-time assistant in 2020 and returned two years later to lead the Foundation. She says it best: “What makes NFC special is its heart; employees are valued, students are prioritized, and together we create opportunities.”

Traci McClung - Director of Resource Development

Snowey Hagan

As Career and Transfer Center Advisor, Snowey Hagan has spent six years helping students take their next steps, from implementing new programs in the C&T Center to coordinating the iCare Mentor Program. What keeps her here is simple: “They care about you, they care about your family, they prioritize life outside of work.”

Snowey Hagan - Career and Transfer Center Advisor

Phillip Taylor

With more than 20 years full-time and 3 years part-time at NFC, Phillip Taylor says the College has always felt like home since he was a student in the ’80s. For him, NFC is “a job you’ll love that makes a difference.”

Phillip Taylor - Mathematic Instructor

Annette Thornton

For 25 years, Annette Thornton, Coordinator of Fitness & Wellness, has found NFC to be more than a workplace—it’s family. She says it best: “NFC is not just a work environment, it is extended family.”

Annette Thornton - Coordinator of Fitness & Wellness


Jackie Pollock

Jackie Pollock

Staff Assistant | Live Oak Location

For the past six years, Jacqueline “Jackie” Pollock has been a welcoming presence at North Florida College, where her dedication to students and her own journey as a graduate showcase the spirit of the Sentinel family. Jackie first came to NFC with the goal of advancing her career, but she quickly discovered something even more meaningful—an environment that felt like home. During her time here, she proudly earned her Associate in Science degree and now volunteers at graduation, where she finds joy in watching students cross the stage and knowing she played a part in their success. Jackie treasures the warmth and friendliness of NFC’s community, which she says makes everyone feel like family. Her connection to the College is also personal—her son Malcolm has been part of the NFC story as well, making it a true family legacy. Always ready to assist students or point them to the resources they need, Jackie sees visibility and availability as her greatest contributions to the mission of service. For her, it’s simple: “NFC is the place to be.”

Tyler Coody

For 15 years, Tyler Coody, Executive Director of Employee Services, has called NFC the best place he’s ever worked. He says it’s simple: “It is fun and exciting working together on a shared goal to help our students. I really appreciate getting to work with my friends every day.”

Tyler Coody - Executive Director of Employee Services

Jessica Fralix

Jessica Fralix, Digital and Multimedia Specialist, joined NFC four years ago after hearing from a friend how special the College was—and she’s been grateful ever since. From completing her AA degree while working to receiving overwhelming support during a medical leave, Jessica sums it up best: “Only at NFC.”

Jessica Fralix - Digital and Multimedia Specialist

Caroline Wynn

Caroline Wynn, Foundation Assistant, first joined NFC as a student worker and quickly grew into her current role. She loves the family-like atmosphere and says it best: “I think NFC is a wonderful place to work because everyone aims to put the students first and help the students in any way possible.”

Caroline Wynn - Staff Assistant

Juli Carter

Juli Carter, Testing Center Manager, joined NFC three years ago after a colleague encouraged her to apply—and she’s never looked back. She shares: “I never don’t want to come to work. Sometimes I wish I could sleep later, but I never feel like I don’t want to be here.”

Juli Carter - Testing Center Manager


Danny Harris

Daniel Harris

Mathematics Instructor

For 34 years, Daniel “Danny” Harris has been a cornerstone of North Florida College, shaping generations of students through his dedication to teaching mathematics and his steady presence on campus. After applying to several colleges across the Southeast, Danny interviewed at NFC—and never left. Over the decades, he has watched students not only master their coursework but also go on to become math teachers themselves in surrounding counties, a legacy that fills him with pride. What has kept him here for more than three decades, he says, are the people and the welcoming atmosphere that only a small college can provide. Beyond the classroom, Danny has served NFC as a department chair and as Faculty Senate President, always finding encouragement and support from colleagues and administrators alike. To him, NFC is more than a workplace; it’s a family—faculty, staff, and administration all working together to serve students and the community.


Gwen Combass

With an incredible 55 years of service, Gwendolyn Combass, Imaging Specialist, has seen NFC grow and thrive while always feeling valued and supported. She sums it up simply: “A Great Place to Work.”

Gwen Combass - Imaging Specialist

Michelle Wheeler

Michelle Wheeler, Business Administration Instructor, has grown alongside NFC for more than a decade—starting as a student worker and now teaching in the classroom. She says it best: “Your dreams are worth chasing, and NFC will be by your side every step along the way, providing the support and encouragement you need to keep going.”

Michelle Wheeler - Business Administration Instructor

Delvin Boatman

For 13 years, Delvin Boatman, Academic Advisor, has been part of what he values most at NFC: “Culture and Community.” One of his proudest moments was seeing a first-generation homeless student, supported by the Foundation, go on to earn her AA degree.

Delvin Boatman - Academic Advisor

Cameron Smith

Cameron Smith, Academic Advisor, graduated from NFC before returning to work here four years ago. He says what sets the College apart is simple: “NFC is more concerned about individuals than employee numbers.”

Cameron Smith - Academic Advisor

Denise Bell

For 20 years, Denise Bell, Coordinator of Student Activities & Student Center, has helped students grow beyond what they imagined—whether through campus events, theatre, or simply connecting in the Student Center. She sums it up with joy: “Every day is a new adventure!”

Denise Bell - Coordinator of Student Activities & Student Center