Vice President’s Staff
Dr. Michele Yovanovich
Vice President, Student Affairs
Dr. Michele Yovanovich is a native Floridian and community college graduate. After Central Florida Community College. She earned her B.A. from Stetson University and Master's from University of Georgia. Her dissertation work at Argosy University centered on student engagement practices that led to retention. Her special interests include first generation and diverse student engagement, leadership development and crisis management. Dr. Yovanovich is the Vice President for Student Affairs which includes student affairs, housing, enrollment services, and athletics at Florida SouthWestern State College.
Dr. Christy Gilfert
Assistant Vice President, Enrollment and Student Success
Dr. Christy Gilfert has been proudly serving students as a member of the FSW community since 1999. She has held positions in Admissions, Advising, and Peer Tutoring and has worked on the Charlotte and Lee Campuses and the Hendry/Glades Center. In her current role, she provides college-wide leadership to the Office of Admissions, Testing Services, the Office of Academic Advising, the Office of Student Financial Aid, the Office of the Registrar, Adult Learner Services, and Enrollment Systems and Communications. Christy graduated with her B.A. in Psychology from Rollins College and her M.S. and Ph.D. in Educational Psychology from Capella University. She is a native of Florida who grew up in Venice.
Dr. April Palmer
Assistant Vice President, Student Success
Dr. April Palmer is joining the Division of Student Affairs as the Assistant Vice President for Student Success. She has had the amazing opportunity to work in higher education for a number of years where she has worked in multiple areas of Student Affairs to enhance, create, and support the academic and student experience. She holds a B.A. in English and Theatre from Clemson University, a M.Ed. in Higher Education Administration also from Clemson University, and Ed.D. from The College of William and Mary. Dr. Palmer is originally from South Carolina and enjoys spending time with her friends and family in her free time. Dr. Palmer is excited to be a part of the FSW community. She will oversee Student Engagement, Housing and Residence Life, Student Conduct, Bucs C.A.R.E. and Adaptive Services.
Andrae Jones
Director, Student Affairs
Andrae Jones has been a dedicated member of the FSW community, providing service to students since 2005. Throughout his tenure at FSW, Andrae has held various roles, including campus coordinator of student affairs, director of academic advising, and now serves as director of student affairs where he focuses on developing the strategic direction of the division. Andrae started his academic journey by earning his Associate in Arts degree at Edison Community College (FSW) and later obtained his Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of South Florida. He received his Master of Arts in Management and Leadership from Webster University. Andrae is committed to helping students succeed and making a positive impact on the FSW community.
Michelle King
Administrative Coordinator, Student Affairs
Michelle King was born and raised in Ohio and has lived in southwest Florida since September 2000. Upon high school graduation, she enlisted in the United States Army. She spent most of her enlisted time in Germany. Michelle is a first-generation graduate. She earned her BAS in Supervision and Management from Florida SouthWestern State College. She has proudly served in the Division of Student Affairs at FSW since 2011. Michelle's passion is helping students achieve their goals and ensuring her colleagues and students receive the best service they truly deserve. She feels honored and blessed to be a part of the team and believes we all have a vital role in supporting our students throughout every step of their academic journey and beyond. In her free time, Michelle enjoys spending quality time with her family and friends, whether going to the beach, lounging by the pool, or sharing a meal over stimulating conversation.
Tim Murphy
Marketing and Communication Coordinator
Tim Murphy is a native Floridian, originally from the east coast of Florida but has been living in Southwest Florida since 2011. Tim earned his B.A. in Communication from Florida Gulf Coast University. Before coming to FSW, Tim served as a Social Media Specialist for the FGCU College of Education. Some of his proficiencies include photography, design, and social media management/content creation. Tim is the Marketing and Communication Coordinator for Student Affairs.