People

Dr. Tunjarnika Coleman-Ferrell, provost and dean of student services at the Palm Beach Gardens campus, and Sandi Barrett, program director for trade and industry continuing education, both received AFC Honorary Life Membership Awards, the highest award presented by the Association of Florida Colleges.

The awards were presented during the opening general session of the 70^th AFC Annual Meeting and Conference held Nov. 6-8 in Palm Harbor.

Coleman-Ferrell, who served as AFC’s president in 2018 and more than two years on the AFC Executive Board, was recognized for her service as the leader of the organization. She stepped up in 2017 to fill a vacancy as president-elect and then assumed the presidency the following year. “No one doubted that she could assume the presidency in less than three months and flourish, and flourish she did,’’ said Michael Brawer, AFC executive director and CEO. “Our 2018 president has a very particular set of skills. Her rapport with students, her colleagues and the community is second to none.’’

Prior to serving as AFC president, Coleman-Ferrell, who has been an AFC member for more than 20 years, also served as chapter president and chair of the Administration Commission. The Administration Commission also honored her with its Leadership Excellence Award.

“I’m truly honored to receive the Leadership Excellence Award for the Administration Commission and the Honorary Life Award as past president from the Association of Florida Colleges. It is an even greater honor to be placed in such distinguished ranks as those of the past honorees contributing to the ‘Great 28.’ It is my heart’s desire to see all students succeed in their chosen academic path. My work is never done. #MakeItHappen.”

Barrett, who has been an AFC member for more than 20 years, was tapped for her service to the organization through the years. Brawer said she “embodies the term servant leader.”

She currently serves as chapter president and has served four terms as chapter vice president and four terms as chapter community service coordinator. On the state level, she has served three terms as Region V director, and twice as statewide chair of service projects. She’s been on the board of the Workforce and Continuing Education Commission for two terms, and she was in the inaugural class of the AFC Certified College Professional Program.

“AFC has done a lot for me as far as leadership, professional development and networking, and it’s an honor to be recognized,’’ Barrett said.

The AFC Conference was attended by nearly 300 people. Also honored were:

• Jane Fisher, who received PBSC’s Region V Unsung Hero Award for going above and beyond.
• Nancy Zinser, who retired this year as an associate dean of health sciences, received a Life Service Award.

For more information about AFC, visit myafchome.org.