The Torch Special Edition

The Magazine of Florida State University Panama City

THE WOMEN’S EDITION

BREAK THE MOLD

FOUR INFLUENTIAL WOMEN DEFY EXPECTATIONS IN THE FIELDS OF STEM

PAID TO PL AY

RTE ALUMNA LANDS DREAM JOB AT NIKE

TEARS IN HER EYES HOW A SOCIAL SCIENCE INTERDISCIPLINARY GRADUATE ACHIEVED HER LIFELONG DREAM

2019

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TA B L E O F C O N T E N T S

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T E A RS I N H E R EY ES Social science interdisciplinary graduate achieves her lifelong dream HONORING THE WO M E N O F FSU P C Recognizing our outstanding female Notable ’Noles

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Communication alumna combines beauty, business and mentorship

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PA I D TO P L AY RTE alumna lands dream job at Nike

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SEMINOLE SIGHTINGS 2018 Let’s Do Brunch

ON THE COVER BREAK THE MOLD Four influential women defy expectations in the fields of STEM

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TORCH The Magazine of Florida State University Panama City T H E WO M E N ’S E D I T I O N | Spring 2019

THE TORCH MAGAZINE is published by the Office of Advancement at Florida State University Panama City. It is sent to alumni, donors, faculty, staff and the community. To be included in the mailing list, send your name and mailing address to torch@pc.fsu.edu.

ADDRESS CHANGES Send address changes and cancellations to The Office of Advancement, Florida State University Panama City, 4750 Collegiate Dr., Panama City, FL 32405

FSU PA NA MA C IT Y DEA N

Randy Hanna, J.D., Ed.D., ’83 CO NT R IBU T ING W RIT ERS

Erin Chaffin, ’13, Helen Johnson Becky Kelly, Erica Martin EDITO R/DESIG NER

Erin Chaffin, ’13 CO NT RIBU T ING PH OTO G RA P HERS

Helen Johnson, Andrew Wardlow PR INT ED BY

Creative Printing

Torch@pc.fsu.edu

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L E T T E R F R O M T H E A S S O C I AT E D E A N FSU Panama City has been helping women reach their educational and career goals since the campus opened in 1982.

Throughout the years, women from all walks of life enrolled in classes, often doing college coursework while their own children completed K-12 homework.

Since then, FSU Panama City has remained a place for women to achieve their dreams, allowing them to go on to become teachers, engineers, marketers and entrepreneurs. With a majority female student population, our campus has helped women achieve great things, proving it’s never too late to accomplish your dreams.

OUR CAMPUS HAS HELPED WOMEN ACHIEVE GREAT THINGS, PROVING IT’S NEVER TOO LATE TO ACCOMPLISH YOUR DREAMS.

We also have focused in recent years on boosting our population of impressive female faculty who have balanced families and career to make a difference in the lives of the next generation.

Last year, we welcomed our first female engineering faculty member, Dr. Azize Akcayoglu, who excels in computation and experimental thermal-fluid sciences. We also have faculty like Dr. Stacey VanDyke, director of the nurse anesthesia program, who raised money for veterans in need by participating in the Ms. Veteran America competition, and Dr. Parmy Cobb, who was the first recipient of a Ph.D. in mathematics from Baylor University. I am also happy to serve our campus as the first female associate dean for academic affairs.

At FSU Panama City, we strive to be the best, to pass along the expertise of our faculty and inspire students and the community to dream big. We want to provide the tools for all women to go on to achieve their dreams and help transform the community and the world.

Armed with a degree from the Top 26 best public university, our alumni are easier able to step into their place of influence. They can advance their careers and influence those around them with the strength, skill and character exemplified by Florida State alumni. I hope you enjoy this special issue of the Torch, which celebrates accomplishments of women in our FSU family.

Amy Polick, Associate Dean, FSU Panama City College of Applied Studies 5 | T O R C H the women’s edition

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Tears IN HER EYES

SOCIAL SCIENCE INTERDISCIPLINARY GRADUATE ACHIEVES HER LIFELONG DREAM Written by BECKY KELLY

As Chlorinda “Faye” Hines crossed the stage during the FSU Panama City 2018 spring commencement ceremony, tears came to her eyes. For the social science interdisciplinary major, graduation marked the end of a 31-year journey to earn her bachelor’s degree.

Panama City native and a Mosley High School graduate Chlorinda “Faye” Hines, was the first in her family to attend college.

“I always wanted to be a college graduate,” she said.

“My mom and step dad wanted all their children to go to college.”

She began her academic journey at Gulf Coast State College (GCSC), then a community college, where she spent three years working toward her A.A. Plans were put on hold before finishing as she had her first child.

After she and her first husband moved to Fayetteville, Ga., she picked up her studies at Fayetteville Technical Community College, earning her A.A. in 1994. Hines and her son eventually moved back to Panama City, where she re-enrolled in GCSC to begin her second A.A. in pre-elementary education.

Working full time and raising her son as a single mother made it difficult for Hines to focus on her studies. She remarried, had two more children and began working for the Panama City Police Department in administrative services. Life was busy and full, and her studies took a back seat.

She finally earned her second A.A. in 2009 and began working toward her bachelor’s degree at FSU Panama City in 2010.

After realizing the demands of the elementary education program, she changed her major to social science interdisciplinary, which offered the flexibility to still go into teaching without the obligation of a full-time internship. However, the rigors of schoolwork coupled with her struggle with test anxiety took their toll on Hines. When the family experienced the loss of her father-in-law in 2017, she once again questioned whether or not she should continue.

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and talk to her professors to explain what was going on. Her women’s group at church and her husband prayed continuously for her. Her co-workers at the Police Department urged her to continue.

“Some nights I slept alone because she was determined to achieve her degree,” her husband, James Hines, said. “She was up all night working on her studies and then she went to an eighthour job the same morning. I wasn’t going to discourage her.

She made a lot of sacrifices in the process. This has been a dream of hers, and now it’s a reality.”

Now with her degree, Hines said she is excited about the future and is looking forward to becoming a teacher.

Photo by Grad Images

I WANTED TO BE AN EXAMPLE TO MY CHILDREN TO COMPLETE WHAT THEY START.

“That’s what I love: to see kids learning,” she said. “I want to be their encourager, to help them persevere.”

“I’m very proud of my mother for graduating college,” son Javien Elliott said. “Once she made up her mind to accomplish that, she realized that anything worth having isn’t going to come easy.

It’s a blessing for her to be an inspiration for others and know that it doesn’t matter how long it takes, but once you want it bad enough it can be done.”

“I struggled and wanted to quit because it was so hard,” Hines said.

Through it all, her faith and family gave her the motivation to continue.

Looking back on graduation day, Hines recalls the overwhelming emotion she felt crossing the stage with her family in the audience. Her mission was finally accomplished.

“I wanted to be an example to my children to complete what they start,” she said. “Seeing my oldest son graduate from FSU in 2015 ignited me to stay on track with my classes until I finished.”

“It has been a dream come true to graduate from a university I have always loved,” Hines said. “It’s so awesome to call myself an FSU graduate.”

Her family, friends and church community increased their support. Her sister encouraged her to keep going 8

HONORING

the women of FSU PC

RECOGNIZING OUR OUTSTANDING FEMALE NOTABLE ’NOLES Written by: ERICA MARTIN

F SU Panama City has a long-standing tradition of recognizing outstanding alumni for their continued commitment to education.

The award is given to FSU Panama City alumni who demonstrated excellence as students and have made outstanding contributions to the community and within their careers. Since the award’s inception in 1996, FSU Panama City has recognized 71 Notable ’Noles — 41 of which are women — accounting for less than 1 percent of the campus’s alumni.

In honor of our women alumni, we celebrate the female Notable ’Nole winners from the past five years.

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and raise funds for the Alisa Kinsaul Memorial Scholarship at FSU Panama City.

“Jody has a servant’s heart and has spent her professional life giving back to the community she has lived in,” Tanya Deal wrote in her nomination.

“She is deserving of the Notable ’Nole distinction as she is simply one of those people who make Bay County a better place to live in.”

2016 NOTABLE ’NOLES

TANYA

Deal,

2017 NOTABLE ’NOLE

JODY

Waller,

’92

Jody Waller, who earned her bachelor’s degree in communication in 1992 while working full time, has focused on education and serving this community as chief deputy clerk for the Clerk of Court and Comptroller of Bay County.

’94

Tanya Deal, human resources director for the Clerk of Court and Comptroller of Bay County, is dedicated to education and workforce training. She has more than 15 years of experience with federal job training and workforce education. She also has directed year-round remediation and after-school job training programs for high school students.

As marketing and human resources director at Panhandle Educators Federal Credit Union, Deal spearheaded many events and fundraisers that enabled the credit union to give back to the community, including scholarships to FSU Panama City.

She currently serves on the Gulf Coast Regional Medical Center Women’s Advisory Board and has served on the Bay Arts Alliance Board of Directors, the Bay District Schools Oversight/Building Committee, Bay County and Lynn Haven Centennial planning committees, United Way of Northwest Florida Communications Committee, United Cerebral Palsy Board of Directors and Florida School-To-Work state-level leadership team. She also is a graduate of the Bay County Chamber’s Leadership Bay program and is active with the Bay Education Foundation, earning the 25th anniversary Silver Apple Award for her role as a student mentor and a founder of the Arts Alive fundraiser.

Waller also was instrumental in helping establish 10

“Tanya Wester Deal’s many years of experience in workforce training, marketing, fundraising and now HR have made her a very well-rounded asset to this community,” Nancy Luther wrote in her nomination.

“She has contributed her knowledge, skills and love of learning to many programs in addition to continuing to develop her own skills so that she can continue to enable others to grow.”

Deal, who earned her bachelor’s degree in social sciences in 1994, was recognized as one of 25 most influential volunteers for Bay Education Foundation development, earning the foundation’s 25th Anniversary Silver Apple Award in May 2014. She also was a Women of Distinction nominee in 2015.

Deal is a member of the Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM) and has her SHRM-Certified Professional certification. She currently serves on the Gulf Coast Regional Medical Center Women’s Advisory Board and is a member of the American Advertising Federation, Leadership Bay, Emerald Coast Business Women’s Association and the United Way of Northwest Florida Communications Committee. She also was one of the founding creators of Arts Alive and has served as a mentor for Take Stock in Children.

SARAH

Giles,

’01, ’03

Sarah Giles, who earned a bachelor’s degree in social sciences in 2001 and a master’s degree in corporate and public communication in 2003, is a stay-at-home mother and home school teacher.

As the alumni affairs and development coordinator for FSU Panama City, she was committed to developing alumni relationships and improving communications. She presented at the Association’s Executive Management Retreat in Tallahassee in December 2006 and helped plan the January 2007 National FSU Alumni Board’s executive committee meeting in Panama City. She also coordinated the campus’ signature Homecoming event, Nole Fest, bringing record attendance.

“Sarah loved Homecoming and Nole Fest and enjoyed showcasing the campus in the best possible way,” Becky Kelly wrote in her nomination.

As a student, Giles received the Dempsey Barron Leadership Award in 2001 and was inducted into the Omicron Delta Kappa Leadership Honorary Society.

She was named in Who’s Who Among American Colleges and Universities and was inducted into the Garnet Key Honor Society.

She served as FSU Panama City’s Student Government Council president from 2000-2001 and chaired several SGC committees. She was a member of the College Leadership Florida Class IV and served as the publicity co-chair for the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life in 2001.

Giles is an active member of First Baptist Church of Panama City. She also was a loaned executive with United Way and a member of Emerald Coast Business Women’s Association.

“Anyone who knows Sarah Giles knows that she is truly notable,” Kelly wrote. “She is intelligent and disciplined, and a highly capable, confident personal and professional leader.”

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TIFFANI

Hinds,

’07, ’09

Tiffani Hinds has been a true advocate for children as a foster parent since 2004. She provided a loving home to more than 20 children in a five-year span and adopted seven children from the foster care system, several with special needs.

Since earning her Master of Business Administration in 2009, she has continued to serve the community as the director of advancement for St. John’s Catholic School.

She previously served as the chief operating officer and vice president for the United Way of Northwest Florida.

She also holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration, which she earned in 2007.

As a student, Hinds was named on the dean’s and president’s lists for high GPA, she completed 20 hours of community service for taking notes for disabled students and was a member of the Psychology Club.

“Tiffani has a strong voice in the system of care as a parent, but also as a business professional,” Substance Abuse and Mental Health director for the Department

of Children and Families Missy Lee said, according to her nomination letter. “She is always well spoken, professional and very passionate about her work.”

Hinds currently serves as the president of Bay County Society of Human Resource Managers, president of Arnold High School Advisory Council and secretary of Gulf Coast State College Alumni Council. She also is member of Gulf Coast Medical Center’s Women’s Advisory Board, a board member for CROSSing Paths and the City of Panama City General Employee Pension Fund Board, and is a volunteer with Junior Achievement. She is a member of Bay Point Women’s Club and serves as the scholarship committee chairperson for the Emerald Coast Business Women’s Association.

“Tiffani has faced and overcome many obstacles in her life,” her husband, Paul Hinds, wrote in his nomination.

“She is a leader and an example of true character.”

2015 NOTABLE ’NOLES

GINGER

Littleton,

’92

Littleton, who earned her master’s degree in elementary education in 1992, is dedicated to the educational needs of the region. As the liaison for the FSU Panama City STEM Institute, her work has impacted more than 300 teachers and 2,000 students in Northwest Florida.

She also serves on the Bay County School Board and attempted to disarm a shooter during a School Board meeting in 2010.

“My mom has committed her adult life to service to our community,” daughter Gayle Littleton wrote in the nomination letter. “She is a life-long educator who has worked tirelessly to make sure her students excelled and thrived.”

Ginger Littleton is the past president of the Bay Arts Alliance, a former board member for the Visual Arts Center, a charter member of the Krewe of St. Andrews and a board member for the Bay Education Foundation. She served on the Board of the Panama 12

to 2017, Polick served as the director of the FSU Early Childhood Autism Program (ECAP), and oversaw the development and expansion of ECAP’s on-campus ABA therapy clinic, established a Parent Resource Center for ECAP, and helped the program raise more than $500,000 in grants and donations.

She became the associate dean for academic affairs at FSU Panama City in 2017 and continues to teach graduate-level courses for the ABA program. As the development director for FSU ECAP, she assists the with grants and fundraising.

City POPS and was honored to be named a guest conductor for the POPS Battle of the Batons. Ginger currently sits on the Board of the Bay County Public Library Foundation. She has been named an influential woman of Panama City by Panama City Living and a Woman of Distinction for the Girl Scouts of America.

“The tradition of excellence that just being a ’Nole brings is noteworthy enough,” Littleton said. “Being in the company of previous Notable ’Noles who have contributed so much to our community is such an honor. I am both thrilled and humbled to join their ranks.”

“Amy’s tireless attention to detail and ability to think long term have been crucial to promoting ECAP and making it the growing resource it has become today,” Polick’s husband, Rusty Weathers, wrote in her original nomination letter. “I have never seen Amy back down from challenge and she is an excellent example of what a Notable ’Nole truly is. She is someone that FSU PC should be proud to have as a graduate and an employee.”

Polick continues to excel in service to her profession, Weathers noted. She currently serves as the executive director of the Florida Association for Behavior Analysis, a position to which she was appointed after being elected as the state association’s president in 2015.

Polick has also been active in service to the Bay County community. She previously served as a member of the

AMY

Polick,

’01, ’04

Amy Polick, Ph.D., BCBA-D, earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Florida State University in 2001 and master’s degree in applied behavior analysis from FSU Panama City in 2004. While at Auburn University, she earned a master’s degree and doctorate degree in experimental psychology and began her teaching career, engaged in clinical and academic service to the Auburn ABA program.

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Kiwanis Club of Panama City, was a previous chair of the Bay Young Professionals, served on the Board of Directors for the Bay Arts Alliance, was an active member of the Junior League of Panama City, and a previous chair of the Junior League’s Elderly Outreach committee.

“It was an incredible honor to be recognized as a Notable ’Nole,” Polick said. “My degree from FSU Panama City opened so many doors for me and it was pivotal for my career development. Because FSU gave me so much when I was a student, it has always been a priority of mine to give back to FSU and to others in the community. Being a part of this elite group of FSU Panama City alumni is truly inspirational.”

2014 NOTABLE ’NOLES

ANGIE

Sexton,

’01, ’05

Angie Sexton is a visible part of the community who has represented FSU at more than 100 networking and recruiting events.

Sexton, who earned a bachelor’s degree in social work in 2001 and a master’s degree in corporate and public communication in 2005, was nominated by several FSU Panama City faculty and staff.

“She bleeds garnet and gold through and through.

She loves the university and is a great advocate for the campus in the community,” said Dr. Ken Shaw, former dean of FSU Panama City. “It would be an honor for Angie to be named a Notable ’Nole as she is one of our elite graduates and demonstrates the leadership and service characteristics of FSU.” As the assistant director of academic & student services for the College of Applied Studies at FSU Panama City, Sexton is dedicated to the university, the instructors and students. She has taught public speaking for the past nine years and is an adjunct instructor for the Language & Literature Department at Gulf Coast State College and an adjunct instructor for the professional communication program at FSU Panama City.

She previously worked as an advisor of FSU’s College of

Applied Studies and with the campus’ Career & Writing Center, developing relationships throughout the community to ensure student success after graduation.

“She has become a viable part of the community through her various volunteer efforts — all in the name of FSU and Seminole pride,” said Trina Jackson, former associate director of the Office of Student Affairs at FSU Panama City. “It never ceased to amaze me how much of her personal time she dedicates to making the local area a better place to live and work.”

Sexton was a member of the Bay County Chamber of Commerce’s Leadership Bay Class of 2006-2007 and served on the Public Relations, Education, Leadership Bay Steering and Junior Leadership Bay Steering committees. She also is a member of the Panama City Beach Chamber of Commerce and was the president of the FSU Alumni Executive Board in 2009.

She has volunteered with United Way, Panama City Rescue Mission, Catholic Charities, Anchorage Children’s Home, the Bay County Sheriff’s Office Project 25 and the March of Dimes. She also was a Girl Scout leader and has served the Gulf Coast Midget Football League as county cheerleading coordinator and as an officer on the Executive Committee.

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KRISTINA

Williams,

’08

Kristina Williams is dedicated to service and higher education.

“Kristina embodies all the qualities of a Notable ’Nole, demonstrating her strength, skill and character in every project and job she takes on,” her husband Curtis Williams, a commercial loan officer at Ameris Bank, wrote in her nomination letter.

As a Lady Spirithunter, Williams spread the spirit and tradition of Florida State University while earning her bachelor’s degree in marketing at FSU Tallahassee in 2003. With a desire to further her education, she managed her time between her family, her career and her education to return to graduate school. She earned her master’s degree in corporate and public communication at FSU Panama City in 2008 and immediately began applying her new knowledge to serving the community.

“She is always willing to lend a helping hand and share her expertise,” her husband wrote. “When she decides to get involved with a new project or organization, she does not simply do so just to add another item to her resume; it’s to help make a difference.”

Williams is the director of marketing for the Eye Center of North Florida and has more than 14 years of healthcare marketing and sales experience. As a Bay County native, she is committed to our community.

She is a board member for Girls, Inc. and has organized its annual Princess Ball for the past 10 years and is the event chair for their annual Boots & Bling Gala. She also served as board president twice from 2016-2018 and 2010-2012.

She is a graduate of the Bay County Chamber of Commerce’s Leadership Bay program and now sits on the Steering Committee for the chamber’s Junior Leadership Bay. She is vice president of the Deer Point Elementary Angler Family Involvement Team (PTO), a member of the Panama City Beach Chamber of Commerce Women’s Work-Life Symposium, a chairperson for the Children’s Activity Committee at the St. Andrews Bay Yacht Club, and a member of the Gulf Coast Regional Medical Center Women’s Health Community Advisory Board and the Junior League of Panama City.

Kristina Williams was also a finalist for the 2014 Women of Distinction Awards hosted by the Girl Scouts of the Florida Panhandle and is a member of Hiland Park Baptist Church, where she is an active participant in a co-ed Sunday school class and hosts women’s Bible studies.

2 2 Y E A R S O F F E M A L E N O TA B L E N O L E S ’17: Jody Waller, ’16: Tanya Deal, Sarah Giles, Tiffani Hinds, ’15: Ginger Littleton, Amy Polick, ’14: Angela Sexton, Kristina Williams, ’13: Kathleen Jones, Glenda Walters, ’12: Julia Walker Haley, Charla Skinner Perdue, Shannon Sheibe,

’11: Jennifer Mayne, Katie Patronis ’10: Gena Burgans, ’09: Susan Butler, Michelle Lacewell, Janice Strickland-Salares, ’08: Susan Fuder, ’07: Nicole Barefield, Amy Sewell, ’06: Vickie Gainer, Anita Mayer, ’04: Claire Calohan, Alisa Kinsaul,

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’03: Cathy Felty, ’02: Judy Hughes, ’01: Tina Menna, ’00: Kay Brewton, Suzanne Cox, ’99: Beth Durbin, Tracy Johnstone, ’98: Lynn Centrone, Kim Dodd, Anita Dillard, ’97: Emily Balazs, Phyllis Deese, Jennifer Fenwick, ’96: Kelly Chisholm, Melinda Crawford

THE MOLD Written by ERIN CHAFFIN, HELEN JOHNSON & ERICA MARTIN

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FOUR INFLUENTIAL WOMEN DEFY EXPECTATIONS IN THE FIELDS OF STEM Though they have different backgrounds and life experiences, FSU Panama City professors Azize Akcayoglu, Parmy Cobb, Charla Perdue and Stacey VanDyke share a drive to defy expectations. Through perseverance, personal resolve and determination, they have become successful women in STEM, making strides in the fields of nurse anesthesia, engineering, crime scene investigation and mathematics — all while balancing life, family and work.

VETERAN & PHILANTHROPIST

STACEY

VanDyke

Stacey VanDyke, DNP, CRNA, personifies grit and grace.

As program administrator for the nurse anesthesia master’s program at FSU Panama City, she balances her love for patient care, education and family.

Before coming to FSU Panama City, Stacey VanDyke, DNP, CRNA, served 20 years in the U.S. Air Force, where she also was a nurse anesthetist, performing critical care air transport during her deployment in the Middle East in 2001.

Throughout her military career, Panama City remained her home base. “My husband has a law practice in Panama City, so we have always planned to raise our family and retire here,” she said. When the position as the program

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KNOW THAT SACRIFICE AND GRIT WILL PAY OFF. YOU ARE CAPABLE OF MAKING AN IMPACT AT EVERY LEVEL... administrator for the nurse anesthesia program at FSU Panama City became available in 2016, VanDyke knew she had to go for it. “My dream job opened up, and having this opportunity was literally a dream come true.”

VanDyke believes it takes a lot of determination and hard work to accomplish your goals.

“Follow your passion and do the work that must be done,” she advised to those interested in pursuing a career in nurse anesthesia. “Know that your sacrifice and grit will pay off. You are capable of making an impact at every level, from student to professional – and that is something to be proud of.”

In addition to her duties at FSU Panama City, VanDyke loves country music, travel and supporting female veterans. She found her platform by competing in the Seventh Annual Ms. Veteran America competition, celebrating “The Woman Beyond the Uniform,” in Los Angeles on Oct. 7, 2018.

VanDyke decided to compete for the title after the inaugural showing of “Served Like a Girl,” a documentary on veteran homelessness. After speaking to patrons about her experience and struggles serving in the Air Force, she realized she could do more to help.

“Amidst the tears of laughter and pain throughout the movie, I felt embarrassed about what I had just said the two hours prior, for nothing I uttered on that stage could hold a candle to the issue of homelessness among female veterans,” she said. “There I stood, having just traveled the 12 miles from my safe home in my dependable car, wearing the rank of retired lieutenant colonel, wiping my tears away and wondering how I could make a difference.”

Selected from a pool of 400 applicants and 25 finalists,

Van Dyke ultimately placed in the Top 10 during the competition.

“It was an honor to be among such talented, serviceoriented warriors,” VanDyke said. “As women in the military, we often feel invisible and we don’t ask for help. I was happy to help my fellow servicewomen who need it most, and it was neat being with other likeminded women veterans during the competition.”

The Ms. Veteran America competition honors the service of the over 2 million women who have worn the U.S. military uniform and reminds us of the women who have made the ultimate sacrifice during their military service. The organization has raised over $3 million to support homeless women veterans and their children.

When asked how she obtains work-life balance, VanDyke said: “Honestly, I don’t. I have to work at this daily. I have a very supportive family, both at work and home, who understand and appreciate what my commitments are to nurse anesthesia and education.”

With two children under the age of 5, she realizes that finding balance can be even more challenging.

“I make the most of the weekends and try to make sure I spend as much quality time as possible with my kids,” she said. “I never leave work per se; it’s my lifestyle, and anyone who knows and loves me accepts that passion.”

VanDyke joined the U.S. Air Force in 1996, serving as a clinician and educator both nationally and abroad. She earned her Doctor of Nursing Practice from the University of Alabama at Birmingham in 2013 and previously served as director of the Nurse Anesthesia Clinical Residency Training Program at Eglin Hospital. She has led FSU Panama City’s nurse anesthesia program since 2016.

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THE WOMAN BEHIND THE UNIFORM: Stacey VanDyke, program administrator for the nurse anesthesia master’s program at FSU Panama City, placed in Top 10 at the Seventh Annual Ms. Veteran America competition, held Oct. 7, 2018.

Photo by Phelan Marc

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WORLD TRAVELER & HUMANITARIAN

CHARLA

Perdue

As program coordinator for the crime scene investigation program at FSU Panama City, Panama City native Charla Perdue is committed to introducing young minds to the world of science and technology.

Charla Perdue has had a long-standing love affair with the water and solving crime.

As an undergraduate at FSU Panama City, she was one of the first students to complete the Underwater Crime Scene Investigation certificate program and received her Bachelor of Science in Criminology in 2002.

“Growing up in Panama City, I always loved the water and since I also liked solving crime, it sounded like a perfect match,” Perdue said. “While in the UCSI program, I fell in love with forensic science.”

After taking a break from her studies to be at home

with her two sons, Perdue returned to FSU Panama City to pursue a Master of Science in Criminology, which she completed in 2011. She received a second master’s degree in forensic science from the University of Florida in 2018.

Perdue’s advice to those interested in pursuing a career in CSI is study a scientific discipline. “Forensic science has its underpinnings in biology, chemistry and physics — it is remarkable the endless contributions the natural sciences have in crime scene investigation.”

Before becoming a full-time faculty member at FSU Panama City in 2013, she was a high school teacher at 20

IT’S NOT ABOUT WHAT WE CAN GET IN THIS LIFE BUT WHAT WE CAN LEAVE BEHIND. North Bay Haven Charter Academy for several years. Perdue cultivated a partnership between the charter school and the public safety and security program at FSU Panama City to give high school students opportunities to use technology, participate in mock trials and crime scenes, and partake in forensic labs.

master diver and science diver and is a member in good standing with the American Academy of Underwater Sciences.

Her work on the partnership, as well as her time spent as a teaching assistant for former Florida State University criminology faculty member Dale Nute, Ph.D., led to the opportunity to create an undergraduate crime scene investigation program within the College of Applied Studies at FSU Panama City.

“The opportunity to create a CSI program for FSU Panama City was a dream come true,” she said. The CSI program welcomed its first group of students in fall 2015.

She remains committed to introducing young minds to science and investigation, and in 2015 created the Fun with Forensics CSI Summer Camp. The camp provides middle school students with hands-on experience solving crimes by learning to use chemicals to identify mystery powders, studying blood splatter to determine trajectory and velocity of impact, and dusting for fingerprints.

Beyond her teaching duties, Perdue is also the university faculty advisor for both the American Investigative Society of Cold Cases and Cold Case Research Investigative Institute. She is a certified

In 2015, she became a consultant for local law enforcement agencies and the medical examiner’s office for the 14th judicial circuit because of her expertise with the FARO Focus 3D Laser Scanner, which documents crime scenes, processes scans and provides evidence to use in court.

Perdue also wears the hats of wife, mother, humanitarian and world traveler. She spends her free time giving back through missionary work and volunteerism. Perdue has traveled to Mexico, West Africa and India on mission trips with her church. Over the past decade, She has been involved with a host of community organizations such as the American Heart Association, is a member of the Bay Medical Center Foundation Board of Directors and the Guardian Ad Litem program protecting the interest of local children while in foster care.

“It’s not about what we can get in this life but what we can leave behind,” Perdue said. She plans to continue to do what she loves while working to inspire the next generation of leaders within her chosen field.

With her two sons now grown, she welcomes the next chapter in her life. “I have embraced the empty nest and this new season where I have more time to concentrate on my career, my students and the CSI program,” she said. “It has been the thrill of a lifetime to do what I love. I am very blessed.”

INSPIRING THE NEXT GENERATION: At left, Charla Perdue, program coordinator for the crime scene investigation program at FSU Panama City, shows middle school students how to identify fingerprints during a Fun with Forensics CSI Summer Camp.

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TRAILBLAZER & HISTORY MAKER

AZIZE

Akcayoglu

As the first female engineering faculty member at FSU Panama City, Azize Akcayoglu, Ph.D., has never been afraid to pursue her dreams.

Azize Akcayoglu knew from a young age she wanted to go into the field of engineering.

“When I was a child, I remember standing next to my father while he was checking engine oil or repairing his pickup truck,” she said. “During my childhood I liked to observe things and had a lot of questions in my mind like ‘how do airplanes fly?’ or ‘what was the driving force to get water into our home? When trying to find answers to those questions, I realized my interests fell under the umbrella of mechanical engineering.”

Her father supported and inspired her to pursue her dreams. “My father always encouraged me to make my own decisions, follow my dreams and do what I love to do,” Akcayoglu said. “Now I do what I really love.”

As the first female resident engineering faculty member at Florida State University Panama City, Akcayoglu helped launch the undergraduate mechanical engineering program at FSU Panama City, which began classes in fall 2018.

She excels in computational and experimental thermal-fluid science, and before coming to FSU Panama City, developed a cutting-edge model for effective dissipation of excess heat generated in electronics systems and gas turbines.

Akcayoglu has many things she wants to accomplish at FSU Panama City, including finding ways for students from engineering and other academic

programs to collaborate.

“I have a lot of plans for things I want to do at FSU PC,” she said.

“One of them is to start a solar car project and work with students from all disciplines to build their own solar-powered race car.”

Akcayoglu firmly believes success in STEM-related fields and engineering has nothing to do with race, gender, color or ethnicity, but in a commitment to hard work and in fostering creativity and innovation. “It is well known that a diverse collection of skills means a larger pool of ideas, experiences and greater variety of solutions to problems,” she said.

“Do what you love to do,” she advised. “If you want to pursue a degree in engineering, just do it, do not wait!”

Before coming to FSU Panama City, Akcayoglu taught mechanical engineering and performed research in experimental thermal-fluid science at Mersin University in Turkey. She gained experience in computer simulation and modeling as a postdoctoral researcher at Brunel University in London and honed her teaching skills at the University of North Texas and Penn State.

Her diverse educational experiences were inspired by her love of travel. “I love to see different places and interact with people from various cultures,” she said.

“I learned a lot interacting with students from different 22

LEARNING BY DOING: Mechanical engineering faculty member Azize Akcayoglu, Ph.D., shows student Toni Weaver how to use the equipment in the mechanical engineering lab.

DO WHAT YOU LOVE TO DO. IF YOU WANT TO PURSUE A DEGREE IN ENGINEERING, JUST DO IT! backgrounds,” she said. She uses the culmination of her experiences in the classroom today. “I believe learning and knowledge have no boundaries.” In the future she would love to continue to travel, exploring new places and meeting new people.

In addition to educating up and coming mechanical engineers, Akcayoglu is active in the scientific

community as a peer reviewer and editorial board member for highly acclaimed journals.

She obtained a “recognized reviewer award” and “outstanding reviewer award” from ELSEVIER journals in 2017 and has received many grants for her scientific publications and an international research fellowship award.

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GROUNDBREAKER & MOTIVATOR

PARMY

Cobb

The first recipient of a Ph.D. in mathematics from Baylor University, Parmjeet “Parmy” Cobb decided to pursue her passion rather than expectations.

Originally planning to become a high school math teacher, Parmjeet “Parmy” Cobb, Ph.D., was inspired to reach further while pursuing her undergraduate degree at Valdosta State University One of her classes was taught by Denise Reid, Ph.D., who at the time had just completed her master’s degree and was the only full-time female professor in the mathematics department at Valdosta State University.

Reid quickly became Cobb’s mentor and inspiration.

Seeing a young female mathematics professor in a male-dominated field helped Cobb visualize herself in a similar position.

“I guess my younger self wasn’t one to think outside of my box — the box of what was familiar to me or what I have seen before,” she said. “I really appreciated her passion for teaching. I did not have graduate school

on my radar, but I soon realized that was my next step.”

Cobb met her future husband while pursuing her master’s degree in applied math from Auburn University, but decided to wait until she finished her doctoral degree before getting married. In 2003, she became the first recipient of a Ph.D. in mathematics from Baylor University in Waco, Texas, and married in November of that year.

The military brought the couple to Panama City Beach, where Cobb began teaching at Gulf Coast State College (then Gulf Coast Community College) and as an adjunct math instructor for engineering courses at FSU Panama City.

After her daughter, Lily, turned 1, Cobb took a step back from teaching at Gulf Coast State College to raise her children. She continued to adjunct at 24

AS IN ALL JOURNEYS, STRUGGLES WILL OCCUR, BUT THEY WILL MAKE YOU STRONG…THEY WILL BECOME THE FOUNDATION FOR THE PRIDE AND RESILIENCE YOU WILL ENJOY THROUGHOUT LIFE. FSU Panama City to fulfill herself professionally.

to make sure that students have the knowledge so that they can apply that in their disciplines.”

In 2013, she became a full-time mathematics teacher at FSU Panama City when the campus began to admit freshman students and needed full-time faculty to teach lowerdivision courses.

“As a professor, I see myself as a coach: to motivate, to inspire, to encourage and to facilitate the understanding on new (and familiar) concepts. As in all journeys, struggles will occur, but they will make you strong…they will become the foundation for the pride and resilience you will enjoy throughout life.”

Cobb inspires the next generation by teaching core classes, general education courses that serve as a building block for all majors.

Cobb believes it takes personal resolve and determination to achieve life goals, which has sustained her throughout her academic and professional careers. Today she provides the mathematical support necessary for a degree in such STEM fields as engineering or computer science as well as collegelevel math needed in non-STEM programs at FSU. “I’m here to support the engineers, to support anyone who is coming in and [taking] criminal science investigation, psychology, everyone needs some type of math. I am setting that foundation,” she said.

“Whether you need higher math or not, I am here

Her experience as an undergraduate continues to influence her today. She encourages girls and young women to look beyond what is familiar to see all the possibilities before them.

Particularly at the middle-school level.

“Middle school is where so many girls seem to lose confidence in their STEM skills,” she said.

Cobb works closely with FSU Panama City STEM Coordinator Ginger Littleton to create math-centered events for K-12 students, as well as FSU Panama City STEM events including Invention Convention, SURGE, Fantastic Physics Day and Girls’ Night at Gulf Coast State College.

She considers herself as one of those supporters of a student’s learning. Cobb likes to quote a favorite mathematician, Paul Erdős who said, “It’s not enough to be in the right place at the right time. You should also have an open mind at the right time.”

“That’s just another life lesson, you just want to be there, you want to be in the moment, learning from one another, don’t close your mind to new ideas,” she said. “That’s what we do at the university anyway, don’t we? We want to make sure that we’re exploring and learning. If it’s hard, keep trying.”

SETTING THE ACADEMIC FOUNDATION: Mathematics professor Parmy Cobb teachers lowerdivision mathematics courses at Florida State University Panama City.

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EVERYTHING COMING UP

orange Communication alumna combines beauty, business and mentorship Written by: ERIN CHAFFIN

Lourvenante “Lulu” Orange Tyson,’03, defines versatility — balancing the roles of pageant queen, mentor, wife, media mogul and entrepreneur — all while working full-time as a nurse liaison in South Florida.

Lulu Orange Tyson (known professionally as Lulu Orange) is no stranger to the spotlight.

While earning her degree in communication at FSU Panama City, she competed in the Miss Panama City USA pageant and was selected to give a news segment about the pageant for WJHG News Channel 7. Although she didn’t take the crown, she did win Miss Congeniality and Leading Lady of the Year for her volunteer work.

Wanting to make an impact, Tyson was an active member of the Student Government Council and helped create the first Black Student Union on campus, serving as the club’s first president.

“It was very important to me to continue a long-standing tradition where black students can have an organization where they can identify to the fullest and celebrate their culture among each other and also educate others on issues affecting the black community,” Tyson said.

Tyson was also the first person in her family to earn a bachelor’s degree.

After graduating from FSU Panama City, she obtained a master’s in business administration from Florida International University and will 26

DON’T RUSH. ENJOY LIFE. TAKE YOUR TIME AND SMELL THE ROSES...JUST LOVE LIFE AND ENJOY EVERY MOMENT. sit for the registered nurse exam later this year. She is the area admissions director and nurse liaison in Palm Beach County, Florida for three rehabilitation centers and she aspires to become a registered nurse.

featuring one-on-one interviews with inspiring female CEOs.

Education remains extremely important to Tyson. In 2014, she started the Florida Orange Scholarship for graduating seniors seeking to pursue their collegiate studies. Since its inception, the scholarship has been awarded to three graduates.

“I am the product of Haitian immigrants and have seen firsthand what it is like to have minimal resources,” she said. “This is my way of giving back.”

Tyson’s love for pageantry has remained constant during her time as a student and professional. She won Mrs. Corporate America in 2017 and Miss Haiti International in 2016.

In 2017, Lulu Orange Inc. was awarded the Miss Universe U.S. Virgin Islands (MUUSVI) franchise and is the current national director of MUUSVI. She has also been a pageant mentor and coach for national and international pageant contestants and a Miss Florida USA preliminary director.

Tyson adds the titles of web TV-host and producer, fashion designer, reality-TV star, motivational speaker and author to her already diverse resume.

In 2011, she began writing, producing and hosting “OJ in the Morning,” an online broadcast featuring celebrity interviews, fashion, current events and local happenings in the South Florida area.

From 2014-2016, Tyson was the CEO and host of “The Boardroom TV Show,” a television series

In 2013, she created Lulu Orange, Inc. and launched the clothing/ beauty line L’Orange Couture. In 2017, she and her husband, Charlie, were featured in the HGTV House Hunters episode “Gowns and Crowns in Florida” which originally aired Oct. 10, 2017.

Wanting to share her experiences and inspire others, Tyson decided to become a motivational speaker and author, encouraging others to be the best they can be.

“I have always loved motivating people because I remember the mentors who motivated me,” Tyson said. “I aspire to assist people to reach their highest potential. I feel it is our job on this earth to serve humanity and this is my way of doing that.”

She is the author of the e-Guide “Greatness Lies Within You” and was recently published in the history book, “The Torchbearers of a Legacy: A History of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, 1920-2017” which was presented to the National Library of Congress in Washington, D.C. on June 1, 2018.

Tyson said of her many roles, “If you love what you do, it doesn’t feel like work. However, it does take a lot of support and structure — prioritize and realize that self-care comes first. You can’t pour into others if your cup is empty.”

“Don’t rush. Enjoy life,” she continued. “Take your time and smell the roses. Go to the beach more and just go for it. Just love life and enjoy every moment.”

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play PAID TO

RTE alumna lands dream job at Nike

Written by: ERICA MARTIN

For alumnus Lillian Walton, becoming the director of catering at Nike World Headquarters allows her to get paid to play.

For Lillian Walton, the past three years as the catering director for Nike World Headquarters have been incredible experience.

I have worked in all of my career,” she said. “I never expected or anticipated being in my position, but I am glad I took the right chances and pursued this field.”

“My day is different every day; that’s why I love catering so much,” the 2014 recreation, tourism and events graduate said. “There are no days alike; it changes so frequently within this business.”

Several diverse fieldwork and internship experiences during Walton’s undergraduate coursework led to her current position. After doing fieldwork with the Florida Trust for Historic Preservation and an internship with Aramark at Lake Powell Resort in Arizona, Walton was offered a nine-month secondlevel management internship at the University of Tennessee, Chattanooga. After that, she began working in catering at Nike and was promoted to director of catering in 2016.

Working for Aramark, the on-site restaurant group for Nike World Headquarters in Beaverton, Oregon, Walton has a hand in multiple events each day from detailed parties for executives and athletes to large events for thousands of people. Each event fulfills Aramark’s mission: to deliver experiences that enrich and nourish lives.

Although working 11-hour days, Walton said the excitement in her day-to-day activities makes it her dream job.

“This account is one of the best work environments

“When it comes to internships, don’t settle for something that is comfortable or familiar,” Walton said. “Take a chance to experience something new.

If you try it and you love it, you have just entered a world of possibilities. If you hate it, you can always go back and start again, but at least you tried. … Build your resume with experiences.”

'DO WHAT YOU LOVE AND IT WON'T SEEM LIKE WORK': At left, Lillian Walton at the Nike World Campus in Beaverton, Oregon.

Image via Instagram 29 | T O R C H the women’s edition

“The organizational, event and leadership skills that she learned at FSU Panama City are definitely beneficial,” recreation, tourism, and events faculty member Donna Trafford said. “Her persistence and hard work paid off.”

Walton, who originally wanted to be an athletic trainer, said hospitality runs in the family.

Walton’s father is a professional wedding photographer. Her mother who was park ranger at Wakulla Springs State Park is now working for the Florida Fish and Wildlife, promoting awareness and conservation of Florida’s manatees.

“I’m an instant gratification type of gal, and the instant feedback after a successful event is exciting,” Walton said. “I also think it is in my blood. … I grew up around recreation, tourism, and events my whole life.”

After taking a year off school to focus on her career, Walton realized a degree would help her become more successful.

She began taking recreation, tourism, and events classes in Tallahassee and traveled to Panama City to complete her coursework.

Undeterred by the two-hour commute from Tallahassee and overnight stays in Panama City with her husband, William, and their two children, Lokken and Anarah, Walton said the Panama City campus and its students became like a second family.

“I enjoyed the traveling days, because it was like a ‘mini vacation’ every week. Only on that vacation, you have to study, go to class, pay for your meals rather than cooking at home, and paying for a tank of gas,” she said. “It’s all about perspective and what you make of it.”

Family dinners with classmates, runs on the Hathaway Bridge during lunch breaks and smaller classes made FSU Panama City feel like home.

“Lillian was a bit more mature, and other students looked up to her as she was able to be a great mom, go to school and work at the same time,” Trafford said.

“As we get older, things get more serious and more professional, we may think we’re too old to have a good time and we may get caught up in our day-to-day routine of work,” Walton said. “It’s okay to take chances, make mistakes and learn from them, and to have fun.”

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WORK AND PLAY: At top, Lillian Walton at the Nike World Headquarters parking garage. Above, Walton on the job as director of catering at Nike World Headquarters.

Images via Instagram

SEMINOLE SIGHTINGS

LET’S DO BRUNCH F S U PA N A M A C I T Y J U LY 2 0, 2 0 1 8

1. Guest speaker Nanette Hitchcock 2. Olivia Wesel 3. Kimberly Leath 4. Lenora Holman-Warriner and Shirley Jackson 5. Michaelean Stewart, Caitie Higginbotham, Casey Lathem, Kasey Killebrew, Lois Collier and Kelly Lathem 6. Sara Backus 7. Sabara Quinn, Suzanne Remedies and Margie Mazur 8. Courtney Calhoun, Helen Adami, Susan Fuder

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Office of Advancement 4750 Collegiate Drive Panama City, FL 32405 pc.fsu.edu