Executive Director – Distance Education
Affiliate Faculty – Department of Media Production, Management, and Technology
Dr. Kropp is responsible for oversight of all the College’s graduate distance learning efforts. His primary responsibilities include overseeing operations and supervising faculty and staff. He also serves as a liaison with other units in the university, other educational institutions and external service providers. He holds a Ph.D. from the University of Georgia’s Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication and M.A. and B.A. degrees in Communication from the University of Hartford. He has earned two graduate certificates: a Graduate Certificate in Interdisciplinary University Teaching from the University of Georgia and a Graduate Certificate in Higher Education Leadership and Management from the University of Massachusetts.
Multimedia Specialist
Derek oversees the design, development, and integration of technologies into educational settings. His responsibilities include making videos and documents accessible, readable, and ensuring that there are no copyright challenges. Other responsibilities include the digitization of materials and working with instructors on different approaches to content based on their goals for instructional use, research, and presentation options. Derek holds a Bachelor of Applied Sciences in Supervision and Management from Broward College, along with several QM certifications.
Instructional Designer
Jessica Blair is a member of the UF CJC Online Instructional Design Team. She specializes in eLearning development and works with faculty and stakeholders to develop online graduate courses that meet or exceed quality assurance standards set by UF and Quality Matters. Having earned a master’s degree in teaching, Jess is a former high school English teacher and curriculum developer with over 10 years of experience. Jess earned various industry certifications in instructional design, and most recently served as an instructional designer in corporate learning and development at Zillow. Jess is dedicated to advocating for online students and providing the best possible customer service to both internal and external customers.
Instructional Designer
Shakis Drummond is a part-time Instructional Designer for UF CJC Online. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Educational Studies from Clark Atlanta University in Atlanta, GA and a Master of Science in Instructional Design, Development, and Evaluation from Syracuse University in Syracuse, NY. Shakis has been in the field for over 10 years. She enjoys creating high quality online courses with UF CJC instructors.
Graduate Student Advisor
Ashleigh advises our online graduate students and is also the primary advisor for the college’s combination degree program. Prior to joining CJC, She was an Accessibility Specialist and Learning Specialist with the UF Disability Resource Center. In those roles, she worked closely with students and guided them through the accommodations process. She handled a caseload of approximately 700 students and coordinated communication and services between students, faculty, and staff. Prior to joining the DRC, Ashleigh was a classroom teacher in the Dixie County School District and the Diocese of Saint Augustine / Queen of Peace Academy. She earned a B.A. in Elementary Education from Saint Leo University and is pursuing a Master of Education from UF.
Student Success Coach
Ophir Lehavy is an adjunct lecturer and success coach for the master’s in mass communications program at the University of Florida’s College of Journalism and Communications. In addition to her work at UF, Lehavy works with select clients as a PR and communications consultant. Her most recent project includes working with an author on her online strategy – social media, website, influencer outreach, blog, and email – for a high-profile book launch. Ophir Lehavy completed her graduate work in 2001 at Columbia University’s Teachers College with a master’s in teaching, after also completing a master’s degree in Middle East Studies from New York University in 1997. She completed her bachelor’s degree in 1994 at Georgetown University majoring in History.
Instructional Designer
Alecia Monteiro is a member of the UF CJC Online Instructional Design team. She has been a part of the Gator Nation since 2002 when she attended undergrad only to later work at UF’s Warrington College of Business as an e-Learning support specialist and Instructional Designer. In total, she’s been an ID in higher education for more than 14 years, most recently at Johns Hopkins University, but also for smaller schools such as Beacon College. She has also worked as a Customer Support Manager for event management. Alecia is passionate about creating quality, accessible online programs and supporting faculty, students, and teams alike.
Graduate Student Advisor
Kris is a Graduate Student Advisor for UF CJC Online. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in History and Peace, War, and Defense from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a Master of Science in Library and Information Science from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Before coming to Florida, she worked in undergraduate admissions and for a non-profit foundation supporting a museum. Kris is excited to support our students and connect them to the resources they need to successfully complete our programs. Email Kris to request an advising appointment.
Assistant Director of UF CJC Online
As the Assistant Director, Cheryl works with key stakeholders, instructors, instructional designers, and outside advisors to ensure our graduate program offers courses designed with industry best practices and delivers best-in-class user experiences. Cheryl earned master’s degrees in Educational Technology, English Composition and Rhetoric, and Business Administration at Wright State University in Dayton, OH. She also earned a master’s certificate in Project Management from George Washington University and two master’s certificates from Wright State University in Instructional Design.
Admissions Officer
Catherine is an Admissions Officer for UF CJC Online. Before joining the CJC team, she worked as a Graduate Advisor in the College of Engineering. Catherine’s commitment to student success has allowed her to serve in multiple capacities including graduate student recruitment and admissions. She is excited to assist with the CJC Online admissions process and the overall academic journey for each student.
Faculty Training and Support Coordinator
Tiffany is a double Gator, having received both a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology and a Master of Arts in mass communications in web design and online communications from the University of Florida. With over nine years in the academic and nonprofit sectors, Tiffany uses her extensive experience with digital development, event management, customer service, and strategic communications to provide the best possible support to staff, faculty, alumni, and students of the online master’s program.
Instructional Designer
Nadine collaborates with faculty and key stakeholders to develop courses that meet or exceed quality assurance and Quality Matters Standards. Having earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Management Information Sciences and a Master of Science in Education—Instructional Design for Online Learning, she has worked in Higher Education for over 20 years. has served as Master Reviewer, Peer Reviewer, Facilitator, and Coordinator for Quality Matters and holds many certifications in online teaching, learning, design, and delivery.
Instructional Designer
Bailey Zara is a member of the UF CJC Online Instructional Design team specializing in eLearning development. Having earned a master’s degree in teaching, Bailey is a former teacher and curriculum developer. During her time teaching, she worked to develop and implement new eLearning courses. Bailey is dedicated to providing quality courses to help support all online students and faculty.
College of Journalism and Communications
1204 Weimer Hall
1885 Stadium Road
PO Box 118400
Gainesville, FL 32611
APPLICATION DEADLINES
Fall Deadline: April 1
Classes Begin: late August
Spring Deadline: October 1
Classes Begin: early January
Summer Deadline: February 1
Classes Begin: early May