First-Year Faculty 2011-2012

“All of our students possess innate creativity, passions and abilities, but in order for these to be fully actualized, students must have the ability to communicate them effectively.My goal is to help students develop the skills to communicate their passions to others so that they may bring all of their dreams to fruition.”

Dan Beugnet, College Preparatory English Assistant Professor,  earned his B.A. in English from Georgia State University and his M.S. in English education from Florida State University.  Before returning to graduate school, Dan worked as a freelance writer in the educational publishing industry. Past teaching experience includes English as a second language at Atlanta Technical College and the University of North Florida and three years teaching English at universities in China. Most recently, he was an adjunct instructor in TCC’s College Preparatory English Program. In his spare time, Dan enjoys running, kayaking, reading and writing creative nonfiction.

“It is critical for all individuals, regardless of background or future goals, to acquire the skills necessary to communicate effectively as writers. My goal as an educator is to not only assist students in obtaining these skills, but also to stress the importance of becoming lifelong learners. ”

Adam Carlberg, College Preparatory English Assistant Professor,  received his B.S. in English education from Mississippi State University in 2009. He previously taught at the high school and middle school levels, most recently as an eighth grade English teacher at Tupelo Middle School during the first year of one of the Southeast's largest one-to-one MacBook programs. In the coming years, Adam plans to work on a master's degree in composition and rhetoric. He enjoys spending time with his wife and two daughters and loves to read a good book whenever he has the chance.

“Rather than being obsolete in this information-rich age, librarians can play an invaluable role teaching students how to locate, evaluate and properly use the resources they need from all that is available – a skill they will need throughout their lives.  My goal is to spark the love of learning.” 

Kathleen Coleman , Faculty Librarian,  began her undergraduate studies at the University of Washington.  After  moving  to Tallahassee, she took coursework at TCC and then transferred to FSU where she earned a B.A. degree in English in 1998 and Master of Science in Library and Information Studies in 2002.  She has been a member of the TCC Library Reference Department staff since 1989 where she initiated the Individual Research Consultation Service.  Kathleen has been a member of the TCC Women’s History Month committee since 2005 and greatly enjoys the campus and community involvement this affords.  She enjoys art, music and literature and passionately believes in the book – print, audio and electronic.

“I believe that college is a doorway to opportunity. Most students I talk with want a better career and they see college education as an important step. My goal as a college success faculty member is to give students the support, skills and knowledge necessary to develop as students so they can achieve their educational goals.”

Nancy Donovan, College Success Assistant Professor , earned her B.S. in English literature from Florida State University in 1990 and a M.S. in higher education in 2006. In addition to her teaching experience, she has worked for the Department of Children and Families as a system project manager. For the last three years, she has worked as an academic adviser and adjunct instructor for Tallahassee Community College. Nancy enjoys the outdoors, traveling and spending time with her family.

“It has been my experience, as a scientist, that learning is an active process, full of debate and excitement. I strive to create for my students a learning environment in which all questions and ideas are open for respectful scientific examination and enthusiasm is encouraged.”

Mabry Gaboardi, Earth Science Assistant Professor,  received her B.S. and Ph.D. from Florida State University. For her Doctorate, she employed geochemistry as a tool to investigate past environments and processes. She explored paleovegetation and paleoclimate signals in the isotopes of herbivore tooth enamel in China and furthered the development of a method to measure elemental abundances of comet material returned by the NASA Stardust Mission. Most recently, through the Florida Center for Research in Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics, Mabry enjoyed working with STEM experts and teachers to enhance K-12 STEM instruction in Florida. She loves reading, yoga and anything outdoors.

“As a math teacher, I aspire to create meaningful connections and learning experiences for my students. My desire is to help students acquire knowledge and life skills that will help students reach goals and build healthy, happy lives.”

Julie Hanowell, College Preparatory Mathematics Assistant Professor,  earned her B.A. in mathematics with a minor in physical science and a B.A. in elementary education from Lewis-Clark State College in Lewiston, Idaho. After moving to Tallahassee in 1998, she began her teaching career, which has seen her teach elementary students in Leon and Gadsden Counties. She has also served as an adjunct mathematics instructor at TCC in the Division of Academic Support since 2009. When she is not teaching, Julie enjoys running, reading and sharing quality time with her two children, family and friends.

“My background in biology and oceanography is field-based, and therefore, I incorporate field components into my classes as much as possible, allowing students to understand the links between organisms and their environment. By using this approach, I believe my students become better stewards of our marine and aquatic environments.”

Pamela MacRae, Biology Assistant Professor, is originally from Halifax, Nova Scotia. She attended St. Mary’s University, where she received a B.S. and Honors Certificate in biology. She went on to receive a M.S. in zoology from the University of Toronto and a Ph.D. in oceanography and coastal sciences from Louisiana State University. Pamela has served as a fish biologist for the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and an environmental scientist and post-doctoral research associate in the Department of Biological Science at Florida State University. Additionally, she has been an adjunct at Tallahassee Community College since 2009. She enjoys snorkeling, hiking and camping with her family.

“Education is a lifelong process of discovery. It is my job to encourage students to engage in lifelong learning. I teach history because it helps us understand people and societies. I want to help students develop their critical thinking skills, their capacity to make demands while ultimately increasing their capacity for informed citizenship.”

Kristal Moore Clemons, History Assistant Professor,  is a Chicago native. She earned her B.A. in women’s studies and political science from DePaul University, her M.A. in American studies from Washington State University, her Ph.D. in education from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a graduate certificate in women’s studies from Duke University. Kristal is a feminist historian whose teaching and research agenda seeks to understand the unique narrative of gender, race and class throughout U.S. history. She has taught students from elementary school to graduate school and has been recognized for her commitment to the classroom as a site of democratic deliberation.

“Education is the key to opportunity and success in life.  I view my teaching responsibility as nothing less than guiding and stewarding the next generation of leaders in industry and society. I view teaching as not only in-class instruction, but also demonstrating a positive and professional role-model influence at all times.”

Luke Andrew Nicholson, Engineering Technology Assistant Professor, earned an A.S. degree in oceanographic technology from the Florida Institute of Technology, Jensen Beach Campus and a B.S. and M.S. in civil engineering from the University of Florida. He is currently pursuing a Ph.D. at the University of Florida’s College of Design, Construction and Planning.  Luke is a licensed professional civil engineer and State of Florida general contractor. He’s owned and operated an engineering and construction firm in Orlando for the past six years. Luke’s teaching experience includes the University of Florida, Santa Fe College, Western Carolina University and Seminole State College of Florida. Luke is an avid sports fan and, in his spare time, participates in triathlons and competitive running events. He also enjoys baseball and tennis, as well as camping, hiking, and scuba diving.