Dr. Tunjarnika (Nika) Coleman-Ferrell, Palm Beach State College
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Dr. Coleman-Ferrell is currently the Vice President of Academic Affairs at Palm Beach State College serving over 40,000 students and 5 campuses. Prior to her current position she was the Provost/Dean of Student Services. "Nika," as she is affectionately called, holds four degrees including a Master's Degree in Public Administration and a Doctoral Degree from Florida Atlantic University in Educational Leadership, with specializations in Curriculum, Adult, and Continuing Education. Her background stems from a collage of experiences that have shaped her into a respected K-16 educator, administrator, and leader.She has over twenty years of instructional and administrative experience in Higher Education, starting in the Teacher Education discipline as a full-time professor, as well as additional teaching experience as a part-time professor at Florida Atlantic University in the Educational Leadership Graduate and Undergraduate programs department. Her expertise includes Foundations of Education Research/Statistics, Measurement and Evaluation, and Multicultural Education and Educational Technology. She has presented at several state, national, and international conferences, specializing in topics such as Technology, Professional Development for Teachers and Administrators, and Multicultural Education. She previously served as Department Chair of the Health Sciences, Physical Education, Psychology, Strategies, Developmental Education (Math, Reading, English, EAP), Math Credit, and Teacher Education divisions for over six years. In addition, she has participated as a member of several SACS visiting teams and has curriculum design experience in the Teacher Education and Computer Science disciplines.
Nika has served on a host of committees at the K-12, college, and university levels as a chair and as a participant. She prides herself in serving the Florida College System not only through Palm Beach State but, through the Association of Florida Colleges. She previously served as the AFC PBSC Chapter President, Chair of Commissions, VP Elect for Commissions and as the statewide 2018 AFC President and Chief Elected Officer. As the president she represented AFC in matters pertaining to the Association and the 28 colleges represented. She also acted as a spokesperson for the Association to the press, the public and legislative bodie. She has received an Exemplary Practice Award and is a Chancellor's Leadership Alumni. This service is dedicated to improving instruction through the development and training of tomorrow's leaders to prepare them for their role in shaping the lives of urban youth. She enjoys working with all levels of the Florida College System and has coordinated several professional development opportunities for faculty and staff. Nika also gives back to the local community by mentoring young ladies in "Hope for Girls" as the Education Chair for the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Max M. Fisher Boys and Girls Club Board Member, Palm Beach North Chamber Trustee Board Member, YWCA of Palm Beach County Board Member and is a member of several School Advisory Councils, PTA's, Palm Beach County School District Academic Advisory Board, NCBAA, and the Family Life and Education Departments at her local church.
The late Dean at Palm Beach Community College, Dr. N. Okolie Uwadibie, characterized Dr. Coleman-Ferrell, a former Palm Beach State College Professor of The Year, as a "visionary leader and excellent manager that practices collaborative, participatory and consultative leadership grounded in the principles of shared governance. Her relentless and tireless efforts are demonstrated in exceptional classroom teaching and effectiveness and high leadership quality in supervising faculty." Dr. Tunjarnika L. Coleman-Ferrell is a rising leader, administrator and star in education who is a symbol of excellence in instruction and administrative leadership for tomorrow.