Meet the Staff

Human Resources

Sonja Shea (Sarasota-Manatee campus)

Title: Administrative Assistant
Email: sonjashea@usf.edu

Although a transplant from northern New Jersey, Sonja Shea has now been in Sarasota for over twenty years. She received her BA in History and Religious Studies from the University of South Florida and then went on to get her MA in Museum Studies from Johns Hopkins University. As a graduate student she learned to create educational experiences for multi-generational audiences and examined new models of non-profit education strategies, while exploring the role of the arts as an agent of social change. She also developed an understanding of curatorial theory and practice. She later completed a graduate certificate program at the Institute of Curatorial Practice at Wesleyan University, where she expanded on her love of the performing arts. Her graduate studies were completed while working full time at The Ringling Museum, where she grew over 15 years. After the birth of her daughter, she returned to work at her Alma Matter (USF) in the Office of Graduate Studies on the Sarasota-Manatee Campus. 

Chanita Belcher (Tampa campus)

Title: Student Receptionist
Phone: (813) 974-2846
Email: grad-liaisonmail@usf.edu

Chanita attended the University of South Florida where she received a Bachelor of Arts in History with a double minor in Creative Writing and Africana Studies. In her undergrad, she became a published poet in the university's literary magazine, Thread. She is currently furthering her education at USF by pursuing a Master's degree in the Master of Art in Teaching Social Science Education program. In her free time, Chanita enjoys writing, reading, and spending time with family and friends.
Chanita is the receptionist for the Office of Graduate Studies, where she performs general administrative support functions.