The University of South Florida announced today the appointment of Charleita Richardson as executive director of the Florida College Access Network (FCAN). An independent, statewide network, FCAN represents a cross-section of more than 700 organizations and institutions devoted to improving college access and success for minorities and other students underrepresented in higher education. Richardson will provide strategic leadership for FCAN, which is hosted by USF, with proven expertise to increase access to education and ensure a pathway to economic mobility for all Floridians.
Richardson comes to USF from Richmond, Va., where she served as the president and CEO of Partnership for the Future, an organization dedicated to providing high-achieving students with the fuel they need to pursue their aspirations. As a champion for students in her community, she was recently recognized as a Richmond Times Dispatch Person of the Year Honoree and Richmond History Maker.
“The University of South Florida is most pleased to find such a passionate advocate to continue the important work of FCAN,” Paul Dosal, USF vice president of student success, said. “Ms. Richardson will oversee the execution of the organization’s 2020-25 strategic plan and build upon the accomplishments of this phenomenal organization.”
Richardson holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Randolph-Macon College and a master’s in business administration from Strayer University, as well as a certificate in nonprofit management from Virginia Commonwealth University.
“I am thrilled to join the team at FCAN and work to meet the goals and objectives set forth in the strategic plan. To date, FCAN has accomplished a lot under the current leadership and with the hard work of a mighty team,” Richardson said. “I look forward to the next stage of this organization and know that with the existing solid foundation, we will continue to do great things.”
Richardson replaces retiring Laurie Meggesin, who launched FCAN’s first strategic plan in 2013 and led the expansion of the state’s college access movement to support 17 community coalitions that collectively represent 82 percent of the state’s population.
Richardson will begin her new role on Aug. 31.