Academic and Advising Staff

 

Dr. Betancourt earned her M.S. in Clinical Linguistics from University of Potsdam, Germany followed by her M.S. and Ph.D. in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of South Florida. She was an inaugural fellow of the Doctoral Leadership Program at USF and completed the Professional Development in Higher Education Leadership Program. Before joining Undergraduate Studies she was an Instructor and Director of the Language, Speech, and Hearing Undergraduate Program for the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders. She was also the Chair of the General Education Council for two years and helped lead the effort of the General Education Enhancement at USF. In her current role, Dr. Betancourt is the Assistant Dean of Undergraduate Education in Undergraduate Studies. She oversees general education, two degree completion programs, one minor, undergraduate curriculum, major reselection, Exploratory Pathways, and summer initiatives.

 

Academic ENRICHMENT

Caroline Twachtman supports the UGS adjunct faculty and coordinates student success courses for first-year and transfer students. Caroline earned her Bachelor’s degree from Florida State University (History) and her Master’s degree from the University of South Florida (College Student Affairs). She completed her Ph.D. at the University of South Florida in Curriculum and Instruction (Higher Education). Her previous work experiences in higher education include admissions, Honors programs, and academic advising. She is particularly passionate about the success of first-year college students and supporting students with major changes and other transitions.

Dr. Shane Combs (he/him/his) has an undergraduate degree in Advertising, a Master of Business Administration (MBA), a graduate certificate in College Leadership, and a Ph.D. in Higher Education. He started his career in corporate marketing with companies like Activision Video Games and iHeart Media. He then founded and operated a mid-sized marketing agency from 2008-2016 where they served clients in multiple states from industries such as home improvement like James Hardie, luxury retail and automobiles like Ferrari, and restaurant brands like Five Guys.

He started his higher education career at the USF Muma College of Business career center where he would lead individual career development sessions like resume reviews and interview prep, and recruitment events with employers like Raymond James, Starbucks, Amazon, and Lockheed Martin. For the last eight years, he has led the Exploratory Program at USF, which serves first-time in college students who are still choosing their first major. Shane currently leads the academic programs team of advisors in Undergraduate Studies. 

 

ACADEMIC ADVISING

Hello, my name is Danielle Carson and I am a proud Tampa native. I obtained my Associates Degree from Hillsborough Community College, and transferred to the University of South Florida where I earned my Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology and my Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction with a Concentration in College Student Affairs. I started my career in higher education in 2016 and I have been enjoying the journey ever since. In my spare time, I enjoy shopping, listening to music, spending time with family and friends and watching a good television show. I also have a lovable Maltese named Cesar, who can usually be found by my side. 

 

 

Walter A. Davis III is a two time graduate of Southern Illinois University Carbondale with a Bachelor of Science in Education with a major in Recreation and a Master of Science in Education with a major in Workforce Education and Development. He is currently pursuing his doctoral degree in Education Administration and Higher Education. He is a native of Orlando and enjoys spending his free time exercising, lifting weights, and fishing with his six year old daughter, going to the movies with his family, reading, and watching sports.

 

Need to schedule an appointment? Please click on the appropriate link below:

• Accepted or currently registered students click here
• Prospective or non USF students, please use eScheduler

Undergraduate Studies Minors contacts:

• Leadership Studies minor, UGS-LDSMinor@usf.edu 
• ROTC Aerospace Studies minor, contact Kevin Rosario at afrotc@usf.edu or 813-974-1329
• ROTC Military Leadership and Naval Science and Leadership minors, contact Christine Borgia at borgia@usf.edu or 813-974-9783

Campus partners

• USF Sarasota Manatee
• USF St. Petersburg 

Note: Please be sure to contact / schedule appointments with your USF major advisor. Sarasota Manatee and St Petersburgs campuses have advisor available to support BGS/BSAS students.  Questions related to your specific major should be directed to the appropriate advising contacts. The UGS Advisors specialize in the programs mentioned above and cannot advise on majors other than those listed.