Lisa Armour is Santa Fe College’s new interim provost and vice president for academic affairs.
With the start of her role as interim provost Thursday, Armour said she looks forward to fulfilling her duties through leadership for the college’s academics. She said one of her goals while she fills the temporary position is to optimize the Fall semester schedule by offering a blend of in-person, online, hybrid and HyFlex classes where students can choose whether to attend online or in person.
“I have a deep appreciation for academic affairs service to students,” Armour said. “Anything I can contribute to excellent learning at Santa Fe, I will.”
Armour said she has appreciated her time at Santa Fe College since starting in 2011 after working as a dean and professor of mathematics at Valencia College in Orlando and has enjoyed her most recent role at Santa Fe College as vice president for assessment, research and technology.
With three decades in higher education and over 20 years of experience in academic affairs, Armour is qualified to understand the needs of professors, deans and staff, Santa Fe College President Paul Broadie II said.
“Having that type of experience, she can relate very well with faculty at various levels of the institution,” he said.
Broadie said he chose Armour for the provost position because of her deep commitment to student learning, her ability to collaborate and her breadth of experience and knowledge.
“She’s going to do an outstanding job,” Broadie said. “And Santa Fe College is fortunate to have her as the interim provost.”
Armour will take over the provost position from Edward Bonahue, whose roles included providing leadership for academic programs, collaborating with UF to help students transfer and developing workforce and economic opportunities for students and the college community, Bonahue said.
During Bonahue’s time in leadership, the college added nine bachelor’s programs, expanded foreign language courses and increased study abroad opportunities, according to a press release.
Bonahue has decided to leave Santa Fe College to work as the president of Suffolk County Community College in New York, according to a press release. He has been with Santa Fe College for 23 years, where he first started as a humanities and theater professor in 1997, according to the release.
Bonahue said he sees the position as both a privilege and a responsibility, as it entails ensuring students have good educational experiences while faculty and staff have the resources needed to succeed.
Over the years, Armour has connected with the community by working to close equity gaps and has provided strategic direction for college departments, services and projects, according to a Santa Fe College press release.
She said she is especially proud of the college winning the Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence in 2015.
“Being part of the team that earned the 2015 Aspen Prize for this community was a real highlight for me,” Armour said. “To see the pride the community took in us, to see what a pleasure it was for the faculty and staff at the college to be recognized for that achievement was amazing.”
Armour said the transition has been smooth as she has spoken and consulted with Bonahue about the position. The two have worked together at Santa Fe College for the last 10 years.
Santa Fe College English professor Rhonda Morris said Armour is one of the best bosses she’s ever had.
“She’s quick to collaborate, and yet, as a leader, she’s also decisive and direct and really a straight shooter,” Morris said.
Contact Antonia LaRocca at alarocca@alligator.org. Follow her on Twitter @antoniarlarocca.
Antonia LaRocca is a staff writer at The Alligator.
