SHANNON MACDONALD NAMED AS CAMPUS DIRECTOR

Port Charlotte, Fla., (April 28, 2009) – Shannon MacDonald has been appointed campus director for Southwest Florida College’s new Port Charlotte campus.

MacDonald said her goal in her new position is for SWFC to become a larger part of the community. “What we do is important to everyone,” she said. “We change lives and in today’s economy, it’s great to know that someone is out there willing to help others achieve their goals.”

Originally from Rochester, N.Y., MacDonald began her relationship with the college as a student in 1997, graduating the following year as valedictorian of her class. After earning her A.S. degree, she was hired as a full-time administrative assistant to the executive vice president of the college at the time, Richard Ashley.

Since then, MacDonald has worn many hats at Southwest Florida College, including working as a career services coordinator and career services director. In December of 2006, she became bursar, a position she excelled at for three years.

MacDonald has an associate’s degree from Southwest Florida College and graduated in 1998 as a valedictorian. She earned her bachelor’s degree Summa Cum Laude in executive management from International College. While earning both of her degrees, she also worked full time.

What does she like most about being at Southwest Florida College? Graduation! “Because it’s the pinnacle of a student’s hard work and achievement and I’m always profoundly moved at the ceremony when I reflect on the role that the college has been able to play in reaching a life-changing commitment,” MacDonald said. She went on to say that SWFC has diverse student population. Every employee plays pivotal role ensuring that students meet the goals they set for themselves from the very first admissions appointment.

“Many of our students thought college and a degree were unattainable goals until SWFC showed them otherwise. I am proud and honored to be part of their success.”

When asked what she did in her free time, MacDonald responded that she doesn’t provide herself with a lot of free time. “I am a workaholic and enjoy what I do,” she said. When she does have free time, MacDonald enjoys reading and sitting on the beach in the evening.

Southwest Florida College is an accredited, private institution of higher learning centrally located in Fort Myers, Tampa, Port Charlotte, and includes the Institute of Interior Design located within the Miromar Design Center in Estero. The College has been providing post secondary education to Floridians since 1974 and offers programs in Allied Health, Business, Design, Education, Information Technology and Legal Studies. Its mission is to provide educational opportunities for individuals to acquire knowledge and skills that will help prepare them for rewarding careers in fields with high growth potential. For more information, call toll free 888-526-7973 or visit http://www.swfc.edu.