Academic Programs

Academic and Advising Staff

 

Kyna Betancourt

Kyna Betancourt, Ph.D.
Assistant Dean, General Education, Assessment, and  Academic Programs

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.

Beth Taylor

Beth Taylor, M.A.Ed.
Associate Director

Beth was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York and moved to Ocala, Florida in 1995. She attended the College of Central Florida as a first-generation college student, earning an associate’s degree in Political Science. Beth transferred to the University of South Florida, earning her bachelor’s degree in Political Science, a Masters in Adult Education & Leadership, with a graduate certificate in College Student Affairs. Beth currently serves as the Associate Director for two-degree completion programs housed in the Office of Undergraduate Studies: the Bachelor of General Studies and the Bachelor of Science in Applied Science. Beth also serves as the administrative contact for Complete Tampa Bay, a degree completion initiative funded by the Lumina Foundation. She provides administrative assistance to the ROTC program and served as chair for the Council on Academic Advising at USF.  Her passions include working with transfer, post-traditional students, adult learners and first -generation college students. A lover of words and the arts, Beth is a published poet and an aspiring author of fiction. 

Academic Foundations

Caroline photo

Caroline Twachtman, Ph.D.
Director, 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 is currently a doctoral candidate in the University of South Florida's Higher Education program. 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.

ACADEMIC ADVISING

Danielle Carson

Danielle Carson, M.Ed.
BGS/BSAS Academic Advisor (Last Names A-K)

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 Davis

Walter A. Davis, III, M.S. Ed
BGS/BSAS Academic Advisor (Last Names L-Z)

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:

Undergraduate Studies Minors contacts:

Campus partners

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.