Academic Programs
Academic and Advising Staff

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, MA
Assistant Director
Beth was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York. She moved to Ocala, Florida, and 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, and a graduate certificate in College Student Affairs. Beth currently serves as the Assistant Director for two-degree completion programs housed in the Office of Undergraduate Studies: the Bachelor of General Studies (BGS) and the Bachelor of Science in Applied Science (BSAS). Beth also serves as the administrative contact for Complete Tampa Bay, a degree completion initiative funded by the Lumina Foundation, and currently serves as chair for the Council on Academic Advising at USF. Her passions include working with transfer and post-traditional students, and student success for 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 Twachtman
Assistant Director
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.
Student Assistants

Camila Gomez
Student Assistant
Camila is originally from Managua, Nicaragua. She moved to Tampa, Florida in 2018 and is now pursuing her bachelor’s degree in Political Science. She hopes to continue her education and attend law school after receiving her degree. Camila is also a staff writer at the Oracle, USF’s student-run newspaper. She enjoys spending her free time writing, reading, or watching television series.
ACADEMIC ADVISING

Walter A. Davis, III
Academic Advisor
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 or 813-974-4051
- 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
Note: Please be sure to contact / schedule appointments with your specific USF college advisor. Questions related to your specific major should be directed to the appropriate advising contacts. The above advisors specialize in the programs mentioned above and cannot advise on majors other than those listed.