Debra Dorsett

A Florida native, born in Clearwater, Debra Dorsett joined the St. Petersburg College staff 28 years ago, long before the Junior was dropped from the name. She has served in several capacities within the college but gets the most fulfillment from her current role as academic advisor, helping students navigate from the point of entry to the college to graduation. She brings 14 years of experience as an advisor and a wealth of knowledge about prerequisites for the state university system, community colleges and SPC’s academic programs. From a student’s perspective, she has completed a number of courses online and is pursuing her second online program (a B.S. degree in Educational Studies) at St. Petersburg College.

Welcita Gann

Originally from the Philippines, Welcita joined the SPC staff in 1999 as a student assistant. After completing her A.A. in 2005, she completed her B.A.S. in Technology Management - completely online - in May 2006. She also has an A.S. in Network Services Technology and several certificates in networking and other technical specialties. Before becoming a Cyber Advisor, Welcita was a student services specialist in the Learning Commons at SPC's Seminole Campus. "I've taken dozens of eCampus online classes," Welcita says, "so I'm very familiar with online learning from the student's perspective. Plus, with my education in technology and my experience working at SPC, I feel like I can really help students make progress toward their educational goals."

Danielle Kelly

Originally from Georgia, Dani Kelly has lived most of her life in Florida. She joined the SPC team in 1996 and has years of experience helping students with admissions, registration, testing and advising questions. She has been an advisor for eight years and is currently an advisor for the Early College Program. She also has served as an advisor to the Honors College, developed academic planning workshops and advisor training sessions.

“As a former SPC student, I have taken courses in the classroom and online,” Kelly said. “This helps me understand the student perspective as I help them reach their academic goals.” 

Jan Long

A Pennsylvania native, Jan has been an eCampus Cyber Advisor since the fall of 2002. After teaching elementary school for five years, Jan joined then-SPJC's Institutional Testing department in 1989. She later became an academic advisor at the Seminole campus, and from there moved into her role as Cyber Advisor. Looking back at her elementary school teaching days, Jan says there isn't a lot of difference in how she did her job then and how she does it now: "I just treat people with respect, whether they're big or small. And being resourceful is important - finding ways to get things done for the students."

Joseph Smith

Joseph Smith started at SPC over 20 years ago, and says "over these years I have enjoyed helping our students determine their educational goals and how to obtain them. Cyber Advising is a great mark on the college for accomodating the needs of our students in this growing and more technical age."

Joseph also Chairs the Juvenile Welfare Board of Pinellas County and is the Vice-Chair of the Pinellas County Personnel Board.