Broward College Announces Two Key Senior Leadership Appointments

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (August 12, 2019) – Two senior members of the Broward College Leadership Team have been appointed to new positions as part of the College's strategic approach to improving its organizational structure and elevating its status as a leader in talent development and workforce education. Dr. Marielena DeSanctis is the provost and senior vice president for Academic Affairs and Student Services, and Dr. Mildred Coyne is the senior vice president of Workforce Education and Innovation. 

Dr. DeSanctis, who previously served as provost and senior vice president on an interim basis, was selected from a field of more than 70 candidates following a national search. Dr. DeSanctis has a proven record of student success, academic excellence, and educational leadership. She assumes this role with almost six years of experience as an engineer and 21 years in K-12 and higher education, including previously serving Broward College as president of the A. Hugh Adams Central Campus and vice president for Student Services.

A native of Florida, Dr. DeSanctis has a doctoral degree in educational leadership from Florida Atlantic University, a master's degree in math education from Nova Southeastern University, and a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from Georgia Institute of Technology.

For the last year, Dr. Coyne has been instrumental in leading Broward UP™, the College's community-centric approach to improving social mobility through increased postsecondary education access and attainment. Today, 65 percent of all jobs require a credential beyond high school. Meanwhile, only 43.9 percent of Broward County residents aged 25-64 are prepared with a workforce-relevant certificate, two-year degree, or higher. In addition, employers continue to need talent to support their businesses in this thriving economy. Dr. Coyne and her team will continue to proactively engage with academic and student service leaders, as well as employers and external agencies to support workforce degrees and programs. This includes innovationand programing for certificates, workforce Associate of Science and baccalaureate degrees, entrepreneurship education programs, and further development of the Innovation Hub (BCEx). Dr. Coyne will also continue to provide leadership for Career Services and Advising, Continuing Education, Corporate Relations, Grants Development, Institutional Planning and Effectiveness, and Institutional Research.

Joining Broward College in 2013 from Eastern Florida State College, Dr. Coyne is a 25-year professional in the Florida College System. She has focused her career on guiding students to make educational choices mapped to careers that improve their quality of life and the local economy. 

Dr. Coyne earned her doctorate in leadership and management and her Master of Science in Higher Education Administration from Capella University and a bachelor's degree from Point Park University.

In congratulating Drs. DeSanctis and Coyne, Broward College President Gregory Adam Haile, Esq. stated, "They both exemplify an uncompromising work ethic and high level of personal and professional integrity. I am confident their shared passion for student success will continue to help Broward College realize its bold ambitions now and well into the future. I am grateful for these two extraordinary colleagues and their relentless efforts to enhance the lives of Broward County residents."