For Cindy Anne Howe, she’s part of Broward College in two ways – a student and employee. Understanding students’ perspectives and being able to relate to their experiences as a college student herself has been one of the most meaningful experiences Howe, who graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Supervision and Management.

Howe, 51, is the executive assistant to Dr. David Kenton, dean of students on Broward College’s A. Hugh Adams Central Campus and has worked at the College since 2018. She enrolled in her first two college courses ever that same fall.

“Cindy is known for her selflessness, compassion, and unwavering commitment to the college community,” said Kenton. “Cindy embodies the Broward College spirit. She is a fierce advocate for the college and its mission, leaving a lasting, positive impact on everyone she encounters.”

Her journey towards her degree wasn’t always easy as she was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2022 and underwent a double mastectomy. She only took the summer off to heal and continued her studies in the fall term.

As a college employee, Howe started the Administrative Support Professionals Network in 2023, one of the College’s Employee Resource Groups. She also advises the student Martial Arts Club and won the Unsung Hero Award in 2022.

She hopes others can learn from her experience that it’s never too late to pursue a college degree.

“I believe my story can inspire those students who may have started the college journey late, or never started it at all because they didn’t have the opportunity to or life got in the way, and they doubt that as an adult over 40 they’ll be able to do it,” she said. “They can.”

After graduation, Howe hopes to advance her career within Broward College, putting the leadership skills and knowledge she gained during her college journey to good use.