Getting to Know Your Advisor

Originally from Kentucky, Bonita Dove brings over 25 years of experience in higher education across Kentucky, South Carolina, and the Texas A&M System. She holds both her B.A. and M.A. from Morehead State University and joined FGCU in July 2025.

Throughout her career, Bonita has remained deeply committed to student-centered advising, strategic retention initiatives, and fostering a culture of belonging. With a background in counseling and over 16 years as an adjunct sociology instructor, she leads with inclusion, compassion, and a collaborative spirit to create equitable learning environments where every student and team member feels valued and supported.

Outside of work, Bonita enjoys family life as a proud wife and mother of two sons.

I grew up in Binghamton, New York. I received a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Economics from the SUNY Oneonta and a Master of Science degree in Student Affairs Administration from Binghamton University. My favorite things about FGCU are how friendly and welcoming the entire FGCU Community is as well as how focused we are in regards to sustainability and environmental preservation. I have a labrador retriever puppy named Coal who loves frisbee, tennis balls and snuggling. Florida’s sun and beaches brought me here but nothing is better than Fall in Upstate New York!

Greetings, my name is Tricia Miller. I am originally from Central Wisconsin and earned my bachelor’s degree at the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh in Human Services and my masters in Counseling/Higher Education from Lakeland University.  My husband and I relocated to Southwest Florida and we love it!  We enjoy travel, exploring, and road trips! Being an academic advisor is a very rewarding career, it is amazing to watch each student grow personally, professionally and academically. FGCU is a very special college; the students, staff and faculty are always working together to put FGCU on the map!  The college has grown so much and will continue to grow due to the hard work of our students, staff and faculty! I look forward to working with you, to ensure your success here at FGCU! Go Eagles! 

I was born and raised as a Florida native and a double Eagle! In 2015, I graduated from Florida Gulf Coast University with my Bachelor’s degree in Marketing and in 2020, graduated again with my Master’s degree in Educational Leadership. My favorite thing about FGCU is our small class sizes, our beautiful campus, and how many different opportunities there are to get involved!  Outside of FGCU, I am an avid animal lover with 3 cats at home and a big reader! I am always down to see pictures of your animals or to chat about your latest read!

Hello! I am originally from West Palm Beach, FL but have been living in Fort Myers, FL since 2014. I am a Double Eagle where I gained my Bachelor’s degree in Health Science Administration and my Master's degree in Educational Leadership here at Florida Gulf Coast University. In my final year of grad school, I got to intern with Career Development Services and Exploratory Advising where I found my passion for advising. I love helping students find their perfect academic journey and sometimes that means changing our major four times but that is completely normal! Life is about the journey, not the destination. Some things I like to do outside of work is watching shows and movies, spending time with friends, traveling as much as I can with my husband, and hanging out with our two cats! 

Hello, I’m Kandrick Barnes and I was born and raised here in Fort Myers, FL. I completed my Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration at Bethune Cookman University and my Master’s degree in Educational Leadership at Nova Southeastern University. I’ve also completed an Educational Specialists degree and have completed all of my course work for my Doctor of Philosophy degree in Educational Leadership. Currently my wife and I have two beautiful children, I enjoy chess, sports and giving back to my community. Proud life member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc., where our motto is “Friendship is Essential to the Soul.”

Greetings! My family moved from Ohio to Punta Gorda when I was four years old, which makes me almost a Florida native. I graduated from Charlotte High School and then moved back to the Midwest for college. At Bradley University in Illinois, I studied Philosophy and Theatre Arts. After a post-college stint in Chicago, I decided to bring my love of critical thinking, language, and storytelling back into the classroom as an English, Drama, Creative Writing, and Public Speaking teacher. I received my Master of Arts in Teaching from the University of Louisville in Kentucky.

 After graduating in 2006, I moved back down to SWFL and have been a teacher here for 17 years (6 at Gateway Intermediate Charter School and 11 at Estero High School). Working with students has always been my passion, and I am excited about advising FGCU students and helping them turn their ideas into impact. I am a lifelong learner, so I love to read and explore deep concepts. To continue my academic career, I plan on earning a master’s degree in Instructional Design here at FGCU. When I am not working or studying, my favorite thing to do is to enjoy nature with my dog (Tilly) and my cat (Luz Marie). Go Tarpons, Braves, Cards, and Eagles!

I am a Florida girl, born and raised! In 2011 I attended FGCU for my BA in History, then continued for an MA in 2015. When I graduated again in 2017, I chose to pursue a second MA at the University of Alabama (Roll tide!). Afterwards, I chose to return to my beloved home state and teach middle school social studies for 6 years. Remembering the amazing experience I had as a student of FGCU, I decided it was time to return to the nest as a Academic Advisor. When I am not at work, I love to spend time with my family or travelling the world on solo adventures.

Hi, Eagles! I was born in New York but raised right here in SWFL. I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology in 2017 and my Master’s degree in Counseling in 2020– both from FGCU. I have experience in school counseling and advising of all ages, from Kindergarten to Higher Education. When I am not on campus, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, reading, and cycling. I have a very sassy goldendoodle named Penny. Looking forward to connecting with our students and helping them succeed. Wings Up!

Hey there! I was born and raised in Miami, Florida. I earned my Bachelor’s Degree in History with a secondary Social Studies teacher certification and my Master’s Degree in History at Florida International University (FIU). During my graduate studies, I worked as an office assistant in the Department of Politics and International Relations, which sparked my passion for higher education. After graduation, I transitioned into academic advising, where I’ve worked for nearly two years.

I love inspiring students to see that they can pursue almost anything with a liberal arts degree and enjoy mentoring them to become career-ready. FGCU is a vibrant community with incredible resources, and I am excited to help students explore their potential and make the most of their college experience. In my spare time, I enjoy traveling, discovering new food and cultures, exploring new places, and staying active with fitness—my new favorite hobby! I look forward to being part of the FGCU community and working with our amazing students!

Hey Eagles! I’ve been in Florida for most of my life. Lived in the Southeast area for about 5 years but since then I’ve been in this general area with my humble abode residing in Naples. I’m a double Eagle with an undergraduate degree in Interdisciplinary Entrepreneurship which I obtained in 2019 and a graduate degree in Business Administration which I obtained in 2021. I did create and manage my own company with those degrees, but I’ve been looking to give back in a more direct way and I thought this was the perfect fit for me! I want to do my best to give back to this great University that provided me with phenomenal experiences and memories by helping its students not only succeed but prosper in whatever they choose to pursue. Outside of work, I play beach volleyball twice a week, I like to spend time out in nature whether that be walking around a park or kayaking down some rivers, I also love spending time with my two cats, Bastet and Hali. Another big passion of mine is travel; my top 3 places I’ve been to would be Scotland, Egypt and Oregon!

With a B.A. in English Literature and Translation, an M.A. in Linguistics, and a Ph.D. in Education from the University of Central Florida, I’ve spent the last 15 years immersed in language, teaching, and student support. I’ve taught English in a variety of settings and served as an instructor and adjunct professor at UCF, where I worked closely with students from diverse backgrounds, helping them grow both academically and personally.

Whether I’m in the classroom or in an advising session, my greatest passion is helping students discover their strengths and take confident steps toward their goals. At FGCU, I’m excited to be part of a campus community that truly values exploration, growth, and student success. In Exploratory Advising, we’re here to support students at every stage of their journey, from choosing a major to finding the right resources, always with compassion, encouragement, and purpose.

Outside of work, you can usually find me lifting weights at the gym or in the kitchen trying out a new recipe for my family. I believe that balance, curiosity, and care, whether in life or learning, go a long way.

Hey Eagles! I’m originally from Columbia, South Carolina, which aside from seven years in Charlotte, is where I've spent most of my time. I’m excited to be part of the FGCU community as an Academic Advisor. I hold a B.S. in Psychology and Theology and an M.A. in School Counseling. Throughout my career, I’ve supported students through school counseling, leadership development, and personalized guidance.

My passion lies in helping students discover their strengths, set meaningful goals, and take confident steps toward their future.

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my two young daughters, exploring the outdoors, and visiting local favorites like the beach and museums. I’m also a lifelong learner with a deep interest in philosophy and science. I’m thrilled to bring my experience and energy to an amazing place like FGCU and look forward to supporting students in achieving their goals!

I was born and raised in Lakeland, Florida. I earned both my Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree at the University of Florida in Family, Youth and Community Science and Student Personnel in Higher Education, respectively. Throughout my graduate and professional career, I have worked in academic advising, academic support for students with disabilities, and career services. I love working as an academic advisor because professionals in these roles are able to be an aid to students. These connections not only shape the student’s experiences in college but impact their future as well! FGCU is a special place where students can connect with incredible resources that help them grow and develop, which is what college is all about! In my spare time, I enjoy hanging out with my family, visiting friends, traveling, going fishing, and crafting. I look forward to connecting and working with FGCU students!