Meet the Staff

As a leader in higher education for more than 25 years, Ms. Vanselow has been an advocate for students, faculty, and staff through her work in academic affairs, enrollment management, student affairs, program development, accreditation, and strategic planning. Before joining the Florida Gulf Coast University family, Ms. Vanselow’s experiences included academic advising, enrollment management, and program development at Michigan State University, the University of Tampa, and St. Petersburg College. She also served as the Dean of Enrollment Management and the Dean of Baccalaureate and University Partnership programs at Edison State College (now Florida SouthWestern State College).

Ms. Vanselow has served in roles related to regional accreditation, program review, and institutional effectiveness. In 2018, she became the inaugural director of FGCU Complete. Through this program, she led efforts to broaden FGCU’s reach and increase adult student access to FGCU. In 2020, Ms. Vanselow worked collaboratively with colleagues across the campus to help launch FGCU Accelerate (online, accelerated, graduate degree initiative) and in 2022, she assumed her current role as Assistant Vice President for Innovation Education and Partnerships where she provides leadership for Micro-credentialing and Digital Badge initiatives, FGCU Complete, Return to the Nest, prior learning assessment, and professional development programs for regional partners.

In collaboration with university colleagues and regional partners, Kristen serves on teams bringing regional and national recognition to Southwest Florida. This includes a 2020 Lumina Foundation designation as a Talent Hub, the 2022 Good Jobs Challenge Grant Award from the EDA, and the 2023 Department of Labor grant to expand logistics and supply chain programming. Kristen also joins the FGCU team as a Credential As You Go participant in national conversations surrounding stackable credentials, micro-credentials and digital badges. She recently served on a Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) task force to develop policy language regarding micro-credentials, serves on the Strategic Planning and Continuous Improvement Advisory Committee for the School District of Lee County in Florida, is a graduate of Leadership Estero, a member of the CareerSource of Southwest Florida Education & Industry Coalition, is a FutureMaker, a Peer Learning Leader for UPCEA, and serves on the Future of Work Florida Chamber Foundation Advisory Board.

 

I'Riel is a highly motivated and results-oriented educational leader with a proven track record of success in driving student enrollment and fostering impactful partnerships. Holding a B.A. in Psychology and a M.A. in Educational Leadership from Florida Gulf Coast University, I'Riel possesses a deep understanding of human behavior and a strong commitment to creating positive learning environments.

As Manager for Innovative Education & Partnerships, I'Riel plays a pivotal role in developing and executing strategic marketing campaigns that effectively communicate the unique value proposition of FGCU to prospective students. Her expertise in student recruitment, coupled with her exceptional interpersonal skills, enables her to build strong relationships with key stakeholders, including prospective students, parents, and community partners.

I'Riel's leadership extends beyond her professional responsibilities. She is a dedicated volunteer with Paws Crossed Inc., a non-profit animal rescue organization, where she serves as the Adoption/Volunteer Coordinator. This role demonstrates her strong commitment to community service and her ability to effectively manage and motivate teams.

Beyond her professional and volunteer endeavors, I'Riel enjoys a fulfilling personal life. She finds inspiration in various creative pursuits, including listening to music, cooking, and writing. She also cherishes spending quality time with her beloved dogs, family, and friends.

As a part of the Continuing Education and Skills Academy team at Florida Gulf Coast University, Tifarah Pardue works on talent initiatives across the university. She also works to develop micro-credentials and skill badges that address the skill gaps across various industries. As a part of her work with FutureMakers Coalition, a nationally recognized collective impact initiative, she also co-chairs several committees. She serves on several committees focused on regional and collaborative approaches to address workforce development in Southwest Florida. She joins this team after working at FGCU for the past 6 years both in the Lutgert College fo Business as the Corporate Programs Coordinator, where she oversaw internships for the college at both the graduate and undergraduate level and worked directly with local and national employers to address recruitment needs and challenges. Prior to this, she also worked in various community outreach positions across the region.  

Originally from Arizona, she and her husband have called Fort Myers home for almost a decade and have a six-year-old daughter. In addition to her professional roles, she is an occasional runner, a working mom, and a workforce development champion. She is also pursuing her Ed.D. at Florida Gulf Coast University and studies workforce development trends and graduate employability factors. She received her M.A. from Colorado State University in English and worked as a composition instructor before focusing on community outreach, fundraising, and program development work over the last decade.

Catherine is the Administrative Assistant II to the Assistant Vice President of Innovative Education and Partnerships, Kristen Vanselow.  As the Administrative Assistant Catherine maintains departmental documents, electronic records and project preparation. Catherine also assists with travel arrangements, scheduling appointments, coordinating events, purchasing and daily office communication. 

Catherine joined FGCU in the fall of 2015 and has served as the administrative support for the Office of the Provost for Academic Affairs, Office of Planning and Institutional Performance, Office of the Ombuds, and Human Resources prior to joining the Innovative Education and Partnerships department.

Prior to joining FGCU Catherine held the following positions, Executive Assistant to the Superintendent, City of Cape Coral Charter School Authority, Support Services Manager, Henderson Franklin Starnes & Holt, PA., Executive Assistant to the Senior Partner and Managing Director, PA Consulting Group, New York City, New York and Assistant Director of Rooms Division, Essex House Hotel, New York City, New York.

Catherine holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Dance from Western Michigan University and a Certificate in Human Resource Management from Florida Atlantic University.  Catherine lives in Cape Coral with her daughter and their two cats, Smudgee and Miyagi.  In Catherine’s free time she enjoys baking, dancing, reading and traveling with her daughter Liliana.

Dr. Fortin, a Visiting Assistant Professor of Integrated Studies at FGCU and Faculty Coordinator of Digital Badges and Micro-credentials, has extensive experience in development of workforce credentials and digital badges relevant to the Southwest Florida population. Dr. Fortin has led the development of the 10 transferable skills digital badge courses in addition to resources to support faculty and community partners interested in developing micro-credentials with FGCU. Dr. Fortin has contributed to the development of non-credit program offerings through the Continuing Education and Skills Academy of FGCU. Dr. Fortin volunteers to lead the Career Pathways initiative with the FutureMakers Coalition. She also works closely with the Roots of Compassion and Kindness (ROCK) Center through her research and teaching.

Melissa is a graduate of St. Petersburg College and the University of South Florida and is currently pursuing a Masters degree in History at Florida Gulf Coast University. She is a Florida native reigning from Clearwater (claiming world’s most beautiful beach!)  She is the Lead Navigator for the FGCU Complete program which assists students who have returned to complete a baccalaureate degree. Melissa brings a strong sense of empathy and guidance and has the ability to work with any age, any background. She finds it very fulfilling to help others attain a college degree as she has a keen sense of how obtaining a higher degree can change one’s life.

Melissa is immersing herself in all the great outdoor activities that Southwest Florida has to offer and has become involved in volunteering for CREW Land Management and loves to hike all the great trails.  

Ashley Bowers serves as a Complete Student Navigator in Innovative Education and Partnerships at Florida Gulf Coast University. She joined the team in spring 2022. As an individual born and raised in Southwest Florida Ashley has a commitment to the success of our community. She strongly believes that education leads to opportunity and that this access should be available to all that commit to personal achievement.

Ashley earned a bachelor's degree in Business Administration with concentrations in Marketing and Management along with a Master of Education with specializations in Higher Education and Student Affairs at the University of South Florida. Following college, Ashley worked as a Traveling Leadership Consultant for Zeta Tau Alpha Fraternity.  During her graduate education Ashley served as the Graduate Assistant for Academic Initiatives in Residence Life and was an intern at the University of Utah developing a residential curriculum program.  Ashley worked for many years at Champions For Learning a not-for-profit organization in Collier County that focuses on providing lifelong learning experiences for every student.  Prior to working at Champions For Learning Ashley was a professional at Florida Gulf Coast University as an Academic Retention Coordinator in the Center for Academic Achievement and at the University of South Carolina as a Residence Life Coordinator for the Capstone Scholars housing community.

Ashley and her husband, Jamie, have a young daughter and black lab. Jamie teaches 4th grade at Spring Creek Elementary in Bonita Springs, FL. They live on Fort Myers Beach and enjoy Florida outdoor adventures, home improvement projects, Disney World, traveling, and most importantly spending time with loved ones.

Rita's professional joy stems from my current work with Integrated Education and Partnerships and....as a “seasoned” educator, I have taught K-12 general and special education students along with having experience as a principal and coordinator of curriculum, instruction, and assessment.  In higher education, I have taught undergraduate and graduate coursework and have been an academic advisor and college administrator. My personal joy is spent with my Mom, family, friends, and my doggies!. In addition, I enjoy volunteer work with various animal rescues as well as being focused on a healthy lifestyle.

Joshua Fortin joined the Innovative Education and partnerships team as an FGCU Complete Student Navigator in Fall 2023. Prior to becoming a navigator, Joshua was an academic advisor for FGCU’s College of Arts & Science and the Water School. He also worked as a social studies teacher in Lee and Charlotte Counties. Prior to academia Joshua worked in corporate IT e-learnings which led to his career in education. He also serves as an adjunct professor for several FGCU complete courses each semester.

Joshua earned his Masters degree in History from FGCU. He has expanded his initial focus on medieval world history and has authored several chapters for Routledge focusing on the Second World War.

His wife Dr. Andrea Fortin also works at FGCU as a professor and faculty coordinator for Digital Badges and Micro-credentials. Together they enjoy gaming with friends and adventures in new parenthood.

Christina is a graduate of Northern Arizona University.  She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Interdisciplinary Studies with concentrations in Business and Communication.

Christina joined the Innovative Education and Partnerships team as an Enrollment Specialist in Fall 2023.  She moved from Arizona where she worked as an Instructional Specialist for the Allied Health Department and the Del Webb Family Enrichment Center at Yavapai College. One of the highlights of her life is when Christina and her husband, Matt, lived on the island of American Samoa in the South Pacific for over three years.  Christina taught English (ESOL) at South Pacific Academy, a K-12 private school, where her children attended. She loved working with international students and being immersed in the vibrant culture of the island. Christina has always thrived in an environment where she can serve and help others achieve their academic goals.

Christina and her family love living in Southwest Florida. They enjoy kayaking, watching the sunset at the beach, and traveling with family and friends.

Dr. Ally Zhou is the Director of Professional and Cultural Education and Professor of TESOL in the Office of Academic Affairs—Innovative Education and Partnerships at Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU). Prior to this role, she served as Chair of the Department of Teacher Preparation Programs and Chair of the Department of Curriculum, Instruction, and Culture in the College of Education at FGCU.

Dr. Zhou holds a Ph.D. in Second Language Education from the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education at the University of Toronto. Her teaching and research focus on second language writing, pedagogical grammar, English for Academic Purposes, discourse analysis, English curriculum reform, and government-funded professional and leadership development programs. She was recently selected as a Fulbright U.S. Scholar and is currently serving as the 2025-2026 Fulbright Canada Research Chair in Scholarship of Teaching and Learning at University Canada West. She has served as Principal Investigator and Project Director for four Fulbright Teaching Excellence and Achievement Programs and as Principal Investigator and Academic Director for two Mandela Washington Fellowship Leadership Institutes, both sponsored by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and administered by IREX. Dr. Zhou has served on the U.S. Student Fulbright National Screening Committee.