Academic Success Staff Directory
Stacy Collins
Executive Director of Career and Academic Success
Stacy Collins began her journey at Stetson University, receiving her bachelor's and master of arts degrees. She continues to be a proud Hatter in her position as Executive Director of Career and Academic Success. In this position, she leads the department in offering various initiatives to ensure student success. Ultimately, Stacy and her team strive to help students enhance their empowerment and agency, practice self-advocacy, learn independent academic competency, reach their educational goals and graduate proudly with a degree from Stetson University.
Joanne Bembinster
Director of Academic Success
Schedule an appointment with Joanne
Joanne’s passion for higher education and her unwavering commitment to student success have been the driving force behind her career. Joanne holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sociology and a Master of Arts Degree in Educational Leadership for Higher Education from Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU). Joanne is also a Hatter alum after earning her Education Specialist Degree in Curriculum and Instruction here at Stetson! Her dedication to the Stetson community extends beyond her work in the Academic Success department. Joanne serves as the advisor to the Latinx Student Union, co-advisor to the Alpha Alpha Alpha First Generation Honor Society, and as an undergraduate adjunct instructor of Professional Communications as well as Frist-Year Seminar: Latinx Experience and Identity. She is also a graduate level adjunct instructor for Retention of Vulnerable Population in the Education Department. Joanne firmly believes that every student possesses the potential for excellence and is dedicated to providing the support and resources needed to unlock that potential. As a DeLand native, Joanne is proud to be serving Stetson University and her hometown community!
June Gwartney
Director of Accessibility Services
Schedule an appointment with June
With a background in exceptional student education and 20+ years experience of working with students with disabilities and/or their families, June sees advocacy and support as foundational to student success. She is passionate about encouraging Hatter students to achieve their goals and supporting them through any barriers they may face on the way to those achievements. June holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree from the University of North Georgia and a Masters in Exceptional Student Education from the University of Central Florida. After working in public education grades K-12 across multiple states and school districts, June is excited to bring her knowledge and expertise to the field of higher education and provide a positive experience for students with disabilities.
Alexander Navas Medina
Associate Director of Academic Success
Schedule an appointment with Alexander
Alexander is a proud graduate of Valencia College, where he earned his Bachelor's degree in Business and Organizational Leadership. He continued his academic journey by completing an MBA at Stetson University. Passionate about serving and empowering others, Alexander thrives in roles where he can support student success. In his current position, he works closely with students through academic advising and success coaching, helping them navigate the complexities of their educational and career paths. In addition to advising, Alexander helps lead the Academic Success team in ensuring that students have access to the resources, tools, and strategies they need to excel. As a first-generation college graduate, he deeply understands the unique challenges and barriers that many students face, which fuels his dedication to creating an inclusive, supportive environment in higher education.
Steven Carrillo
Coordinator of Advising Support
Schedule an appointment with Steven
Steven graduated from Stetson University with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and completed his master's degree in public administration at the University of Central Florida. A believer in autodidacticism, Steven has spent time learning public speaking, health and nutrition, graphic design and landscape photography. He is passionate about the well-being of Stetson’s ambitious students. While pursuing higher education and preparing for a new career, it is important to maintain balance and manage emotional, community and mental health. In his spare time, Steven is an avid collector of comic books and exploring new nature trails with his wife and daughter.
Sydney Burdett
Coordinator of Accessibility Services & Student Success
Schedule an appointment with Sydney
Sydney Burdett is the Coordinator of Accessibility Services and Student Success. She earned her Bachelor of Science at Florida State University. Sydney is a proven leader with effective communication skills, the ability to connect and engage, and a passion for fostering success through data-driven problem-solving and innovative strategies. She brings 10 years of experience in teaching, coaching, and supporting students and colleagues. In her free time, Sydney loves to be outdoors and go camping with her wife and dogs. She is excited to be a part of the Accessibility Services Team at Stetson University.