SPOTLIGHT ON ALUMNI
Dr . Sandy Handfield and Dr . Laura Sidoran
COMING FULL CIRCLE
ALUMNI TYPICALLY have strong ties to and strong feelings about their alma mater . When your educational pursuits bring you back full circle , however , you often have a very different sense of belonging , and a much better sense of the student journey .
The college is blessed to have two such alum in Dr . Sandy Handfield , Associate Vice President of Academic Affairs and Dr . Laura Sidoran , Associate Vice President of Student Affairs . Although their paths were different , their career journeys have parallel lines .
Sandy Handfield began her career at EFSC as a 17-year-old student worker from Cocoa High School through what was then called the Cooperative Business Education program . “ It ’ s hard to believe that I began my career here at the college in 1971 when I was just 17 ,” said Handfield . “ I was the first in my family to attend college , so I felt a great sense of responsibility to do well and be successful . I thoroughly enjoyed all of my classes at then BCC .”
She went on to earn her Bachelor ’ s degree in Public Administration from the University of Central Florida , her Master ’ s degree from the University of Phoenix in Organizational Management and her Doctoral degree in Leadership and Management from Capella University .
“ Looking back on my career at the College , I attribute my success to the educators and mentors that I have had the pleasure to serve with and work under ,” added Handfield . “ I believe that it may take time before the results of our leadership efforts are fully known or recognized . Our talents and our treasures may pay dividends so far down the road that we may never see the outcome . However , it ’ s important to always do the right thing at the right time in the right way . I am so blessed to work at a job that I love .”
Admittedly not a good student at the start , Laura Sidoran didn ’ t have the guidance she needed to be successful . “ I was a first-generation college student ,” said Sidoran . “ Neither of my parents graduated from high school and I didn ’ t understand or value an education .”
In her second semester , she fell behind and started to give up . She stopped going to class and had pretty much made up her mind that it wasn ’ t worth it . “ One of my instructors called the house to check on me ,” added Sidoran . “ I told her I was too far behind , would never be able to catch up and that I was going to withdraw . She asked me not to and extended my deadline by a few days to get my work done . Then she said four words that changed the course of my life forever – I believe in you . I will forever be grateful for the precious gift she gave me .”
Sidoran finished her semester strong and never stopped . She earned her Bachelor ’ s degree in Education from Georgia Southern University and both a Master ’ s degree in School Psychology and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from the University of Central Florida .
Additionally , Sidoran taught for nearly 10 years . She brings that understanding of classroom dynamics to her latest role at EFSC . “ I love that I have this special lens on both the classroom and what students may need along the way ,” said Sidoran . “ What I really enjoy is being able to create , develop and implement support systems to better help students thrive and succeed at the very school that gave me my start . I wouldn ’ t be here today if it wasn ’ t for this school and that special instructor who believed in me . I want to pay it forward every day .”
From left to right , Dr . Sandy Handfield , Associate Vice President of Academic Affairs and Dr . Laura Sidoran , Associate Vice President of Student Affairs .
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