Meet the Staff
Career & Workforce Education
Dr. Nasser Hedayat
AVP, Career & Workforce Education
He holds a Master in Science degree in Electrical Engineering from Florida Institute of Technology, and a Doctoral degree in Higher Education Leadership from NOVA Southeastern University. He joined Valencia College in 1992 as a faculty member of the Electronics Engineering Technology program and assumed the Program Chair responsibilities for Engineering, Computer Engineering Technology, and Electronics Engineering Technology programs. In 2007, Dr. Hedayat became the Division Dean of Architecture, Engineering, and Technology at Valencia's West Campus and since July 2011 he has assumed the role of Assistant Vice President for Career and Workforce Education at Valencia College. Dr. Hedayat enjoys building relationships with both internal and external community leaders; building on current strengths, creating pathways for growth, and many other opportunities. He also enjoys golfing.
Ms. LeSena Jones
Manager of Career & Workforce Education
LeSena started working at Valencia in 1992 and has held numerous roles in her tenure at the college. She is currently the Manager for Career and Workforce Education.
LeSena is responsible for planning and implementing projects and activities that help promote and support Valencia's Career and Workforce Education programs including: the development of promotional materials for the career programs, overseeing the five-year program review process for the college's AS degree and certificate programs, developing articulation agreements that provide pathway opportunities into Valencia's career programs, managing an innovative program for faculty and staff to gain industry knowledge and experience, overseeing the process for awarding technical certificates to students, and planning industry roundtables and forums to address workforce training and employment needs.
Ms. Michelle Terrell
Director of Internships & Workforce Services
Michelle first worked for Valencia in various positions from 1999 – 2005 and returned to the Career and Workforce Education team at Valencia in 2015. She is currently serving as the Director of Internship and Workforce Services. Michelle has spent the past 23 years serving and assisting students in the areas of workforce education, college and career planning, and graduate education.
Michelle holds a Master in Science degree in Counseling from Alabama State University, a Master in Arts degree in Human Resources Management from Webster University, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Troy University.
In her spare time, Michelle enjoys traveling, reading, spending time with family and volunteering.
Gwen Murrell
Manager of Career Pathways and Tech Express to Valencia
Gwen joined Valencia College in 2018 bringing her experience and leadership to Valencia by helping students as a Tech Express and Career Pathways Coach. In 2022, she began serving as the manager of Career Pathways and continues to help students pursue a college degree.
She believes "the more you learn, the better you will live”! Partnering with the school districts to build articulated pathways for students interested in attending Valencia, she facilitates the development of innovative pathways that accelerate learning while giving students a chance to explore high-wage, high-demand careers. Gwen received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Nebraska at Omaha and her master’s from Western Governors University.
Ms. Anjela Madison
Perkins Grant Director
In 1987, Anjela began her service to higher education in Pensacola, Florida. As she transitioned to Central Florida, she continued that service by securing employment with Valencia in 2001. She holds a bachelor's and master's degree from the University of Central Florida. She currently serves at the Perkins Grant Director. She enjoys spending time with family.
Ms. Barbara Gallentine
Career and Workforce Education Data Analyst
bgallentine@valenciacollege.edu
Barbara joined the Career and Workforce Education Office in April 2022 bringing many years of Postsecondary Career and Technical Education (CTE) experience from Lake and Orange County school districts. Having worked at both the District and Institution level she appreciates the use of data in multiple settings. Barbara's primary responsibilities include economic gap analysis, State and Federal Reporting including CTE Audit analysis and baccalaureate program accountability reports, as well as program reviews and success through Tableau in collaboration with Institutional Research staff. Additionally, she is responsible for employment demand studies related to potential new and existing programs at Valencia College.
Barbara’s enjoyment of “pulling pieces together” extends to her home life where she enjoys cooking and gathering small groups of friends or family. Personal down time includes reading, movies, musical concerts and traveling within the continental states and internationally.
Vacant
Career and Workforce Education Specialist