About Us

Chelsea Creaturo is a proud USF St. Petersburg graduate with a B.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies, concentrating in Anthropology and Psychology. She has a decade of experience in higher education, including roles in institutional effectiveness as a Research Analyst, in academic operations as a Registrar, and in national survey research focused on student and institutional outcomes. Her interdisciplinary background informs a holistic and data-informed approach to understanding student experiences and translating insights into inclusive, student-centered strategies that strengthen campuswide success initiatives.

Abigail "Abby" Enriquez serves as the Administrative Specialist in Undergraduate Studies at USF St. Petersburg. A proud graduate of USF, she earned her B.A. in Interdisciplinary Social Sciences with a minor in Anthropology. Abby is dedicated to creating a welcoming environment and connecting students with the resources they need to thrive.

Emily Jakubisin is the Student Success Advocate serving first and second year cohorts for the University of South Florida St. Petersburg campus. She comes to USF St. Petersburg by way of USF Tampa’s Office of Academic Advocacy where she served as the Intake Facilitator. As the First and Second Year Student Success Advocate, Emily collaborates with academic departments, colleges, and university personnel to support first and second year students experiencing barriers to their academic success.  

Emily Jakubisin
First & Second Year Student Success Advocate
Email: emilyjakubisin@usf.edu 

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Biography
Emily Jakubisin is the Student Success Advocate serving first and second year cohorts for the University of South Florida St. Petersburg campus. She comes to USF St. Petersburg by way of USF Tampa’s Office of Academic Advocacy where she served as the Intake Facilitator. As the First and Second Year Student Success Advocate, Emily collaborates with academic departments, colleges, and university personnel to support first and second year students experiencing barriers to their academic success.  

Emily is a member of the National Academic Advising Association (NACADA) and the National Association of Social Workers (NASW). She currently serves as Cohort Representative on the Master of Social Work Committee. Emily brings five years of teaching experience rated Highly Effective in Orange County and Hillsborough County Public Schools. She is passionate about the intersection of education and students' mental health and overall wellbeing.

Emily earned her Bachelor of Arts in English Literature with a Minor in French Language from the Florida State University and anticipates completion of her Master of Social Work from the University of South Florida in Spring 2024.

Marketa has more than 15 years of administrative experience with the university and is passionate about supporting students’ success. Her areas of expertise include admissions counseling and advising, recruitment, and enrollment services for undergraduate and graduate students. She is a Saint Petersburg native and a USF alum for her undergraduate and graduate education. Marketa has worked for USF for nearly 20 years.

Sheila Goethe is a Coordinator of Advising in Undergraduate Studies on the University of South Florida St. Petersburg campus. She is a member of The National Association for Academic Advisors and a USF alum. She has worked in higher education since 1987 and at USF for over 25 years. During her tenure at USF, she has worked on various committees including the Academic Regulations Committee, the Council for Academic Advisors, the Undergraduate Council, and the Southeastern Association of Colleges and Schools.

Renee E. Wallace, MPH, CHES®, CPH is a proud Tampa native and dedicated public health professional with a strong foundation in student engagement, wellness, and inter-professional education. A University of South Florida alumna, Renee earned her Master of Public Health from the College of Public Health, where she also completed the Institute for Translational Research Education in Adolescent Substance Use (ITRE).

Renee’s introduction to USF began in Campus Recreation’s Fitness department, where she led a team of 25 group fitness instructors. Once she transitioned to a full-time student, she served as a graduate assistant for the USF-Champions for Children: Positive Parenting Partnership and the COPH Activist Lab. Renee also served as a peer advocate, representing COPH on the USF Health Executive Student Leadership Board and bolstered the success of the college by serving as a student representative on past COPH accreditation committees. Renee brings a diverse skill set having professional experience in a broad range of settings, to also include private consulting, municipal, and non-profit agencies. Most recently, Renee has served as an Admissions Recruiter Advisor for Shared Student Services at USF Health, supporting student success through inter-professional, student-centered programming.

In her free time, she enjoys dancing salsa, biking, walks in nature, and spending time with loved ones. A lifelong learner and puzzle enthusiast, she often enjoys unwinding with a mug of warm tea while immersed in a jigsaw puzzle, Sudoku, or word game.

Renee's personal and professional journeys reflect her commitment to empowerment, mentorship, and academic excellence. Her career is anchored in a passion for promoting wellness and creating meaningful community impact. She looks forward to continuing to practice that passion as she returns to the College of Public Health.

James Walker comes to USF St. Petersburg from Saint Leo University where he served as an Undergraduate Student Advisor and a Graduate Student Advisor. In his previous roles he led committees on re-entry student retention as well as the training committee. Prior to Saint Leo University he was a staff member at Hillsborough Community College serving in the Registrar’s Office as well as in admissions/advising for the Ybor City campus.

In the role of Academic Advisor II, James is responsible for all programs in the College of Behavioral and Community Sciences which includes Criminology and Forensic Studies & Justice (not accepting new students). The responsibilities of this role include program advising, graduation certification, orientation presentations, assigned student initiatives, and data/metrics analysis and collection.

James earned his undergraduate degree in International Relations from Eckerd College (St. Petersburg, FL), a Master’s Degree in Political Science from USF (Tampa Campus), and a Master’s Degree in Cybersecurity from Saint Leo University (Tampa, FL).