LaShae Roberts
Assistant Dean and Director of Advising First
LaShae serves as an Assistant Dean of the Division of Undergraduate Studies and Director of Advising First. Shae has earned degrees from Florida State including a Bachelor’s in Criminology and Sociology and a Master’s in Criminology, and is currently pursuing a Master’s in Clinical Social Work. Shae has worked with the Coaching program since 2010 and has contributed to the program’s growth over the years. Shae has presented the Coaching program at conferences – the National Academic Advising Association (NACADA), Florida Academic Advising Association (FLACADA) and the National College Life Center Association (NCLCA) – sharing techniques of how to engage a student in their college experience. Shae enjoys building relationships with campus partners, managing and analyzing data and performance, and mentoring the coaching leadership team. As a first-generation college student, Shae is a firm believer that all students can benefit from work working with a coach, and seeks to collaborate and empower students to be proactive in their college experience.
John Carter
Associate Director of Advising First
John Carter is an Associate Director for the Advising First program at Florida State University. John is a 1994 graduate from Florida State University with a Bachelor’s of Science in Criminology. While working towards that degree, he was employed part time in the Graduation Section of the Registrar’s Office. Upon graduation, he began full time employment within the Registrar. During this employment, he was involved with Readmissions and Non-Degree Seeking student application processing. In 2001 John started working with the CARE Program as an academic advisor before moving to his current position as Associate Director of Advising First program in 2003. In his current role, John helps manage a group of 70 staff members, including academic advisors, college life coaches, program managers, and support staff. John is a native of Tallahassee, a father, a golfer, and a lifelong Seminole fan.
Ruby Taylor
Associate Director of Advising First
Ruby Taylor serves as an Associate Director for the Advising First Program at Florida State University. Ruby earned her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Florida A & M University and her Master of Arts in Human Services Counseling from Liberty University. Before coming to FSU, Ruby worked in both Secondary and Post-Secondary education, developing programs for student academic success, career exploration and professional development. She also taught College Success courses as an adjunct instructor at Tallahassee Community College before transitioning to Florida A & M University where she served as an Academic Advisor and a Career Specialist. In her current role, Ruby helps to manage a team of academic advisors and provides oversight to the Advising First Center for Exploratory Students and Center for Academic Planning. Her experience working with students on career exploration and major selection has made her extremely passionate about helping students to access resources and cultivate skills that will help them make informed and confident decisions for their future. Outside of work, Ruby enjoys mentoring teens, spending time with her daughter, trying new restaurants, and a good Netflix series binge.
John Strickland
Assistant Director of Advisor Training and Development
John Strickland serves as Assistant Director of Advisor Training and Development at Florida State University. John received both his Bachelor’s Degree in Telecommunications and his Master’s Degree in College Student Personnel Administration from the University of West Florida in Pensacola, FL. Before beginning his FSU experience as an academic advisor for First-Year Exploratory students at FSU in 2018, John spent two years serving the same role at Indiana University Northwest in Gary, Indiana. John presented at the NACADA Region 4 Conference and NACADA National Conference in 2019 with his presentation, “Advising is a Joke: How the Theory and Philosophy of Humor Can Influence Advising Practices.” Outside of work, John co-manages the custodial ownership of three cats with his wife, Michelle. John also shreds neat guitar solos and does his own laundry, a significant point of personal pride.
Delilah Thomas
Assistant Director of Advising First/Center for Exploratory
Delilah Thomas serves as Program Coordinator for the Advising First Center for Academic Planning. Delilah received her B.B.A. in Finance from Valdosta State University in 2009. After beginning her career in higher education and gaining experience working with students as a Financial Aid Officer in Jacksonville, FL, Delilah returned to Valdosta State University to attain a M.Ed. in Higher Education Leadership. Delilah moved to Tallahassee to work at Florida State University in 2016 as an academic advisor with The Advising First Center for Exploratory Students. Since working at Florida State, Delilah has served as a task force lead, a senior advisor, and an adjunct instructor within the Division of Undergraduate Studies. She has spearheaded exploratory programming and presented at state, regional and national conferences on topics focused on developmental advising approaches and exploratory students. Delilah is passionate about assisting students in the major decision-making process, as she aims to support their personal, academic and career goals. Outside of work, Delilah enjoys being outdoors kayaking, hiking, trail running and biking. She practices and teaches yoga and is always on the search for her next travel adventure.
Sarah Sikes
Program Manager for Advising First/ Center for Academic Planning
Sarah Sikes serves as the Program Manager for the Center for Academic Planning within Advising First. Sarah received her Bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Social Sciences from Florida State University in 2020, and is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Education Policy & Evaluation, as well as a graduate certificate in Institutional Research. Sarah has been employed by FSU since 2016. She worked in the Office of Admissions overseeing phone operations and counseling transfer applicants for 6 years before making the shift to exploratory advising. As a non-traditional college graduate, Sarah is enthusiastic about helping students navigate the twists, turns, and non-linear pathways to academic success. Outside of work, Sarah enjoys running, cooking, and hanging out with her big gray cat, Possum.
Charlene Howard
Program Manager for Advising First/ Exploratory Course
Ivan Myers
Assistant Director of Advising First and manages the Center for College Life Coaching
Ivan Myers serves as Assistant Director of Advising First and manages the Center for College Life Coaching at Florida State University. Ivan received his bachelor’s in Finance and Sport Management from Florida State in 2012 and a master’s in Sport Management at Florida State in 2021. He previously served as Director of Impact at the FSU Wesley Foundation from 2014-2016. Ivan presented at the 2019 ACTP conference and helped lead a two-day coaching skills training at Auburn University. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his wife, Kayla, appeasing their dogs, Samson and Lilah, and attending FSU sporting events.
Rolando Torres
Assistant Program Manager of Advising First/College Life Coaching
Rolando "Roly" Torres serves as the Assistant Program Manager for the Advising First Center for College Life Coaching. Roly has his bachelor's degree in Information Technology from Florida International University and his master's in Higher Education from Florida State University. Roly has worked with the Coaching program since 2014 and has supported several program initiatives. Roly has presented at multiple conferences– the National Academic Advising Association (NACADA), Florida Academic Advising Association (FLACADA), and the LeaderShape Institute as a Co-Lead Facilitator. As a first-generation Cuban college student, Roly is passionate about empowering Hispanic students to find their place and passion at FSU. Roly also enjoys hiking, weightlifting, and all things Dungeons and Dragons in his spare time.