Center for Academic Guidance

Dana Auvil Assistant Director

Dana holds an Ed.S. in Higher Education Administration, M.S. in Integrated Marketing and Management Communication, and a B.S. in Communication, all earned through Florida State University. She joins the Center with more than 20 years' experience at the University having advised prospective medical students on creating a competitive application, graduate students on requirements for writing a thesis or dissertation, and community college students on requirements to transfer.

As a first-generation college student, Dana has a strong focus on the obstacles students face when seeking admission to, and then graduation from, institutions of higher education. Outside of work, she volunteers in the Tallahassee community through the Junior League of Tallahassee and serves on the Board of Directors for the local nonprofit, Ability 1st. In her free time, Dana enjoys being with her family and close friends, all things sports – especially attending her children’s softball and lacrosse games - and catching up on bingeworthy television.

Favorite Quote: “It is our choices, that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities.” - Albus Dumbledore

Sarah Lovins Bacani Senior Academic Guide

Sarah is a proud Florida State University alumna who has built her career around helping people find their path, recognize their strengths, and thrive. She earned a B.S. in Political Science with a minor in Geology from FSU and recently completed her Master of Social Work, bringing together her passion for student success, human development, and the connection between people and their environments. With nearly a decade of experience in higher education, Sarah has supported college students through academic challenges, transitions, and moments of uncertainty, and has presented at regional and national conferences with NACADA: The Global Community for Academic Advising. She believes meaningful support starts with creating a space where people feel seen, safe enough to be honest, and empowered to take ownership of their own growth. Outside of work, Sarah an avid reader, and unapologetic LEGO enthusiast who loves the creativity, nostalgia, and sense of accomplishment that come with building something piece by piece.

Favorite Quote: “We only need to be one person. We only need to feel one existence. We don't have to do everything in order to be everything because we are already infinite.” -Matt Haig

LaToya Lee Senior Academic Guide

LaToya earned her B.A. degree in Psychology from Florida Atlantic University, and M.A. in Educational Leadership from Florida Gulf Coast University. Prior to her current role as a Senior Academic Guide, LaToya worked as an academic advisor for more than 15 years at Florida public universities. She is passionate about helping students make informed decisions pertaining to their goals and supporting them as they navigate their unique college experiences. In her free time, LaToya enjoys spending time with her family and friends, watching sunsets at the beach, reading, and practicing mindfulness through meditation and yoga.

Favorite Quote: “For there is always light. If only we’re brave enough to see it. If only we’re brave enough to be it.” – Amanda Gorman

Lisa Mitchell Senior Academic Guide

Lisa joins the Center for Academic Guidance with experience in both teaching (15+ years) and advising (3+ years). She earned both her B.A. in Theatre and her M.S. in English Education at Florida State University. Lisa finds great satisfaction in encouraging and guiding college students throughout their educational journey. She strives to help students recognize their value and embrace being the author of their own story.

Favorite Quote: “What we know matters, but who we are matters more.” – Brené Brown

Jazmin Murillo Senior Academic Guide

Jazmin earned both her B.S. degree in Criminology and her Master's in Social Work from Florida State University. During her graduate studies, she worked with FSU's Victim Advocate Program in 2025 and previously worked as a volunteer crisis advocate for Naples' Project HELP in 2021-2022. In her previous role with Advising First, Jazmin served as a Health & Wellness Initiative Lead and helped distribute resources and newsletters to her fellow advisors.

Jazmin enjoys her work with college students because she understands the complexities of college life and how important it is to have someone advocating for you along the way. She wants every student to walk away from each meeting feeling empowered and having a deeper understanding of the resources available to them at FSU. During her downtime, Jazmin enjoys exploring new trails around Tallahassee, reading, and trying out all the coffee shops in town.

Favorite Quote: "In the darkest times, hope is something you give yourself. That is the meaning of inner strength." - Uncle Iroh

Kelechi Nnaji Senior Academic Guide

Kelechi earned her B.S. degree in Psychology from the University of Florida and holds a M.S. degree in Counseling & Human Systems from Florida State University. Before beginning her role as a Senior Academic Guide, Kelechi served in several student-facing roles including jobs in career services, counseling services, and learning & evaluation. She enjoys working with college students to aid in identifying their goals and making progress toward accomplishing them. With a background in mental health service, Kelechi emphasizes overall wellness and connecting students to resources to meet their personal, professional, and academic needs.

Favorite Quote: "Things turn out best for the people who make the best of the way things turn out." — John Wooden

Bernard Shuford Senior Academic Guide

Bernard comes to the Center for Academic Guidance with over 15 years of experience in higher education and academic support services. He earned his B.S. in Journalism/Public Relations from Florida A&M University, and a M.S. in Sport Management from Florida State University. Bernard’s favorite part of academic guidance is the teaching aspect—guiding students as they develop and apply critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

During his time with Advising First, Bernard has instructed SLS 1122: Strategies for Academic Success and SLS 3140: Academic Success Strategies for Transfer Students. As a Senior Academic Guide, Bernard applies a strength-based approach to develop support strategies that reflect each student’s unique values, needs, and aspirations. He is dedicated to helping students identify key barriers to positive change and develop the commitment needed to achieve their academic goals.

Favorite Quote: “Goals are about the results you want to achieve. Systems are about the process that lead to those results.” – James Clear