New agency leader remains committed to building up regional networks that support a college-going culture, ensuring that 60% of Florida residents have a degree or certificate by the year 2025.
The Florida College Access Network announced the appointment of Laurie Meggesin as the new executive director of the Florida College Access Network. As executive director, she will oversee community engagement and policy efforts statewide, aimed at dramatically increasing the number of Florida residents who earn a college degree or credential.
“I am honored to be joining Florida C.A.N.! Across the state, we remain committed to catalyzing local networks made up of leaders from the public, private and nonprofit sectors who want to work together to increase college preparation, access and success in their communities,” said Meggesin.
A former partner at a Dallas-based law firm, Meggesin brings broad experience in marketing, public relations, nonprofit management and the development of collaborative partnerships. As an attorney she was named a Texas Super Lawyer. In the nonprofit arena, she has a decade of experience managing programs for disadvantaged youth and coordinating services in community development, job training and immigrant integration.
“Laurie’s training and experience as a lawyer, combined with her expertise in the management of nonprofit programs, position her to lead the strategic plan of the Florida College Access Network,” says Dr. Paul Dosal, Vice Provost for Student Success at the University of South Florida and chair of the search committee. “Perhaps more importantly, she brings a passion for advocating on behalf of the underrepresented students of Florida, who will benefit from FCAN’s efforts to promote college readiness, access, and success.”
Meggesin earned a J.D. from the University of Texas and a bachelor’s degree from Columbia College in Chicago. She holds a graduate certificate in nonprofit management from the University of South Florida.
About the Florida College Access Network
The mission of the Florida College Access Network is to create and strengthen a statewide network that catalyzes and supports communities to improve college & career preparation, access, and completion for all students. Our Big Goal is to increase the percentage of Florida residents who hold a high-quality postsecondary degree or credential to 60% by the year 2025. For more information, visit www.floridacollegeaccess.org