Dr. Loretta Ovueraye named VP of Academic Affairs at Seminole State College

After a national search, Dr. Loretta Ovueraye has been named vice president of Academic Affairs at Seminole State College of Florida.

Ovueraye, who began work on June 12, has more than 20 years of experience in higher education serving as a faculty member, department chair, director of an honors college and more. Most recently she served as the vice provost for workforce programs and professional learning at Miami Dade College, making her incredibly familiar with the Florida College System. In that role, she grew the college’s vocational programs and provided leadership and guidance to the economic and workforce development programs. She created and leveraged corporate partnerships to expand educational offerings and job placement opportunities.

Through her interviews she demonstrated how she shares Seminole State’s core values and her commitment to open access, stating “talent is universal, but opportunity is often limited.” Ovueraye was also selected as one of South Florida’s Most Powerful and Influential Black Business Leaders in 2022 and South Florida’s Top Black Educators of 2022 by Legacy South Florida, a business and news publication that highlights the success and achievement of members of the Black community in the region.

Her personal educational journey has taken her around the world, from earning her bachelor’s degree in microbiology from Edo State University in Nigeria to a master’s degree in environmental science from Imperial College, University of London, and her Ed.D. in higher education administration from Northeastern University.

“I’m committed to maintaining and creating the programs that will give our students the most opportunities as they move throughout their lives,” Ovueraye said. “Unique students and an everchanging world mean we must work together on every level to make sure the students have the support and chances they need to flourish.”

In her new role, she will lead Seminole State’s faculty in helping students Go Far in their education and beyond. She will also serve on the College’s Executive Team, shaping the strategy and operations at the College through forward-thinking, an entrepreneurial spirit and compassion for College faculty, students and community.