Linda Steele
Ocala,Florida
Summary
U.S. Air Force Veteran and higher education leader with more than 23 years of progressive experience in veteran student services, military-affiliated programming, grant administration, workforce education, strategic operations, and student success initiatives. Proven success leading veteran-centered programs that improve recruitment, retention, engagement, persistence, and graduation outcomes for military-connected students. Currently serving as Associate Director of the Collegiate Veteran Success Center at the University of Florida, providing strategic leadership and operational oversight for federally funded College of Excellence for Veteran Student Success (CEVSS) initiatives. Experienced in veteran-friendly campus culture development, GI Bill and VA educational benefits coordination, grant administration, assessment reporting, staff supervision, student advocacy, and institutional partnership development.
Overview
1
1
Certification
36
36
years of professional experience
Work History
Associate Director, Collegiate Veteran Success Center
University of Florida
Gainesville, Florida
05.2024 - Current
- Provide strategic leadership and operational oversight for the Collegiate Veteran Success Center and federally funded College of Excellence for Veteran Student Success (CEVSS) initiatives supporting military-connected students.
- Lead implementation of programs and services focused on veteran recruitment, retention, persistence, graduation, and career readiness.
- Coordinate veteran student support services, including admissions guidance, benefits navigation, academic resource referrals, financial aid coordination, and student advocacy.
- Collaborate with Student Affairs, Enrollment Management, ROTC, academic departments, and external partners to strengthen institutional support for military-affiliated students.
- Supervise professional staff, outreach personnel, student assistants, and VA work-study students while fostering a collaborative, student-centered environment.
- Develop and facilitate Green Zone Training programs for faculty, staff, and students to improve military cultural competency and strengthen veteran-friendly campus culture.
- Plan and execute major military-affiliated recognition and engagement initiatives including the Stripes Within Campaign and Military Recognition Program.
- Assist with grant administration, assessment reporting, data tracking, and compliance activities tied to federal veteran student success initiatives.
- Implemented engagement initiatives that increased utilization of the Collegiate Veteran Success Center
EMS Program Director, Workforce Development
West Virginia Northern Community College
Wheeling, West Virginia
01.2021 - 01.2024
- Directed workforce education and EMS training programs serving traditional, adult, and military-affiliated learners across multiple campuses.
- Successfully led accreditation efforts through CoAEMSP/CAAHEP while expanding program accessibility for veterans through VA approval for GI Bill educational benefits.
- Managed program budgets, grants, curriculum development, compliance reporting, faculty supervision, and community partnerships.
- Implemented hybrid learning strategies and workforce-aligned educational initiatives designed to improve student engagement and completion outcomes.
EMS Instructor / Interim Program Director
Shawnee State University
Portsmouth, Ohio
01.2001 - 01.2024
- Managed curriculum operations, accreditation support, instructional delivery, and clinical partnerships for EMS education programs.
- Supervised instructional activities, maintained regulatory compliance, and coordinated student clinical experiences.
- Supported adult learners, workforce students, and nontraditional student populations within higher education environments.
EMS Administrator / Training Officer / Paramedic
Adams County EMS
West Union, Ohio
01.1990 - 01.2010
- Directed EMS operational training programs, scheduling, payroll administration, budget oversight, and public safety outreach initiatives.
- Led workforce training and professional development activities while supervising personnel in high-accountability environments.
Education
Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) - Higher Education Administration
University of Florida
Gainesville01-2030
Master of Education (M.Ed.) - Higher Education Leadership
Liberty University
Lynchburg07-2023
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) - Health Sciences
Shawnee State University
Portsmouth12-2018
Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) - Emergency Medical Technology
Shawnee State University
Portsmouth, OH12-2017
Skills
- Banner
- Canvas
- Maxient
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Data Tracking & Reporting Systems
- Learning Management Systems
Affiliations
- National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA) Military-Connected Students
- Florida Association of Veterans Education Specialists (FAVES)
- Council for Adult and Experiential Learning (CAEL)
- Student Veterans of America (SVA)
- National Association of EMS Educators (NAEMSE)
Certification
- Florida Department of Health – Certified Paramedic
- National Certified EMS Educator (NAEMSE)
- Green Zone Training Facilitator
Timeline
Associate Director, Collegiate Veteran Success Center
University of Florida
05.2024 - Current
EMS Program Director, Workforce Development
West Virginia Northern Community College
01.2021 - 01.2024
EMS Instructor / Interim Program Director
Shawnee State University
01.2001 - 01.2024
EMS Administrator / Training Officer / Paramedic
Adams County EMS
01.1990 - 01.2010
Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) - Higher Education Administration
University of Florida
Master of Education (M.Ed.) - Higher Education Leadership
Liberty University
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) - Health Sciences
Shawnee State University
Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) - Emergency Medical Technology
Shawnee State University
PRESENTATIONS & PROFESSIONAL ENGAGEMENT
- "Hybrid Learning in EMS Education," 2023 Community College of Appalachia Annual Conference
- “Green Zone Training,” Interface 2025 – University of Florida
- NASPA Symposium on Military-Connected Students – 2027 Conference Proposal Under Review
CORE COMPETENCIES
- Veteran & Military Student Services
- Strategic Leadership & Program Development
- Veteran-Friendly Campus Culture Initiatives
- GI Bill & VA Educational Benefits Coordination
- Recruitment, Retention & Student Success
- Grant Administration & Compliance Oversight
- Budget Management & Resource Allocation
- Staff Supervision & Team Development
- Assessment, Reporting & Data Analysis
- Student Advocacy & Resource Navigation
- Campus & Community Partnerships
- Military Culture Training & Education
- Higher Education Administration