From being a local high school scholar in a program that serves students of low-income families to directing a renowned Florida State University program with the same mission, DeOnte Brown has made full-circle strides in his career.
And on top of being director of FSU’s Center for Academic Retention and Enhancement (CARE) program for the past four years, he has been named the new dean of the Division of Undergraduate Studies at the university as well – a role he began on Nov. 14.
“My personal commitment to student success is powered by the belief that every student deserves access to opportunity, support and pathways to excellence,” Brown said in a prepared statement.
Before being promoted to the dean position, Brown was serving as assistant dean in the Division of Undergraduate Studies. Stepping into the new role, he replaces Joe O’Shea, who served as the dean for the past five years but has been serving as the university’s first vice president for Student Academic Success since July.
A Quincy native, Brown earned his bachelor’s degree in public administration from the University of Central Florida as a first-generation college student, a master’s degree in education from Florida A&M University and a doctoral degree in learning sciences from Clemson University in South Carolina.
But prior to the collegiate journey, he was a student of FSU CARE’s Upward Bound program from 2003 to 2006 when he attended Gadsden County High School, formerly known as East Gadsden High. The program – which helps students in grades 9-12 by preparing them to graduate high school in order to attend and graduate from the college of their choice – serves students from low-income families in the Gadsden, Hamilton, Jackson and Suwannee counties, and it is funded by the U.S. Department of Education over a five-year cycle.
Brown’s journey at FSU started as an academic success coach in 2010. As CARE director since 2021, he has led student success efforts that serve first-generation students like himself as well as individuals eligible for Pell Grants – which are government subsidies that help low-income students pay for college – and those who have experienced homelessness or foster care.
Through the CARE position, Brown has secured several millions of dollars in federal grants to support Upward Bound programs and Student Support Services programs managed by CARE.
“DeOnte Brown’s visionary leadership has had a life-changing impact on thousands of students across our university,” O’Shea said in a prepared statement. “He has helped create powerful learning environments that support and engage FSU students to reach their highest potential, and I’m excited to see Dr. Brown bring his thoughtfulness and collaborative energy to this new role.”
In addition, Brown’s accolades include being presented with the 2024-2025 Most Valuable Faculty Award by the Iota Delta Chapter of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity and receiving a 2020 Outstanding First-Year Student Advocate Award.
As the dean of undergraduate studies, Brown will serve as an academic leader for most freshmen and sophomores until they are admitted to an upper-division major. He will also oversee several departments and programs, including the Presidential Scholars and Honors programs and the CARE program, which he will continue to direct while a national search is conducted for his replacement, according to the university.
“Our outstanding faculty and staff in undergraduate studies play a critical role in shaping the undergraduate student experience by fostering student learning, academic engagement and holistic support,” Brown said in a prepared statement. “I look forward to working alongside faculty, staff and students to continue achieving positive student success results and providing an enriching undergraduate education.”
Tarah Jean is the higher education reporter for the Tallahassee Democrat, a member of the USA TODAY Network – Florida. She can be reached at tjean@tallahassee.com. Follow her on X: @tarahjean_.
This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: FSU CARE leader DeOnte Brown gains title as undergraduate studies dean
Reporting by Tarah Jean, Tallahassee Democrat / Tallahassee Democrat
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