Dawn Joyce
Dawn Joyce is an accomplished Associate English Professor at St. Petersburg College (SPC) Clearwater/Seminole Campus, where she has been teaching since 2012. With over two decades of experience in higher education, she specializes in Composition I and II and plays an active leadership role as a student and faculty mentor. Dawn is also one of the lead professors for SPC’s Study Abroad programs since 2015, where she brings literature and writing to life through immersive, global experiences. She has led programs to Australia/New Zealand, China/Hong Kong, Ecuador/Galapagos Islands, Japan, Scandinavia, England/Ireland and Wales and Morocco, Africa in May 2025.
Before joining SPC, Dawn taught at Edison State College, where she focused on technical writing and composition, helping students develop real-world communication skills. She recently expanded her leadership role as the Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Honor Society advisor for the Seminole Campus, supporting academic excellence and student engagement both inside and outside the classroom.
Dawn holds a Master of Arts in English Language and Literature from California State University-Sacramento, with a specialization in post-secondary pedagogy, and a Bachelor of Applied Science in Education from Wright State University. Passionate about student success, global learning, and inclusive education, she brings a dynamic and student-centered approach to every aspect of her work.
• Les Mills Body Flow
• YMCA Group Exercise
• California State University-Sacramento
• Wright State University
• First Time Titans Mentoring Program
• PTK Honor Society
• Feeding Tampa Bay
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is to always know your "why." Make sure you're doing the work for the right reasons—whether it’s to inspire, to educate, or to create impact. When your purpose is clear, it becomes your compass through challenges and your motivation to keep going. My motto is "If you love what you do, you will never work a day in your life." Confucius
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in higher education is learning how to embrace AI and teach students how to use it effectively. AI is here to stay, so it is up to higher educators to give them the tools to use AI. The key is to teach students to use AI as a learning partner, not a shortcut.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
In both my work and personal life, I value balance, integrity, and continuous growth. I believe in showing up fully—whether I’m supporting students in the classroom or spending time recharging through activities I love like yoga and boating. These moments of clarity and connection help me stay grounded, focused, and present in everything I do.