USF Sarasota-Manatee Appoints New Director of Student Services

The University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee has named Teeranai Ovathanasin, PhD, its director of student services. He will begin his new position on Monday, June 24.

Ovathanasin has served in a variety of leadership positions, most recently as executive director of academic operations at Florida Atlantic University’s John D. MacArthur Campus in Jupiter, a position he has held since 2014.

“I am excited to be joining the USFSM team, especially now when there is so much potential for growth of the campus and expansion of programs through the consolidation of the USF System,” Ovathanasin said.

“I’m looking forward to interacting with students, faculty and staff on a daily basis to build upon the excellent programs and traditions that have been successful here, and seeking opportunities to enhance the services we provide in order for students to thrive at USFSM,” he said.

Previously, Ovathanasin served as assistant director of residential life from 2012 to 2014 at FAU Jupiter, and as resident coordinator from 2008 to 2012 at the main FAU Boca Raton campus. Before that, he held roles at the University of Miami as a career advisor from 2006 to 2008 and as a facility supervisor from 2002 to 2006.

At FAU Jupiter, Ovathanasin was responsible for administration, management and leadership of the campus, a critical role in which he directly contributed to student engagement, retention and academic success. He has direct experience leading and overseeing student services, academic support services, student engagement and advising, strategic planning, supervision, enrollment management, fiscal oversight and policy compliance.

“Coming to USFSM is a great opportunity for me to return to my passion, which is focusing my energy on programs and services that will directly contribute to student success,” Ovathanasin said.

Ovanathasin has earned numerous awards, including “Staff Member of the Year” and “Advisor of the Year” (twice) at FAU Jupiter, and he served on the university’s Campus Leadership Council, University Safety Committee and Healthy Campus 2020 Committee. He also served as an Elite Owls Red Jacket program mentor and in various other roles.

“Teeranai brings a wealth of experience in student services, student success, housing, residential life and beyond, which is all important in providing an environment where students excel,” Regional Vice Chancellor for Academic and Student Affairs Brett Kemker, PhD, said. “His extensive experience at a regional campus is of great value to USFSM, and his addition is important as we continue to focus on providing high-quality student success initiatives.”

Ovathanasin earned a PhD in educational leadership and research methodology with a concentration in higher education leadership from Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton in 2015, and he holds a master’s degree in higher education administration and bachelor’s degrees in biology and English/creative writing, both from the University of Miami.

He is a native of Rockledge in Brevard County, just south of Cocoa Beach. He and his spouse, Sarah, recently purchased a home in Bradenton.