Dick J. Puglisi
Dr. Dick Puglisi is Professor, Stavros Chair in Free Enterprise & Economic Education and Director of the Gus A. Stavros Center. Dr. Puglisi also is a member of the Department of Secondary Education in the College of Education at USF. A faculty member since 1969, Dr. Puglisi has served as Director of the center since 1980 and also is the Assistant Dean for Business/Education Partnerships in the College of Education. He is a recipient of the coveted Freedoms Foundation Award for Excellence in Private Enterprise Education.
Fred Dorsett
Prior to joining the Stavros Center in 1998 as a Program Coordinator, Mr. Fred Dorsett completed 31 years as a social studies teacher and department chair in Pinellas County Schools. During that time, he served as a student government advisor, taught college courses, and directed teacher-training programs. Mr. Dorsett assisted in the development of local, state, and national K-12 curricula on a variety of topics and has been editorial consultant for several textbook companies. He is an active member of the Florida Council for the Social Studies having served in various leadership positions and committee assignments.
Deborah Kozdras
Dr. Deborah Kozdras joined the Stavros Center in 2010 as an Instructor and Chief Creative Officer. Prior to her work at the Stavros Center Dr. Kozdras worked for 11 years as an elementary school teacher. From 2005-2010 she completed her Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction with a focus in Literacy and the English Language Arts at the University of South Florida. While completing the program, Dr. Kozdras was the recipient of a Carnegie Predoctoral Fellowship from the National Academy of Education. She has presented both research and practical workshops at a variety of national and international conferences and has published a variety of articles, book chapters, and lesson plans.
David P. Scott
Mr. David Scott recently joined the Stavros Center as the BB&T Master Teacher Educator. Previously, he had taught social studies for 8 years at Brandon High School, specializing in Economics and Advanced Placement Economics. Mr. Scott helped develop the curriculum and final exams for Economics and Economics Honors for Hillsborough County Public Schools. He also facilitated workshops and mentored teachers involved in Advanced Placement Economics. Prior to teaching, Lt Col Scott was a trained economist who served over 20 years in the U.S. Air Force as a combat rescue helicopter pilot, squadron commander, and staff officer with extensive experience in international economics and Latin American and Middle Eastern affairs.
Jennifer Fitzsimmons
Jennifer Fitzsimmons served as the Office Manager of the Stavros Center from 1995 - 2001. She returned to the Stavros Center in 2010 as the Office Coordinator.
