Born in Chicago, Illinois, Dr. joyce gillie gossom has spent her life going against the grain. At the age of 16, she felt so connected to the poetry and style of e.e. cummings that her mother let Joyce legally change her name to all lower case letters, which is frequently met with resistance.

Described by those who know her as, “a leader’s leader,” joyce is a Leadership Florida, Class XXXI graduate; former City Councilmember and Florida League of Cities representative for the City of Fort Walton Beach; and former Associate Dean of the seven University of West Florida-Emerald Coast locations. Currently, she serves as Executive Director of the National Association of Branch Campus Administrators and Princess of Best Gurl inc, a unique, multi-platform company committed to all forms of effective communication.

joyce’s more than 30 years of professional experience range from special education teacher to elected official. Throughout her career, she has almost always served as an active member or officer with civic, professional, and community organizations.

Leadership, Female Leadership, Education Communication, Diversity, Inclusion, Political,