Meet our Admin Team
Dr. Santos R. Cortez
Director of the Writing and Academic Support Center
|O| 904-256-7932
|E| scortez@ju.edu
A native Texan, Dr. Cortez earned his doctorate in Developmental Education with a concentration in learning support from Texas State University, San Marcos. He earned his master's in educational leadership and policy studies from the University of Texas, San Antonio, and his Bachelor of Exercise and Sports Science with a minor in History, from Texas State University, San Marcos. Currently, he is the Director of the Writing and Academic Support Center housed in Swisher Library's 3rd floor. Dr. Cortez oversees three academic assistance programs offered to Jacksonville University (JU) students, writing consultation for undergraduate and graduate students, supplemental instruction services to targeted courses that are traditionally rigorous such as mathematics and science, and academic peer tutoring for multiple courses offered at JU.
Dr. Cortez began his career as a middle school social studies educator in the inner-city of San Antonio, Texas, in the fall of 2001. Shortly after the 9/11 attacks, Dr. Cortez resigned his teaching contract and enlisted in the United States Army as an infantryman and was assigned to the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) out of Fort Campbell, KY, where he saw extensive combat in both Iraq and Afghanistan. He served for 8 ½ years and returned to San Antonio to pursue a secondary career as an assistant principal. After completion of his master's degree in 2012, Dr. Cortez decided to pursue his doctoral degree for the purpose of beginning a postsecondary career serving student veterans through academic support, such as tutoring.
Dr. Cortez has a 23yr old son, Anthony, who is currently enrolled as a senior at Texas State University where he is pursuing a bachelor's degree in public relations with a minor in business administration. Dr. Cortez enjoys working with students in helping them successfully complete their academic trajectories resulting in degree attainment. On his free time, you can find Dr. Cortez on the beach, at the gym, attending live concerts, or cooking for friends and family.
Sangeetha Karri earned her B.S., in Health Sciences at the University of Central Florida. She is currently pursuing her Doctorate in Occupational Therapy at Jacksonville University. After graduating Sangeetha wants to specialize in acute care and spinal cord injuries, as well as serve those in third world countries.
Currently, Sangeetha is the Senior Graduate Assistant at the Writing and Academic Support Center. This semester, she is overseeing the supplemental intruction leaders of the center. She is also the representative for the Florida Occupational Therapy Association, through the Student Occupational Therapy Association of Jacksonville University.
Sangeetha is from Orlando and is a true Florida native. She also lived in India for three years, where she attended school and learned to read and write in her native language. She loves to dance (was on a competitive dance team), read, go to the beach, and cook. Sangeetha chose to work in the Academic Support Center to develop her leadership skills, which she will carry on in her OT career after she graduates!
|O| 904.256.7123
|E| tutoring@ju.edu
Shelby Harpe
|O| 904-256-7123
|E| tutoring@ju.edu
Shelby earned her B.S. in Public Policy and Kinesiology with a concentration in pre-medical from Jacksonville University. She transferred to JU from Austin Peay State University in her junior year of undergrad. Currently, Shelby is studying for her Master's in Public Policy and Juris Doctor. She will begin Law School in August of 2024. Her law career will start this summer, as she is interning with the Walton County District Attorney's Office.
Currently, she is the Senior Graduate Assistant of the Writing and Academic Support Center housed in Swisher Library's 3rd floor. She oversees the graduate assistant team, writing consultants, and peer tutors.
Shelby is a part of the Jacksonville University's Softball team, as well as the Secretary
of the Student Athlete Advisory Committee and Treasurer of Morgan's Message committee.
Her hobbies aside from softball include playing with her two dogs, Bentley and Axel,
reading, going to the beach, and shopping.
Shelby's family plays a huge role in her life, not only as her biggest fans, but also
her role models. Her mom, Julie, is a principal for private preschool and elementary
school; this has helped Shelby be a leader as she has followed her mom's footsteps.
At the end of this semester, she will be moving home to be with her family (dad, mom,
brother, sister, and brother-in-law) before she starts her journey to law school!
Elise Ravech
|O| 904-256-7123
|E| tutoring@ju.edu
Elise is currently a thriving sophomore here at Jacksonville University. While a Sustainability and Environmental planning major, she has a high passion for writing and helping others gain confidence in their writing. Currently, she is the Lead Writing Consultant at the Writing Center on the library's third floor. Elise believes that writing is a great way to express your true thoughts, and true passions can be found (discovered?) while completing an English assignment.
In her free time, she enjoys going to the beach, reading, and hanging out with friends. She prides herself on always being there for whoever needs it and whatever role they need her in, whether a friend, family member, or even leader. She is excited to take on this role here with the ASC and encourages you to come to the writing center with any questions, big or small. We are here to help!