Joan Ledbetter

Joan Ledbetter serves as an Assistant Teaching Professor in the First-Year Studies Department at The University of Tampa, specializing in first-year student transition programs and academic support initiatives.

Her educational qualifications include:

• 1993: BAIS from University of South Carolina
• 1999: M.Ed. from University of South Carolina
• 2007: M.A. from Shorter College
• 2016: Ed.D. from University of Alabama

Dr. Ledbetter's research centers on critical aspects of undergraduate success, with emphasis on career decision-making self-efficacy development, retention mechanisms in first-year and transfer student programming, and writing preparedness assessment for incoming college students. Her work directly informs curriculum design for foundational academic courses and institutional support services.

Her professional recognition includes:

• Four Caught in the Act of Caring Awards — GHC
• First-Year Student Support Award (2010) — Shorter College
• Staff Employee of the Year (2007) — Shorter College

As an active academic advisor and community contributor, Ledbetter has served as Equality Alliance advisor, student mentor coordinator, and frequent presenter on career advising topics. Her community engagement spans 13+ years with Kiwanis (including officer roles), Keep Rome/Floyd Beautiful board service, and Rome High School Business Advisory Committee membership.