Estill steps in as FSCC Dean of Instruction

Donna Estill brings a variety of professional experience to the table in her new job as dean of instruction at Fort Scott Community College.

Estill, who previously worked as the chairwoman for the Humanities Division at Alabama Southern Community College in Monroeville, Ala., began her new job duties at FSCC on Monday.

During a Thursday interview with The Fort Scott Tribune, Estill said she is already starting to feel comfortable after only a few days on the job.

"So far the people are just wonderful to work with here," she said. "There is a feeling of community."

Throughout her career, she has worked at various libraries and colleges and K-12 private education systems in Alabama. She has also worked as a budget analyst and administrator, and also taught English for several years.

"I've had a lot of different experiences that have helped me to see the big picture and the great challenges and thrills of education," Estill said.

In her position as chairwoman of the Humanities Division at ASCC, Estill's responsibilities included hiring and supervising instructors, serving on the college's academic counsel, and course scheduling. She is now the chief academic officer at FSCC, and many of her duties will include providing guidance and supervision over all academic programs at the college.

"I'll be representing the college in any way I can," she said. "I'm excited about getting involved in the community."

Estill's background also includes a 3-year stint as the managing editor for a chemistry journal at the University of Alabama. On a statewide basis, Estill has served as the assistant director of the Alabama Center for Literary Arts. Her responsibilities there included planning, developing, and implementing the annual Alabama Writers Symposium.

Estill said she learned about the position at FSCC from her husband, whose grandparents live in Pleasanton.

"I felt like it was a really nice fit when I interviewed for the job," she said.

Although it is early in her career at FSCC, there are still a few challenges she will need to overcome in the coming months.

"Right now it's just about getting to know a new place and way of doing things," she said. "There are a lot of new procedures to learn."

Much of her job this week has involved "meeting people and filling out paperwork." She has also been spending time designing the fall inservice schedule for FSCC instructors and staff.

Estill has earned a doctorate degree in higher education administration and has nearly 25 years of experience working in education, including public and private education and both secondary and post-secondary education.

"Donna was an outstanding candidate for this position and the college will benefit from her years of experience," FSCC President Clayton Tatro said.