Leah Nusman, coordinator, TRIO Student Support Services, SCF

Leah Nusman grew up in Bradenton. As a first-generation college student with limited financial resources, she started her higher education journey at Manatee Community College (now State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota) in 2001. She took classes and worked as a student employee in what is now the Office of the Registrar beginning in 2003.

“I learned so much working at the front counter in the registrar’s office and admissions,” said Nusman. “It eventually led me to advising and supporting students in their educational journey.”

After graduating with her Associate in Arts degree from SCF, Nusman accepted a full-time position with the college’s registrar’s office in February 2006 while continuing to save for her education. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of South Florida. She continued full-time work at SCF as an academic advisor and success coach in what is now College and Career Success, as well as her current position as the coordinator of TRIO Student Support Services (SSS).

Nusman’s responsibilities include academic advising, success coaching and emotional support services for first-generation and low-income students and students with disabilities, so they can access resources, overcome barriers and achieve academic and career success.

“My senior year of high school included a lot of family and financial turmoil, and I had no idea how I was going to pay for college,” Nusman said. “I would have qualified for TRIO SSS if the college had the program at that time. I love helping students who are in a similar position and trying to prevent them from making the same mistakes that I did.”

Serving Proudly at SCF

In her role, Nusman assists students with class planning, including those facing multiple job and family commitments while attending SCF. She helps students address registration issues, connect to financial aid, navigate the college system and manage the transfer process to colleges and universities. She also supports Kristen Anderson, Ph.D., program director, and supervises Raúl Fernández-Calienes, Ph.D., supplemental instruction specialist, and the peer math tutor.

The TRIO SSS team has consistently contributed to student success. In the Spring 2026 graduating class, 12 graduates participated in the TRIO SSS program, including the Outstanding Graduate Award winner for the second consecutive semester.

“The TRIO SSS students inspire me with their determination and resilience,” said Nusman. “It is a joy and a privilege to work with them.”

Nusman appreciates her education, career opportunities and the relationships she has found at SCF.

“If SCF had not been here, I do not know what I would have done,” Nusman said. “For me, SCF means friendship and opportunity. The greatest gift SCF has given me is my husband, Grant.”

Honoring Excellence at SCF

The National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development recognized Nusman as one of six SCF faculty and staff members to receive a 2026 Excellence Award. SCF colleagues nominated the winners based on their outstanding commitment, talent, teaching and service.

“Kristen Anderson has given me support and friendship for success in my TRIO SSS role, so I can best help our students,” said Nusman.

In reflection, Nusman said her greatest achievement is not giving up, even while balancing studying, working and caring for her terminally ill mother. She credits her mother’s love and attention to her education and SCF’s Office of the Registrar staff’s friendship and college navigation guidance for setting her up for success.

“My mom always told my sister and me that, ‘They can take your home and the shirt off your back, but no one can take away what you know,’” Nusman said. “My mom was encouraging and very much involved in our education.  I was not going to let our circumstances hold me back. I was determined to earn my bachelor’s degree so I could better help our financial situation.”

Nusman is now pursuing a Master of Science in Psychology from Arizona State University.

Life Outside of SCF

In her free time, Nusman enjoys reading and watching K-dramas and other movies. She and her husband like trying new restaurants, grocery stores and markets and traveling. The couple attended their first Broadway show, Cabaret, in New York City.

Nusman also loved visiting 108th Street in Queens, New York, the Getty Museum and Little Tokyo in Los Angeles, and Chinatown in San Francisco.