South Florida Local News
After a distinguished 34-year career in higher education, Nancy Botero will retire from her leadership role at Broward College in August 2025
Fort Lauderdale, Florida – Nancy Botero, a key figure in South Florida’s higher education landscape, has announced her upcoming retirement after an impressive 34-year career in public education. As the Chief of Staff and former Vice President of Advancement and Executive Director of the Broward College Foundation, Botero will retire on August 31, 2025. Her tenure has left a lasting impact on the community, students, and institutions she’s served, with a legacy rooted in student success, philanthropy, and community building.
Throughout her career, Botero demonstrated an exceptional commitment to public higher education. Under her leadership, Broward College saw a remarkable growth in its endowment, increasing from $70 million to over $130 million, a feat that highlights her ability to secure vital philanthropic support. Her focus on scholarships for first-generation students and programs that promote career-readiness has made a tangible difference in the lives of countless students.
President Emeritus Dr. Willis Holcombe, who worked closely with Botero, praised her invaluable contributions. “Nancy brought enthusiasm and positive leadership to Broward College. Her approach and knowledge enabled the Foundation to add many millions of dollars to support the college, its faculty and its students,” Holcombe remarked. “She’s been a tireless advocate for public education and a respected voice at the state level.” Her efforts were pivotal not only in bolstering Broward College’s financial standing but also in advocating for public education, ensuring that the institution remained a vital community resource.
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Botero’s work extended far beyond the confines of Broward College. She was instrumental in shaping regional and statewide education initiatives and worked tirelessly on numerous boards, including gubernatorial appointments and strategic business partnerships. Her leadership was also felt at Florida Atlantic University (FAU), where she began her career in 1991 as the university’s first community relations officer for Broward County. “Nancy set the bar for building FAU’s community relations in Broward,” said Carla Coleman, former Senior Vice President of University Advancement. Botero was integral to FAU’s success, including playing a key role in the university’s $220 million fundraising campaign and supporting the development of the university’s football program.
Her extensive civic engagement has not gone unnoticed. Botero’s many accolades include being inducted into the Broward County Public Schools Hall of Fame in 2016 and receiving the Broward Women of Distinction Award in 2000. Additionally, in 2010, she was honored as one of Leadership Broward’s Ladies of Leadership. These honors reflect her dedication to mentorship and leadership, which has inspired countless individuals throughout the years.
Reflecting on her career, Botero expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of students and families. “I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve students, families, and institutions that have changed lives daily,” she said. “It has been the honor of my life to help build bridges between education and the community I love. I wish the college continued success under President Tory Alston’s leadership. Go Seahawks!”
A native of South Florida, Botero’s ties to the community run deep. She graduated from Northeast High School in 1977, the University of Florida in 1982, and later earned her graduate degree from FAU in 2001. Despite her retirement, she plans to stay involved in the community as a consultant, mentor, and volunteer, ensuring that her influence will continue to be felt long after her formal retirement.
Nancy Botero’s retirement marks the end of an era at Broward College, but her remarkable legacy of leadership, service, and commitment to public higher education will undoubtedly continue to inspire future generations.
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