CLAY COUNTY – Makayla Buchanan was appointed Monday by Gov. Ron DeSantis as the newest member of the St. Johns River State College District Board of Trustees.

Buchanan, of Green Cove Springs, is the Executive Director of the Clay Education Foundation. She was recognized in the Jacksonville Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 and serves on the Clay Women’s Empowerment Council and the YMCA of Northeast Florida Advisory Council. She is a member of the Clay County Chamber of Commerce and the JAX Chamber.

Buchanan earned her bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Florida. She earned her master’s degree in public policy from Liberty University and is currently pursuing her doctorate in public policy.

“We are pleased to welcome this dedicated and talented individual to our Board,” said SJR State President Joe Pickens, J.D. “Her dedication to her community as well as to education will be a positive contribution to our students, the College and its future growth.”

Buchanan said she is honored and looks forward to serving on the SJR State board. “As someone who has been focused on improving public education K-12, I look forward to continuing that work in the higher education system so that all students are prepared for the changing workforce,” Buchanan said.

Currently serving on the District Board of Trustees is Chairman Wendell Davis, Vice Chairman Rich Komando, Jan Conrad, Brian Keith, James Reid, and W. J. (Jud) Sapp, Jr.

St. Johns River State College operates full-service campuses in Clay, Putnam and St. Johns counties and is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award associate and baccalaureate degrees.