Dr. Rayanne Giddis, director of  Central Florida Community College's Levy Center since 1998, is leaving to take a higher position within the college in Ocala.

She will become dean of Academic Foundations — a newly created position — at the Ocala Campus.

Giddis, who has been active in the Chiefland community, including holding office in the Chiefland Rotary Club, said while her dream job is to become the first provost of the planned CFCC Levy campus, the current economic situation has deferred that. Shrinking state revenues mean no money is available to build the planned $12 million campus, although the school has secured about $4 million in land and donations.

“That may be a couple of years, three years away and I've worked really hard to make what we had here,” Giddis said. “What there is going on, I feel very much a part of but we cannot grow a whole lot in this facility. And my opportunities to grow mean I would have to do something different for a while.”

Giddis said she informed her staff of the move on Monday.

“It was a really, really tough decision. I love my job. I love it here. I also know that what I'm doing is really really important to the college,” she said in a telephone interview after the promotion was announced on Monday.

But being on the main campus will be of benefit to the Chiefland operation, raise the profile on the main campus. “It just allows me to be there and be giving voice to that with more people,” Giddis said.

“It's definitely going to be a change of pace,” she said. The only change in the commute for the Gainesville resident will be the scenery. “Out here you are dodging the deer,” she said. On Interstate 75 she will be dodging traffic.

“Dr. Giddis has done a terrific job at the Levy Center. This will be a new opportunity for her and I appreciate her willingness to take on this new challenge,” said Dr. Charles R. Dassance, CFCC president. “Dr. Giddis has the experience and knowledge to help us focus on improving the success of our college prep students.”

 An announcement will be made soon regarding the leadership of the Levy Center.

As dean of Academic Foundations, Giddis will oversee Title III programs, Student Support Services and the College Success Institute. These programs focus on providing students the tools they need to be able to perform at a college level.

Giddis has been employed by CFCC since 1998 and has a doctorate in Higher Education Leadership from the University of Florida.

 An announcement will be made soon regarding the leadership of the Levy Center.