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Social and Behavioral Sciences

Douglas Rivero

As a first-generation college graduate, Dr. Douglas Rivero is passionate about helping first time in college (FTIC) students succeed.

“I was the first in my family to attend college, so whenever I get an opportunity to work with our FTIC students, whether it’s advising, helping them with problems or resolving issues, I enjoy working with those students who need support and mentorship,” said Douglas. “It’s why I chose to work at a community college.”

Douglas began his SPC journey as a department chair at the Seminole Campus in 2015, teaching classes and helping build the successful Model United Nations program, eventually becoming the lead faculty. Now an Assistant Dean for the Social and Behavioral Sciences department, Douglas wears many hats, from managing schedules and coordinating civic engagement and speaker activities to teaching, working with students and resolving issues. Despite his busy schedule, he still oversees the Model UN program.

“It’s one of my favorite experiences, getting to meet students from across the U.S. and the world,” he said. “Some of our students have never been outside of the county or the state. Through Model UN conferences, they get to see the capital and the monuments, visit the United Nations in New York, and sometimes visit the embassies of different countries.”

Under his leadership, the team has earned national and international recognition, winning awards at international conferences including in Switzerland, the Galápagos Islands and the Czech Republic. The program gives students invaluable experiences, helping them gain critical writing, public speaking and diplomacy skills, and building self-esteem.

Douglas recalls a student he mentored whose self-confidence grew exponentially with each Model UN conference he attended. He continued to seek Douglas’ guidance through his bachelor’s and master’s programs and now works in Washington, D.C., tackling global issues for a non-profit.
“It’s wonderful to hear the careers they move on to,” said Douglas.

Rivero’s passion for mentoring students is equally matched by his appreciation for his colleagues at SPC. “I have the best boss in the world in Dean Smiley,” he says. “He creates a collaborative, inspiring environment that makes coming to work easy.”

His commitment to hands-on education and student empowerment exemplifies the heart of SPC’s mission.

“SPC has a wonderful culture and work environment,” said Douglas. “It’s been a wonderful journey.”