CF Director Wins Statewide Student Service Honor

Twenty-four years. That is how long Cheryl Crosby has worked at College of Central Florida, a tenure that culminated in a statewide honor on Oct. 28. The Florida College System Student Government Association presented Crosby with the Bob Graham Distinguished Service Award in the employee category. The award recognizes a faculty or staff member at one of the system’s 28 colleges who possesses a caring nature that improves the learning environment.

Crosby serves as the director of conference and food services. She is an Ocala resident with more than 40 years of experience in the hospitality industry. Her career began in hotels before she joined the college two decades ago. During the recognition ceremony at the CF Board of Trustees meeting, a group of students called out, “We love you, Cheryl!” Crosby paused her conversation with a reporter to return the sentiment, telling the crowd, “I love you. Thank you.”

CF President James Henningsen has known Crosby for 15 years. He described her as a “servant leader” who does not seek credit. Henningsen noted that Crosby goes to the “nth degree” to ensure tasks are completed well. He said that if her team has a gap in coverage, she jumps in to help out. He added that she always has a positive smile, regardless of how busy she is or what she is facing. Henningsen mentioned that she and her husband, who also works at the college, epitomize the campus culture.

Michael Crosby, Cheryl’s husband, retired from CF in April 2025 after 30 years of service. He had most recently served as the facilities manager for plant operations. He has returned to the workforce part time as the coordinator of grounds maintenance. Jessica Martinez, who served as Student Activities Board president last year, helped nominate Crosby for the award. Martinez described Crosby as genuine and stated that “with Miss Cheryl, what you see is what you always get.” Martinez called her one of the kindest and most helpful people on campus.

Crosby described herself as a puzzle solver. She said she enjoys when people bring her various ideas for events. She then works to fit those pieces together so the final event matches the client's vision. She cited the barn at the Vintage Farm Campus, which CF rents out for weddings and other functions, as a favorite part of her job. She loves helping create what could be one of the most special days in someone’s life.

Martinez observed that students learn event planning skills during their interactions with Crosby. Martinez said, “She is a teacher, and they just don’t realize that they are learning from her each time they meet.” Crosby said she was surprised to learn that others view her as a teacher. She admitted she did not realize she was teaching, explaining that she simply likes to work beside people and show them as they go along.

The award ceremony took place during the regular business of the CF Board of Trustees. No further public events were scheduled immediately following the presentation to Crosby.