Exceptional Educator Award

Jacklyn Otero

In her four years as the regional program manager for the bachelor’s in allied health at NUC University Florida Technical College (NUC FTC), Jacklyn Otero has exemplified the highest ideals of service, leadership and impact, both within the institution and in the broader community. Her leadership is defined by heart and vision, and impacts the academic journey of more than 700 students across campuses.

Holding a medical assistant certification (CMA) through the American Association of Medical Assistants, along with degrees in allied health and medical assisting, Otero brings over two decades of clinical and instructional experience to every student interaction. She also earned her MBA while managing one of NUC University’s highest-enrollment medical assisting programs, through which she demonstrated her deep commitment to student achievement while advancing her own education.

Her commitment is likewise evident in her role developing and teaching NUC University’s Bilingual Medical Assistant Program, a groundbreaking initiative designed to empower bilingual students through translanguaging techniques. This innovative approach allows learners to seamlessly integrate their language skills while mastering a complex medical curriculum, significantly enhancing both comprehension and career readiness.

Her innovative efforts extend into institutional leadership, where she has built a dynamic history of serving on key committees, leading curriculum reform, advancing equity and mentoring hundreds of students into healthcare careers. Encouraging the outreach of the school, she also leads events such as the Back-to-School Drive, Spring Festival and Christmas Party, which unite the community and show the school’s ability to deliver essential healthcare services where they are needed most.

Over the past decade, her expertise has been particularly applied to curriculum development and academic planning, serving on NUC University’s Academic Board and contributing to the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) accreditation process, specifically focusing on Standard II, which upholds institutional integrity and educational quality. With its accreditation, NUC FTC can offer career-focused, postsecondary training in high-demand business and technical fields. With eight campuses across the state, its programs continue to evolve to meet the urgent and ever-changing needs of Florida’s workforce. It serves as a catalyst for positive change, championing diversity, supporting underserved communities, and fostering inclusive economic growth. Collaborations with mission-aligned organizations reinforce the school’s role as a trusted and impactful community partner.

The scope of Otero’s meaningful contributions shows her influence in every corner. From her work developing the Bilingual Medical Assistant Program to her active contributions on the Academic Board and MSCHE accreditation team, Otero has helped shape a stronger, more inclusive academic environment. Through her visionary leadership, mentorship, and dedication to academic excellence, she has redefined what it means to innovate in healthcare education – creating inclusive, practical, and empowering pathways for the next generation of healthcare professionals.