Campus Leadership at our
Nursing College in Fort Lauderdale

James Jones

Senior Campus President

Bachelor of Arts in Religion from The University of Mobile

Master of Divinity from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary 

James Jones began working in post-secondary education as an instructor in 2006. Since then, he has been a program director, director of education and a campus executive director. He has over 14 years of experience working in higher education in Arizona and Florida. He has been with Arizona College since March of 2019 and is currently the Senior Campus President at their Fort Lauderdale campus. His favorite thing about working in colleges is having the opportunity to help people be positively impacted by improving their lives through education. 

In James’ free time, he enjoys going to the beach with his wife and children and watching the University of Alabama play football. 

Shawn Higgins

Dean of Nursing

PhD in Education – Capella University

BSN, MSN, Nursing – University of Phoenix

Shawn Higgins came to Arizona College of Nursing – Ft. Lauderdale in 2021 with 14 years of experience in nursing education and 23 years of leadership experience. Shawn Higgins earned her Master’s of Science in Nursing from the University of Phoenix and her PhD from Capella University where she was drawn to understanding the “why” and the “how” behind education. Her degree specialty is specific to Leadership in Higher Education.

Shawn Higgins’ nursing background prior to education includes long-term care, rehabilitation services (stroke and TBI), home health, hospice, and basic med-surg. Her nursing education experience spans the country, having worked in the private sector for schools in Ohio, Florida, Arizona, and Nevada. She and her husband have eight children between them and will be welcoming their fifth grandchild in the spring of 2022. She is looking forward to a long and happy relationship with her new Arizona College of Nursing family.

Tamiya Broderick

Academic Records Manager

Tamiya joined Arizona College in 2020 as an Admissions Coordinator. There it increased her passion of helping others achieve their life-long goals. In the 3 years at Arizona College, she has moved on to be the Admissions Coordinator, Campus Coordinator, and now the BSN Program Manager. Tamiya believes that education opens the door to a world of possibilities.

As BSN Program Manager, Tamiya monitors and assists students progress in their BSN journey. During her free time, she enjoys studying Psychology and promoting Self-Advocacy and positivity.

Michael Branham-Bell, EdD, EdS, MEd, BS

Dean of General Education

EdD in Educational Leadership, Argosy University – Atlanta, GA – Fall 2014

EdS In Educational Leadership, Argosy University – Atlanta, GA – Fall 2012

MEd in Guidance and Counseling, State University of West Georgia – Carrollton, GA – Fall 1997

BS in Psychology, Shorter College – Rome, GA – Spring 1992

Michael is an accomplished professional with a diverse background in higher education and mental health services. Prior to joining Arizona College in 2023, he served as the Academic Dean – Campus Operations for Herzing University. His leadership experience also includes positions in Academic Affairs at National American University, where he held roles such as Associate Provost and Dean of Students, overseeing a large student body across thirty-seven campuses.

Michael played a pivotal role in leading National American University through the Higher Learning Commission’s first cohort of the Academy for Student Persistence and completion, displaying his dedication to student success and academic excellence. His career in Higher Education began in 2002 at the Art Institute of Atlanta, where he initially served as the Assistant Director of Admissions. In 2004, he transitioned to the Academic Affairs Team, where he not only began teaching but also took on responsibilities in overseeing student support services.

Throughout his career, Michael has provided leadership in various areas such as Academic Advisement, Student Success, and Community Education, demonstrating his commitment to creating a supportive and nurturing environment for faculty and student success. Before his transition to Higher Education, Michael spent a decade as a Program Manager at Three Rivers Behavioral Health, a community mental health center specializing in serving chronically mentally ill children and adults. His passion for delivering high-quality education and fostering a supportive environment shine through in all aspects of his work.