Darren L. Gambrell is the Associate Director for the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Prior to his ODEI position, Darren served as the Assistant Director for the Office of Student Service where he supervised the Office of Student Services, Office of Multicultural Affairs, Commencement, and the FCCI Main Rotunda. Darren has been engaging students at the USF Sarasota-Manatee campus for over 19 years. Service to USF Sarasota-Manatee campus began in 2003 when Darren became involved with the Student Government Association, where he served in the positions of student government association secretary, vice president, and business manager for 6 years. As the vice president, Darren was successful at assisting USFSM campus secure $26.9 million for its current campus.

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Also, Darren has received many awards. To name a few, Darren has received the Sarasota Magazine Unity Award (2023), USF Inclusive Excellence Award (2022), Staff Advisory Committee Inclusion Excellence Award (2022), Kappa Man of the Year (2020), Inclusion Excellence Award (2019), NAACP Youth Council Men of Valor Award (2018), Sarasota Y Achievers Outstanding Efforts Award (2017), Organization Advisor of the Year (2016), Outstanding Staff Award (2016), Outstanding Staff Award (2014), Outstanding Staff Award (2014), Star Adult Y Achievers Award (2014), The Outstanding Faculty and Staff Award (2013), USPS Senate Quiet Quality Award (2012), USPS Senate Quiet Quality Award (2010), Diversity Honor Roll Award (2010), USPS Senate Quiet Quality Award (2006).

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 Although Darren attended Paine College in Augusta, Georgia between 1988 and 1991, he graduated from the University of South Florida in 2006 with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and in 2010 with a Bachelor of Arts in Criminology. Also, he has received certificates in Hotel Management, Restaurant Management. and currently pursuing a Master of Science degree in Hospitality Management and Tourism Leadership.