Navigating His Purpose: Andrew Thetford (’23) Leads with Faith and Innovation
October 2, 2025 | 2-3 min read
Andrew Thetford, a 2023 graduate of Florida College with a Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Communication, is now putting both his leadership and technical skills to work in the mountains of Sylva, North Carolina. As a crew leader for a professional land surveying team, Andrew spends his days combining cutting-edge technology with hands-on fieldwork to provide accurate legal surveys for his community.
His role involves managing a team, operating advanced equipment including robotic total stations, GPS units, and even augmented reality tools, while ensuring each project is completed with precision. While the technology is exciting, Andrew says what he enjoys most is the opportunity to learn and grow daily, both personally and professionally.
“The best part of my job is knowing that I’m contributing in meaningful ways, while continuing to develop as a leader and learner,” Andrew shares.
While at Florida College, Andrew served in leadership roles on various student organizations that helped him strengthen his leadership and interpersonal skills outside the classroom. Andrew credits Florida College with shaping the foundation for this journey.
“FC gave me the people skills, critical thinking, and core values I rely on every day,” he says. “It also prepared me to be a representative of Christ in every environment I’m placed in.”
He especially enjoyed his upper-level psychology and communication courses, which helped him better understand people and how to positively impact them, an understanding that continues to guide his work today.
Since graduation, he has completed a preaching internship, taught middle and high school math and relocated to North Carolina to begin his current role. Looking ahead, Andrew’s goals are centered on personal growth. He is passionate about becoming a better communicator, leader and mentor, skills he hopes to carry into future roles in preaching, education, human resources or counseling.
“Every single day, I utilize the problem-solving skills, people skills and the values that I learned at Florida College to accomplish complex and difficult tasks, all while first and foremost serving as an ambassador of Jesus Christ,” Andrew shares.
His story is a testament to the lasting impact of a Florida College education, one that shapes not only the mind, but the heart, preparing students like Andrew to lead with integrity wherever life takes them.