Dr. Nicole DeCaro’s journey to leadership and business professor at Eastern Florida State College was surprisingly rooted in an early dislike of school.
“I was likely one of the most challenging students a teacher could have,” said DeCaro. “Now there’s a saying that I live by: ‘Although I cannot go back in time and make a brand-new start, from here I can make a brand-new end.’”
While completing her bachelor’s degree, DeCaro found herself fascinated by lessons from one of her marketing professors. The experience led her to start working for an advertising agency and later as an account executive for brands such as Pepsi, Campbell’s Soup, Firestone, and Domino’s Pizza as she got involved with commercial photoshoots and print production.
“I genuinely connected with it and felt transformed,” said DeCaro. “I had no idea it would eventually guide me to a career teaching marketing and managerial communication.”
Fulfillment in Teaching
When a friend requested DeCaro be a guest speaker at St. Thomas Aquinas College in Sparkill, NY, she initially hesitated. Not wanting to return to the same classroom teaching that failed to hold her interest as a student, DeCaro none-the-less accepted as a favor — a decision that changed her life.
“I was genuinely amazed by how eager the students were to hear my business insights, and without even bringing pizza to class!” said DeCaro. “When I combined that with my industry experience, I finally understood and appreciated the classroom theory that once felt uninspiring to me. Seeing the practical connection revealed its true value.”
Fueled by her newfound passion for teaching, DeCaro completed her MBA (Pace University) and a PhD in Organizational Leadership (Capella University). After moving to Florida in 2001, she accepted a position as adjunct instructor in business at Eastern Florida State College, where she began teaching upper and lower division courses in marketing, consumer behavior, research, logistics, and more. She also previously served as the college’s Business Department Chair/Program Manager — positions she carried out with great commitment and joy. Furthermore, during her time as Entrepreneurship Program Coordinator, DeCaro had the opportunity to collaborate with the esteemed Bernie Simpkins Lecture Series events, a lecture series featuring renowned leaders from a variety of career backgrounds.
Learn-by-Doing Philosophy
DeCaro’s teaching philosophy highlights the importance of staying current with the latest marketing trends while also appreciating the value and functionality of traditional marketing. She recently completed a certificate program with the Digital Marketing Institute and enrolled in a course via the American Marketing Association to become more prolific in social media marketing and e-commerce.
“I commit to ongoing learning and professional growth, not out of obligation, but because I genuinely want to,” said DeCaro. “If you’re not learning, you’re not truly living.”
For DeCaro, “learning” expands beyond the traditional classroom environment. She brings a wealth of industry experience to her business courses, including her time running a school for children with autism, where she learned nonprofit management, funding, and compliance skills.
“The person who had been managing the school no longer could,” DeCaro explained, noting that her young son attended there. “I had no prior experience running a school, but I was determined to provide these neurodivergent children with the best support possible.”
Power of Communication
Though public speaking can terrify even the bravest students, DeCaro’s Business Communication course encourages them to transform fear into confidence.
“I once had a student so nervous about public speaking, I half expected to call for medical backup,” DeCaro recalled with a smile.
However, that student went first, trembling yet brave, and inspired the entire class — eventually going on to teach communication themselves.
“For me, this is proof that growth begins the moment we dare to speak up,” said DeCaro. “Communication isn’t just a skill; it’s a responsibility. I tell my students, ‘Use it wisely — to help and serve others.’”
Leading by Serving
DeCaro’s students use her business classes as a springboard into diverse fields — from dentistry and event planning to nursing, law, engineering, and computer programming. Her teaching philosophy emphasizes active discussion, real-world application, and a servant-leadership mindset centered on two guiding questions:
“First ask yourself, ‘What difference do I want to make in the lives of others?’ Next, ‘Who are the people I can empower and support to achieve this?’” said DeCaro.
“I also encourage my students not to let emotions overpower their intellect when making decisions. And forget the phrase ‘I want to be my own boss.’ Those you serve are your co-navigators. By truly listening, you can build opportunities and address meaningful challenges together, all with the aim of helping them reach their own destinations.”
DeCaro observes this servant-leadership mindset in her classroom, where her teaching fosters respect, collaboration, and compassion.
“In college business classes, I often have students from all over the world,” said DeCaro. “We share incredible discussions and learn to see through each other’s perspectives. On the final day of one of these classes, some students were even in tears. They didn’t want to leave because they had built such meaningful connections.”
Her most memorable moment came when an international student, tearfully asking if their mother would be proud, received DeCaro’s heartfelt reply: “If I were your mother, I’d be incredibly proud. We can even write her a note together.”
For DeCaro, her passion is about more than teaching — it’s about mutual growth and encouragement that turns learners into leaders.
