South Florida State College Receives $1.9 Million in State Funding to Upgrade Dental Clinic

June 18, 2024 – South Florida State College (SFSC) is grateful to Governor Ron DeSantis for approving $1,975,000 in legislative funds to upgrade the Dental Education facility and equipment on the Highlands Campus in Avon Park.

“We thank Governor DeSantis, Representative Tuck, Senator Grall, and the entire legislature for their dedication and focus on education in Florida,” said Fred Hawkins, president of SFSC. “As a result of this funding, our students will be better prepared for careers in modern dentistry.”

The state funding will support the purchase of equipment to outfit 13-15 operatories, focusing on ergonomic design, which increases the Dental Clinic capacity by 25%. An upgrade to technology will include up-to-date 3D technology and digital clinic and lab operations, such as printing, scanning, X-rays, and intra-oral cameras. The purchase will also incorporate patient simulators, student workspaces, debriefing spaces, student computers, and technological accessories.

“South Florida State College is a shining star in Central Florida’s own backyard,” said Dr. Steven M. Guelff, DMD, an orthodontist with offices in Lake Wales and Sebring, Fla. “The nearly $2 million grant for the Dental program is a game changer.”

SFSC will creatively expand and enhance the learning opportunities available to students in its Dental Education programs to prepare for the increasing complexities of the healthcare environment that students enter upon graduation. Dental training requires a setting that mirrors contemporary dental practice, and these funds will provide the resources needed to modernize and update the 20-year-old Dental Education clinic and lab spaces to provide a holistic healthcare setting.

SFSC’s Dental Clinic provides patient care to community members. It allows for student clinical competency attainment through screenings, dental hygiene therapy, X-rays, fluoride treatments, sealants, and patient education.

For more information about the Dental Hygiene and Dental Assisting programs at SFSC, call 863-784-7225 or email healthsciences@southflorida.edu.

AVON PARK, Fla. – June 17, 2024 – During the South Florida State College (SFSC) Foundation Gatsby’s Getaway Legacy Showcase and Fundraiser on Thursday, June 13, at the Hotel Jacaranda in Avon Park, Fla., Dr. Catherine P. Cornelius was inducted into the 2024 Legacy Society for her service to the Foundation, the College, and the community. Jamie Bateman, SFSC vice president for institutional advancement and external affairs, made the presentation.

This is the sixth year that such an honor has been bestowed. Drs. Vinod and Tarlika Thakkar were inducted into the Legacy Society in 2023, Dr. Ben Hill Griffin III was posthumously inducted into the Legacy Society in 2022, Bill and Lisa Jarrett in 2021, Joan Hartt in 2020, and Joe Jr. and Gloria Davis in 2019. Over 110 people attended the Gatsby Getaway Legacy Showcase, and the event brought in over $13,000 in revenue.

“A legacy is something that is passed on,” Bateman said. “It depicts a person’s character, reputation, and the life they lead. It becomes a positive example for others. This perfectly describes Dr. Cornelius and the many ways she has left her mark on SFSC and our community. It was through her esteemed leadership during her years as president of South Florida State College, her support of the SFSC Foundation, service as an emeritus board member for the Foundation Board, and her continuing support through the many committees, events, and other social functions that ultimately benefit SFSC. Dr. C is always present, always supportive, and always willing to share her thoughts. Her legacy has impacted the lives of so many and will continue to do so for years to come. We are grateful for her support, leadership and, most importantly, friendship, for all the years of service she has given to our College and our community.”

In 1984, South Florida Junior College experienced not only a change of name, but a changing of the guard and philosophy. It became known as South Florida Community College, and a new president set the College’s standard of service for the next 18 years. That president was Dr. Catherine P. Cornelius. “Dr. C,” as she is affectionately known in the community, retired as president of the College in summer 2002.

“More than anything, I want to emphasize the ‘community’ in community college,” Dr. Cornelius said, upon accepting the presidency. “The College belongs to every citizen in SFSC’s tri-county service district, as well as the students and staff. I want to make sure all of the facilities are used to the maximum. I want people to know that this is their community college.”

By the end of her first year at SFCC, Dr. Cornelius made good on her word, and the DeSoto Campus and Lake Placid Center were opened to provide easy access to an education for students living in those communities, and the opening of the Hardee Campus followed closely behind. All campus facilities became available for public use, including the swimming pool, library, gymnasium, and auditorium. (The auditorium later became the Alan Jay Wildstein Center for the Performing Arts.) According to Dr. Cornelius’ directive, that year also saw the development of the SFSC Cultural Series, a seasonal program of professional performances that is available to all members of the community to this day.

SFCC witnessed a 170% increase in student enrollment during the first 10 years of Dr. Cornelius’ tenure. In 1999, SFCC became one of the first community colleges in Florida to offer bachelor’s degree programs through partnerships with six public and private universities.

Under Dr. Cornelius’ watch, the Highlands Campus increased its physical presence with the construction of the Learning Resources Center (library), Computer Science and Human Resources Building, the Catherine P. Cornelius Student Services Classroom Complex (Building B), a building for the Nursing program, the Public Service Academy, the Crews Center, the University Center, the Florida Citrus Center, and renovation of the Joseph E. Johnston Student Center and Kelly’s Korner cafeteria (now Kelly’s Bistro by the Bay), and expansion of the Board Room.

Dr. Cornelius has been an advocate of the SFSC Foundation, Inc. and its mission from the start. In 1987, the Foundation had approximately $70,000 in total assets. Since then, the SFSC Foundation has flourished and provides students, faculty, employees, and the College innumerable benefits. It now boasts nearly $22 million in total assets, serves as custodian of over 100 endowed student scholarships and five fully funded teaching chairs. The Foundation owns two historic properties – the Hotel Jacaranda in Avon Park and the Lake Placid Center. Dr. Cornelius was responsible for the Foundation’s 1988 acquisition of the Hotel Jacaranda, which also serves as a College dormitory and training ground for the Professional Culinary Arts and Hospitality program. Dr. Cornelius was instrumental in the restoration of the Hotel, performing much of the work herself and overseeing its continual conservation.

“Gracious, thoughtful, and a charitable donor, especially in places and ways that few people know about,” Bateman said. “Citizens from across Florida and beyond have benefited from Dr. C’s leadership, guidance, and friendship. And for that, Dr. C, we owe you a debt of gratitude.”

Photo: Dr. Catherine P. Cornelius (center) is inducted into the SFSC Foundation Legacy Society; with Fred Hawkins (left), SFSC president, and Jamie Bateman, SFSC vice president institutional advancement and external affairs.

June 11, 2024 – South Florida State College (SFSC) is now enrolling students for its new Drafting program that will be housed on its Hardee Campus in Bowling Green, Fla. for fall 2024.

The Drafting Career Certificate is 1,500 contact hours, or 50 career credits, and will include architectural, civil, and multidiscipline drafting. Students will design houses and buildings in 2D and 3D, create digital and manual models, and develop parts and assemblies for machines and electronics. They will also be able to draw up property plans complete with structures and other dwelling and building features. Students will train on architectural software including CAD and other 3D platforms.

“Local businesses reached out to the College requesting a drafting program, which we previously offered but discontinued in 2008 due to decreased demand as a result of the Great Recession,” said Tom Bush, department chair for technical and industrial education at SFSC. “Now that there’s a local economic upturn and real estate development is on the rise, local employers have expressed a need for qualified drafters in the local job market and throughout Florida. We are excited to bring this program back and support the regional economy.”

Graduates of the Drafting program can pursue careers in architectural and civil drafting with an average annual salary of $60,000 in Florida.

To learn more about the Drafting program at SFSC or to enroll, call 863-784-7061 or email AdvisingHardee@southflorida.edu. Financial aid is available for those who qualify.

AVON PARK, Fla. – June 6, 2024 – Colleges and universities honor and encourage faculty who go beyond the requirements of the classroom. To that end, four South Florida State College (SFSC) faculty have been appointed as endowed chairs in their respective disciplines with funds donated through the SFSC Foundation.

The Norm and Laurie Stephens Endowed Teaching Chair was awarded to Dr. Kate Calvin, Chemistry instructor. Dr. Mintoo Patel, Biology instructor, was awarded the Bill and Lisa Jarrett Endowed Teaching Chair in Business. Therese (Terra) Tippie, Dental Assisting instructor, was appointed as the Highlands County Health Facilities Authority (HCHFA) Endowed Chair for Dental Education. Candra Polk, Nursing professor, was appointed as the Highlands County Health Facilities Authority (HCHFA) Endowed Chair for Nursing Education.

Faculty members appointed as teaching chairs are awarded $5,000 per year for two years, with half going toward equipment, professional development, or to attend a conference related to the faculty member’s discipline of study. The other half is a salary stipend.

Dr. Calvin will use her award to expand the SFSC Natural Science Department’s offerings in undergraduate research. “I would like to expand our department’s research repertoire to include protein analysis,” she said. “This will benefit students by enabling them to learn an entirely separate skill set of protein extraction and purification. It will also enable them to further apply the concepts they learn in chemistry and biology courses. Many of our

students are interested in medical fields, and students who are able to demonstrate research experience in both nucleic acid purification and protein purification will have a definite advantage as they transfer to larger [educational] institutions, especially if they present their findings at conferences.”

Dr. Patel’s focus for her award is also on expanding undergraduate research and Honors program projects. “For a colorectal cancer project, students will stain biomarkers involved in epithelial to mesenchymal transition in colorectal tissue samples on slides to predict carcinogenesis and metastasis. For an oral microbiome project, students will collect oral samples for metagenomic analysis of the microbiome. Once the metagenomic analysis is generated, these results can be shared by multiple students to conduct related projects. Students will analyze the oral microbiome with regards to local and systemic diseases. Through these projects, students will learn about societal health issues and develop skills to tackle them. They will also learn about health disparities prevalent in our population.”

Terra Tippie said that she will use the Endowed Chair award to purchase a camera that will allow students, while seated at their desks, to watch dental procedural demonstrations on a classroom screen or on their laptops. “When I demonstrate a technique,

it’s difficult for all students to see the minute detail that is required to accomplish an intra-oral task from a distance,” she said. “The students are crowded around and try to look over each other. A camera can be used in a number of locations, such as the lab, classroom, and clinic. The advantage [of using a camera provides] an opportunity for students to learn techniques and be secure in their functions in the dental environment.”

Polk proposed that she, as a Nursing professor, earn certification as an aromatherapy instructor. “This support opens the door to a comprehensive exploration of clinical aromatherapy, including workshops and training sessions that will deepen my understanding and practical skills. Becoming certified in clinical aromatherapy presents a valuable opportunity for enhancing the education of Nursing students by providing them with a knowledgeable and dedicated instructor, expanding their skill repertoire, and promoting a holistic approach to patient care. Certification provides a structure and evidence-based approach to incorporating aromatherapy into heath care practices.”

Recipients for endowed teaching chairs at SFSC are chosen by a selection committee, with advice and counsel from College faculty. Selections are confirmed by Dr. Michele Heston, SFSC vice president of academic affairs and student services.

The idea of endowed teaching chairs at state and community colleges came from research chairs at universities. At SFSC, the Endowed Chair program rewards faculty who hold the belief that the student must come first. The award can be used to fund professional development activities that ultimately enhance student learning and incorporate classroom projects or activities above and beyond what is usually offered in a course.

AVON PARK, Fla. — June 5, 2024 — During a ceremony on Thursday, May 30 on the  Highlands Campus in Avon Park, South Florida State College’s (SFSC) Basic Law Enforcement (BLE) Academy Class 272 graduated seven cadets.

BLE Class 272 graduates who received Career Certificates were: Julianna Marie Harrison, Brian Zachary Rhoton, Blanca Juliana Serapio-Vivanco, Robert Michael Smith, Carol Saskia Suarez, Jason Lee Tomblin, and Brody Waters.

During the ceremony, special awards were presented to cadets. Brody Waters was honored as class leader, Julianna Marie Harrison as executive officer, and Jason Lee Tomblin for top academics.

Guest speaker for the graduation was Detective Alice Fletcher of the Hardee County Sheriff’s Office.

SFSC’s Basic Law Enforcement Career Certificate program trains students to become law enforcement officers in Florida. By successfully completing the program, they are eligible to take the state certification examination to become certified law enforcement officers. The program runs 770 contact hours or approximately five months full-time or approximately 10 months part-time.

The SFSC Criminal Justice Academy also offers a Corrections to Law Enforcement (Crossover) Career Certificate program that trains currently employed corrections officers to become law enforcement officers in Florida. Upon successful completion of the program, graduates are eligible to take the state certification examination to become certified law enforcement officers. The program runs 515 contact hours or approximately 10 months part-time.

For more information about these Criminal Justice programs, visit southflorida.edu or call SFSC’s Criminal Justice Academy at 863-784-7285.