SFSC Announces New Enrollment Marketing Campaign

July 2, 2024 – South Florida State College (SFSC) created and launched a new enrollment marketing campaign that focuses on the needs and concerns of its students and prospective students. The new campaign features the many faces and programs at SFSC, and its tagline is: It’s Possible.

The campaign focuses on the understanding that students have worries and preconceived ideas about college that lead to the hesitation to enroll or pursue their personal or professional goals. At SFSC, we want to dispel these myths and let prospective students know that there are options for them.

“At SFSC, we work to serve our tri-county region, its residents, and the unique and significant challenges they face every day,” said Melissa Kuehnle, director of institutional communications at SFSC. “I am proud to announce our new marketing campaign that puts the needs of our students at its heart. This campaign respects and understands the obstacles that our students face but lets them know that we are here to support them and offer them the resources and education that they need to build a successful and prosperous future. We want our students to feel seen, heard, and valued as members of the SFSC family.”

In the coming months, print, outdoor, digital, and social media advertising will appear on platforms throughout DeSoto, Hardee, and Highlands counties to project the message that an individual’s goals, dreams, and opportunities are possible. Through its academic programs, student services, and employment training, SFSC offers answers and comfort where prospective students only see questions and confusion.

For more information about SFSC, call 863-784-7447, email recruiter@southflorida.edu, or visit southflorida.edu.

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.

May 21, 2024 – South Florida State College’s (SFSC) Alan Jay Wildstein Center for the Performing Arts is opening its doors to community members looking for a safe, cool venue for daytime walking. The venue will allow walkers to get in their steps on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., beginning June 10. While walkers are not permitted onstage or backstage, there are wide aisles and plenty of stairs plus restrooms in the air-conditioned, 1,460-seat theater.

Walkers are asked to enter through the front lobby and sign in and out. Water bottles are allowed. There is no cost to participate.

“It’s brutal walking outdoors during the summer,” said Cindy Garren, director of cultural programs at SFSC. “There are several SFSC staff members who walk campus during the day and we hope that opening our doors helps folks maintain their fitness program.”

The Wildstein Center for the Performing Arts is located on the Highlands Campus of South Florida State College at 600 West College Drive in Avon Park. For more information, contact the SFSC Box Office at 863-784-7177.

AVON PARK, Fla. – May 17, 2024 – Through a grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF), South Florida State College (SFSC), in partnership with the University of Florida (UF), will be able to broaden Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) participation and support critical transitions for Hispanic students as a way to improve STEM attainment at SFSC.

The NSF is an independent agency of the United States federal government that supports research and education in all non-medical fields of science and engineering. The agency has awarded $300,000 to SFSC and UF. Those grant monies became available for two years as of May 1, 2024.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, colleges and universities were required to offer STEM courses and laboratory experiences through remote instruction. The crisis revealed challenges within emergency remote instruction in lab science education but presented new opportunities to present high-quality online STEM education. With this grant, SFSC faculty will identify high-demand courses in which they see students struggle the most. Instructional designers from UF, who specifically focus on online education, will work closely with SFSC faculty to look at course assignments, learning outcomes, objectives, and student evaluations of instructions. Then, they will make recommendations to faculty on how to improve or enhance online instruction in each science course or lab.

SFSC science faculty began offering students research projects in 2016 and, today, students in the sciences participate in an annual Undergraduate Research Showcase at SFSC to present their research. More importantly, SFSC students have made presentations at undergraduate and professional science conferences across the country. Many students have won awards for their research. Through the NSF grant, College faculty would like to expand on these opportunities for its students and incorporate research into current courses.

“We are thrilled to be awarded our joint NSF grant with the University of Florida to improve undergraduate STEM education in a Hispanic-serving institution,” said Dr. James Hawker, SFSC dean of arts and sciences. “Making use of the instructional design expertise of University of Florida faculty and staff, this grant should greatly help us improve both online and in-person teaching of science classes and labs to serve our students. We will also have resources to expand undergraduate research for students, which vastly improves their engagement and learning in science subject matter.”

For more information about undergraduate research at SFSC, email Dr. Hawker at james.hawker@southflorida.edu or call 863-784-7329.

 

Photo: Dr. James Hawker (left), SFSC dean of arts and sciences; Dr. Lindsay Byron, UF clinical assistant professor and LEAD Ed.D. program coordinator and acting HDOSE graduate coordinator; Dr. Daniel Sanches, SFSC chair, Natural Sciences, and Biology instructor; and June Weyrauch, SFSC Grant Development and Federal Relations coordinator.

AVON PARK, Fla. – May 8, 2024 – South Florida State College (SFSC) marked the end of the 2023-24 academic year with its spring Commencement held in two ceremonies on Tuesday, May 7 in the SFSC Alan Jay Wildstein Center for the Performing Arts on the Highlands Campus in Avon Park.

During the 4 p.m. ceremony, SFSC honored the recipients of the Associate in Science, Career Certificate, College Credit Certificate, and State of Florida High School Diploma.

Honored during the 7:15 p.m. ceremony were students who earned their Associate in Arts, Bachelor of Applied Science in Supervision and Management, Bachelor of Science in Elementary Teacher Education, and Bachelor of Science in Nursing.

Opening the ceremonies, Terry Atchley, chair of the SFSC District Board of Trustees told the graduates, “Your ability and desire to participate in this evening’s ceremonies tell the world that you are ambitious, passionate, and tenacious. These qualities equip you to make a difference in changing lives and shaping our communities for the better.”

In her presentation to the graduates during the 4 p.m. ceremony, Francesca Chillemi, who earned her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Teacher Education (BSETE), recalled a foot injury sustained during an automobile accident. As a member of SFSC’s Cross Country Team, it was a devastating blow. She told the graduates how the experience of healing helped her develop character. She said to the graduates, “I understand how many of you may have felt through this journey. Sometimes, it felt like an assignment was never-ending or didn’t seem good enough even though you put your full effort into it. However, not giving up is what got us here. Each of you have overcome obstacles. Each of you has built character in your own unique way. Today, we celebrate all that we worked hard for and accomplished.”

The 7:15 p.m. ceremony featured Alegandrina Solis, who also earned her BSETE and anticipates becoming an elementary school teacher in Hardee County. “I stand before you as a proud child of an immigrant parent who dreamed of a better future for not only her family but for the generations to come,” she said to the graduates. “As a child, I remember my mother showing me her hands and saying, ‘Look, my daughter, this is what I do not want for you. You have opportunities that I didn’t have. Study, my daughter, so you do not have to be like this.’ She believed in the transformative power of knowledge. As we embark on this next chapter, we can never forget the shoulders upon which we stand, the sacrifices of those who came before us, the dreams of those who walk behind us, and the limitless possibilities that lie ahead.”

When Fred Hawkins, SFSC president, spoke to the graduates, he quoted writer and film director, Nora Ephron: “Your education is a dress rehearsal for a life that is yours to lead.” He said, “I couldn’t think of a better way for you to look forward to the days, months, and years to come, using what you have learned here at South Florida State College. Graduates, soak in every bit of this moment. This is a rite of passage that you have earned.”

Approximately 492 students will have met the SFSC requirements by spring 2024 Commencement. Of these, 15 will receive their BAS-SM, five receive their BSN, 12 receive their BSETE, 120 receive their AA, 56 receive their AS, 15 receive their State of Florida High School Diploma, and 72 receive the Career and College Credit Certificates. Students participating in the Commencement ceremonies will total 298.

Mace bearer and chief marshal for this year’s ceremony is Mlisa Manning, and marshals are Kelly Fairfield Dec, Courtney Green, Robert Hampton, Garrett Lee, Dr. Maday Leon, Michelle Macbeth, Sofia Ochoa, Ricardo Pantoja, Michael Pate, Lena Phelps, Andrew Polk, Tina Stetson, and Megan Togno.

AVON PARK, Fla. – May 7, 2024 – South Florida State College (SFSC) honored nine graduates of its Dental Hygiene program in a traditional pinning ceremony in the SFSC University Center Auditorium on the Highlands Campus in Avon Park on Wednesday, May 1. The graduates had just completed their Associate in Science in Dental Hygiene.

Receiving their pins were Aliya Blas, Kiersten DeJesus, Ingrid Eubank, Shalyn Falgoust, Alicia Lennon, Crystal McDonald, Naomi Martinez, Tyler Sinagra, and Bertha Sosa.

Graduates were presented their dental hygiene pins by Dr. Rose Basso-Dubois, director of SFSC’s Dental Education program.

Upon completing the Dental Hygiene program, graduates become dental hygienists by passing the National Dental Hygiene Board Examination and the Florida State Clinical Licensure Examination. They can, then, work alongside a dentist as a member of a dental health care team.

For more information about SFSC’s Associate in Science in Dental Hygiene, call Danielle Ochoa, Health Sciences advisor, at 863-784-7027 or email healthsciences@southflorida.edu.