Getting to Know: John Gyllin, ED.D

Vice President, Resource and Economic Development Executive Director, Foundation for Seminole State College of Florida, Inc.

BY PERLA B. CROSBY

My Sanford Magazine sat down with John Gyllin Ed.D., Vice President, Resource and Economic Development Executive Director, Foundation for Seminole State College of Florida, Inc. to discuss the Foundation for Seminole Sate College. Please start by introducing yourself and tell us about your background? I am a proud native Floridian. I was born and raised on the east coast of Florida, in Cape Canaveral. I grew up in Merritt Island and graduated from Cocoa High School. My family moved from New York to Florida in the late 1960s. My dad started a fishing-rod manufacturing company, and we sold rods and tackle all over the state. Growing up, I would travel with my dad to tackle shops all over the coastal communities of Florida, selling rods. I fell in love with Florida, travel, and the coast. I was a big sports kid in my youth. I played all sports and as I grew older, and bigger, I gave football a try, which opened the door to my higher ed journey. I was the first in my family to graduate from college, a small school in Arkansas, to play football. That changed my life. While in Arkansas, I got really involved in all aspects of college life, student activities, Greek life, and sports. When I graduated, I didn’t know what to do, but was offered two assistantships to stay in school, get a master’s degree, and work on campus. That changed my whole life trajectory, and I knew I wanted to work in higher education. I have been in higher education for about 25 years and have worked at five different schools. I also completed my doctorate during that time. I moved back to Florida and Seminole State in 2011 and have been home ever since.

For years you have been coordinating and generating funds and support from donors for nonprofit organizations. What has motivated or inspired you to pursue philanthropy as your profession? I am an example of the power of education. My family had no understanding of higher edification or the impact of what a college degree or post-secondary education could do for one’s life. The opportunity to go to college changed my entire life and provided opportunity that I never thought could happen. When I hear stories of students who have had a life like mine, who have a chance to change and become something larger than what they envisioned, that motivates me. It’s generational. We change lives and generations of lives, just by opening opportunities for people to better themselves and change their path. I lead a group of volunteer community leaders to identify and secure support for Seminole State College. Institutions like Seminole State are the backbone of the workforce in Florida. We are not funded at the level that is needed to do all the things to make a difference. The foundation supports these key

initiatives and raises support for scholarships, programs, and funding for a community of close to 30,000 people. It’s heartwarming and overwhelming at times, but so very rewarding.

What are the criteria for students who have benefited from the Foundation? We support so many different students, and we have program funds for many different degrees and certificates. We have so many types of scholarships that assist all types of students. Many of our students have strong financial needs, and they are afforded opportunities that others may already have. We assist first-generation students like me. We assist minority students. We assist students in certain degrees and certificates. We assist thousands of students every year!

Who or what is your greatest inspiration? I get inspiration from so many people, but my dad and mom are my greatest inspirations. Dad never finished high school and served in the Navy in WWII. I am so proud of his service. He passed a long time ago and is interred at Arlington National Cemetery. He had an incredibly strong work ethic, and an insatiable appetite to learn. He always taught me the greatest form of education is travel and experience. I agree. My mom was a mean, tough woman who is now one of the sweetest, most philanthropic people I know. She gives of her time and talent to so many charitable causes. She inspires me to help others the same way she helps so many. Do you have any hobbies that you want to share with our readers? I love to travel, a good beach bar, food experiences, sports, especially college football, and making people smile. n

ABOUT THE FOUNDATION FOR SEMINOLE STATE COLLEGE

The Foundation for Seminole State College, founded in 1968, is a not-for-profit, 501(c)(3) corporation that enhances the College's programs and services through the development and management of private contributions, public grants, and community partnerships. For more information, visit www.seminolestate.edu/foundation or email the Foundation directly at foundation@seminolestate.edu On February 12, 2022, the Foundation for Seminole State College held its 38th Annual Dreams Gala to benefit the College's scholarships and student programs. Presented by Addition Financial, the 2022 event was inspired by Valentine's Day.