volume lxxxiv, february 2016 A Publication of the florida association of colleges and universities
Association News
Dear Colleagues:
FACU &
It’s that time again! Time for us to come together as Florida’s leaders in higher education to discuss the issues impacting our institutions, the students we serve and the communities for which we supply an educated workforce. I’m excited about our theme this year Access: Myth or Reality, as it speaks directly to an issue which is impacting institutions of higher learning in Florida and throughout the nation. The stronger our system of higher education, the better equipped we will be to meet future workforce demands with career ready graduates who are educated, productive, civically engaged citizens. Additional societal benefits can include a more robust economy, reduced crime and the need for fewer social services. However, if not carefully considered, the state’s Performance Funding Models could adversely impact access for underserved student populations. While we as leaders in higher education are all in favor of accountability and performance measures, we should also be concerned about the potential for unintended consequences which could result from the use of these measures. If not carefully considered, the state’s Performance Funding Models could actually result in further limitations on access to opportunities for some segments of our communities. In 2014, the U.S. was ranked 12th in the world for college attainment for the 25-34 year old population and only half of all undergraduates completed a college degree in six years. Furthermore, information from the 2013 Workforce Estimating Conference, the Florida Chamber of Commerce, and the Florida Access Network, indicates 64% of Florida jobs will require some form of postsecondary education by 2012 and Florida will need an additional 1.4 million skilled workers by 2025. In order to meet this demand for the workforce and regain a respectable ranking in the world in the area of a degreed citizenry, we must pull together across institutional and cultural/historic differences (state vs private; two-year vs four-year; and all of our varying levels of admission criteria) to holistically address the issues of access, retention, persistence and graduation. There are many issues to be addressed, but two stand out: 1) A lack of incentives and resources to support the challenges of working with the underserved population and 2) Inherent and unintentional disincentives for Colleges and Universities to engage a rapidly growing population of students who need additional support to be successful in college and graduate into meaningful employment. The 2016 FAC&U Annual Meeting is scheduled for Wednesday June 1st at the Reunion Resort in Kissimmee, Florida. The meeting will be packed with inspiring speakers and meaningful sessions which will assist us in dialogue on how to better serve our underrepresented populations while remaining accountable for performance. So, SAVE THE DATE and join me in making Access a Reality in Florida. Sincerely,
Dr. Nathaniel Glover President, Edward Waters College FAC&U Vice-President 2015-2016 Dr. Nathaniel Glover was the first African American elected Sheriff in Florida since the end of Reconstruction. He served as Sheriff of Duval County from 1995 - 2003. He became the President of Edward Waters College in 2011.
news from across the state tallahassee community college TCC Celebrates 50 Years
When Tallahassee Community College offered its first classes in fall 1966 as Tallahassee Junior College, nearly 700 students enrolled—more than twice the number anticipated. Fifty years later, TCC has become a community mainstay that serves students at seven locations, including the main campus, a healthcare center, a public safety academy and a new environmental institute. “We are excited to celebrate our golden anniversary in 2016,” said TCC President Jim Murdaugh. “We are proud to have touched the lives of so many families in our community over the past five decades. We have provided our students with a quality education and encouragement to grow, and in return those students have graduated to provide our community with a strong economy, leadership and achievement.” The theme for TCC’s 50th anniversary celebration is “Celebrating a Legacy, Building a Future.” The year kicked off with proclamations in TCC’s honor from the City of Tallahassee and each county in TCC’s service district: Gadsden, Leon and Wakulla. Further highlights of TCC’s 50th anniversary celebrations include an inaugural 5K run in April at the Wakulla Environmental Institute, an alumni reunion in September and the first annual TCC Foundation Turkey Shoot at the Florida Public Safety Institute in November. In April, Murdaugh will serve as parade grand marshal of Springtime Tallahassee, the city’s signature festival. TCC has developed several special projects to commemorate its golden anniversary. One is the “50 for 50” alumni profile series, which has involved interviewing and writing feature stories about 50 prominent TCC alumni. One profile will appear each week in the local newspaper, The Tallahassee Democrat, throughout 2016. The profiles also appear on TCC’s 50th anniversary website located at 50.tcc.fl.edu. The series was launched at a special evening gathering for honorees and other guests. The college has also installed a photo exhibit depicting its first 50 years in the TCC Fine and Performing Arts Center. The 50 photos, many in black and white, brought back memories for attendees at a gallery opening in January and will remain on display throughout the year. Hundreds of other classic photos are available in a digital gallery on the 50th anniversary website, as is a special six-minute video produced in honor of the anniversary and celebrating TCC’s lasting impact on former and current students. This is also a time for TCC to look toward the future. The college’s first four-year-degree program, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, will welcome students in May. The college will also celebrate the grand openings of two new facilities: the workforce-focused Gadsden Center and the Wakulla Environmental Institute this spring. For information, visit www.50.tcc.fl.edu or contact Alice Maxwell at (850) 201-6049 or maxwella@tcc.fl.edu.
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florida association of colleges & universities FAC&U Officers 2015-2016 FAC&U President Eileen Holden, EdD President, Polk State College FAC&U Vice- President Nathaniel Glover, MEd, Hon. LLD President, Edward Waters College FAC&U Vice- President Elect Judith Bense, EdD President, University of West Florida FAC&U Past President John Delaney, JD President, University of North Florida 2015-2016 FAC&U Board Members
Jeffery Albritten, EdD President, Florida SouthWestern State College Anthony Catanese, PhD, FAICP President, Florida Institute of Technology Mr. Andrew Corty Publisher, Florida Trend Marshall Criser, III, JD Chancellor, State University System George L. Hanbury II, PhD President, Nova Southeastern University John Holdnak, PhD President, Gulf Coast State College Edwin Moore, PhD President, Independent Colleges & Universities of Florida Madeline Pumariega, PhD Chancellor of the Florida College System Donal O’Shea, ScD President, New College of Florida Ex-Officio Member Pam Stewart, Florida Commissioner of Education
news from across the state SAINT LEO UNIVERSITY
Saint Leo University Adds New Degrees in Technology, Writing Saint Leo University has broadened its academic offerings with two new programs, one in technology at the undergraduate level and the other in writing at the graduate level. The university expects that both programs will have strong appeal to Florida residents. Saint Leo is accepting applications to its new Bachelor of Science in cybersecurity, to be taught at University Campus in Pasco County and online. The university already offers a Master of Science in cybersecurity, and so was well positioned with qualified faculty and technology infrastructure to offer the bachelor’s degree. Transfer students as well as incoming freshmen may apply. Concurrently, the university will begin offering online its existing Bachelor of Science in computer assurance
with a specialization in computer assurance. It had previously been offered in classrooms only. The difference between the two bachelor’s degrees is that the cybersecurity program prepares graduates for developing security products, software applications, or for working on cyber-related legal matters. The computer science degree is more for people interested in developing a broader range of products and software, but who will also benefit from 12 credits of instruction in security topics. Applicants interested in any of the programs may contact Dr. Derek Mohammed at derek.mohammed@ saintleo.edu. Saint Leo is also launching a low-residency Master of Arts in creative writing. The first cohort for the 36-credit program will begin its course of study in June 2016. Concentrations are offered in fiction,
poetry, and creative nonfiction. In addition, the Saint Leo program will be the only one in the country with an optional track in war literature and writing for veterans. The degree program is intended for adult learners who want the tools to launch or advance their careers as professional writers. It will also serve those interested in teaching or those considering further graduate study. For more information, contact the director, Dr. Steven Kistulentz, steven.kistulentz@ saintleo.edu. Saint Leo also offers an annual, non-academic, oneday regional conference for writers called the Sandhill Writers Retreat. The 2016 retreat will be held May 4 at University Campus, and more information on that is available from Gianna Russo gianna.russo@ saintleo.edu.
BARRY UNIVERSITY
Barry University Earns Community Engagement Classification from Carnegie Foundation Barry University has been selected to receive the 2015 Community E n g a g e m e n t Classification from the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. Barry, who earned the prestigious honor for the first time, joins 239 U.S. colleges and universities, including 82 other inaugural recipients, in receiving the distinction. The Carnegie Foundation’s Community Engagement
Classification is an evidence-based recognition of an institution’s commitment to community service. Colleges and universities with an institutional focus on community engagement were invited to apply for the classification, which was first offered in 2006. Unlike the Foundation’s other classifications that rely on national data, the Community Engagement Classification is an elective classification whereby institutions participate voluntarily by submitting required materials
describing the nature and extent of their engagement with the community. Through this approach, the Foundation is able to address elements of an institutional mission that are not represented in the national data on colleges and universities. >>> To read the full article on Barry’s website, click HERE.
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news from across the state palm beach state college
Robotics Competition Brings More Than 180 Middle Schoolers to PBSC A f t e r preparing for weeks in af t e r s c h o o l programs across the Palm Beach County School District, 23 student teams came together Feb. 6 to pit their robots against one another in exciting head-to-head competition. The event was the Palm Beach County School District’s 14th Annual Middle School Afterschool Program Robotics Extravaganza, which was hosted for the first time by Palm Beach State College. Part of the national First Lego League robotics competition, the event had the highest turnout in its history, as more than 180 middle schoolers converged on the Palm Beach Gardens campus to test their
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engineered creations. The teams were judged on how well their robots completed timed tasks, such as navigating a maze and putting balls in a basket. An awards ceremony capped the event, honoring winning teams in two leagues, Apprentice and Master, which offered opportunities for rookie and experienced teams to be recognized. Palm Beach State’s InnovATE project, funded by a grant from the National Science Foundation, sponsored lunch and T-shirts for the participants. InnovATE is focused on stimulating student involvement in science, technology, engineering and mathematics— the STEM fields. “It was a wonderful opportunity to promote the continuum of
education from middle school to high school to college and career. The kids got to hear about our academic programs, summer offerings, dual enrollment and industry partnerships that can make a difference in student success in STEM,” said Dr. Becky Mercer, principal investigator for the InnovATE grant and director of Biotechnology programs and STEM Education at the College. “In attendance were girls and boys, Title 1 schools, south county, north county, east and west, and their parents. It was a great representation of the district and brought together students who will be future STEM leaders.” >>> Click to read the full article on PBSC’s website.
Aspiring engineers and programmers from Palm Beach County afterschool programs gathered outside the BioScience Technology Complex on PBSC’s Palm Beach Gardens campus, the site of the 14th annual Robotics Extravaganza.
news from across the state palm beach atlantic university
Workship Celebrates 3 Million Hours of Service on MLK Day Nursing student Amanda Goggans did her part to propel Palm Beach Atlantic University’s Workship program over the 3 million hour mark — the equivalent of 125,000 consecutive days of service to the community since the University was founded in 1968. Taking a break from her studies, Goggans joined a group of PBA volunteers on the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday checking expiration dates and sorting nonperishable food into boxes at Feeding South Florida’s warehouse in West Palm Beach. The boxes eventually will go to food pantries, soup kitchens and other distribution points. Goggans, of Okeechobee, said that she has been the recipient of several scholarships during her time at PBA. “What better way to give back and help the community at the same time,” she said. More than 300 students, faculty and staff, as well as alumni, family members and friends of PBA, served Palm Beach County residents in a variety of ways. Projects ranged from painting apartments that house families in need of emergency housing, to gleaning more than 9,000 pounds of green peppers from growing fields to feed the hungry, to painting pavilions and clearing walking trails at a local park. Their collective 1,292 hours of service at seven project sites throughout Palm Beach County were enough to help PBA surpass the 3 million hour milestone. The day began with prayer and worship in the Rubin Arena
of the Greene Complex for Sports and Recreation. From there, the volunteers boarded buses to locations in West Palm Beach and Boynton Beach. The University is officially closed for the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday. However, since 2001, students have made this a “day on” for service rather than a “day off ” from classes. In addition to the mass service projects, PBA students individually serve the community year round. Undergraduate students volunteer at least 45 hours each academic year at non-profit agencies, schools and churches. To accomplish this, the University works with more than 200 community partners, Workship Director Kate Magro said. Service gives students the opportunity to become a part of something greater than themselves, Magro said. “That is what the life of Martin Luther King was all about.” Rochelle Nolan, director of development for Feeding South Florida, said she was grateful for the dozens of volunteers who showed up to assist with the food sorting. The food bank rescues millions of pounds of food that otherwise would go to waste. On that day, PBA volunteers packed enough food to provide 3,000 meals. “At the end of the day, people are eating because they took the time to come here today,” Nolan said. A few miles north at Pat Reeves Village, volunteers updated two three-bedroom apartments with a fresh coat of paint. When that task was done, they weeded a
community garden on the property. The apartment complex provides emergency housing for families with dependent children and is operated by the Center for Family Services of Palm Beach County. It is the only program of its kind in the county. The work day was organized by Lyndsey Morrell, a 2015 PBA graduate who now works for the agency. Morrell, who majored in ministry, began with the Center for Family Services in 2012 as a Workship volunteer. After graduation, she was hired full time. Out of seven different community organizations served by PBA volunteers, two of the organizations are staffed by PBA alumni: Morrell and Cassie Clark ’14, who works with youth in the Rosemary Village neighborhood. The day of service was the kickoff for a year of activities celebrating the 3 million hour milestone. “Reaching 3 million hours is a great accomplishment, but having reached it, we will not stop,” Magro said. “As long as there is need, we will continue serving.” For more information about Workship, visit www.pba.edu/ workship.
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news from across the state north florida community college
NFCC LPN-RN Bridge program Now Accepting Applications for Summer Term 2016 North Florida Community C o l l e g e ’s Allied Health Department is accepting student applications for its LPN to RN Bridge program. The program is a one-year/three-term accelerated bridge program leading to an Associate Degree in Nursing (A.D.N.) for individuals holding a current certificate and licensure as a Licensed Practical Nurse. Classes for the 2016 Summer Term are set to begin in May; deadline to apply is March 1. According to NFCC Allied Health Advisor Debbie Bass, potential students should contact NFCC now
to begin the application process for summer classes or to prepare to enter the program at a later date. Those interested in applying or seeking more information should contact Debbie Bass in the NFCC Career and Technical Education Center (Bldg. 13) at (850) 973-1662 or bassd@nfcc.edu. Potential students looking to begin Summer 2016 must already hold current certification and licensure as an LPN and have completed prerequisite coursework by the end of NFCC’s Spring Term 2016. Prerequisites courses include Freshman English I, Anatomy & Physiology I, Anatomy & Physiology II, Statistics, Microbiology, General Psychology, a Humanities,
Philosophy or Religion course, and approved IV Therapy Course; a total of 24 credit hours. Successful completion of the LPN to RN Bridge program prepares graduates to take the National Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEXRN). Achievement of a passing score on this exam and licensure by the Florida State Board of Nursing enables the graduate to seek employment as a Registered Nurse in the state of Florida. For more information, contact NFCC Allied Health Advisor Debbie Bass in the NFCC Career and Technical Education Center (Bldg. 13) at (850) 973-1662 or bassd@nfcc.edu.
the college of central florida News From The College Of Central Florida
The College of Central Florida has been selected as one of the top 150 colleges in the country to be eligible to compete for funding from the Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence. This is the third time that CF has been deemed eligible for part of the $1 million prize. “Recognition by the Aspen Institute demonstrates that CF faculty and staff are delivering exceptional education opportunities for our community,” said Dr. James Henningsen, CF president. “Florida colleges are among the best in the nation, and College of Central Florida is in good company as
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one of 14 colleges in Florida to be recognized by Aspen.” In December, CF joined DirectConnect to UCF. This partnership with the University of Central Florida guarantees UCF admission to students who earn an Associate in Arts or an articulated Associate in Science at CF. The partnership provides students a smooth transition with admission, financial aid and enrollment. Since students receive advising from CF and UCF, they might also find a shorter time to degree completion. Also in December, the college graduated its first class of Bachelor of Science in Nursing students. CF began offering the degree in August 2014 to address the need for more
highly trained nurses locally and statewide. In late January, the Appleton Museum of Art, College of Central Florida, welcomed artist Patrick Dougherty for a threeweek residency. Renowned for his unusual and dynamic “Stickwork,” Dougherty built a sculpture on the museum grounds using tree branches and saplings. During the anticipated two years the sculpture will stand before it decomposes into the landscape, it will be a part of the museum’s outdoor Sculpture Walk and Garden. Learn more at AppletonMuseum.org.
news from across the state florida state university
Jon C. Dalton Institute On College Student Values What student affairs professionals do, and how they do it, has never been more important. That was the message student development expert George Kuh relayed in his keynote address at Florida State University’s 26th annual Jon C. Dalton Institute on College Student Values held February 4-6. Kuh, an adjunct research professor at the University of Illinois and Chancellor’s Professor of Higher Education Emeritus at Indiana University, was one of four speakers at the conference. More than 160 student affairs professionals, campus ministers, faculty and students representing more than 40 public and private institutions from across the nation gathered at the Dalton Institute with the common goal of preparing students to become active individuals of integrity.
This year, the Dalton Institute’s theme “Student Activism and Advocacy: Higher Education’s Role in Fostering Ethical Leadership and Moral Commitment” engaged participants in an examination of the most current issues, research and educational activities pertaining to character education in college. “This open dialogue, in a welcoming, personalized atmosphere, emphasizes personal development, character, intellectual growth and a return to the core values necessary for college student success,” said Craig Beebe, a graduate assistant in the Office of Student Affairs who organizes the conference. Adam Skerritt, assistant vice president for Student Affairs at the University of Alabama; George Kuh; Allison Crume, assistant vice president for Student Affairs at FSU; Jon C. Dalton. Since 1991, the Dalton Institute has promoted research, trends
Adam Sterritt, assistant vice president for Student Affairs at the University of Alabama; George Kuh; Allison Crume, assistant vice president for Student Affairs at FSU; Jon C. Dalton.
and good practices related to the character and values development of college students. “The idea of public discourse on important topics in today’s society is extremely important, and the Dalton Institute is one of the most renowned institutions for examining these critical issues,” said Mary Coburn, vice president for Student Affairs at Florida State and director of the Dalton Institute. Originally the Institute on College Student Values, the conference was renamed the Jon C. Dalton Institute on College Student Values in 2010 to honor the work and commitment of Jon C. Dalton, the institute’s founder and facultyin-residence. Dalton still attends the conference every year. “Students expect college to prepare them not only for jobs, but for lives of meaning and purpose,” Dalton said. “Successful leadership in today’s world requires individuals who have clarified their core values and have the strength of character to face difficult tasks and persevere.” Each of the Dalton Institute’s nationally recognized keynote speakers examined student advocacy and activism, and their role in leveraging this important piece of the student experience to encourage personal development and intellectual growth. >>>To read the full article by Tim Fordyce on Florida State 24/7, the new site of Florida State University, click HERE.
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news from across the state INDIAN RIVER STATE COLLEGE
Indian River State College Partners With Martin Health System The critical shortage of nurses in Florida is expected to get worse as the state’s large contingent of Baby Boomers requires more health care, with the Florida Center for Nursing projecting a shortage of more than 50,000 registered nurses by 2025. Planning ahead on the Treasure Coast, Martin Health System and Indian River State College have partnered to expand the College’s nursing program. A primary goal is to train nurses for Tradition Medical Center in Port St. Lucie, an affiliate of Martin Health System, which will require 200 additional nurses to be hired by 2018. To meet this challenge, Martin Health System has made a financial commitment to IRSC of $750,000 to hire additional nursing faculty and enroll 80 additional Associate Degree in Nursing students.
“IRSC has long been a valued partner with Martin Health System in developing a skilled workforce that provides exceptional patient care,” said Robert L. Lord Jr., Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer for Martin Health System. “This collaboration will also have a beneficial impact on our local economy, with a significant number of new jobs being created for Treasure Coast residents.” The students will benefit from enhanced clinical experiences and hands-on learning at Martin Health System in preparation for employment as Registered Nurses. “We are very thankful for the collaborative relationship with Martin Health System. Their support enables IRSC to expand access to nursing education and
opens up opportunities for a rewarding nursing career on the Treasure Coast, providing farreaching benefits for the economy and delivery of health care in our region,” said Dr. Edwin R. Massey, IRSC President.
Brenda Byk, Clinical Educator for Martin Health System, left, guides new students accepted into the IRSC nursing program thanks to the support of Martin Health System.
Newly enrolled IRSC nursing students Lauren Neiman and Ansley Cooper (left) expressed appreciation for expansion of the IRSC nursing program
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to (L to R) Ann Hubbard, IRSC Director of Nursing, Jane Cebelak, IRSC Dean of Health Sciences, Dr. Edwin Massey, IRSC President, Robert Lord, Senior Vice President/COO, Martin Health Systems, Brenda Byk, Clinical Educator, Martin Health Systems, Debbie Perez, Assistant Vice President Total Rewards and Clinical Services, Martin Health Systems and Scott Samples, Director of Corporate Communications.
SAVE THE DATE!
FAC&U is the only organization comprised of all 70 college and university presidents in all three sectors of the non-profit private and public higher educational institutions in Florida; this includes all presidents from the State University System, the Florida College System and the Independent Colleges and Universities of Florida. Member institutions should submit content for possible inclusion in the next issue of this electronic newsletter by May 2, 2016. Articles should be 250-300 words in length and sent electronically to news@facuflorida.org. Photos and a current school logo are encouraged.
FAC&U (850) 488-4845 P.O. Box 15587, Tallahassee, Florida 32317 www.facuflorida.org