LAKE-SUMTER STATE COLLEGE

Located in the heart of Florida, Lake-Sumter State College provides students with the opportunity to pursue their goals and join Florida’s dynamic workforce. We embrace our mission as a community college to increase access and opportunity for all learners in the communities we serve.

At Lake-Sumter State College, we are transforming lives and futures throughout our community.

Under the leadership of our 7th President, Dr. Heather Bigard, we are embarking on a bold journey to transform the ways in which we connect and educate our students while embracing our rich history of high-quality education and personalized student support services. We currently serve over 6,500 students each year and plan to grow to over 10,000 in the next several years.

Lake-Sumter State College proudly serves students from campus locations in Leesburg, Clermont, and Sumterville. New campus locations are opening in 2023 in the Four Corners area of South Lake County and North Eustis. The College’s Nursing and Allied Health programs have dedicated education units for teaching and hands-on experience at all three area hospitals.

Students have the opportunity to pursue associate degrees, baccalaureate degrees, and certificates in over thirty areas of study that meet their career goals and align with employer demand.

The rapid growth in the Orlando metropolitan area, particularly in the service area of Lake and Sumter Counties, is driving growth, innovation, and workforce demand in an array of industries offering high-skill, high-wage positions. By rapidly adapting and responding to this demand, Lake-Sumter State College will continue to be the premier workforce engine driving training and education opportunities in these counties.

Together, we will create a significant impact to meet the needs of today’s students and prepare for future generations.

District Board Of Trustees

Each of the 28 colleges in the Florida College System is operated under the local control of a District Board of Trustees composed of citizens who volunteer their time and are legally vested with decision-making authority in all matters of college policy, programs, facilities, budgets, and personnel.

The Governor appoints each member to the board. Five citizens from Lake County and four from Sumter County are appointed to four-year terms to form the District Board of Trustees of Lake-Sumter State College.

This group of dedicated individuals meets regularly to guide the development of LakeSumter State College and ensure that it continues to fulfill its mission.

Bret Jones, Chair

Jennifer Hooten, Vice Chair

Anita Geraci-Carver, Board Attorney

Bryn Blaise

David Hidalgo

Emily Lee

Tim Morris

Ivy Parks

Peter Wahl

PRESIDENT’S CABINET

Dr. Heather Bigard, President

Dr. Laura Byrd, Senior Vice President of Institutional Advancement & Executive Director of the LSSC Foundation

Kristie Harris, Vice President of Finance & Chief Financial Officer

Karen Hogans, Vice President of Academic Affairs

Nick Kemp, Vice President of Technology Innovation & Chief Information Officer

Thom Kieft, Vice President of Facilities Planning & Operations

Dr. Joseph Mews, Vice President of Enrollement & Student Affairs

PRESIDENTS OF LAKE-SUMTER STATE COLLEGE

Dr. Paul P. Williams, 1962 - 1980

Dr. Robert S. Palinchak, 1980 - 1986

Dr. Carl C. Andersen, 1986 - 1992

Dr. Robert W. Westrick, 1992 - 2002

Dr. Charles R. Mojock, 2002 - 2015

Dr. Stanley M. Sidor, 2015 - 2022

Dr. Heather L. Bigard, 2022 - Present