A MESSAGE FROM DR. LAURA BYRD, INTERIM PRESIDENT
As the fastest growing state college in Florida, Lake-Sumter State College is transforming lives and shaping the future of our community. Our commitment to managing smart growth while focusing on strategic priorities has allowed us to make a significant impact across our service area. As we look ahead to 2025, we are filled with excitement and enthusiasm to build upon the incredible momentum we’ve experienced this past year.
PILLARS
In the face of an ever-evolving workforce and educational landscape, we continue to prioritize supporting our students and meeting the needs of the local economy. Our work as a workforce engine is helping connect employers with highly skilled, job-ready graduates, fostering economic growth and opportunity in the region.
I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to our dedicated faculty and staff, whose efforts ensure the success of our students every day. I am also deeply appreciative of the ongoing support from our community, which makes it possible for us to fulfill our mission of providing accessible, high-quality education to all.
Thank you for being part of the continued success and growth of Lake-Sumter State College.
Dr. Laura Byrd Interim President
2023 – 2026 STRATEGIC PLAN
ACCESS – Maximize access to programs and services.
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT – Accelerate career placement and economic impact.
STUDENT LEARNING & SUCCESS – Engage students in their success.
LEARNING & WORK ENVIRONMENT – Cultivate a community renowned for being a great place to learn and work.
ACHIEVEMENTS
• Nearly 17% enrollment growth in 2024, with increases across all of our student demographics and forecasted continued growth through the next two years.
• The Foundation awarded a record $1.4 million in student scholarships alongside growing needs with a 30% increase in applications.
• The BS Elementary Education program launched with plans already in place to expand with additional bachelor degrees for teachers in Exceptional Student Education and Secondary English.
• The first cohort of students from the AS Medical Lab Tech program to address critical needs from our hospital partners.
• In 2024, we saw a 3% improvement in fall-to-spring retention, an important metric to keeping students on track for completion.
• With support from the LSSC Foundation and the LiveWell Foundation of South Lake, LSSC opened a training lab for the respiratory care program.
LOOKING AHEAD FUTURE PROJECTS & 2025 PLANS
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT CENTER
After breaking ground in 2024, the new Workforce Development Center will reshape the Leesburg Campus and will serve as a hub for innovation, providing state-of-the-art resources and opportunities for students to thrive in their chosen careers. It will offer programs in business, leadership, and technology designed to prepare students for the demands of the future workforce. Through a collaborative model of program delivery, the facility will support active learning across various disciplines utilizing flexible spaces and innovative technology to foster a strong pipeline from education to employment.
SOUTH LAKE MASTER PLAN
The new South Lake Campus Master Plan builds off the initial vision for the campus and creates a plan for the next 25 years. As the population is growing rapidly, LSSC is responding and adapting to the needs of the workforce today and into the future. Through partnerships with local employers and community organizations, students will build connections in the workforce before graduation. The first phase of the plan is a remodel of Building 2 to support enrollment growth and allow for new programs and facilities.
EUSTIS WORKFORCE TRAINING CENTER
The Eustis Workforce Training Center, located in North Eustis on County Road 44, will initially offer Electric Utility Lineworker and Commercial Driver (CDL) training programs. In addition to the necessary utility pole field and driver training pad, the center will be built with flexibility in mind for future expansion. In 2025, LSSC will pursue external funding opportunities to support the construction of this training center and facilities.
EXCELLENCE IN ACTION
We are proud that Lake-Sumter State College’s student-athletes excel both on the field and in the classroom. These student-athletes maintain an average GPA over 3.0 and have a 72% graduation rate, significantly higher than the overall student population. Nearly half of the student-athletes came from Lake or Sumter County high schools in 2024 and 31 of those who graduated transferred to a university.
POST-SEASON CHAMPIONSHIPS
BEACH VOLLEYBALL – 2nd at Region Championship, 4th at NJCAA Championship
CROSS COUNTRY – Qualified for Regional Championship & NJCAA Championship
HALF MARATHON – Qualified for NJCAA Championship
SOFTBALL – Qualified for District Championship
LSSC continues to invest in the student-athlete experience and Lakehawk Athletics facilities. In 2024, renovations to the Leesburg campus locker rooms were completed that introduced modern amenities to the facilities: USB charging ports, lockboxes, interactive digital screens, ice bath tubs, upgraded showers, and branded furniture. In 2025, a new six-court beach volleyball complex will be constructed on the Leesburg Campus, which will serve as the home for our team and as a host site for tournaments.
GROWTH BY THE NUMBERS
Over the past year, Lake-Sumter State College (LSSC) has experienced remarkable growth and success, reaffirming its position as the fastest-growing college in the Florida College System. This report highlights our achievements, including record enrollment numbers, affordability, and the expansion of our educational offerings to meet the needs of our students, employers, and community.
RECORD ENROLLMENT
In Fall 2024, Lake-Sumter State College achieved another enrollment record with over 6,100 students enrolled in degree programs. LSSC will serve over 9,000 students in the 2024-2025 academic year, on track to achieve our goal of serving 10,000 students annually by 2026.
AFFORDABILITY
One of the key factors supporting our continued growth is our affordability. At half the price of state universities, LSSC offers exceptional value for students seeking to earn a postsecondary credential. Students who complete their AA at LSSC are guaranteed admission at a state university and will save thousands of dollars over those first two years.
Our competitive rates and high-quality education make it possible to pursue academic and career goals without the burden of excessive student loan debt.
$1.4M+
FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIPS AWARDED IN 2024
1,100+ CREDENTIALS AWARDED IN 2024
9,000+ ENROLLMENT TOTAL IN 2024-2025
28%+
HISPANIC STUDENT ENROLLMENT
EXPANDED CAMPUS AND CLASS OFFERINGS
17%+ ENROLLMENT GROWTH IN 2024-2025
22%+ INCREASE IN ON-CAMPUS CLASSES
We strive to meet the needs of our student population by offering courses in a variety of locations and methods. We’ve expanded our offerings to four campuses across Lake and Sumter counties and provide flexible learning options, including on-campus, online, and hybrid classes. This variety helps students choose the location and method that best suits their schedule and preferences.
COMMUNITY IMPACT
Lake-Sumter State College serves as a vital workforce engine, equipping students with the skills and knowledge needed to meet the demands of our local economy. By fostering strong connections between employers and our graduates, we ensure a steady pipeline of talent ready to contribute to the success of businesses in the region.
CONCLUSION
As LSSC continues its growth to meet the needs of the community, we remain committed to providing high-quality, affordable education that we’re known for. We will continue our work to transform lives and futures throughout our community.
INVESTING IN FUTURES FUNDING LAKEHAWK DREAMS
Our students receive financial support that allows them to focus more on their studies and less on financial burdens, positively contributing to their overall academic success and well-being. Thanks to our affordable tuition and low-cost textbook options, students who receive financial support can cover these costs with little to no out-of-pocket expenses.
FINANCIAL ACCESSIBILITY: With more students completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) and qualifying for Pell Grants, financial barriers to higher education are reduced. This makes LSSC more accessible to a broader range of students, especially those from low-income backgrounds.
RETENTION AND SUCCESS: Financial stability allows students to focus on their studies without the stress of financial burdens. This often leads to higher retention rates and better academic performance, as students are less likely to drop out.
COMMUNITY SUPPORT: In addition to federal financial aid, the LSSC Foundation awards well over a million dollars in scholarships each year. In 2024,more students submitted scholarship applications and received support than ever before!
We are pleased to support our students who want to enroll and pursue their goals. With these financial support opportunities, we can support well-rounded students and expand our reach to students who didn’t think college was a possibility.
EARLY COLLEGE PROGRAMS
BUILDING TOMORROW, TODAY
Our Early College Programs have achieved record growth in 2024, with over 3,000 students enrolled in at least one program targeted to K–12 students in Lake and Sumter Counties. By expanding our programming to younger students, we can inspire future generations to know that earning a degree or credential after high school is not only possible, but the right opportunity for their chosen career goals.
We’re accelerating students in high school-based academies like Criminal Justice and Engineering Tech, in 2024 we launched an AICE-to-AA pathways, and started a new dual enrollment program to take the Introduction to College Success course. All aimed at reducing costs to students and families and getting students the credentials they need for their career.
We’re also proud that our programs targeting low-income, at-risk students exceeded their goals for 2024: 98% students stayed active and 100% of seniors graduated from high school!
