March 11, 2026 – During the 2026 Florida Undergraduate Research Conference (FURC) on Saturday, March 7, at the University of North Florida in Jacksonville, 19 South Florida State College (SFSC) students presented their research.
FURC is one of the largest multidisciplinary research conferences in the country. It is available to all undergraduate researchers in Florida who would like to submit their findings through poster presentations. FURC offers some of the best opportunities for students to network with fellow academics, learn about graduate programs, and participate in workshops and professional development.
The SFSC students’ scientific research presentations for FURC were varied. One or multiple students may have participated in a research topic under a faculty member who served as mentor on the project. Posters were presented at FURC on these undergraduate research projects:
- “What Your Oral Microbiome Says About Your Health,” by Elijah Wheelus and Ardwins Alcindor. Faculty mentor: Dr. Mintoo Patel.
- “Mysteries of Mycology: Finding the Undescribed through DNA Barcoding,” by Ardwins Alcindor. Faculty mentor: Dr. Mintoo Patel.
- “Circulating miR-21 as a Non-Invasive Biomarker for Early Colorectal Cancer Detection: A Meta-Analysis of microRNA Profiles in Liquid Biopsies,” by Carmelo Islas-Cardoso. Faculty mentor: Dr. Mintoo Patel.
- “Mammoth Impact: Studying the Effects of De-extinction,” by Gregory McCarty. Faculty mentor: Dr. Mintoo Patel.
- “Pathogenic Gut Bacteria and Their Mechanisms in Colorectal Cancer Progression,” by Harman Bharath. Faculty mentor: Dr. Mintoo Patel.
- “The Oral Microbiome as a Cardiovascular Biomarker: Bridging Dentistry and Cardiology,” by Jenale Alfonso Cruz and Andy Gomez Reyes. Faculty mentors: Dr. Mintoo Patel and Sheryl McGrath.
- “Melatonin Modulates Mitochondrial-Dependent Apoptosis in MDA-T41 Thyroid Carcinoma Cells,” by Jesus Ruiz-Cantellano, Kalel Garcia-Herreros, and Maria E. Neutsling Silva. Faculty mentor: Dr. Daniel Sanches.
- “Microbial Masterpieces: The Symphony of Science and Creativity,” by Carmelo Islas-Cardoso and Reynaldo Villalobos. Faculty mentors: Dr. Mintoo Patel, Karla Respress, Garrett Lee, and Andy Polk.
- “Rapid Point-of-Care Detection of Salmonella Enterica and Listeria Monocytogenes in Food Samples Using Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification: Applications in Forensic Investigation and Surgical Medicine,” by Marleigh Souther and Maci Gaskins. Faculty mentor: Dr. Mintoo Patel.
- “Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification-based Qualitative Detection of Microbial marker Genes in Water,” by Isabella Salinas and Jesus Torres. Faculty mentor: Dr. Mintoo Patel.
- “A Direct Comparison of Dental Care Usage by Hispanic Immigrants in their Home Country and Host Country: A Cross-sectional Study in the United States,” by Tina Wu. Faculty mentors: Dr. Mintoo Patel, Sheryl McGrath, Mlisa Manning, and Dr. James Hawker.
- “Using DNA Barcoding to Identify a Scarabaeoid Beetle,” by Jadyn Garrett and Ty Giller. Faculty mentor: Dr. Joseph Velenovsky.
- “Conserving Florida’s Living Heritage,” by Aiden Swain, Ardwins Alcindor, Cohen Jefferies, Adrian Mendoza, and Isabella Salinas. Faculty mentors: Dr. Mintoo Patel and Dr. Kate Calvin.
At a state or community college, such as SFSC, research has become a significant component of its science curriculum.
“Undergraduate research allows students to delve into their subjects in a much deeper way than regular classwork and promotes critical thinking,” Dr. James Hawker, dean of Arts and Sciences at SFSC. “It better prepares students for upper division work at a university after transfer. It also increases their chances of being accepted to their university of choice by demonstrating advanced learning in the first two years of college.”
For more information about undergraduate research at SFSC, contact Dr. Jam
Glarysvette (left) and Edwin Delgado
AVON PARK – March 4, 2026 – Father and daughter, Edwin and Glarysvette Delgado will graduate together from South Florida State College (SFSC) with their Bachelor of Science in Supervision and Management (BAS-SM) in May 2026. Both of the Sebring residents earned their Associate in Arts degrees from SFSC in 2024 and both are the first in their family to graduate from college.
SFSC began offering the BAS-SM in the fall term of 2012, and the first cohort of 14 students graduated in May 2014. The BAS-SM was the first baccalaureate degree that SFSC offered, creating a continuing educational and professional pathway for students in associate degree programs. The program allows students to stay within their communities, continue their education, and obtain a baccalaureate degree at a significant cost savings.
A year and a half ago, Edwin Delgado became the manager for energy and utilities at the School Board of Highlands County. “I’m the one who manages the electricity and water and does audits in the morning, making sure printers are off, lights are off,” he said.
Glarysvette Delgado works full-time as a secretary in the Guidance Department at Sebring High School. “I work at the department’s front desk,” she said. “I do enrollment, the withdraws, among other things.”
Edwin decided to apply to the BAS-SM program, because he wanted to be able to move up at the School Board. “Previously, I managed different types of businesses and was always involved in the financial part of the business. Now, I work out of the Finance Office. So, numbers interest me to a certain degree.
“The School Board encourages people to have bachelor’s degrees for certain positions,” he said. “If I want to move up, the BAS-SM will benefit me in the long run. I’d like to, eventually, become a director. I have 10 more years with the School Board before I reach my 30 years and I’d like to retire within the Florida Retirement System.”
Edwin has even longer-term goals for himself. “After retirement, I’d like to move to an island, somewhere in Central America,” he said. “I love being in the water. I know that down the road, I’d like to open up my own business – on the island. Through the BAS-SM program, I’m learning how to start from the bottom up as a business manager. It’s helpful in my current job and I believe it’ll be helpful later on in life.”
Glarysvette always wanted to have a career in education. “I love kids and I love education, so with my bachelor’s degree, I could use it in teaching,” she said. “Being a classroom educator, it’s important to set a good example. The business program teaches you to be a good and intentional business leader. If education doesn’t turn out to be the route I take, the degree will help me move up in companies when I first start working. I’ll have the foundation for managing a business. I may even start my own business one day.”
For father and daughter, the experience of taking classes together has been positive and beneficial. “It’s good to have someone you’re close with and who you can talk to about your classes,” Glarysvette said. “When we can align our classes and take them together, we keep each other accountable and on track. It’s funny, Dr. [Tina] Adams, the program’s lead instructor, didn’t know that my dad and I were related until we had a Zoom meeting. Our computers were too close and started making that echo noise.”
Heading for graduation, the current BAS-SM students are working on their end-of-program Capstone Projects that bridge their accumulated classroom work with a real-world application. “The company I’m working on is Carvanna, and my dad is working on United Healthcare,” Glarysvette said. “Dr. Adams gives us a major corporation and presents a problem for us to solve for the company. For instance, Carvanna has a 100-day warranty and Dr. Adams wants us to find out why the company hasn’t received good reviews for the warranty and how we could resolve that concern.”
Edwin supports and advocates for the BAS-SM program wholeheartedly and urges others to continue their education. “Look at me,” he said. “I started this journey in 2018. I stopped my education because my father-in-law passed away. I needed to help take care of his business. Otherwise, I would have completed my education a long time ago. Then, I developed the mentality of ‘I don’t know if the College is going to do anything for me.’ But I was completely wrong because an education will open doors for you. It will create opportunities. I’m 100% all for it. It’s helping me now, and it will help me down the road.”
The BAS-SM provides students with educational opportunities and the ability to increase their job skills and marketability in Highlands, Hardee, and DeSoto counties. Major employers in the College’s service district are involved in public service, health care, business, and retail. Such employers require employees who have a well-rounded education, can think critically, have people skills, can supervise staff, and can manage aspects of a business.
The program runs for approximately two years and is online. For complete details about the BAS-SM program, visit southflorida.edu/bas-sm. To discuss your eligibility, call Dr. Tina Adams, BAS-SM program lead instructor, at 863-784-7448 or email tina.adams@southflorida.edu.
Feb. 27, 2026 – The South Florida State College (SFSC) Foundation is proud to announce the establishment of the Randy Bateman Memorial Scholarship, a new endowed scholarship honoring the life and legacy of Randy Bateman, a lifelong Floridian and proud DeSoto County native who dedicated nearly 40 years to Florida Power & Light (FPL). The scholarship will support motivated, career-minded students pursuing work in the welding and skilled trade industry.
Feb. 10, 2026 – President Fred Hawkins has been named a Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Paragon President Honoree. President Hawkins will be recognized during PTK Catalyst, Phi Theta Kappa’s annual international convention.
Feb. 12, 2026 – The South Florida State College (SFSC) District Board of Trustees (DBOT) conducted their annual review of President Fred Hawkins and laid out goals for 2026 at their regularly scheduled monthly meeting on Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026.
The positive review of President Hawkins described him as communicative, effective, visible, dedicated, and highly engaged with students.
The DBOT goals for 2026 include:
- Continue to maximize revenues and minimize expenses
- Enhance economic development
- Advance student success and retention through graduation
- Increase community engagement and partnerships throughout the tri-county area
- Implement strategies to update current infrastructure
“The 2026 goals adopted by the District Board of Trustees continue to reflect our commitment to the continued success of our students and faculty while ensuring fiscal accountability and dedication to economic prosperity,” said John Eason, vice chair of SFSC’s DBOT. “By investing in modern infrastructure, and strengthening community partnerships, we are committing to keeping South Florida State College as a catalyst for workforce and economic development across the tri-county area.”
The DBOT meets monthly on the Highlands Campus of SFSC in Avon Park, Fla. For more information and meeting details, visit southflorida.edu/board-of-trustees.
AVON PARK, Fla. – Feb. 11, 2026 – The Alan Jay Wildstein Center for the Performing Arts at South Florida State College (SFSC) announces four major national tours coming to the 1,460-seat venue in February.
“Following the enthusiastic response to Neil Berg’s hit Broadway revue ‘100 Years of Broadway,’ I am happy to announce that an all-new show, Neil Berg’s ‘100 Years of Hollywood’ is scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 21 at 7 p.m.,” said Cindy Garren, director of cultural programs at SFSC. “The musical revue includes some of the greatest songs from Hollywood’s greatest movie musicals and classic films with a superb New York band and five dazzling Broadway performers.”
Neil Berg’s “100 Years of Hollywood” recreates the greatest moments from movie musicals and classic films of the century, featuring the actual stars of hit Broadway shows such as “The Phantom of the Opera,” “Les Miserables,” “Evita,” “Fiddler on the Roof,” “CATS,” “Jesus Christ Superstar,” and “Wonderful Town.” These performers light up the stage with songs from classic and hit films such as “Breakfast at Tiffany’s,” “Casablanca,” “Wizard of Oz,” “Goldfinger,” “Moulin Rouge,” “A Star is Born,” “Dreamgirls,” “New York New York,” and many more. Neil Berg presents brilliantly revived arrangements of classics as well as fantastic numbers from Hollywood’s newest hit films.
The performance is sponsored by Dr. Catherine P. Cornelius, Jane Hancock and Don Appelquist, AdventHealth, and Thakkar, Patel and Avalos, MDs. Tickets are $36, $32, and $28 plus a $3 per ticket processing fee.
Rhythm of the Dance
Direct from Ireland, “Rhythm of the Dance” performs on Tuesday, Feb. 24 at 1:30 p.m. Featuring the National Dance Company of Ireland, the production is a two-hour celebration of Ireland’s rich heritage. This internationally acclaimed live production captivates audiences around the world with its champion dancers, top-tier traditional musicians, and stellar vocalists. Tickets for this high-energy show are $40, $35, and $30.
“Proud Tina,” produced by Showtime Australia, celebrates four decades of the Queen of Rock and Roll with a full live band, dynamic dancers, and soulful vocalists. Powerhouse vocalist Carole Borole delivers a night of hits that made Tina Turner one of the 20th century’s biggest names in music “Simply the Best,” “What’s Love Got to Do With It,” “Proud Mary,” “Nutbush City Limits,” “We Don’t Need Another Hero,” “Better Be Good to Me,” “I Can’t Stand the Rain,” “Private Dancer,” and many more. This show is not affiliated with Tina Turner.
Proud Tina
This performance is sponsored by Sedlock and Heston Construction, Dawn Dell, Broker Associate with Paradise Real Estate, Lampe and Kiefer Hearing Aid Center, MidFlorida Credit Union, Heartland Endodontics, and Bill and Lisa Jarrett.
The 30th anniversary tour of the Broadway hit, “Stomp,” makes a stop in Avon Park on Sunday, March 1 at 7 p.m. The international percussion sensation has garnered an armful of awards and rave reviews and has appeared on numerous national television shows. The eight-member troupe uses everything but conventional percussion instruments — matchboxes, wooden poles, brooms, garbage cans, hubcaps — to fill the stage with magnificent rhythm. Tickets for “Stomp” are $70, $60, and $45 plus a $3 per ticket processing fee.
Performances at the Wildstein Center for the Performing Arts are sponsored in part by the Florida Department of State, Division of Arts and Culture, and the National Endowment for the Arts. Tickets can be purchased in person at the SFSC Box Office located at 600 West College Drive, online at sfscARTS.org, or by phone at 863-784-7178. Significant discounts are available for groups of 12 or more.
Feb. 4, 2026 – Undergraduate students from across Florida gathered at the state’s capital on Jan. 26–27, 2026, for the Florida Undergraduate Research Posters at the Capitol, a biennial event that celebrates student innovation and highlights the impact of undergraduate research on Florida’s future.
Hosted by the Florida Undergraduate Research Association (FURA) in partnership with Florida State University and Tallahassee State College, the event provided a unique opportunity for students to present their original research to state legislators, public officials, and university leaders inside the Florida State Capitol rotunda.
Each FURA institutional member nominated up to three students to represent their campus. The following students were selected to represent South Florida State College:
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Jenale Alfonso: The Oral Microbiome as a Cardiovascular Biomarker: Bridging Dentistry and Cardiology (Mentors: Dr. Mintoo Patel and Sheryl McGrath)
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Anika Bhandare: Molecular Markers for Early Detection of Colorectal Cancer Metastasis (Mentor: Dr. Mintoo Patel)
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Cohen Jefferies: Conserving Florida’s Living Heritage (Mentors: Dr. Mintoo Patel and Dr. Kate Calvin)
Projects span diverse topics from human health to conservation and demonstrate how undergraduate research fosters problem-solving, creativity, and civic engagement.
FURA continues to strengthen the statewide undergraduate research network through its signature programs, including the Florida Undergraduate Research Conference (FURC), the Florida Statewide Symposium, and the Florida Undergraduate Research Journal (FURJ). The Posters at the Capitol event exemplifies the association’s mission to elevate undergraduate research and promote meaningful connections between students, institutions, and policymakers.
For more information about the 2026 Florida Undergraduate Research Posters at the Capitol, visit floridaundergradresearch.org.
About the Florida Undergraduate Research Association (FURA)
The Florida Undergraduate Research Association is a consortium of higher education institutions committed to promoting and enhancing undergraduate research across the state. FURA supports collaboration, mentorship, and outreach through statewide events, publications, and partnerships.
As conversations about economic growth, workforce readiness, and community well-being continue, South Florida State College (SFSC) is consistently tied to organizations and corporations throughout the region.
According to a recent economic impact study examining fiscal year 2023–24, SFSC contributed $210.3 million in added income to the regional economy, which is equal to 4% of the area’s total gross regional product. To put that into perspective, one out of every 24 jobs in the region is supported by the activities of SFSC, its students, or its alumni.
This impact is not just anecdotal; it is evident in paychecks, positions, and career pathways across the region.
The Power of Alumni
The greatest economic contribution of SFSC comes from its alumni. Former students employed in the region generated $169.9 million in added income in a single year, supporting 2,216 jobs. SFSC’s alumni are nurses, technicians, first responders, educators, and skilled professionals, who residents interact with every day and whose education translates directly into production benefits and higher earnings for local industries.
Beyond alumni impact, SFSC’s day-to-day operations play a significant role in sustaining the local economy. The College employs 513 faculty and staff, with 82% living within the service area, ensuring that salaries are reinvested locally, supporting local businesses and community initiatives. The combined payroll and operational spending added $35.2 million to the regional economy.
Current students also contribute in a meaningful and valuable way, with 14% of SFSC students relocating to the area to attend the College, bringing new dollars into local communities through housing, food, transportation, and everyday expenses. Student spending added $5.2 million to the regional economy and supported 84 additional jobs.
Lucrative Futures
For students, the value proposition of SFSC is clear and measurable. Graduates who earned an associate degree in fiscal year 2023–24 will earn $6,200 more per year on average than peers with only a high school diploma. Over a working lifetime, that difference amounts to $260,400 in additional earnings per graduate.
When viewed as an investment, the return is staggering. For every $1 students invest in tuition, books, and income they temporarily set aside while investing in their education, they receive $7.50 in higher future earnings. The average annual rate of return for students is 22.9%, which is more than double the average for traditional long-term investment benchmarks. Students who invest in themselves strengthen not only their own futures, but the future of the communities they call home.
Benefits to Taxpayers
The benefits of SFSC extend well beyond individual students. From a taxpayer perspective, the College generates more value than it costs. Over the working lives of its students, SFSC produces $42 million in combined tax revenue and public-sector savings, exceeding the $38.2 million in state funding it received.
At the societal level, the return is even more pronounced. The study estimates $607.6 million in total social benefits statewide, driven by higher lifetime earnings, increased business output, and reduced public costs related to healthcare, the criminal justice system, and income assistance. For every $1 spent by the College and its students, society gains $9.40 in benefits. In addition, when the public invests $1 in the College, they receive $1.10 back, so SFSC generates more value than it consumes.
More Than a College
These statistics tell an impressive story, but they only begin to explain SFSC’s role within the Heartland of Florida. The College is not simply an educational institution; it is an economic stabilizer, a talent pipeline, and a force multiplier for community prosperity. The strength of SFSC is currently felt by the 2,927 jobs across the region that are supported by the College.
At a time when Florida, like much of the nation, faces workforce shortages, demographic shifts, and economic uncertainty, South Florida State College stands as an inspiring solution. The region suffers from low attainment rates, with Highlands County ranked at 38 of the 67 counties, Hardee at 64, and DeSoto at 65, so the work continues. SFSC’s impact is measurable, its return on investment is undeniable, and its influence reaches far beyond the classroom.
SFSC’s mission is to develop human potential and create brighter futures, but its true impact cannot be confined to a single student or a single campus. The College is strengthening the region and revealing that education works best when it connects people, ideas, and opportunity. Within DeSoto, Hardee, and Highlands counties, the data reveals the influence of education on the economy, and the potential exists to further improve the imprint the College has on Florida’s Heartland.
SFSC Nursing students
AVON PARK, Fla. — Jan. 30, 2026 — During the January meeting of South Florida State College’s (SFSC) District Board of Trustees, 33 students studying for careers in the health sciences at SFSC received approximately $28,704 in scholarships.
The Florida College System Foundation (FCSF) and Florida Blue awarded Nursing and Allied Health scholarships to SFSC students in Nursing, Surgical Services, Dental Education, Radiography, Paramedic, Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), and Health Services Management programs. The students may use the scholarships for tuition, textbooks, lab fees, and childcare.
Students receiving the scholarships are studying within three health science disciplines:
- Nursing: Guillermo Garcia Mulero, Sabrina Villegas, Andrea Vasquez, Reyna Quintero, Esther Smith, Trinity Vansickle, Mikayla Wesley, Alysia Mayer, Zareana Fogel-Thomas, Dominique Morales, Letisha Romero, Alexis Franklin, Denija Rochester, Rodrick Rivers, Noemi Secundino, Kaley Piggott, and Cristina Lopez-Rojas
- Surgical Services – Tabitha Trevelyan and Sierra Bullard
- Dental Education: Nereida Flores Becerra, Stephany Palafox, and Blanca Solis
- Radiography: Angela Salazar, Valerie Martinez, and Brisa Luevano
- Paramedic: Ashley Leppe and Ismael Mejia
- EMT: DaNayja Sturn, Kearsta Danser, Casey McLaughlin, and Savannah Mullins
- Health Services Management: Lorena Martinez-Bautista and Denise Blaine
The scholarships are the result of a partnership between the FSCF and Florida Blue. The Florida Blue Nursing and Allied Health Scholarship was created to sustain a source of funding for student scholarships at Florida colleges to meet the growing need for skilled nurses and allied health professionals who serve the state’s diverse population. The FCSF and Florida Blue award to SFSC students totaled $14,352. The SFSC Foundation, Inc. provided a 50% match of the original award from the FCSF and Florida Blue, as the funds must be matched dollar for dollar by private donors at the local level.
“These scholarship recipients represent the future of healthcare in our region,” said Emily Dabolt, SFSC executive director of institutional advancement. “Florida Blue’s investment goes beyond supporting individual students — it strengthens the entire healthcare infrastructure of our community. By removing financial barriers for students in high-demand fields, Florida Blue is helping ensure that families across our region have access to skilled, dedicated healthcare professionals when they need them most. We are deeply grateful for this partnership.”
The FCSF, based in Tallahassee, is a nonprofit organization that solicits gifts and donations from corporations and individuals for distribution to Florida’s 28 community and state colleges. SFSC has received scholarships for health sciences students since 2006. Florida Blue, previously known as Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida, provides individual and group health insurance to millions of Floridians.
AVON PARK, Fla. – Jan. 29, 2026 – Four Tuesday matinees will be presented at the Wildstein Center for the Performing Arts at South Florida State College (SFSC) in Avon Park. The schedule for Tuesday matinees includes a variety of music genres to entertain and move the audience.
America’s vintage rock and roll show, Phil Dirt and the Dozers, returns to the big stage on Feb. 3 with the music of The Beach Boys to the iconic hits of The Eagles. “Phil Dirt and the Dozers is a huge audience pleaser,” said Cindy Garren, director of cultural programs at SFSC. “Audiences love their lighthearted fun and every note is performed live without tracks or gimmicks.” Tickets for the show are $22-$33. Sponsors for Phil Dirt and the Dozers are Vinfast of Sebring, Lampe and Keifer Hearing Aid Center, HoltonFL, and Pete and Dale Caldwell.
Songs of Faith and Family with The Goldens is scheduled for Feb. 10 at 1:30 p.m. Chris Golden, an award-winning music producer, was honored by the Inspirational Country Music Association as the 2019 Entertainer of the Year and 2020 Instrumentalist and Producer of the Year. He has performed for every living U.S. president and graced legendary stages such as The Grand Old Opry, Ryman Auditorium, and Dollywood, and the Holy Land in Israel. Golden is a storyteller who has toured with Alabama and the Oak Ridge Boys, and will be joined on stage by members of his family. Tickets are $17-$25. Groups of 12 or more save 50% on regular admission. The concert is sponsored by Cowpoke’s Watering Hole and AdventHealth.
Relive the magic of the Bee Gees at Stayin’ Alive, the most definitive and dazzling tribute to one of the most iconic groups in pop music history, on Feb. 17. Stayin’ Alive is a full-scale multimedia production, featuring stunning visuals, big-screen video clips, and the nostalgic sound of Barry, Maurice, and Robin Gibb. Tickets for Stayin’ Alive are $22-$30. Groups of 12 or more save 15% on regular admission. The performance is underwritten by Spiegel Chiropractic Clinic, AdventHealth, and Dawn Dell, Broker Associate with Paradise Real Estate International.
Stayin’ Alive
Direct from Ireland, Rhythm of the Dance, honors Irish roots on Feb. 24. The internationally acclaimed live production features the National Dance Company of Ireland and top-tier musicians and vocalists. This spectacular production blends the spirit of traditional Irish dance and music with cutting-edge stagecraft, taking audiences on an exhilarating journey through time. Tickets for Rhythm of the Dance are $30-$45. Groups of 12 or move save 20% on regular admission.
Tickets for all Tuesday matinees can be purchased online at sfscARTS.org, by phone at 863-784-7178, or at the Box Office located at 600 West College Dr. in Avon Park. A $3 per ticket processing fee is charged whether tickets are purchased online, in person, or by phone. There are no refunds and no exchanges.
The Wildstein Center for the Performing Arts presents over 30 world-class performances in a 1,460-seat, state-of-the art facility. Beer and wine are available at performances by Butler’s Eighteen East.
