South Florida State College (SFSC) President Fred Hawkins has been selected to serve as chair of the Florida College System Council of Presidents, a leadership body representing the 28 state colleges across Florida. Additionally, Valencia College President Dr. Kathleen Plinske will serve as the policy and advocacy chair.
In these roles, Presidents Hawkins and Plinske will help guide statewide priorities for the Florida College System, working collaboratively with fellow presidents, state leaders, and policymakers to advance student success, workforce development, and institutional excellence. The Council of Presidents serves as a key advisory group to state leadership, including the Florida Legislature and the Governor’s Office, on issues impacting higher education and workforce readiness.
“I am honored to be selected by my peers to serve as chair of the Florida College System Council of Presidents,” said Mr. Fred Hawkins, president of South Florida State College. “Florida’s state colleges play a critical role in preparing our workforce and strengthening our communities. I look forward to advocating for the colleges, collaborating with members of the Legislature and the Governor’s Office, and ensuring our system receives the appropriate funding to continue delivering high-quality, affordable education for all Floridians.”
Mr. Hawkins currently serves as president of South Florida State College, with campuses in DeSoto, Hardee, and Highlands counties, and brings extensive experience in public service, higher education leadership, and workforce development initiatives. Prior to being named president of South Florida State College, he served in the Florida House of Representatives for Osceola and Orange counties as the vice chair of the Higher Education Appropriations Subcommittee and the whip of all education committees. Additionally, he was the president and CEO of the Osceola County Education Foundation. As a former member of the Florida Legislature, he brings a strong understanding of the policymaking process and established relationships with state leaders that will further strengthen the Council’s advocacy efforts.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to serve as the chair of the Policy and Advocacy Committee,” said Dr. Kathleen Plinske, president of Valencia College. “Florida’s state colleges are essential to expanding access to higher education, meeting the needs of our workforce, and creating pathways to opportunity for students across our state. I look forward to working alongside President Hawkins, my fellow presidents, and state leaders to advocate for policies and investments that strengthen our colleges and help more Floridians achieve their academic and career goals.”
Dr. Plinske serves as president of Valencia College, the sixth-largest community college in the nation, serving more than 75,000 students annually. Under her leadership, Valencia has achieved historic enrollment levels and its highest graduation and retention rates on record. The College has expanded affordability through innovative scholarship programs and employer partnerships while strengthening workforce education to prepare students for high-demand careers across the region.
The Florida College System Council of Presidents provides strategic leadership and advocacy for the state’s colleges, which collectively serve more than 680,000 students annually. Under President Hawkins’ and President Plinske’s leadership, the Council will continue to focus on innovation, access, and alignment with Florida’s economic and workforce needs.
To learn more about the FCS Council of Presidents, please visit www.FCSCouncils.org.
Maria Gloria
AVON PARK, Fla. – June 18, 2026 – Maria Gloria, a Take Stock in Children (TSIC) scholar, was recently promoted to operations manager at the Fort Myers Branch of MIDFLORIDA Credit Union. She attributes TSIC for paving her way to college and teaching her about professionalism.
TSIC is a statewide program that provides at-risk children with a mentor and a college scholarship. In return, Take Stock scholars sign contracts in which they promise to remain drug-free, to avoid behavior that would get them into trouble with law enforcement, to attend school regularly, and to earn satisfactory grades. The students’ parents also sign the contracts and agree to provide home environments conducive to education. The South Florida State College (SFSC) Foundation is the lead agency for TSIC within the College’s service district of DeSoto, Hardee, and Highlands counties. The local program was established in 1996 and has awarded Florida Prepaid college scholarships to more than 667 local students.
Gloria, who calls Lake Placid home, is the child of migrant farm workers, who resided in Michigan and Florida through the agricultural seasons. While in high school, Gloria took dual enrollment courses at SFSC. She graduated from Lake Placid High School in 2017 and continued her education at Florida State University, where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Finance and Management Information Systems in 2021. She is a first-generation college graduate.
After graduation, Gloria was offered a job with MIDFLORIDA Credit Union as a peak-time teller at its Lake Placid branch. During that time, she learned about MIDFLORIDA’s Associate Manager Program, a rotational development program that is open to recent college graduates who would like to pursue a career at a financial institution. Gloria entered the program and was transferred to work at various Sebring branches as associate manager for 18 months. And now, she is headed to Fort Myers in her new position as operations manager.
Gloria joined TSIC while in sixth grade and continued in the program through 2017, when she graduated from high school. Early on, she was paired with her mentor, Lake Placid attorney and SFSC alumna Pam Karlson.
“TSIC itself was an amazing program that encouraged me to consider college options not only through workshops, but quarterly check-ins, academic mapping, and college exploration,” Gloria said. “But more importantly, it brought me an amazing mentor who guided and encouraged me through middle, high school, college, and all the way to today. Mrs. Karlson has significantly influenced my life. She guided me in career options, encouraged me to get involved in school and the community, helped me with college applications, and has always been someone who I can turn to for advice. The advice and time she poured into me for over half of my life has been pivotal in my development as a professional and, more importantly, the person I am today. I am eternally grateful that TSIC brought Mrs. Karlson into my life.”
Through TSIC, Gloria was eligible to apply for the Asofsky Family Foundation’s Leaders 4 Life Fellowship and became one of six students in Florida to be awarded the scholarship in 2017. “This scholarship, along with my TSIC scholarship, was a tremendous financial help through college,” she said. “I was not only able to prioritize my college academics, ensuring successful completion of my degree, but it allowed me the opportunity to partake in many once-in-a-lifetime experiences, such as studying abroad in Spain for half a year. Ultimately, TSIC set me up for success in many areas of my life.”
Because of TSIC and the Leaders 4 Life Fellowship, Gloria was also able to take part in prestigious post-undergraduate prep programs, such as the Duke University Law School PLUS program, a four-week summer residential program to help first-generation college students prepare for law school and the legal profession. In addition, she participated in IDDEAS@Stanford and IDDEAS@Berkeley, a two-day immersion program for undergraduate students from diverse backgrounds who are interested in pursuing doctoral-level business research and academic careers.
“I will always be a proponent of TSIC for all students,” Gloria said. “I know that my journey is only one of hundreds that TSIC has impacted. The commitment and dedication offered by teachers, mentors, program directors, and legislators are what makes this program so impactful and effective. If I can offer one piece of advice to students currently in the program, it would be to use the resources that are available through this amazing program. Lastly, be willing to ask for help, but also have the tenacity and perseverance to fight for your dreams and aspirations.”
For information about TSIC, call 863-784-7343 or email tsic@southflorida.edu.
AVON PARK, Fla. – June 10, 2026 – South Florida State College (SFSC) alumna, Jenale Alfonso Cruz, is passionate about becoming a dentist and a dental researcher. When she was 12 years old, her father had a cardiac event that sent him to the hospital, where nurses and doctors saved his life. Witnessing their dedication to patient care, Cruz decided that she wanted a career saving lives, too.
A first-generation college student, Cruz graduated from SFSC in December 2023 with an Associate in Arts and was the keynote student speaker during her Commencement ceremony. Currently, she’s working toward a bachelor’s degree in Microbiology and Cell Science with a minor in Pathogenesis at the University of Florida (UF). Her goal is to become a Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry (DMD) and earn a Ph.D. in Biomedical Sciences.
Last spring, Cruz was awarded a prestigious Goldwater Scholarship. In 2026, the Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Foundation drew from an applicant pool of over 5,000 college sophomores and juniors to award 1,485 students the Goldwater Scholarship. Scholars receive an annual amount of support equal to the cost of tuition, fees, books, and room and board up to a maximum of $7,500 per academic year.
The Goldwater Foundation is an independent agency that identifies, encourages, and financially supports outstanding graduates who wish to pursue research careers in the sciences, engineering, and mathematics. Cruz’s submission to the Goldwater Scholarship cited her three undergraduate research studies in which she participated at SFSC, a community college.
But Cruz’s academic journey hasn’t been an easy one. Because of her tenacity and desire to make significant contributions to patient care, she’s maintained her focus and developed supportive relationships that continue to point her in the right direction.
Seven years ago, Cruz met Dr. Albert Ruiz, a Sebring dentist, when she visited his office for a dental appointment. During a conversation with Dr. Ruiz, Cruz indicated that she was in college and working at a local restaurant to pay for tuition. She wanted to become an emergency room nurse or doctor. Dr. Ruiz offered her a job in his dental office and instructed her in dental assisting.
Cruz has said that as a dental assistant working with patients, she learned the importance of empathy, precision, and good communications. “At the dentist’s office, we pay attention to what’s happening with our patients beyond oral care,” she said. “While working with Dr. Ruiz, I noticed a difference in patients who have cardiovascular disease or systemic diseases.”
As a student at SFSC, Cruz was curious about the links between oral health and cardiovascular disease and wanted to know more. She met Dr. Mintoo Patel, biology professor, who was starting an undergraduate research project on “The Oral Microbiome as a Cardiovascular Biomarker: Bridging Dentistry and Cardiology.” Cruz signed on.
“I have watched Jenale grow from a curious student into a thoughtful and independent researcher, and the recognition through the Goldwater Scholarship is incredibly well deserved,” Dr. Patel said. “Her research on the oral microbiome as a biomarker for cardiovascular disease highlights the critical connection between oral and systemic health, an area of growing importance in modern medicine. Through this work, she has developed the analytical and translational skills to pursue clinically meaningful questions. This experience is laying a strong foundation for her future as a dentist/scientist, where she will bridge patient care with impactful research. I have no doubt she will make meaningful contributions to both dentistry and medicine.”
Other undergraduate research that Cruz pursued while at SFSC was “The Impact of HIV/AIDS on Oral Health: Implications for Comprehensive Care” with mentor Dr. Patel and “Pseudoziziphus celata GC-MS and LC-MS,” with Dr. Kate Calvin in her Organic Chemistry class. The research, in partnership with Bok Tower Gardens and Metaware Bio, studied and analyzed the endangered plant, the Florida Ziziphus. In spring 2026, Cruz returned to SFSC to continue research on “The Oral Microbiome as a Cardiovascular Biomarker.“
SFSC professors encouraged Cruz to present posters and make oral presentations at SFSC’s Undergraduate Research Forum and at significant scientific forums, such as the Florida Undergraduate Research Conference (FURC) and the Florida Academy of Sciences Annual Conference (FAS). Cruz and other SFSC students visited the Capitol in Tallahassee in 2026 to present their scientific posters and explain their research results to state lawmakers.
In summer 2026, Cruz is participating in the McNair Scholars Program at UF. The program is funded by the U.S. Department of Education and prepares high-achieving first-generation undergraduate students for doctoral studies (Ph.D.). UF supports 25 scholars annually. The scholars work on research with mentors, develop writing and research skills, and attend workshops on the graduate admissions process.
“In the McNair Scholars Program, I’ll work with DMD/Ph.D. students in their lab doing oral microbiome research,” Cruz said. “I’m super excited. I’m the first online student ever at UF to get accepted into the McNair Scholars Program.”
While Cruz was doing research and taking courses toward her bachelor’s degree, she was preparing to take the Dental Admissions Test (DAT) for entry to dental school. She took the test in January 2026. The test runs approximately five hours and consists of 280 multiple-choice questions.
Cruz anticipates graduating from UF in August 2027 with her bachelor’s degree in Microbiology and Cell Science, with a minor in Pathogenesis. She will apply to dental school and a Ph.D. program to do oral health research. “The first four years, I’d take classes like any other dental student,” she said. “Then, I’d have about two or three more years as a Ph.D. candidate.”
“I have a strong passion for dentistry,” she said. “I aspire to bridge the gap between clinical dentistry and biomedical research by investigating how oral bacteria contribute to chronic conditions, such as HIV/AIDS, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, Parkinson’s, and Alzheimer’s. I aim to translate discoveries from the laboratory into innovative diagnostic tools and preventive therapies that improve both oral and overall health.”
June 2, 2026 – The Dollar General Literacy Foundation (DGLF) recently awarded South Florida State College (SFSC) a $10,000 grant to support adult literacy through its Adult Education Department. The funds contribute to a record-setting, single-day total of nearly $16 million in grants nationwide supporting adult, family, and summer literacy programs in the 48 states where Dollar General operates. The milestone surpasses the Foundation’s previous record of more than $13.2 million granted in May 2025.
“We are incredibly grateful to the Dollar General Literacy Foundation for its investment in our students and our community,” said Courtney Green, director for adult education and technical dual enrollment at SFSC. “These funds will allow us to provide updated instructional materials, expand access to educational software, and help cover GED testing costs for adult learners who are working hard to improve their lives through education. Every day, we see students overcome significant obstacles to achieve their goals, and this support helps remove barriers that could otherwise prevent them from crossing the finish line. We are excited about the opportunities this grant creates and the positive impact it will have on the individuals and families we serve.”
SFSC Adult Education serves over 1,000 students annually through GED® preparation, Adult Basic Education, and ESOL instruction. Participants receive targeted literacy, math, and workforce-aligned instruction designed to increase reading levels, improve English proficiency, and support credential attainment.
“Since the Foundation’s inception in 1993, our focus has remained on making meaningful investments in students, teachers, and the organizations that support literacy and learning at every stage of life,” said Denine Torr, executive director of the Dollar General Literacy Foundation. “We are grateful for the impact teachers and educators make every day and are excited to have another record setting year of helping expand literacy access for learners of all ages. These funds will help educators enhance their instruction and create opportunities that help empower students to reach their full potential.”
The Dollar General Literacy Foundation supports organizations that increase access to educational programming, stimulate and enable innovation in the delivery of educational instruction and inspire a love of reading. Each year, DGLF awards funds to nonprofit organizations, schools, and libraries within a 15-mile radius of a Dollar General store or distribution center to support adult, family, summer and youth literacy programs. The Foundation also offers a student referral program for individuals interested in learning how to read, speak English, or prepare for the high school equivalency exam. Referrals to a local organization that provides free literacy services are available online or through referral cards found in the Learn to Read brochures that are available at the cash register of every Dollar General store.
The Foundation plans to launch its seventh annual The Yellow Glasses Project campaign on Monday, July 20, 2026, in which customers can purchase yellow sunglasses at Dollar General stores for $2 each to benefit the DGLF.
To learn more about SFSC’s Adult Education offerings, visit southflorida.edu.
