South Florida State College

March 30, 2026 – South Florida State College (SFSC) announced today that it has earned the 2026-2027 Military Friendly® School designation recognized as a Silver School.

Institutions earning the Military Friendly® School designation were evaluated using both public data sources and responses from a proprietary survey. Over 3,200 schools participated in the 2026-2027 survey and 878 schools have received the designation as a Military Friendly® School.

“Being part of a Military Friendly institution is incredibly rewarding,” said Rob Hampton, veteran school certifying official and director of the Career Development Center at SFSC. “It reflects the meaningful work we do to support our veteran students in achieving their goals and pursuing their ambitions.”

Methodology, criteria, and weightings were determined by Military Friendly® in consultation with the Military Friendly® Advisory Council, a group of independent leaders in the military community. Final ratings were determined by combining an organization’s survey score, public data, and an assessment of the institution’s ability to meet and exceed thresholds for student recruitment, retention, academic progress, graduation rates, career placement, and support services for veterans, transitioning service members, and military spouses.

“Earning the Military Friendly® designation is more than a badge of honor; it is a reflection of an institution’s deep-rooted values and strategic commitment to those who served. These schools don’t just open doors for veterans and military spouses, they build sustainable pathways for academic success and long-term impact. Their support is transformative, proving that investing in military-connected students is both a moral imperative and a standard for educational excellence,” said Kayla Lopez, vice president of memberships, Military Friendly®.

South Florida State College will be showcased in the 2026-2027 Guide to Military Friendly Schools® in the April issue of G.I. Jobs ® magazine and on MilitaryFriendly.com.

SFSC will host a Veterans Resources Open House on Tuesday, April 7 at its Highlands Campus, 9 a.m.-noon. For more information about SFSC’s student veteran programs, visit southflorida.edu/future-students/veterans.

ABOUT MILITARY FRIENDLY®

Military Friendly® is the standard that measures an organization’s commitment, effort, and success in creating sustainable and meaningful benefits for the military community. Over 3,200 organizations compete annually for the Military Friendly Schools® designation. Military Friendly® is a service-disabled, veteran-owned small business. Military Friendly® is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Department of Defense or the federal government. Results are produced via a rules-based algorithm. The data-driven Military Friendly® lists and methodology can be found at militaryfriendly.com.

ABOUT SOUTH FLORIDA STATE COLLEGE

South Florida State College (SFSC) is a comprehensive, open-access, higher education institution dedicated to providing a student-centered environment focused on learning and personal enrichment through quality programs and services. At its campuses in DeSoto, Hardee, and Highlands counties and through its online presence, the College offers certificates, associate degrees, and bachelor’s degrees that lead to the continued success of its graduates and a variety of opportunities for the educational, cultural, and economic advancement of the service district. SFSC is one of the 28 institutions of the Florida College System.

March 26, 2026 – The South Florida State College (SFSC) Foundation is pleased to announce The Building Tomorrow’s Schools Future Achievement Scholarship for two deserving students of DeSoto County High School. This is a recurring scholarship opportunity created through a partnership with Building Tomorrow’s Schools, Inc. (BTS).

The initiative represents a joint effort between the DeSoto County School District and BTS to make higher education attainable for students seeking a better future for themselves and their community. The scholarship may be used at any South Florida State College campus location, offering DeSoto County students flexibility and access to a wide variety of degree programs.

This opportunity is reserved specifically for students who intend to reside and work in DeSoto County in the future and exhibits a longstanding investment in DeSoto County, encouraging students to return home after completing their degrees to contribute positively to the local workforce and community for years to come. Each scholarship granted is an investment in the bright future of DeSoto County.

“Higher education in the 21st century remains a vital investment in both individual financial stability, collective prosperity, and enduring societal progress,” said Dr. Bobby Bennett, superintendent of schools in DeSoto County.

Individual awards may range from a minimum of $5,000 to a possible maximum of $20,000 for each of the two recipients, based on eligibility and need. The grant covers tuition, books, transportation, and needs that would otherwise prevent students from attending college. Students may be considered for continued funding yearly if they continue to meet program criteria.

“Our shared vision is to provide DeSoto County students with the opportunity to complete a degree in higher education and then bring that knowledge and experience back to strengthen their community, ” said Dr. Amy Bennett, director of student services in DeSoto County.

The application process opens on March 15 and closes April 15, 2026. Students may apply via the Building Tomorrow’s Schools portal which will be supplied directly to DeSoto County High School students through the school’s scholarship information system or by visiting https://bit.ly/BTSSFSC. Students may also apply with assistance from their school counselor.

About the South Florida State College Foundation

The South Florida State College (SFSC) Foundation strengthens the connection between the College and the community by cultivating and stewarding philanthropic support. The Foundation encourages, solicits, and manages financial and in-kind contributions to advance the mission and priorities of South Florida State College. Funds received are directed to initiatives that support student success and institutional growth. This includes scholarships and program, and facility enhancements. Through responsible stewardship and community partnership, the Foundation helps expand access to education and sustain the College’s impact across the region.

About The School District of DeSoto County

The School District of DeSoto County, in partnership with families and the community, is committed to delivering a safe, inclusive, and engaging learning environment, opening communications to strengthen collaboration and belonging, guaranteeing all students have access to rigorous, high-quality instruction, and shaping responsible citizenship to inspire future leaders.

About Building Tomorrow’s Schools, Inc.

Building Tomorrow’s Schools, Inc. (BTS) is a 501c3 not-for-profit corporation formed to foster, promote, and support academic excellence by helping local school districts to provide high quality public educational facilities, while easing the financial burden on local government.

Cheryl John (center), with Parker Hall, SFSC Foundation Board president, and Emily Dabolt, SFSC Institutional Advancement executive director

AVON PARK, Fla. – March 24, 2026 – Colleges and universities honor and encourage faculty who go beyond the requirements of the classroom. To that end, three South Florida State College (SFSC) faculty have been appointed as endowed chairs in their respective disciplines with funds donated through the SFSC Foundation, Inc.

The Norm and Laurie Stephens Endowed Teaching Chair was awarded to Dr. Joseph Velenovsky, Biology professor. Cheryl John, Mathematics professor, received the Carol Emery Endowed Chair in Mathematics. Patti Sassin, Nursing professor, was appointed as the Highlands County Health Facilities Authority (HCHFA) Endowed Chair for Nursing Education.

Faculty members appointed as teaching chairs are awarded $5,000 per year for two years, with half going toward equipment, professional development, or to attend a conference related to the faculty member’s discipline of study. The other half is a salary stipend.

Dr. Velenovsky will use his award to enhance student instruction within the General Biology II course and

Dr. Joseph Velenovsky (center)

strengthen professional learning by attending related conferences. Purchasing high-quality labeled specimens and specimen models for the Biology course will foster active learning, as students will gain hands-on insight into biological concepts.

John will develop a comprehensive digital resource bank aligned directly with SFSC curriculum. This project will strengthen student success in Intermediate Algebra and College Algebra, two high enrollment gateway courses that significantly impact persistence and degree completion at SFSC.

Sassin plans to enrich the student learning experience by upgrading the Nursing Lab in Room 104C on the SFSC Highlands Campus in Avon Park to create a more functional, realistic, and engaging clinical learning environment. Purchasing new equipment and supplies will provide students with increased hands-on practice opportunities to support stronger clinical competency, greater confidence, and improved readiness for real-world patient care.

Patricia Sassin (center)

Recipients for endowed teaching chairs at SFSC are chosen by a selection committee, with advice and counsel from College faculty. Selections are confirmed by Dr. Michele Heston, SFSC vice president for academic affairs.

The idea of endowed teaching chairs at community and state colleges came from research chairs at universities. At SFSC, the Endowed Chair program rewards faculty who hold the belief that the student must come first. The award can be used to fund professional development activities that, ultimately, enhance student learning and incorporate classroom projects or activities above and beyond what is usually offered in a course.

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.

Randy Bateman grew up on his family’s ranch in DeSoto County, where he remained rooted throughout his life. After graduating from DeSoto High School, he attended Santa Fe College and the University of Florida. He then began a remarkable career with FPL, starting as a helper and rising through the ranks as a skilled mechanic, certified welder, and ultimately central maintenance outage manager. Throughout his career, Bateman was known for his unwavering commitment to safety, his dedication to mentoring the next generation of skilled tradespeople, and his belief in modeling a positive attitude and strong work ethic.

In his honor and memory, the Randy Bateman Memorial Scholarship was created to carry forward his vision: to train and inspire the next generation of professionals in the power generation and skilled trade industries. The scholarship will be awarded to SFSC Welding students who demonstrate commitment to their craft, with preference given to residents of DeSoto, Highlands, and Hardee counties.

To be eligible for the Randy Bateman Memorial Scholarship, applicants must be enrolled SFSC Welding students who have successfully completed the Principles and Practices of Welding (WLZ 0100) course and passed the American Welding Society (AWS) 3G Certification, or completed the Advanced Welding (WLZ 0101) course and passed the AWS 6G Certification. Applicants must also complete the scholarship application and return it to the SFSC DeSoto Campus advisor. The number of awards will be determined by the funds available each year.

For more information about this or any scholarship at SFSC, email foundation@southflorida.edu or call 863-453-3133.

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.

The Phi Theta Kappa Paragon President recognition celebrates college leaders who demonstrate a strong and immediate connection to student success by prioritizing the recognition of high achievement and championing meaningful opportunities for student engagement. These presidents understand that when students are connected to their campus through leadership, scholarship, and service, they are more likely to persist, complete their credentials, and achieve successful transfer and career outcomes. Honorees are nominated by Phi Theta Kappa student leaders.

At South Florida State College, President Hawkins has demonstrated visible and consistent support for Phi Theta Kappa by encouraging students to extend leadership beyond the classroom and into their communities. By recognizing PTK scholars at college events, Board of Trustees meetings, and commencement ceremonies, he has helped elevate academic achievement as a defining part of the College’s culture. His leadership reinforces the value of scholarship, service, and civic engagement, encouraging students to see themselves as future leaders both on campus and beyond.

Students and advisors note that President Hawkins fosters an environment where institutional leadership remains accessible and engaged. His emphasis on collaboration across faculty, advisors, and administrators ensures that Phi Theta Kappa initiatives align with the College’s broader mission of academic excellence, community engagement, and lifelong learning.

“President Hawkins has created a culture where students feel seen, heard, and celebrated,” said Dr. Lynn Tincher-Ladner, president and CEO of Phi Theta Kappa. “By elevating academic achievement and encouraging students to lead both on campus and in their communities, he is helping shape an environment where engagement and success go hand in hand.”

The Phi Theta Kappa Paragon Award for New Presidents recognizes college presidents who have served in their role for less than three years and who have quickly established a culture that values academic excellence, student engagement, and leadership development. Paragon honorees prioritize the recognition of high achievement and help create environments where students are encouraged to persist, complete their credentials, and pursue meaningful transfer and career opportunities — reinforcing a culture where academic excellence is not only celebrated but expected.

About Phi Theta Kappa

Phi Theta Kappa is the first honor society recognizing the academic achievement of students at associate degree-granting colleges and helping them grow as scholars and leaders. The Society serves more than 4.4 million members and nearly 1,250 chapters worldwide. Learn more at ptk.org.

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:

Jenale Alfonso: The Oral Microbiome as a Cardiovascular Biomarker: Bridging Dentistry and Cardiology (Mentors: Dr. Mintoo Patel and Sheryl McGrath)
Anika Bhandare: Molecular Markers for Early Detection of Colorectal Cancer Metastasis (Mentor: Dr. Mintoo Patel)
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.