SFSC Wins Gold Educational Advertising Award

July 1, 2026 – South Florida State College (SFSC) and Moses Media were honored with a Gold Award in the 41st Annual Educational Advertising Awards for the “It’s Possible” video.

The Educational Advertising Awards is a national competition to recognize the field of educational marketing and advertising. A national panel of industry specialists review each piece for creativity, marketing execution, and message impact. This year, 54 categories were judged for Best in Show, Gold, Silver, Bronze, and Merit designations for exceptional quality, creativity, and message effectiveness.

“It’s Possible” was created to highlight the programs and activities on SFSC’s campuses and Moses Media, from Nashville, Tenn., was hired to capture and tell SFSC’s story. The video won gold in the Digital Video Ad – Less than 2 minutes category. “It’s Possible” can be viewed on the College’s YouTube channel at youtube.com/@SouthFloridaStateCollege.

“As showcased in our “It’s Possible” video, we highlight real students, real experiences, and the many educational and athletic options available at South Florida State College,” said Melissa Kuehnle, Ed.D., director of institutional communications at SFSC. “This video is an example of how we bring our mission to life in a way that is both authentic and inspiring. It has become a cornerstone of our promotional efforts by connecting emotionally and socially with our community and showing them what’s possible at SFSC, while including familiar and friendly faces.”

For more information about SFSC, visit southflorida.edu or call 863-453-6661. SFSC is also on social media as @SFSCPanthers on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Threads, and X.

AVON PARK, Fla. – July 1, 2026 – South Florida State College (SFSC) alumna, Barbara Stites, who graduated with an Associate in Arts from the College in 1974, spent most of her career in Library and Information Sciences. Although now retired, she looks back on her personal and professional life with a great sense of accomplishment and service to libraries throughout Florida.

Stites earned her doctorate in Leadership and Education with a specialization in Human Resource Development from Barry University, a Master of Arts in Library and Information Science from the University of South Florida, and her Bachelor of Arts in Education from the University of South Florida.

However, Stites’ academic and professional careers may never have come to pass, but for Stites’ own tenacity as well as the generosity of one person who strongly believed that education paves the road to a better life.

Stites’ family moved to Broward County, Fla. from New Jersey when she was 10 years old. At age 15, she moved to Lake Placid and, later, graduated from Lake Placid High School.

“My father graduated from Pace University in New York on the GI Bill after World War II,” she said. “But my parents were divorced and I didn’t have much contact with my dad. So, college wasn’t familiar to me. I came from serious poverty. We lived in a travel trailer in a trailer park in Lake Placid. I moved out of my mother’s place when I was 16 and was then on my own. I just wanted to do what I wanted to do when I wanted to do it. I was a feisty teenager.”

Stites decided that she wanted to become a librarian. “I was a curious individual and just loved learning,” she said. “I like reading — it was an escape for me. But I just loved digging through information. I love the hunt, just as people go to thrift stores and hunt for good deals. Some people like to go fossil hunting. I loved the idea of researching.”

But Stites felt somewhat limited in her resources to become a librarian. “At the time in Central Florida, a woman had three choices: she could become a secretary, a nurse, or a teacher,” she said.

Stites knew little about pursuing a college degree or how to apply for college. In fact, she was unaware that South Florida State College (South Florida Junior College at that time) existed in her own community. “But I heard that a scholarship was available through the Lake Placid Rotary Club,” she said. “And I considered going to secretarial school. The man who was in charge of the Rotary’s scholarships was Mr. Wilkins.”

When Stites applied for the Rotary scholarship, Mr. Wilkins contacted her and said that the scholarship was for college, but that secretarial school wasn’t considered college. He said, “I have an idea. How about I pay for your first semester of secretarial school personally?” Stites agreed.

A few months later, Stites spoke with Mr. Wilkins and said that she learned about South Florida State College in Avon Park and would like attend. Mr. Wilkins agreed to pay for her first semester at the College. 

“By the end of my first semester at the College, I got straight A’s,” Stites said. “Then Mr. Wilkins said he’d pay for my second semester. After that, I had gotten married and was able to take care of my own financial obligations. All these years later, I’m a strong supporter of scholarships. They change lives. Mr. Wilkins changed my life.”

Stites blossomed as a student at SFSC. “Between the staff, faculty, and other students, everybody was encouraging. It had a positive, ‘Can Do’ atmosphere. They recognized that students are out there like me who need an extra hand.”

Stites took an astronomy class at SFSC from Dr. Bill Gene Smith. “In his class, we learned more about education than we did astronomy, because he was running for the Highlands County School Board for the first time,” she said. “And he wanted to talk about education. It inspired me.”

After graduating from SFSC, Stites continued her education at the University of South Florida in Tampa. “Three women I knew from SFSC and I carpooled from Highlands County to USF to take classes,” Stites said. “We’d get up at 4 a.m., attend classes all day, then drive home.”

Right out of college, Stites was offered a job at Lake Placid Elementary School, teaching first, second, and third grades. She taught at the school for over nine years.

“All the while, I still had the desire to be a librarian,” she said. “But to be an entry-level librarian, you needed a master’s degree. So, I went back to college, driving to Tampa, Fort Myers, and Orlando for classes.” Stites earned her master’s degree and took her first job as a librarian at Sebring High School, working with Peggy Smith, Dr. Bill Gene Smith’s wife.

As the years passed, Stites worked as a librarian in a corporation and at a law firm. “I was training lawyers and accountants in how to do research. But they were being paid far more money than I. So, I made a list of the jobs that made the kind of money that I wanted to make.

A job came open as an executive director of a non-profit organization that paid good money. “It was a non-profit that was like a small business development center but for libraries,” Stites said. “So, I switched to leadership. That tipped me from frontline service as a high school or corporate librarian to leading an organization. That was a big shift for me.”

One of the highlights of Stites’ career came when she and colleague, Dr. Elizabeth Curry, created the first statewide training ground for library leaders in Florida called the Sunshine State Library Leadership Institute (SSLLI) that continues to serve a new generation of library leaders 20 years later.

“Around the late ‘80s or early ‘90s, a colleague of mine at the Tampa Bay Library Consortium and I talked about being able to provide internet access to the public. At the time, there was no internet access in people’s homes. We wrote a grant and got funding to provide the first internet access to the public in Florida. We rolled out the internet to a couple of rural libraries, some medium-sized libraries, and some larger libraries. We taught people about the internet, how it worked, what buttons to push. We did all the training that it took to get the first line of librarians trained so they could begin training the public on the internet and how to use it.”

“Eventually, we provided desktop access to the internet at all these test libraries, such as the one we set up in Wauchula. We also hooked up 11 large libraries so that they had the first online ‘card’ catalog.”

After four decades of library service, Stites retired in 2019 from her role as interim dean of the Florida Gulf Coast University Library. “When the university was new, I helped to build a library from the ground up. The library is the heart of a university. People come there to study and do homework, research, sleep, find a boyfriend, participate in student-centered activities. We did some serious research about student engagement in library spaces and what influenced that. We determined what kind of furniture supported that, what kind of lighting. We had a 133,000 sq. ft. building with 100 employees. We needed to manage a cadre of people like that and make sure they always provide the best customer service possible.”

Stites believes that in these times, the role of a librarian has changed, that you don’t just check out books. “Larger academic libraries are not so much about the books anymore. It’s about artificial intelligence and working with large data sets and crunching information. Public libraries have moved toward supporting people’s education and entertainment needs, but also their social needs. That requires the computer community supporting people who don’t have internet access.”

In Stites’ view, Information Sciences has become more and more important for the public. “So much of the information that we’re exposed to is not accurate,” she said. “Thinking about running a world on information that isn’t accurate scares me to death. It’s important that libraries and information scientists connect in any way they can with our students. Our main goal is to connect with students, employees, community members, and help connect them with information that they need to make the best decisions. If you’re at an educational institution, you’re supporting student learning and you’re supporting faculty research.”

To an extent, Stites’ early experience with college has come full circle. Her daughter, Emily Dabolt, is the executive director of institutional advancement at SFSC and oversees the SFSC Foundation. The Foundation solicits, receives, and manages charitable donations in support of the College, its programs, staff, and students. “My life changed through the scholarship from Mr. Wilkins and it led all the way to SFSC,” Stites said. “Emily has an opportunity to make a difference in other people’s lives through her job — along with all the support that’s at the College and from donors. A little generosity makes a huge difference in someone’s life.”

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. 

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.

May 27, 2026 – The South Florida State College (SFSC) District Board of Trustees (DBOT) will consider adopting lab fees for the 2026-27 academic year at their Wednesday, June 24 meeting beginning at 1 p.m.

As per Florida Statute 1009.23, each Florida College System institution board of trustees is authorized to establish lab fees. Changes to lab fees occur when enrollment numbers fluctuate, costs increase, or there are amendments to the curriculum where courses are added, changed, or deleted.

SFSC looks to update the lab fees for 243 courses, with course information as follows:

• 33 courses will have no change to the lab fees
• 28 courses will have the lab fees reduced
• 94 courses will have the lab fees eliminated
• 75 courses will have the lab fees increased
• 13 courses will be assessed for new lab fees

For information on SFSC’s tuition and fees, visit southflorida.edu.

AVON PARK, Fla. – May 27, 2026 – South Florida State College (SFSC) is pleased to announce the appointment of two new members to the SFSC District Board of Trustees, Robert “Bo” Conerly and Justin Fussell. Board members are appointed by Gov. Ron DeSantis.

Conerly is a senior project manager for Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc. Active in his community, he is a member of the Association of State Floodplain managers and a past member of the Hardee Chamber of Commerce. He earned his associate degree from SFSC and his bachelor’s degree in Engineering from the University Florida.

Fussell is the area president with Crews Bank for DeSoto and Hardee counties. He is the past president of the DeSoto County Chamber of Commerce and is a member of the Florida Cattleman’s Association and the Florida Farm Bureau Federation. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Education and Communication from the University of Florida.

“We are proud to welcome Mr. Conerly and Mr. Fussell to the SFSC District Board of Trustees,” said Fred Hawkins, SFSC president. “Their leadership, perspective, and dedication to service will play an important role as we build on our momentum and continue advancing the College’s mission.”

The governor has reappointed four trustees: Terry W. Atchley, Derren J. Bryan, Devon Donaldson, and Alison Hancock. Atchley, the chair of the SFSC District Board of Trustees was appointed to the Board in 2020. He is county manager for Hardee County. Bryan was appointed to the Board in 2011 and is the chief operating officer of Avail Companies. Donaldson was appointed to the Board in 2024 and is the owner of Geodev Financial Group. Hancock was appointed to the Board in 2024 and is a commercial relationship manager for SouthState Bank.

AVON PARK, Fla. – May 13, 2026 – Heather Drommerhausen graduated from South Florida State College (SFSC) on Tuesday, May 12 when she earned her Associate in Arts (A.A.). In fact, she was the student Commencement speaker for the 5:30 p.m. ceremony.

In her 63 years, she’s held many jobs, raised several children, and earned a number of specialized certificates; however, a college degree eluded her. After her mother’s passing, Drommerhausen applied to SFSC. Although she brought part of her journey to a close on Tuesday evening, she plans to continue her education and a life that has been dedicated in service to others.

Drommerhausen was born in St. Paul, Minn. “We lived in 13 different places in 13 years of my school career,” she said. “I graduated from Westwood High School in Fort Pierce, Fla. My dad worked for Whirlpool at the Distribution Center. Then, he had his own appliance store and we finally settled down.”

In high school, Drommerhausen was a good student. In her senior year, she was presented The Golden Tassel Award for her writing, academics, and other outstanding achievements. The award came with a scholarship. “Back then, I wanted to become a journalist,” she said. “I loved to write anything I could get my hands on. I loved finding out about people. I’m nosy. I want to know you, things about you, bring your story to life. Writing was just me.”

Drommerhausen came from a family that expected and encouraged children to go to college. “My father graduated from college with a degree in Mathematics,” she said. “My mother majored in education. I don’t believe she finished her degree. But they both had been to college. It was a big thing. It was always a dream of mine to go to college.”

But when she was a teenager, her parents divorced and life at home went into chaos. “Because of the divorce, the money was not available for college,” she said. “My fiancé at the time (later my husband) was getting ready to go into the military and would be leaving the area soon. He had been my sweetheart in high school.”

Drommerhausen’s fiancé was headed into basic training and would get a new duty assignment that would take him away from the area. He asked Drommerhausen to marry him. “So, I had to table what I really wanted to do and make some decisions.”

They married and the military took them to Germany and Austria and to Newport News, Va. In the meantime, they had three children.

Although Drommerhausen didn’t attend college early on, she earned several certificates while living in Newport News. “I have lots of certificates in child care,” she said. “I was in the Citizens Police Academy and the Citizens Firefighter Academy. I worked with Civil Defense.”

She explained that the Citizen Police Academy ran for 20 weeks and included practice on the firing range. “You go behind the scenes and learn what the police do and how they do it,” she said. “You’re the support element and outreach. If someone was missing, I did the tracking through the Sheriff’s Department and victims’ assistance. Oftentimes, people were more likely to be willing to speak to me, because I wasn’t uniform.” She participated with the Citizen Police Academy from 2018 until she moved to Florida in 2022.

Throughout her adult life, Drommerhausen worked with children. “I did daycare, Montessori-style in my home, because my husband was in the military,” she said. “It was a good career and it followed us everywhere. I worked with two special needs or medically challenged children to a regular population of four more, so six total, plus my own children.”

Drommerhausen and her husband also became foster parents. “We started off as respite parents, which meant that, someone needed backup or it was an emergency, the police just removed the children from the home and you watched them until they got placed with a permanent home.”

“I took on two young men, and the rest were all young ladies,” she said. “Some of them were at risk of being pregnant, some of them were suicidal. For some of them, things were so dysfunctional at home, they just needed direction and independent living skills. So that was my job and we did that for 22 years, and I loved it. Those children are my children. Once I get a child in my life, it’s my child. So, I have lots of children. I would say my children and those children are one of my inspirations for getting a degree and furthering my career.”

In 2016, Drommerhausen’s husband died. She, her mother, and her grandson moved to Sebring, Fla. in 2022. She has raised her grandson, Alexander, since he was 9 months old.

Her mother suffered from progressive Alzheimer’s dementia and passed away from breast cancer in January 2024. After she died, Drommerhausen turned to her sister and said, “I don’t have anybody other than Alexander to take care of anymore, and Alexander’s an adult.”

“Alexander has Asperger’s,” Drommerhausen said. “The best way to describe him is that he’s Sheldon from the ‘Big Bang Theory.’ He’s very self-sufficient, very independent, but it’s Groundhog Day — everything has to be the same.”

Drommerhausen’s daughter, RoseMarie, earned her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Teacher Education (BSETE) from SFSC in May 2024. Drommerhausen said, “I couldn’t believe my daughter was going to graduate college. This will be three out of my four children that have college degrees. I’m so proud of her. Then I thought, ‘Wait a minute, maybe I could go to college, but I don’t have any money.’”

RoseMarie suggested they see if her mother would qualify for financial aid. “There’s FAFSA as well as other financial aid that’s available,” Drommerhausen said. “I started classes at SFSC in fall 2024.”

RoseMarie works at Crane Brook Academics, a private school in Lake Placid. She teaches 15 fourth, fifth, and sixth-grade neurodiverse students in the classroom.

Neurodiverse children may have autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), dyslexia, or sensory processing issues. They often show strength in creativity and innovation but may face challenges with social skills, emotional regulation, and sensory input. People who are committed to working with neurodiverse children support them by accepting and celebrating them.

“I graduate this year with my Associate in Arts, then I hope to graduate with a bachelor’s in Elementary Teacher Education from SFSC in two more years,” Drommerhausen said. “I want to be a teacher — to work with neurodiverse, hard to reach, or children that need a little extra, a little boost.

“I want to work with children with attention deficit disorder, children with dysgraphia,” she said. “Perhaps, those like Alex who have Asperger’s, maybe on the autism spectrum. People call them the square peg that doesn’t fit in the round hole. But I found in my life that with children, with anybody, we’re not perfect. So, how are we going to find what you do so well, what makes you so special, and how to get you to excel? Everybody has a little switch in there that turns the light on, that gets them on track. So those are the students I want to reach. I’ve met with Dr. Maday Leon (lead instructor of SFSC’s BSETE program) and Michelle Devane (Education professor). I’m on track to go ahead and start with the program in fall 2026.”

Drommerhausen encourages other older adults to continue learning. “One of the things that was sad working with my mom and a couple other Alzheimer’s dementia patients was that most of them had just retired. They withdrew, and sadly, they progressed with Alzheimer’s dementia. The mind needs to be exercised. If you don’t want to come to college for the education, come to keep your mind active. There are plenty of electives that are offered that can inspire you. They keep you going, keep your mind growing, and keep you functioning. You’re learning something new and, at the same time, you’re doing something great, like creating art, watching and critiquing movies, or learning about literature. At SFSC, you fit in, no matter whether you’re a teenager that’s in high school doing dual enrollment all the way up to a senior.”

For anyone who has a dream and doesn’t know if they can ever make it a reality, Drommerhausen said, “Just realize that your dreams can come true. Keep promises to yourself, use patience, faith, reward, and you’ll get there. Keep on walking. Just keep on putting one foot in front of the other.”

AVON PARK, Fla. – May 13, 2026 – South Florida State College (SFSC) marked the end of the 2025-26 academic year with its spring Commencement held in two ceremonies on Tuesday, May 12 in the SFSC Alan Jay Wildstein Center for the Performing Arts on the Highlands Campus in Avon Park.

During the 2 p.m. ceremony, SFSC honored the recipients of the Associate in Arts and State of Florida High School Diploma.

Honored during the 5:30 p.m. ceremony were students who earned their Bachelor of Applied Science in Supervision and Management, Bachelor of Science in Elementary Teacher Education, Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Associate in Science, College Credit Certificates, and Career Certificates.

Opening the ceremonies, Terry Atchley, chair of the SFSC District Board of Trustees, told the graduates, “Your achievement is not just a personal triumph. It is a beacon of hope and possibility for all who will follow in your footsteps. You are the future of this region, this state, and this nation.”

In her presentation to fellow graduates during the 2 p.m. ceremony, Katiana Reyes-Negron, who was awarded her Associate in Arts, told how her mother’s death from diabetes and kidney failure inspired her to become an endocrinologist. “My mother made the best of her life,” she said. “She is the reason why I have stuck to this career goal. She is the reason I hope to make a positive impact in pediatric medicine. Throughout life, challenges and obstacles will be inevitable. It’s important to stay positive and turn weakness into strength.”

Special guest speaker for the 2 p.m. ceremony was Don Elwell, chair of the Highlands County Board of County Commissioners and director of marketing and communications for the Alan Jay Automotive Network. He told the graduates, “I want to share a few universal truths I’ve gathered along the way. Growth lives outside the comfort zone: Nothing significant ever happens while you’re feeling perfectly safe and cozy. The Power of showing up: It is the discipline to do the work when no one is watching. Define success on your own terms: Success isn’t one-size-fits-all. Whatever your “why” is, hold onto it tightly.”

The 5:30 p.m. ceremony featured student speaker Heather Drommerhausen, who earned her Associate in Arts (AA) after years in the workforce and raising children. She plans to continue her education through SFSC’s Bachelor of Science in Elementary Teacher Education. Addressing the graduates, she said, “Some of you are beginning your journey. Others are beginning again. I have learned this: Dreams delayed are not dreams denied. Responsibilities may pause your journey, but they do not erase your purpose. You are living proof that growth does not have an expiration date. As you move forward, remember this: Make a positive difference. True success is measured not only by titles or incomes, but by the impact we have on others.”

Special guest speaker for the 5:30 p.m. ceremony was Blaise Ingoglia, chief financial officer and fire marshal for the state of Florida. He presented the graduates with five rules. “Learn how to think, not just what to think: The world needs people who can analyze problems, challenge assumptions, and call out hypocrisy when it is needed. Be tenacious: The difference between those who succeed and those who don’t always comes down to how they respond when things don’t go their way. Never listen to the naysayers: Keep believing in yourself, no matter what people say, but appreciate those who were with you on the way to the mountain top. Be fiscally disciplined: The most expensive thing is regret. Remember to give back: Sometimes success is measured by how many others you help along the way.”

When Fred Hawkins, SFSC president, spoke to the graduates, he said, “We come together to honor you, our graduates, and your family and friends. Everyone on this stage is so proud of you and it gives me great pleasure to say to all of you … congratulations on this accomplishment.”

Approximately 601 students met the SFSC requirements by spring Commencement. Of these, 18 received their Bachelor of Applied Science in Supervision and Management (BAS-SM), seven received their Bachelor of Science in Elementary Teacher Education (BSETE), eight received their Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), 169 received their Associate in Arts, 91 received their Associate in Science, 18 received their State of Florida High School Diploma, 14 received their College Credit Certificate (CCC), and 63 received Career Certificates. Students participating in the Commencement ceremony totaled 388.

Mace bearer and chief marshal for Commencement was Garrett Lee, and marshals were Dolores Breedlove, Marlene Cruz, Kelly Fairfield Dec, Tina Gottus, Courtney Green, Robert Hampton, Candy Jones, Dr. Maday Leon, Michelle Macbeth, Mlisa Manning, Tanna Markel, Sofia Ochoa, Michael Pate, Lena Phelps, and Andrew Polk.