Feb. 27, 2026 – The South Florida State College (SFSC) Foundation is proud to announce the establishment of the Randy Bateman Memorial Scholarship, a new endowed scholarship honoring the life and legacy of Randy Bateman, a lifelong Floridian and proud DeSoto County native who dedicated nearly 40 years to Florida Power & Light (FPL). The scholarship will support motivated, career-minded students pursuing work in the welding and skilled trade industry.
Feb. 10, 2026 – President Fred Hawkins has been named a Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Paragon President Honoree. President Hawkins will be recognized during PTK Catalyst, Phi Theta Kappa’s annual international convention.
Feb. 12, 2026 – The South Florida State College (SFSC) District Board of Trustees (DBOT) conducted their annual review of President Fred Hawkins and laid out goals for 2026 at their regularly scheduled monthly meeting on Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026.
The positive review of President Hawkins described him as communicative, effective, visible, dedicated, and highly engaged with students.
The DBOT goals for 2026 include:
- Continue to maximize revenues and minimize expenses
- Enhance economic development
- Advance student success and retention through graduation
- Increase community engagement and partnerships throughout the tri-county area
- Implement strategies to update current infrastructure
“The 2026 goals adopted by the District Board of Trustees continue to reflect our commitment to the continued success of our students and faculty while ensuring fiscal accountability and dedication to economic prosperity,” said John Eason, vice chair of SFSC’s DBOT. “By investing in modern infrastructure, and strengthening community partnerships, we are committing to keeping South Florida State College as a catalyst for workforce and economic development across the tri-county area.”
The DBOT meets monthly on the Highlands Campus of SFSC in Avon Park, Fla. For more information and meeting details, visit southflorida.edu/board-of-trustees.
AVON PARK, Fla. – Feb. 11, 2026 – The Alan Jay Wildstein Center for the Performing Arts at South Florida State College (SFSC) announces four major national tours coming to the 1,460-seat venue in February.
“Following the enthusiastic response to Neil Berg’s hit Broadway revue ‘100 Years of Broadway,’ I am happy to announce that an all-new show, Neil Berg’s ‘100 Years of Hollywood’ is scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 21 at 7 p.m.,” said Cindy Garren, director of cultural programs at SFSC. “The musical revue includes some of the greatest songs from Hollywood’s greatest movie musicals and classic films with a superb New York band and five dazzling Broadway performers.”
Neil Berg’s “100 Years of Hollywood” recreates the greatest moments from movie musicals and classic films of the century, featuring the actual stars of hit Broadway shows such as “The Phantom of the Opera,” “Les Miserables,” “Evita,” “Fiddler on the Roof,” “CATS,” “Jesus Christ Superstar,” and “Wonderful Town.” These performers light up the stage with songs from classic and hit films such as “Breakfast at Tiffany’s,” “Casablanca,” “Wizard of Oz,” “Goldfinger,” “Moulin Rouge,” “A Star is Born,” “Dreamgirls,” “New York New York,” and many more. Neil Berg presents brilliantly revived arrangements of classics as well as fantastic numbers from Hollywood’s newest hit films.
The performance is sponsored by Dr. Catherine P. Cornelius, Jane Hancock and Don Appelquist, AdventHealth, and Thakkar, Patel and Avalos, MDs. Tickets are $36, $32, and $28 plus a $3 per ticket processing fee.
Rhythm of the Dance
Direct from Ireland, “Rhythm of the Dance” performs on Tuesday, Feb. 24 at 1:30 p.m. Featuring the National Dance Company of Ireland, the production is a two-hour celebration of Ireland’s rich heritage. This internationally acclaimed live production captivates audiences around the world with its champion dancers, top-tier traditional musicians, and stellar vocalists. Tickets for this high-energy show are $40, $35, and $30.
“Proud Tina,” produced by Showtime Australia, celebrates four decades of the Queen of Rock and Roll with a full live band, dynamic dancers, and soulful vocalists. Powerhouse vocalist Carole Borole delivers a night of hits that made Tina Turner one of the 20th century’s biggest names in music “Simply the Best,” “What’s Love Got to Do With It,” “Proud Mary,” “Nutbush City Limits,” “We Don’t Need Another Hero,” “Better Be Good to Me,” “I Can’t Stand the Rain,” “Private Dancer,” and many more. This show is not affiliated with Tina Turner.
Proud Tina
This performance is sponsored by Sedlock and Heston Construction, Dawn Dell, Broker Associate with Paradise Real Estate, Lampe and Kiefer Hearing Aid Center, MidFlorida Credit Union, Heartland Endodontics, and Bill and Lisa Jarrett.
The 30th anniversary tour of the Broadway hit, “Stomp,” makes a stop in Avon Park on Sunday, March 1 at 7 p.m. The international percussion sensation has garnered an armful of awards and rave reviews and has appeared on numerous national television shows. The eight-member troupe uses everything but conventional percussion instruments — matchboxes, wooden poles, brooms, garbage cans, hubcaps — to fill the stage with magnificent rhythm. Tickets for “Stomp” are $70, $60, and $45 plus a $3 per ticket processing fee.
Performances at the Wildstein Center for the Performing Arts are sponsored in part by the Florida Department of State, Division of Arts and Culture, and the National Endowment for the Arts. Tickets can be purchased in person at the SFSC Box Office located at 600 West College Drive, online at sfscARTS.org, or by phone at 863-784-7178. Significant discounts are available for groups of 12 or more.
Feb. 4, 2026 – Undergraduate students from across Florida gathered at the state’s capital on Jan. 26–27, 2026, for the Florida Undergraduate Research Posters at the Capitol, a biennial event that celebrates student innovation and highlights the impact of undergraduate research on Florida’s future.
Hosted by the Florida Undergraduate Research Association (FURA) in partnership with Florida State University and Tallahassee State College, the event provided a unique opportunity for students to present their original research to state legislators, public officials, and university leaders inside the Florida State Capitol rotunda.
Each FURA institutional member nominated up to three students to represent their campus. The following students were selected to represent South Florida State College:
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Jenale Alfonso: The Oral Microbiome as a Cardiovascular Biomarker: Bridging Dentistry and Cardiology (Mentors: Dr. Mintoo Patel and Sheryl McGrath)
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Anika Bhandare: Molecular Markers for Early Detection of Colorectal Cancer Metastasis (Mentor: Dr. Mintoo Patel)
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Cohen Jefferies: Conserving Florida’s Living Heritage (Mentors: Dr. Mintoo Patel and Dr. Kate Calvin)
Projects span diverse topics from human health to conservation and demonstrate how undergraduate research fosters problem-solving, creativity, and civic engagement.
FURA continues to strengthen the statewide undergraduate research network through its signature programs, including the Florida Undergraduate Research Conference (FURC), the Florida Statewide Symposium, and the Florida Undergraduate Research Journal (FURJ). The Posters at the Capitol event exemplifies the association’s mission to elevate undergraduate research and promote meaningful connections between students, institutions, and policymakers.
For more information about the 2026 Florida Undergraduate Research Posters at the Capitol, visit floridaundergradresearch.org.
About the Florida Undergraduate Research Association (FURA)
The Florida Undergraduate Research Association is a consortium of higher education institutions committed to promoting and enhancing undergraduate research across the state. FURA supports collaboration, mentorship, and outreach through statewide events, publications, and partnerships.
As conversations about economic growth, workforce readiness, and community well-being continue, South Florida State College (SFSC) is consistently tied to organizations and corporations throughout the region.
According to a recent economic impact study examining fiscal year 2023–24, SFSC contributed $210.3 million in added income to the regional economy, which is equal to 4% of the area’s total gross regional product. To put that into perspective, one out of every 24 jobs in the region is supported by the activities of SFSC, its students, or its alumni.
This impact is not just anecdotal; it is evident in paychecks, positions, and career pathways across the region.
The Power of Alumni
The greatest economic contribution of SFSC comes from its alumni. Former students employed in the region generated $169.9 million in added income in a single year, supporting 2,216 jobs. SFSC’s alumni are nurses, technicians, first responders, educators, and skilled professionals, who residents interact with every day and whose education translates directly into production benefits and higher earnings for local industries.
Beyond alumni impact, SFSC’s day-to-day operations play a significant role in sustaining the local economy. The College employs 513 faculty and staff, with 82% living within the service area, ensuring that salaries are reinvested locally, supporting local businesses and community initiatives. The combined payroll and operational spending added $35.2 million to the regional economy.
Current students also contribute in a meaningful and valuable way, with 14% of SFSC students relocating to the area to attend the College, bringing new dollars into local communities through housing, food, transportation, and everyday expenses. Student spending added $5.2 million to the regional economy and supported 84 additional jobs.
Lucrative Futures
For students, the value proposition of SFSC is clear and measurable. Graduates who earned an associate degree in fiscal year 2023–24 will earn $6,200 more per year on average than peers with only a high school diploma. Over a working lifetime, that difference amounts to $260,400 in additional earnings per graduate.
When viewed as an investment, the return is staggering. For every $1 students invest in tuition, books, and income they temporarily set aside while investing in their education, they receive $7.50 in higher future earnings. The average annual rate of return for students is 22.9%, which is more than double the average for traditional long-term investment benchmarks. Students who invest in themselves strengthen not only their own futures, but the future of the communities they call home.
Benefits to Taxpayers
The benefits of SFSC extend well beyond individual students. From a taxpayer perspective, the College generates more value than it costs. Over the working lives of its students, SFSC produces $42 million in combined tax revenue and public-sector savings, exceeding the $38.2 million in state funding it received.
At the societal level, the return is even more pronounced. The study estimates $607.6 million in total social benefits statewide, driven by higher lifetime earnings, increased business output, and reduced public costs related to healthcare, the criminal justice system, and income assistance. For every $1 spent by the College and its students, society gains $9.40 in benefits. In addition, when the public invests $1 in the College, they receive $1.10 back, so SFSC generates more value than it consumes.
More Than a College
These statistics tell an impressive story, but they only begin to explain SFSC’s role within the Heartland of Florida. The College is not simply an educational institution; it is an economic stabilizer, a talent pipeline, and a force multiplier for community prosperity. The strength of SFSC is currently felt by the 2,927 jobs across the region that are supported by the College.
At a time when Florida, like much of the nation, faces workforce shortages, demographic shifts, and economic uncertainty, South Florida State College stands as an inspiring solution. The region suffers from low attainment rates, with Highlands County ranked at 38 of the 67 counties, Hardee at 64, and DeSoto at 65, so the work continues. SFSC’s impact is measurable, its return on investment is undeniable, and its influence reaches far beyond the classroom.
SFSC’s mission is to develop human potential and create brighter futures, but its true impact cannot be confined to a single student or a single campus. The College is strengthening the region and revealing that education works best when it connects people, ideas, and opportunity. Within DeSoto, Hardee, and Highlands counties, the data reveals the influence of education on the economy, and the potential exists to further improve the imprint the College has on Florida’s Heartland.
SFSC Nursing students
AVON PARK, Fla. — Jan. 30, 2026 — During the January meeting of South Florida State College’s (SFSC) District Board of Trustees, 33 students studying for careers in the health sciences at SFSC received approximately $28,704 in scholarships.
The Florida College System Foundation (FCSF) and Florida Blue awarded Nursing and Allied Health scholarships to SFSC students in Nursing, Surgical Services, Dental Education, Radiography, Paramedic, Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), and Health Services Management programs. The students may use the scholarships for tuition, textbooks, lab fees, and childcare.
Students receiving the scholarships are studying within three health science disciplines:
- Nursing: Guillermo Garcia Mulero, Sabrina Villegas, Andrea Vasquez, Reyna Quintero, Esther Smith, Trinity Vansickle, Mikayla Wesley, Alysia Mayer, Zareana Fogel-Thomas, Dominique Morales, Letisha Romero, Alexis Franklin, Denija Rochester, Rodrick Rivers, Noemi Secundino, Kaley Piggott, and Cristina Lopez-Rojas
- Surgical Services – Tabitha Trevelyan and Sierra Bullard
- Dental Education: Nereida Flores Becerra, Stephany Palafox, and Blanca Solis
- Radiography: Angela Salazar, Valerie Martinez, and Brisa Luevano
- Paramedic: Ashley Leppe and Ismael Mejia
- EMT: DaNayja Sturn, Kearsta Danser, Casey McLaughlin, and Savannah Mullins
- Health Services Management: Lorena Martinez-Bautista and Denise Blaine
The scholarships are the result of a partnership between the FSCF and Florida Blue. The Florida Blue Nursing and Allied Health Scholarship was created to sustain a source of funding for student scholarships at Florida colleges to meet the growing need for skilled nurses and allied health professionals who serve the state’s diverse population. The FCSF and Florida Blue award to SFSC students totaled $14,352. The SFSC Foundation, Inc. provided a 50% match of the original award from the FCSF and Florida Blue, as the funds must be matched dollar for dollar by private donors at the local level.
“These scholarship recipients represent the future of healthcare in our region,” said Emily Dabolt, SFSC executive director of institutional advancement. “Florida Blue’s investment goes beyond supporting individual students — it strengthens the entire healthcare infrastructure of our community. By removing financial barriers for students in high-demand fields, Florida Blue is helping ensure that families across our region have access to skilled, dedicated healthcare professionals when they need them most. We are deeply grateful for this partnership.”
The FCSF, based in Tallahassee, is a nonprofit organization that solicits gifts and donations from corporations and individuals for distribution to Florida’s 28 community and state colleges. SFSC has received scholarships for health sciences students since 2006. Florida Blue, previously known as Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida, provides individual and group health insurance to millions of Floridians.
AVON PARK, Fla. – Jan. 29, 2026 – Four Tuesday matinees will be presented at the Wildstein Center for the Performing Arts at South Florida State College (SFSC) in Avon Park. The schedule for Tuesday matinees includes a variety of music genres to entertain and move the audience.
America’s vintage rock and roll show, Phil Dirt and the Dozers, returns to the big stage on Feb. 3 with the music of The Beach Boys to the iconic hits of The Eagles. “Phil Dirt and the Dozers is a huge audience pleaser,” said Cindy Garren, director of cultural programs at SFSC. “Audiences love their lighthearted fun and every note is performed live without tracks or gimmicks.” Tickets for the show are $22-$33. Sponsors for Phil Dirt and the Dozers are Vinfast of Sebring, Lampe and Keifer Hearing Aid Center, HoltonFL, and Pete and Dale Caldwell.
Songs of Faith and Family with The Goldens is scheduled for Feb. 10 at 1:30 p.m. Chris Golden, an award-winning music producer, was honored by the Inspirational Country Music Association as the 2019 Entertainer of the Year and 2020 Instrumentalist and Producer of the Year. He has performed for every living U.S. president and graced legendary stages such as The Grand Old Opry, Ryman Auditorium, and Dollywood, and the Holy Land in Israel. Golden is a storyteller who has toured with Alabama and the Oak Ridge Boys, and will be joined on stage by members of his family. Tickets are $17-$25. Groups of 12 or more save 50% on regular admission. The concert is sponsored by Cowpoke’s Watering Hole and AdventHealth.
Relive the magic of the Bee Gees at Stayin’ Alive, the most definitive and dazzling tribute to one of the most iconic groups in pop music history, on Feb. 17. Stayin’ Alive is a full-scale multimedia production, featuring stunning visuals, big-screen video clips, and the nostalgic sound of Barry, Maurice, and Robin Gibb. Tickets for Stayin’ Alive are $22-$30. Groups of 12 or more save 15% on regular admission. The performance is underwritten by Spiegel Chiropractic Clinic, AdventHealth, and Dawn Dell, Broker Associate with Paradise Real Estate International.
Stayin’ Alive
Direct from Ireland, Rhythm of the Dance, honors Irish roots on Feb. 24. The internationally acclaimed live production features the National Dance Company of Ireland and top-tier musicians and vocalists. This spectacular production blends the spirit of traditional Irish dance and music with cutting-edge stagecraft, taking audiences on an exhilarating journey through time. Tickets for Rhythm of the Dance are $30-$45. Groups of 12 or move save 20% on regular admission.
Tickets for all Tuesday matinees can be purchased online at sfscARTS.org, by phone at 863-784-7178, or at the Box Office located at 600 West College Dr. in Avon Park. A $3 per ticket processing fee is charged whether tickets are purchased online, in person, or by phone. There are no refunds and no exchanges.
The Wildstein Center for the Performing Arts presents over 30 world-class performances in a 1,460-seat, state-of-the art facility. Beer and wine are available at performances by Butler’s Eighteen East.
AVON PARK, Fla. – Jan. 29, 2026 – South Florida State College (SFSC) Performing Arts presents a free performance of “Numbers Don’t Lie” on Monday, Feb. 2 at 9:30 a.m. at the Wildstein Center for the Performing Arts in Avon Park. The multi-media musical is produced by Stages Productions, a professional company that specializes in curriculum-based performances for elementary students.
What happens when two struggling math students wander into an enchanted museum and awaken a long-forgotten exhibit? Magic, music, and a whole new way of seeing numbers come to life in the high-energy, multimedia musical, “Numbers Don’t Lie.”
“Through the contributions from the SFSC Performing Arts members and the Florida Department of State, Division of Arts and Culture and the National Endowment for the Performing Arts, we are able to bring this educational performance at no cost to Highlands, Hardee, and DeSoto county students,” said Cindy Garren, director of cultural performances. “We encourage homeschool educators and private schools to join us, too.”
Meet Algie and Bree, two students falling behind in math who find themselves on a school field trip they’ll never forget. After losing track of their tour group, they stumble upon a dusty, broken-down exhibit known only as “The Brain.” According to museum legend, the Brain can answer any question in the world using math. When Algie and Bree attempt to power it up, nothing happens … or so they think. In a dazzling whiz-bang flash, the Brain springs to life, launching an unforgettable journey through the power of mathematics across civilization.
Weaving together the five core strands of elementary mathematics — Operations and Algebraic Thinking; Numbers and Operations in Base Ten; Geometry; Measurement and Data; and Number Operations–Fractions — “Numbers Don’t Lie” proves that math has shaped every facet of human history. From ancient innovations to modern breakthroughs, students see how numbers connect sports, science, medicine, music, and beyond.
Packed with audience participation, laugh-out-loud moments, and catchy original songs like “Pollution Solution,” “The Tap (Tape) Measure,” and the title song “Numbers Don’t Lie,” the production transforms math from a classroom challenge into a thrilling, hands-on experience. By the time the rousing finale, “Math Rules,” fills the stage, Algie and Bree (and the audience) can’t wait to bring their new-found knowledge back to the classroom.
Designed to align seamlessly with elementary math curriculum standards, “Numbers Don’t Lie” is an engaging, educational musical that inspires confidence, curiosity, and excitement about learning.
Stages Productions is a professional theater ensemble that specializes in bringing exciting educational programming to over 150,000 people each year. Since 1988, the Tampa Bay-based company has been performing throughout the Southeast and helping to redefine professional standards in family theater.
To reserve seats, email ypt@southflorida.edu or call the SFSC Box Office at 863-784-7178. The Wildstein Center for the Performing Arts is located on the SFSC Highlands Campus at 600 West College Drive in Avon Park.
Jan. 22, 2026 – The South Florida State College (SFSC) Foundation hosted its ninth annual Million Dollar Hole-in-One Golf Shootout sponsored by Bill Jarrett Ford on Saturday, Jan. 17. This year, the event raised over $15,000 in support of SFSC Athletics.
Golfers participated in the three-day Golf Shootout and new Putt Challenge, which began on Thursday, Jan. 15 at Sun ‘N Lake Golf Club in Sebring. Throughout the qualifying rounds, 90 golfers swung for the $1 million prize, and 45 golfers tried to putt their way to $10,000.
The group of top 12 shootout qualifiers were: Kyle Braxton, Trent Adrian, Mike Nelson, Brooke Sortore, Ty Van Bulck, Todd Smith, Steve Sortore, Michael Thayer, Greg Lundgren, Michael Kelly, Jeff Taylor, and Paul Sippl. The Putt Challenge finalist was Jeff Taylor.
“What a fabulous turnout! We are so grateful to our community for showing up and supporting our student-athletes,” said Emily Dabolt, executive director of the SFSC Foundation. “This event wouldn’t be possible without the dedication of our sponsors, volunteers, and golfers, who believe in investing in our students’ futures.”
Proceeds from the golf shootout benefit SFSC Panther Athletics in women’s volleyball, women’s cross country, men’s baseball, and women’s softball. SFSC’s student-athletes assisted throughout the Golf Shootout.
