Nov. 13, 2026 – South Florida State College (SFSC) has been granted initial accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), effective Thursday, Nov. 5, 2026.
The institution earned accredited status after completing the Accelerated Process for Initial Accreditation and demonstrating it meets all HLC quality standards and requirements.
Founded in 1895, HLC is a private nonprofit accrediting agency and the nation’s largest institutional accreditor recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. HLC accredits approximately 1,000 colleges and universities in the United States.
“This achievement reflects the dedication, expertise, and shared commitment of employees across South Florida State College,” said SFSC President Fred Hawkins. “Under Dr. Heston’s leadership, our team came together to demonstrate the quality of our institution, our impact on our region, and our commitment to student success.”
As an accredited member, the institution is committed to continuous improvement of its institution, providing high-quality education to students.
“Accreditation is not given; it is earned by a community,” said Dr. Michele Heston, vice president for academic affairs and accreditation liaison at SFSC. “This belongs to our faculty, our staff, and our partners across Highlands, Hardee, and DeSoto counties. Together, we made Mission: Possible real for every student we serve.”
Accreditation is an ongoing relationship. As a member of HLC, the institution will participate in ongoing reviews for compliance with HLC standards. More information about the institution’s accreditation is available in HLC’s Directory of Institutions.
“We are always thrilled to welcome new members into the HLC community, and look forward to a partnership that will benefit students and the future of higher education,” said HLC President Barbara Gellman-Danley.
From her days as a student–athlete at South Florida State College (SFSC) to earning her doctorate in audiology, Lexy Barraza has built a career dedicated to helping members of her community reconnect with and hear the world around them.
Barraza never imagined she would one day become a doctor; back in 2017, when she was a student at SFSC, her initial professional goal was to become a teacher. However, as she progressed in her studies, she discovered that her future was taking a different path—one that would ultimately lead her to a specialization in audiology and a return to Sebring to serve her community through her professional skills.
“In my family, I would always hear, ‘You’re going to be a doctor; you’re so smart.’ And I would always reply, ‘No way! That involves so much reading, and I hated reading,” Barraza said. “Looking at where I am today, it’s incredibly rewarding to realize that, even though I never pictured myself here, I ended up exactly where I was meant to be.”
Now 27-years-old, Barraza was born and raised in LaBelle, Fla. She graduated from LaBelle High School in 2017 and began her studies at SFSC that same year. In 2019, she earned her Associate in Arts degree, a period that shaped both her academic and personal development.
For two years, she was a member of the SFSC Cross Country team, an experience that took her to places like Kansas and beyond to compete at a national level. During this time, she also balanced full-time studies with part-time jobs both on and off campus.
As the second oldest of five children, Barraza was the first in her family to attend college. She inspired her siblings, who later followed in her footsteps and earned their own university degrees. Her journey at SFSC taught her how to balance her academic, athletic, and professional responsibilities, making her far more independent.
“I was a very busy person while I was a student; I held several jobs because, as a first-generation student, financial matters and access to resources were a bit more challenging for me,” said Barraza.
These challenges taught her to manage her schedule efficiently. At SFSC, she lived in student dorms at The Hotel Jacaranda, where she spent time with students from various sports teams. Sharing long conversations, laughter, trips, and time spent preparing meals together with other students became an unforgettable experience that remains in her memories.
“I can honestly say that some of the best laughs I’ve ever had were with the people I studied and graduated with,” she said. 
Looking back on her time at SFSC, she still remembers her Cross Country coach, Krista Schultz, with great gratitude; Schultz gave her the chance to continue pursuing the sport she loved. For Barraza, being on the team meant more than a spot on the team—it meant living experiences that still endure in her memory.
A plan that took an unexpected turn
Barraza dreamed of becoming a teacher and began in the Elementary Teacher Education program at SFSC; however, after failing the teacher certification exam, she felt that something needed to change. After some reflection—and taking courses in chemistry, anatomy, and microbiology—she became interested in nursing, though something inside told her it wasn’t the right path. Later, she explored speech –language pathology.
While studying at the University of South Florida (USF), she took an audiology course that shifted her perspective. That’s when Barraza discovered the profession she wanted to pursue.
In December 2021, she earned a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Health Sciences from USF. This was not the end of her academic journey, however; she went on to Auburn University, where she began a Doctor of Audiology program in 2022.
Her extensive training required her to balance various responsibilities: while studying, she worked as a pharmacy technician at Walmart, served as an assistant to the Honors College for Undergraduate Research department at Auburn University, and participated in the Auburn Rural Health Fellows program.
Each experience demanded responsibility, discipline, and careful planning. She also learned which study methods worked best for her, allowing her to make the most of the resources available throughout her academic training. Yet, nothing stopped her; Barraza overcame her challenges without letting them define her story.
Her time at SFSC left a lasting impact on how she approaches challenges. “I learned to live on my own. While at SFSC, I was very active, which helped me learn to manage my time. I also learned how to handle tasks and build connections, which provided me with a very solid support system,” she said.
In May 2026, Barraza graduated from Auburn University, completing her doctorate in Audiology and bringing years of academic preparation and hard work to a successful conclusion.
Behind this commitment, however, was the support of her family—especially her father, Raul, and her mother, Melisa. Her mother provided unconditional support and was someone with whom she discussed her journey every single day while she was studying at SFSC.
“During difficult times, she would encourage me and help me keep moving forward,” she said.
Her grandfather also offered guidance, sharing a piece of advice that continues to steer her today: keep studying for as long as you are able. This counsel has served as a guiding light, even when she wasn’t sure which professional path to take.
More than just a profession—a way to reconnect people
Her professional journey led her back to Sebring. In May 2025, she began her residency at Central Florida Hearing Services, where, upon graduation, she continued to work as a clinical audiologist.
For Barraza, this role offers the chance to return to the county where her education began, making it especially meaningful. As a clinical audiologist, she works with patients of all ages, evaluating a variety of conditions related to hearing, balance, and tinnitus, also known as ringing in the ears.
To her, audiology goes far beyond simply fitting hearing aids; it is about thoroughly evaluating patients to understand what is affecting their hearing and helping to restore that sense.
“It’s about looking at the person. We can assess the health of the ear, how the eardrum moves, and how the nerves that transmit auditory information connect to the brain. A person may hear sounds, but it is the brain that interprets them,” says Barraza.
One of the greatest rewards of her work is reflected in the reactions of her patients when they find a solution that allows them to hear more clearly and resume their lives.
“You are connecting people—not just to sounds, but also by restoring their relationships with the people who are part of their lives,” she says.
For her, it’s more than a profession; it is a way to help the community, one patient at a time. As she watches their eyes fill with hope when they receive hearing aids, carefully fitted to their specific needs, she shares in that intimate moment when they regain a sense they may have thought was lost forever.
“I can see their faces light up like a Christmas tree, and I truly enjoy that with every single patient,” she said. 
Contributing to her community
For Barraza, returning to Sebring is an opportunity to give back to the community that witnessed much of her personal and professional growth. Her time at SFSC let her begin her education, discover new opportunities, pursue the sport she loves, and develop skills she later applied during her further training at USF and Auburn University.
Her profession allows her to assist patients in Highlands County, helping her understand and care for them according to their specific needs.
“This county has given me so much; I have fond memories here, and this is where I held my first job. I am very happy to be able to give back to the community that helped me build my professional career,” said Barraza.
Looking ahead, she hopes to keep growing professionally and contribute further to her workplace, Central Florida Hearing Services, and the community.
She now acknowledges that no one needs all the answers from the start. “If you don’t know what you want to do, that is perfectly fine. Keep moving forward, because, in time, you will end up exactly where you are meant to be,” Barraza advises.
Without a doubt, her story serves as a reminder that the path toward a profession can take unexpected turns and that it is perfectly okay to change course. It highlights the importance of remaining open to continuous learning until every student discovers what they are truly passionate about.
Nov. 5, 2026 – South Florida State College (SFSC) has officially received the Collegiate Purple Star Campus designation from the Florida Department of Education, a recognition that highlights the institution’s commitment to supporting active-duty military personnel, veterans, and their families as they transition into higher education.
The designation recognizes educational institutions that demonstrate a commitment to the specific needs of students connected to the military and their families, particularly as they adapt to the college environment.
To earn this designation, SFSC met all state established requirements, which include having a military liaison to serve as a point of contact, maintaining a webpage dedicated to military-related services, establishing a student-led transition program, providing professional training for staff on matters concerning military-affiliated students, and offering priority registration to military students and their families.
Through this initiative, SFSC provides resources and support to military students, veterans, and their families across all campuses. The designation remains valid for three academic years, after which SFSC may reapply to maintain the Collegiate Purple Star Campus designation.
As part of this distinction, SFSC will be featured on the Florida Department of Education’s website and will receive an official Collegiate Purple Star Campus digital badge to display on the institution’s own website.
This recognition reaffirms SFSC’s commitment to fostering an inclusive educational environment that supports those who have served in the nation’s armed forces and their families. Additionally, in observance of Veterans Day, SFSC invites the Highlands County community to attend a Veterans Day ceremony on Wednesday, Nov.11, at 11 a.m. at the Alan Jay Wildstein Center for the Performing Arts on the Highlands Campus. This event is free and open to the public.
For more information about the services SFSC offers its veterans and active military, visit southflorida.edu/future-students/veterans.
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Oct. 27, 2026 – South Florida State College (SFSC) Library will join over a thousand libraries worldwide in celebrating International Games Week as they enhance their libraries with play. Board games promote teamwork and reinforce STEM skills like pattern recognition and critical thinking, while also being fun and helping build community.
At the SFSC Library, the International Games Week celebration will be held Monday, Nov. 9 through Friday, Nov. 13 from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. (until 4 p.m. on Friday). Attendees can win prizes from games to gift cards. Board games range from the classic staples of Life, Chess, and UNO to new games, such as Zombie Kittens, Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza, and many more. Over 50 games will be demonstrated or available for play at the Library during this event. This event is free and open to the public.
International Games Week is an international initiative supported by the American Library Association, the Australian Library and Information Association, Nordic Game Week, Finnish Game Week, and L’Associazione Italiana Biblioteche. For more information on International Games Week, please visit the Games in Libraries blog at http://games.ala.org.
For more information on the events at SFSC Library, please contact Michelle Stephens, Librarian, at 863-784-7305. The SFSC Library is located on the second floor of Building Y on the Highlands Campus at 600 W. College Dr., Avon Park, Fla.
Oct. 26, 2026 – Want to write a novel in November? Come write in! The South Florida State College (SFSC) Library will host Come Write In events in conjunction with National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo). This program encourages people to write 50,000 words (equivalent to a standard novel) in the month of November.
In addition to open writing hours during normal library hours, the SFSC Library invites you to join the official NaNo kick-off party on Monday, Nov. 2 from 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. for fun activities and prizes including word challenges and a Plot Bunny Adoption where you adopt a plot idea or donate to the collection. The last day of the month is Sprint Day, where writers make a last-minute push to hit 50,000 words. The SFSC Library will offer tea, coffee, and hot chocolate to help keep writers going and make every word count on Monday, Nov. 30 from 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.
NaNoWriMo began in 1999. From 2005 through 2012, National Novel Writing Month was a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. A grassroots movement kept NaNoWriMo alive throughout libraries, community organizations, and learning intuitions. In 2025, NaNo 2.0 was created as an all-volunteer, community-led program aimed at supporting writers.
Participants can sign up at nano2.org to create an author account, track their progress, and connect with other NaNo community members.
For more information, contact Michelle Stephens, librarian at SFSC, at 863-784-7305 or michelle.stephens@southflorida.edu.
Oct. 22, 2026 – South Florida State College (SFSC) celebrated the graduation of 19 students from the Basic Law Enforcement Academy, Class 275, on Thursday, Oct. 22. These graduates have completed their training and are now prepared to begin law enforcement careers in Florida.
The ceremony honored the graduates’ hard work, discipline, and commitment as they prepare to serve and protect their communities. The program featured speeches from SFSC representatives and graduating class members, along with the presentation of certificates and special awards recognizing the students’ academic performance, leadership, and achievements.
Melinda Burke, coordinator of Criminal Justice programs at SFSC, noted that this graduation marks the start of a new professional chapter and the beginning of the official responsibilities the graduates will assume within their communities.
“Graduation is not the finish line. It is the beginning of a responsibility that you will carry for the rest of your careers,” Burke said during her address.
Furthermore, eight of the 19 graduates were sponsored by public safety agencies, meaning they already have jobs waiting for them after completing their training. These agencies include the Highlands County Sheriff’s Office, the Hollywood Police Department, and the Arcadia Police Department.
The graduates were Class Leader Jacob Peters, Executive Officer Arieli Kaminski, Justin Marlow, Shawn Block, Javier Garcia, Erika Chavez-Luberto, Joshua Walls, Jeremy Jones, Caden Bradford, Frederick Estevez, Christian Pardo-Aldana, Melissa Perez-Zamorano, Alfonso Venegas-Baez, Julian Villegas, Rebecca Oser, Emily Alonzo, Michael Dunn, Timothy Gage, and Yuliana Torres-Bermudez.
The ceremony presented special recognition to several individuals, including Arieli Kaminski, executive officer of Class 275, who was honored as Top Academic, Executive Officer, and for achieving the highest overall performance in firearms. Additionally, Shawn Block received the Peer Leadership Award, while Jacob Peters was recognized as Class Leader.
In her speech, Kaminski reflected on the personal and professional growth all the cadets experienced throughout their training and the importance of supporting one another.
“We have learned not solely to look out for ourselves but for others,” said Kaminski, highlighting how the training taught everyone to recognize the value of teamwork.
The class slogan, “One team. One mission,” reflected the camaraderie and shared responsibility that defined these young individuals’ experiences.
The ceremony also featured Zachary Forbes-Edwards of the Florida Highway Patrol as the guest speaker. Other contributors included Dr. John McLaughlin, director of SFSC Criminal Justice programs, who offered brief remarks, and student Jacob Peters, who addressed the class.
Training these new officers reflects SFSC’s commitment to preparing professionals who can address public safety needs with discipline, integrity, and respect for their communities.
For more information about the Criminal Justice programs at SFSC, visit southflorida.edu or call the SFSC Criminal Justice Academy at 863-784-7285.
Oct. 22, 2026 – On Tuesday, Oct. 13, Mandy Roden, president and executive director of the Florida College System (FCS) Foundation, joined the South Florida State College (SFSC) Foundation at their Executive Committee meeting to present a check from the FCS Foundation for $35,947.33 to support student scholarships.
This year, the FCS Foundation awarded $1.7 million in scholarships to support first-generation, teaching, nursing, and allied health students across the 28 state colleges.
SFSC’s scholarship breakdown includes:
- $15,648.41 for the Florida Blue Nursing and Allied Health Scholarship
- $5,947 to support the Helios First Generation Education Scholarship, funded by the Helios Education Foundation
- $4,951.92 for the 21st Century Dream Makers Scholarship, funded by Bank of America
- $9,400 for the Allied Healthcare Student Scholarship
“The FCS Foundation’s investment in our students is a direct investment in the future workforce of our region,” said Emily Dabolt, executive director of institutional advancement at SFSC. “These scholarships will help students overcome financial barriers, complete their education, and enter careers where they will serve and strengthen our communities for years to come. We are deeply grateful for this support and are proud to be part of a statewide commitment to building a stronger future for Florida.”
For more information about the scholarships available at SFSC, visit southflorida.edu/support-sfsc/foundation-scholarships.
Oct. 21, 2026 – The Museum of Florida Art and Culture (MOFAC) at South Florida State College (SFSC) is pleased to present “Nature’s HeArt,” a dual exhibition featuring the expressive beauty of photography by Cindy Rose Eaton and watercolor painting by Beth Andrews.
On view from Friday, Nov. 6 through Wednesday, Dec. 9, the exhibition brings together two distinct, yet complementary, artistic approaches to seeing, interpreting, and celebrating the natural world.
Through photography and watercolor, Eaton and Andrews offer viewers unique perspectives on nature. Their work explores the beauty, character, and emotion found in the world around us, inviting visitors to slow down, look closely, and experience nature through two different artistic lenses.
The public is invited to an Artist Reception on Wednesday, Nov. 18 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Guests will have an opportunity to meet the artists, view the exhibition, and enjoy refreshments and live music by Harry Havery.
Museum of Florida Art and Culture (MOFAC) is located on the Highlands Campus of SFSC at 600 West College Drive in Avon Park, Fla. MOFAC is open to the public Wednesday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission and parking are free.
For additional information about Nature’s HeArt, the artist reception, or upcoming programs, please contact MOFAC at 863-784-7240.
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Oct. 19, 2026 – The South Florida State College (SFSC) Associate in Science in Nursing (ADN) and Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) have been granted continued accreditation by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) at its meeting in September 2026.
“The Nursing Department at SFSC has worked collaboratively with our healthcare and community partners to strengthen and enhance our Nursing programs, and we are proud to celebrate the achievement of ACEN accreditation for the next eight years,” said Dr. Kathleen Cappo, dean of health sciences at SFSC. “This accomplishment reflects the commitment of our faculty to student success, academic excellence, and workforce readiness. Their dedication ensures that graduates are well prepared to meet the evolving healthcare needs of our communities and contribute positively to the nursing profession.”
SFSC offers associate degrees in Generic Nursing (RN), Paramedic-to-RN Transition, and LPN-to-RN Transition, and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, which were all approved for continued accreditation through spring 2034. The ACEN found that the support from SFSC’s clinical partners was an area of strength for both the associate and bachelor’s degree programs.
“Continuing accreditation for both of our Nursing programs confirms what our communities already know: SFSC prepares nurses who are ready to care for Florida’s Heartland,” said Dr. Michele Heston, vice president for academic affairs at SFSC. “ACEN granted our ADN and BSN programs the maximum term of accreditation, a direct reflection of the excellence our faculty and staff deliver to students every day at SFSC. ACEN also recognized the support of our clinical partners as a strength. Their investment in our students and faculty is an investment in the health of every family in Highlands, Hardee, and DeSoto counties. Congratulations to everyone who made this possible.”
For more information about the Nursing programs at SFSC, visit southflorida.edu/nursing or email healthsciences@southflorida.edu.
Oct. 12, 2026 – South Florida State College (SFSC) and the University of Florida (UF) Institute of Higher Education have been awarded the Title III Strengthening Institutions Program (SIP) grant. The partnership will receive $4.65 million over five years to support the Florida Learning, Innovation, and Growth for a High-skilled Talent (FLIGHT) pipeline. SFSC will receive approximately $3.29 million and over $1.35 million will go to UF.
“We are excited to collaborate again with SFSC and continue building out this partnership,” said Dr. Lindsay Byron, interim director of the UF Institute of Higher Education. “FLIGHT is an opportunity to both improve current workforce education pathways between SFSC and UF and develop new programs in Precision Agriculture. Over the next five years, we will have the resources to provide the next generation of SFSC students with cutting edge education and opportunities.”
Through FLIGHT, the institutions will modernize their career and technical education (CTE) programs for the workforce, strengthen the current infrastructure to support workforce development, develop services to support workforce student success, and expand postsecondary pathways from SFSC to UF, and beyond.
“South Florida State College is grateful to the U.S. Department of Education and the U.S. Department of Labor for the approval of the Strengthening Institutions Program grant, known as FLIGHT,” said Dr. Mark Bukowski, vice president for student services at SFSC. “We also thank the University of Florida for their assistance in the grant process, and with whom we will partner with on this grant. FLIGHT will help plan and implement new skilled pathways for students in the Florida Heartland, which will lead to high wage opportunities and continue to build on the strong talent and community whom we serve at SFSC.”
Within the first two years of the program, SFSC plans to align its teaching and training to modern workforce practices and improve the systems and processes for students to therefore increase student engagement in support services and career pathways.
In the years to follow, more SFSC students will earn industry credentials and micro-credentials, improve training pathways for rural residents, embed AI and digital literacy across all programs, and increase transfer rates to UF.
For more information about SFSC, visit southflorida.edu, and for more information on the UF Institute of Higher Education, visit https://ihe.education.ufl.edu/about.
ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA COLLEGE OF EDUCATION
The UF College of Education has a long history of mission-driven excellence, working to advance research, prepare the next generation of educators, and solve society’s most pressing challenges. The College is No. 2 in the nation among all graduate and online graduate education schools. Among the 10 centers and institutes that operate at the College, the Institute of Higher Education (IHE) conducts cutting-edge research and offers data-driven recommendations for administrators and policymakers to better understand the challenges facing the industry at all levels. IHE partners with individual colleges and state systems to provide rigorous, innovative assessment of practices and policies aimed at improving student success.
