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Cheryl John (center), with Parker Hall, SFSC Foundation Board president, and Emily Dabolt, SFSC Institutional Advancement executive director
AVON PARK, Fla. – March 24, 2026 – Colleges and universities honor and encourage faculty who go beyond the requirements of the classroom. To that end, three South Florida State College (SFSC) faculty have been appointed as endowed chairs in their respective disciplines with funds donated through the SFSC Foundation, Inc.
The Norm and Laurie Stephens Endowed Teaching Chair was awarded to Dr. Joseph Velenovsky, Biology professor. Cheryl John, Mathematics professor, received the Carol Emery Endowed Chair in Mathematics. Patti Sassin, Nursing professor, was appointed as the Highlands County Health Facilities Authority (HCHFA) Endowed Chair for Nursing Education.
Faculty members appointed as teaching chairs are awarded $5,000 per year for two years, with half going toward equipment, professional development, or to attend a conference related to the faculty member’s discipline of study. The other half is a salary stipend.
Dr. Velenovsky will use his award to enhance student instruction within the General Biology II course and
Dr. Joseph Velenovsky (center)
strengthen professional learning by attending related conferences. Purchasing high-quality labeled specimens and specimen models for the Biology course will foster active learning, as students will gain hands-on insight into biological concepts.
John will develop a comprehensive digital resource bank aligned directly with SFSC curriculum. This project will strengthen student success in Intermediate Algebra and College Algebra, two high enrollment gateway courses that significantly impact persistence and degree completion at SFSC.
Sassin plans to enrich the student learning experience by upgrading the Nursing Lab in Room 104C on the SFSC Highlands Campus in Avon Park to create a more functional, realistic, and engaging clinical learning environment. Purchasing new equipment and supplies will provide students with increased hands-on practice opportunities to support stronger clinical competency, greater confidence, and improved readiness for real-world patient care.
Patricia Sassin (center)
Recipients for endowed teaching chairs at SFSC are chosen by a selection committee, with advice and counsel from College faculty. Selections are confirmed by Dr. Michele Heston, SFSC vice president for academic affairs.
The idea of endowed teaching chairs at community and state colleges came from research chairs at universities. At SFSC, the Endowed Chair program rewards faculty who hold the belief that the student must come first. The award can be used to fund professional development activities that, ultimately, enhance student learning and incorporate classroom projects or activities above and beyond what is usually offered in a course.
