South Florida State College (SFSC) and the University of South Florida (USF) announced the renewal of their partnership in the Fuse guaranteed admissions program. SFSC was one of eight Florida College System (FCS) institutions whose presidents were at USF in Tampa to add their signatures to the renewal contract on Thursday, Sept. 14.
Entering its eighth year, Fuse provides a seamless and timely degree path for students to transfer to USF. Students are guaranteed admission into specific majors at USF, provided they meet certain criteria.
“It’s rare to find the level of detail provided regarding prerequisites and course maps outlining semester-by-semester requirements at both the participating colleges and at USF, as well as the advising and support Fuse offers,” said Dr. Fai Howard, assistant dean of transition and academic growth at USF.
Students accepted into the Fuse program attend a special FSC/USF orientation in their first year to introduce them to the USF community and have access to resources from both institutions, including Fuse scholarships, advising, academic services, activities, and sporting events, while obtaining their associate degree. Since its creation, the Fuse program has graduated 667 participants and currently maintains a 97% retention rate among enrollees.
“The Fuse program partnership has been a wonderful vehicle for our Associate in Arts students to transfer to their major of choice at USF to pursue a bachelor’s degree,” said Dr. James Hawker, dean of arts and sciences at SFSC. “We have been working hard with our partner FCS institutions and USF to better serve our students and we have greatly increased SFSC student participation since we joined the program several years ago.”
Fuse was piloted in fall 2016 with 40 students starting at Hillsborough Community College and St. Petersburg College. The program has expanded to include: College of Central Florida, Pasco-Hernando State College, Polk State College, Santa Fe College, South Florida State College, and State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota.
For more information about the Fuse program at SFSC, visit southflorida.edu/current-students/transfer-opportunities.
May 19, 2022 – South Florida State College (SFSC) graduated a class of 11 firefighters and 11 paramedics during an evening ceremony at the SFSC University Center Auditorium at the Highlands Campus on Wednesday, May 18.
Receiving their certification from the Firefighter Minimum Standards program were Nathan Ahrens, Michael Bacevic, Zachary Boyette, Kyle Cooper, Clayton Johnson, Jenna Levine, Rebecca Oser, Rafael Ramos, Ana Saldana, Jorge Santiago, and Chelsea Whitmire.
The Firefighter Minimum Standards career certificate prepares graduates for a career in fire service. A cohort of cadets enroll in the Firefighter I course with the expectation of continuing through to Firefighter II training. Firefighter I training is required for volunteer firefighters. Firefighter II training is required for those who wish to be employed as professional firefighters in Florida.
Receiving their paramedic certificates were Carl Abelard, Alana Akouka, Terry Armstrong, Joshua Arturi, Chastity Bonney, Desmond Coleman, Lecil Deatherage, Jacob Keener, Roberto Morales Jr., Carlos Rivera Jr., and James Simpson.
The graduates had just completed an 11-month college credit certificate course offered through SFSC’s Emergency Medical Services (EMS) program. Paramedics work as part of an emergency response team called out to traffic accidents, fires, and other life-threatening situations, providing advanced life support care in a pre-hospital setting.
Darius Livingston ’07, captain of Polk County Fire Rescue, served as the ceremony’s guest speaker. He reminded graduates of important aspects of the role they are about to embrace. “Never forget where you came from,” he began. “You are your own brand, so don’t lose yourself as you meet others.”
He also spoke about the training that each of the graduates received. “Offer the highest quality care to everyone. Don’t allow anyone to lower your standards. Care for others as you would care for your own family.” In conclusion, he left the graduates with, “And, don’t spend up to 20-30 years of your life in this job to not leave a legacy. Make an impact.”
Later in the evening, three students in each program were recognized for special achievement. For fire, Michael Bacevic was acknowledged for having the Highest GPA, and Rafael Ramos was recognized for the Leadership award. Ana Saldana was awarded with Most Heart, the student who showed the most determination and drive.
For paramedic, Jacob Keener received recognition for having the Highest GPA – Lecture, and James Simpson was recognized for having the Highest GPA – Lab. Chastity Bonney was awarded with Most Heart for her dedication and tenacity.
SFSC also offers a 16-week course leading to employment as an emergency medical technician (EMT). EMTs provide entry-level patient care as part of an emergency response team.
SFSC offers a two-year Associate in Science in Emergency Medical Services, which includes training in both EMT and paramedic programs. Upon completing this program, graduates will have the opportunity to work toward leadership positions in EMS.
For more information about SFSC’s public safety programs, contact Chris Fowler at 863-784-7278 or chris.fowler@southflorida.edu.
AVON PARK, Fla. – June 1, 2020 – South Florida State College (SFSC) rolled out its new marketing campaign to refresh its message and adapt to our changing and challenging world. The headline of the new campaign is: You’re ready. We’re Set. Let’s Go!
The new campaign speaks to those who are apprehensive about getting their education started or those who may have doubts about returning to college. SFSC has a variety of instruction options for students to choose from that include fully online, small class size, hybrid (face-to-face and online), and the RN program has the option of evenings and weekends.
“We want students to know that our staff and faculty are ready to start them on the path to the rest of their lives,” said Melissa Kuehnle, director of institutional communications at SFSC. “We know that each student has their own unique needs, interests, and goals, and we are supportive of all three. For instance, if a student wants to stay local because they don’t know what the future holds, SFSC can assist that student in achieving their current goals and save them money in the process. We are set to serve our community, and we know they are ready to get started.”
SFSC plans to use a mix of media in the coming months, including print, outdoor, digital, and social. The campaign is a fresh reminder that through higher education, the time is perfect to get started on a bright and positive future.
For more information about SFSC, call 863-453-6661, email recruiter@southflorida.edu, or visit southflorida.edu.
AVON PARK, Fla. – Aug. 7, 2019 – South Florida State College (SFSC) honored 29 graduates of its practical nursing program at a pinning ceremony on Thursday, Aug. 1 in the Alan Jay Wildstein Center for the Performing Arts in Avon Park.
Practical Nursing Graduates
Pinning ceremonies recognize nursing graduates for their accomplishments, emphasize their responsibilities as health care providers, and officially welcome them into the nursing profession. Having earned their occupational certificates in practical nursing, the graduates are now eligible to take the National Council for Licensure Exam for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-PN) and apply for practical nursing licenses from the Florida Board of Nursing.
The 2019 practical graduates are Ana Avila, Cassidy Beers, Jessica Boatwright, Evelia Cabrera, Crystal Carpenter, Kevin Coleman, Candace Dean, Megan DelPrete, Anquenette Evans, Xenia Gardner, Kyle Jahna, John Jimenez, Leydi Lopez, Julia Mack, Robert Mathews Jr., Erin McGlinchey, Danielle Minnick, Enma Miranda, Dominique Morales, Grant Morris, Jessica Morris, Israel Munoz, Heidi Palacios, Mary Reyes, Jennifer Salgado, Dianna Salinas, Terrion Salmon Worrell, Morgan Walters, and Amy Ward.
On behalf of the College, Dr. Sidney Valentine, vice president for academic affairs and student services, congratulated the graduates and spoke about inspirational six-word stories that Ernest Hemingway created as a challenging and expressive movement to tell a story in only six words. “When you look back on how it all started, I hope your six-word story is: The day I became a nurse.”
Nursing instructor and keynote speaker Sharmin Jones is no stranger to the SFSC stage. She was the commencement speaker when she received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the College. On Thursday, she told a story about her late grandmother who motivated her to continue her education and become a nurse. She told the graduates, “There are many times you want to give up. We hit rock bottom and suffer in our lives, but that’s more reason to keep on in your life. Don’t let anyone or anything get in your way. Education will give you more opportunities for higher paying jobs.”
Jones has been a nurse for 18 years and before she became an integral member of the SFSC Nursing Education team, she served as director of medical-surgical units for AdventHealth Sebring.
Class president Jessica Morris of Hardee County spoke to her fellow graduates about their training within the PN program and the focus on caring when she said, “The most important lesson was compassion. Not only for patients, but each other.” She also spoke about their combined purpose by saying, “If one life breathes easier because you have led, then it was all worth it.” To conclude, she ended her address with a celebratory, “We did it y’all,” which was validated by hearty applause.
Graduates received their pins from a person of their choice, such as family members and friends. The ceremony concluded with the new nurses lighting candles to symbolize the impact they will make on the world and then reciting the Nightingale Pledge of nursing ethics, named after Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing.
AVON PARK, Fla. – May 24, 2019 – South Florida State College (SFSC) dental students participated in the Special Olympics Florida State Summer Games on Friday, May 17 and Saturday, May 18 by offering dental screenings to almost 750 individuals on Friday and another 900 on Saturday.
The Special Smiles dental screenings were part of the 4,755 health screenings offered through the Healthy Athletes program that is dedicated to improving athlete health and fitness, resulting in a greater experience in sports and wellness.
Throughout the two days, 2,425 athletes from across Florida traveled to Disney’s ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando to compete in a variety of sports. In attendance for the opening ceremonies was Senator Rick Scott and Orlando City Soccer players Shane O’Neill and Dillon Powers.
“The dental students had a great time supporting the Special Olympics,” said Bobby Sconyers, professor of dental assisting at SFSC. “We were honored to participate in an event that contributes to the lives of so many.”
For more information about the dental programs at SFSC, call 863-453-6661 or email healthsciences@southflorida.edu.
ABOUT SPECIAL OLYMPICS
The ultimate objective of Special Olympics Florida is to help people with intellectual disabilities participate as productive and respected members of society at large, by offering them a fair opportunity to develop and demonstrate their skills and talents through sports training and competition, and by increasing the public’s awareness of their capabilities and needs.
ABOUT SOUTH FLORIDA STATE COLLEGE
SFSC is a comprehensive, open-access, higher education institution dedicated to providing a student-centered environment focused on learning and personal enrichment through quality programs and services. At its campuses in DeSoto, Hardee, and Highlands counties and through its online presence, the College offers certificates, associate degrees, and bachelor’s degrees that lead to the continued success of its graduates and a variety of opportunities for the educational, cultural, and economic advancement of the service district. SFSC is one of the 28 institutions of the Florida College System.
AVON PARK, Fla. – May 6, 2019 – For the second consecutive year, South Florida State College (SFSC) will offer a no-cost, summer STEM Camp for students who will be in high school to start the 2019-20 school year. STEM Camp will take place from June 3 – 21 on the Highlands Campus in Avon Park.
SFSC’s STEM Camp focuses on improving the math skills that are the foundation of science, technology, and engineering. On Fridays, campers will take field trips to Kennedy Space Center (June 7) and Universal Studios STEAM Education Program – Transformers Roll Out (June 14). STEM Day will be celebrated on the final Friday of camp on June 21.
STEM Camp is Monday-Friday from 8:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. and students must apply for participation. All campers are responsible for providing their own transportation to and from the SFSC Highlands Campus. Mondays-Thursdays, breakfast and lunch will be provided, but breakfast from 8 – 8:30 a.m. is optional. During the Friday field trips lunch will be provided.
For information, contact Tasha Morales at 863-784-7401 or moralest@southflorida.edu. To apply, visit southflorida.edu/stem-summer-camp to fill out the STEM Summer Camp Application. The application deadline is Friday, May 24.
AVON PARK, Fla. – April 23, 2019 – South Florida State College (SFSC) will host Leadercast, the world’s largest one-day leadership conference, broadcast live from Duluth, Ga. and simulcast to hundreds of locations around the world on Friday, May 10, 2019, 8 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. This is the second year that SFSC will host the event at its Highlands, Hardee and DeSoto campuses.
Leadercast was founded in 2001 with the mission to fill the world with leaders worth following by providing events and resources for individual teams, organizations, and corporations across all industries. Through its events, blog, podcast, webinars, digital badging, and Leadercast NOW video library, Leadercast outfits leaders to be their best each day of the year.
Each year, Leadercast Live dives into leadership issues relevant to today’s leaders to provide solutions and inspiration to help attendees around the globe be better leaders. This year’s theme, Leading Healthy Teams, builds on the overall mission of the event: to fill the world with leaders worth following. Healthy teams yield fulfilled employees, effective collaboration, high organizational engagement, and greater long-term success.
Leadercast Live 2019 will bring nine organizational health experts to one stage to teach attendees the art and science of successful team building.
The leadership experts speaking this year are:
- Juliet Funt, CEO of WhiteSpace at Work
- Ginger Hardage, founder of Unstoppable Cultures
- Carla Harris, vice chairman and managing director at Morgan Stanley
- Gayle King, co-host of CBS This Morning and editor-at-large at O, the Oprah Magazine
- Dr. Caroline Leaf, communication pathologist and cognitive neuroscientist
- Patrick Lencioni, best-selling author and founder of The Table Group
- Marcus Samuelsson, award-winning chef, restauranteur, author, and TV personality
- Craig Springer, executive director of Alpha USA
- Andy Stanley, leadership communicator, author, and pastor
The pre-show will begin at 8:30 a.m. and the first speaker will take the stage at 9 a.m. The show will run until about 3:30 p.m.
This year’s title sponsor is MidFlorida Credit Union and gold sponsor is the Mosaic Company. A variety of sponsorships are still available and include tickets to the event.
The cost to attend is $50 which includes breakfast and lunch. Continuing Education Credits are offered for attending. To purchase your ticket for the 2019 Leadercast South Florida State College event, call 863-784-7405. For more information, visit southflorida.edu/leadercast.
