May 2017
IN THIS ISSUE
Spotlights
Message from Chancellor Madeline Pumariega
Each week in May, we celebrated the accomplishments of our Florida College System (FCS) students as they turn the tassels on their graduation caps and embark on their next adventure. This year's stories are numerous and inspiring including a father and son who encouraged and supported each other and graduated together from Broward College; a Chipola College woman who persevered through a cancer diagnosis and treatment; and a veteran who walked across the stage with his service dog by his side to receive his degree from Palm Beach State College. At Daytona State College an exceptionally proud family of four--a father, mother and two daughters--earned their degrees and at Miami Dade College a once homeless student earned his Associate in Arts degree and a chance to study abroad. Each of the more than 100,000 graduates in the Florida College System has a story about the challenges they overcame to complete their degrees. And, in the completion of these goals another life has been lifted and new goals and challenges taken on.

Over 60 percent of our graduates continue their educational journey towards a baccalaureate degree. The FCS Associate in Arts' students make up half of our graduates every year. As a result, over half of the juniors and seniors currently enrolled in a State University System (SUS) institution are graduates of the FCS with their GPAs on par with students who started at a university. Our students that transfer to the universities major in high-demand programs including business & management, health sciences, technology and engineering. Established in 1971, Florida's 2+2 articulation program is a model for the nation and serves as a strong pathway to our universities.

Florida College System graduates have a significant impact on their local community. More than 80 percent will be employed or find employment after graduation. The opportunity for colleges to partner with local employers provides students with internships that lead to full-time jobs.

With these student achievements, we also celebrate the work of the faculty and staff who dedicate many hours to ensuring that the tools and opportunities for success are available to our students. Every day the scholars and the learners depend on the support of the colleges to reach their goals. We are proud to lead the nation in the highest percentage of students graduating college. College administrators, faculty and staff continue to identify and develop innovative programs to increase completion rates for all students. I applaud the work of all those who achieve these results when serving students who, by-and-large, enroll part-time, work while enrolled and are responsible for their families.

As a system, Florida ranks number one in higher education, second in the nation for affordability, and third for college graduation rates. Nine in ten of our graduates either have a job or are continuing their education upon graduation. Such success in our state is the result of our diligent commitment to excellence and student achievement. Without question, our colleges are made up of the best faculty, staff and leaders who carry out the FCS mission daily with passion.

While the numbers tell many stories of our successes, they pale in comparison to what I heard at one graduation ceremony this May. A child's unrestrained enthusiasm could be heard from the audience, "That's my mom up there." That voice is what we work so hard for, not only changing that mother's life, but also offering the family a new pathway to prosperity.

Let's celebrate as they continue their journey, setting new goals and reaching for the American dream!

With great appreciation,


Madeline Pumariega
Chancellor
Chancellor's Clark Maxwell Scholar  Student of the Month 
Claire Jolicoeur is May's Chancellor's Clark Maxwell Scholar Student of the Month.

An exceptional dual-enrollment student at North Florida Community College (NFCC), Claire dedicated her time to her academics, leadership positions and giving back to her community, and she hasn't gone unrecognized for it. She was named NFCC's 2017 Student of the Year.

Claire was selected for the honor due to her many accomplishments and commitments. She graduated from NFCC this month with her Associates in Arts at the same time she graduated from her high school with a 4.0 GPA. While at NFCC she served as the PTK Mu-Xi Chapter President and was recognized last month at our All-Florida Academic Team award ceremony. Even with her dedication to her academics, she finds time to give back to her community and to her school as a member of the Save Our Animal Resources ecology club and as a student assistant in NFCC's Science Department.

Along with earning the prestigious Student of the Year award, she was also named both the NFCC 2016-2017 Outstanding Student of the Year for Microbiology and the NFCC 2016-2017 Outstanding Student of the Year for PTK in April. 
Faculty and Administrators: Nominate a Student to be the Chancellor's Clark Maxwell Scholar Student of the Month
Nominations for the Chancellor's Clark Maxwell Scholar Student of the Month are open. If you know a student who demonstrates exemplary leadership skills, academic success, and/or commitment to community service through their involvement in the Florida College System, nominate them today!
Retiring Florida College System Presidents
The Florida College System says good bye to two long serving presidents; Dr. Bill Law, President of St. Petersburg College and Dr. Eileen Holden, President of Polk State College.

Creating an environment where student success is paramount--- was his goal when he first came to St. Petersburg College in June 2010 and for almost seven years Dr. Bill Law has worked to achieve that goal.

Dr. Law has been a champion of economic and workforce development, community outreach and improving student success rates, particularly among First-Time-In-College students and especially First-Time-In-College minority males.  Several years ago, Dr. Law wrote an article which highlights his passion for education; "Access to education changes perceptions, but degrees and certificates change lives."

Dr. Law previously served as president of Tallahassee Community College and Lincoln Land Community College in Springfield, Illinois and was the founding president of Montgomery College in suburban Houston. He was also Chairman of the Council of Presidents from 2005 to 2006.

After 29 years as a College President, Dr. Law has too many accolades to name, from serving on the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to working with the Aspen Institute. Throughout his career, Dr. Law worked tirelessly to ensure students finished what they started. As others have said, "Dr. Law is an exceptional education leader." He steps down from St. Petersburg College effective July 1, 2017.
Polk State College President Dr. Eileen Holden is also retiring in July.  Since Dr. Holden took the helm in 2005 as the fourth president, Polk State College has been transformed academically as well as physically - expanding programs to meet the educational and workforce needs of Polk County. New campuses made education more accessible to residents around the county including the Public Safety Center in Winter Haven and the Advanced Technology Center in Bartow with enrollment increasing by 55 percent. 

Prior to being named the fourth president of Polk State College, she served as vice president for academic affairs at Broward College and dean for academic affairs at Palm Beach State College. In addition to serving as president, she also serves as an advocate for higher education on a statewide level, serving as past chair for the Florida College System Council of Presidents in 2010-2011 and past president of the Florida College System Activities Association. She also served as Chair of Florida Colleges and Universities; FACU is the only non-governmental organization in the state that represents the common interests of all three sectors of the state's higher educational system - state universities, community colleges, and private, independent colleges and universities. During her tenure Polk State College announced their first baccalaureate degree in 2010 and recently under her leadership Polk State College signed the FUSE partnership, guaranteeing students admission to the University of South Florida (USF).  FUSE students will receive advising from both Polk State College and USF to ensure they are completing coursework that will satisfy the requirements for their associate degree as well as admission requirements for their selected baccalaureate program at USF.

President Holden, a former teacher with 40 years of experience in education, says it has been the greatest honor and most rewarding experience to be president of Polk State College. She is proud to have helped students redefine their circumstance and reconsider their potential.

Dr. Eileen Holden and Dr. Bill Law will be missed, but we know their passion for education and students is a legacy that will continue.
From Homeless to Degree-Holder
All of our students have obstacles they must overcome. For some it's familial obligations, for others it's learning a new language. For Enrique Sepulveda, it was homelessness. After his mother threw him and his sister out when he was 18, he worked construction jobs that were just enough to survive by, but not enough for a place to call his own. He enrolled at Miami Dade College (MDC) without a proper address, and Enrique says he is certain that it was his best decision.

When the dean of student life, Jaime Anzalotta met Enrique and heard his story, he suggested the Camillus House, a program that helps homeless youth make successful transitions, and became his mentor. 

Through this newfound support, Enrique was able to walk across the stage to receive his Associate's in Arts in political science from MDC's Wolfson Campus this spring.  He didn't just focus on his academics while at MDC either. Enrique was elected and served as the vice president of the student body at the Wolfson campus last year. 

"I've had to overcome a lot of obstacles," said Enrique. "But people need to know that my story is not unique, that there are many people in my same situation."

He's also won a scholarship to study abroad in Indonesia this summer, saying this is something that two years ago, he'd have never imagined would've been possible for him. He now plans to transfer to a state university, probably Florida State University, with hopes to study public administration. 

The Florida College System is dedicated to access and affordability, and that goes for all its students from all walks of life. Most Florida colleges waive enrollment fees for homeless students, and federal regulations also offer school fee reductions. Find more information here.
Introducing the Chancellor's Leadership Seminar Class of 2017
Since 2001, the Chancellor's Leadership Seminar (CLS) has brought together distinguished leaders from across the Florida College System (FCS). This year's program was held May 17-19 at Valencia College West Campus in Orlando, Florida. The theme of this year's seminar focused on strategic insights and lessons associated with 21st century leadership development, resource management development, challenges and key issues facing the FCS and an understanding of how to assess and manage campus culture and change processes. These topics were highlighted as a foundation for the deepening conversations that emerged throughout the Seminar. 
 
This year's event gathered 30 leaders who were nominated by their campus presidents from all 28 of Florida colleges to explore postsecondary best practices and gain an increased understanding of leadership as it relates to the ever-changing landscape of higher education. In addition to these attendees, eight previous CLS alumni members and 14 statewide and national leaders were present to interact with the participants and present on various topics. 
Several higher education leaders shared their insights and expertise, including Dr. Davis Jenkins, Senior Research Scholar at the Community College Research Center at Columbia University's Teacher College, Ms. Karen Moore, CEO of Moore Communications, Dr. Larry Tyree, President Emeritus of Gulf Coast State College, Santa Fe College, Florida Keys Community College, and Independence (KS) Community College, and respected author, presenter and consultant, Dr. Jeff Hockaday, a former community college president among many others. Four college presidents were also present at the Seminar to offer their own insights and guidance to the class: Presidents Dr. Bill Law, St. Petersburg College, Dr. Ava Parker, Palm Beach State College, Dr. Jim Richey, Eastern Florida State College and Dr. Devin Stephenson, Northwest Florida State College.

At the end of the three-day event, Chancellor Pumariega awarded all 30 participants with a personalized plaque and mounted group photo. In her closing, Chancellor Pumariega led the group in a final reflective debrief and shared her own personal leadership lessons. She encouraged the participants by emphasizing the fact, "One does not need a title to lead, rather, find places of influence and then go lead!" As follow-up two attendees shared: "Thank you for showing us that we are all ONE system. I feel like I know who I work for, and I love them!" and "This Seminar has given me time to reflect and refocus to be the best leader I can be. Thank you!"
Father and Son Graduate Together from Broward College
While graduation ceremonies tend to be a family affair, a father and son from South Florida take it to another level. This spring, Francis and Samson Fagunleka walked across the stage at Broward College's graduation ceremony together. 

The Fagunleka family moved to South Florida from Nigeria six year ago, and Francis knew the key to success for his children was education. He decided to practice what he preached, and enrolled at Broward College with his son Samson after he graduated high school.

"I felt a little scared at first because it was like, OK, we're going to take the same class, same professor," said Samson, recalling the start of their journey together. "Everybody is going to be pointing fingers, but still, you gotta move on. It doesn't matter what anybody says." 

They weren't the only family members attending Broward College, Francis' daughter is also a student there.

"He's tutoring me. He does everything, motivates and supports me most of my life, which I'm grateful for," Samson said.

The duo graduated with their Associates of Arts degree and are headed to Nova Southeastern University together in the fall. They plan to pursue medicine, together. 
Florida's Attainment Growth Throughout the Decades
From 1940 to 2010, postsecondary educational attainment has continued to improve while the proportion of individuals with less than a high school education has decreased. In 1940, 6.4 percent of Florida's population 25 years and older had some college or an associate's degree while 5.1 percent had a bachelor's degree or higher. In 2010, 29.1 percent had some college or an associate's degree while 25.9 percent had a bachelor's degree or higher. "Some college" may include individuals who are currently working towards a degree as well as those who have completed a career and technical certificate below an associate's degree. Overall, the proportion of individuals with some college or higher has increased from 22.2 percent in 1940 to 55.0 percent in 2010.

A quality postsecondary credential is a critical pathway towards economic security and development for individuals and their communities. Florida's Higher Education Coordinating Council (HECC) has listed college completion and degree attainment as its number one priority area. According to its 2016 Annual Report, the HECC is "committed to ensuring that Florida has the talent it needs to meet our growing population and future economic, civic and social challenges." Florida leaders and institutions are working towards making a higher education affordable and accessible to all of its citizens. 
The Fire Academy of the South at Florida State College at Jacksonville
Florida State College at Jacksonville's South Campus is home to Jacksonville's Regional Fire/Rescue Training and Education Center, the Fire Academy of the South. Between 3,000 and 3,500 students pass through the programs each year to be trained using the school's state-of-the-art tools. The students train on a maritime "Burn Ship Facility" to practice battling maritime fires and more recently, train on the "Aircraft Rescue Firefighting Simulator" to simulate battling fires on a mock 80-foot long and 30-foot wide Boeing 737 (pictured on left). While the tools used to train firefighters have advanced, the basics of being a firefighter haven't. The students still go through rigorous physical tests and training, such as climbing ladders, pulling the hose, and one of the more difficult tasks, dragging a weighted dummy to safety.  

The school also features a 727 fuselage aircraft used for search and rescue drills. The Boeing 737 is capable of producing 11 different fire scenarios for students to prepare for any occasion involving flaming jet fuel.

The Fire Academy at Florida State College at Jacksonville is the only civilian facility south of Columbia, South Carolina with a certified Aircraft Rescue Firefighting Program. Every year firefighters who work at airports come to the academy for re-certification --- and nearly every firefighter working at a Florida airport come to train in Jacksonville. 

Outside the aircraft program, the facility includes courses in emergency medical technician training, maritime training, industrial fire brigade training, firefighter certification and a fire science cadet academy.