May 2018
IN THIS ISSUE
Spotlights












Message from Chancellor Madeline Pumariega
The month of May is an exciting time to celebrate the accomplishments of our Florida College System (FCS) students as they complete a remarkable milestone-graduation with a certificate or degree. Students come to the FCS to lay a foundation for a better life for themselves and their families. For many students, the path to a college credential does not come easy. It is through perseverance and dedication that more than 110,000 students annually graduate from the system. As the term "commencement" signifies, earning a degree or certificate is not the end, but the beginning-the foundation upon which our graduates build their lives and careers. The outlook for the Class of 2018 is strong.
 
Florida ranks above the national average in the percentage of students who transfer to a university, earn an associate degree before transfer, and transfer and earn a bachelor's degree within six years of starting at the community college. Florida's 2+2 guarantee provides FCS associate in arts or selected associate in science students a successful path to a high-quality credential at one of the 12 public state universities. More than half (54 percent) of juniors and seniors in the SUS are FCS transfer students. When an FCS student transfers into the SUS, they perform on par with students who begin directly at the university (FCS transfer GPA of 2.94 compared native university GPA of 3.12).
 
FCS institutions are an integral part of increasing educational attainment by providing programs across the state that prepare students to enter the workforce. In 2016-17, 88 percent of FCS graduates were employed or continuing their education the year following graduation. The average entry-level wage for those graduates was $39,540, about 92 percent higher than the state's average entry-level wage ($20,872). At least four out of five graduates with workforce bachelor's degrees, associate in science degrees and advanced technical certificates are working, with average earnings of $50,708, $46,708 and $46,404, respectively.
 
In addition to student achievements, we must celebrate the achievements of our colleges and system as a whole. To date, Florida boasts the most finalists - 14 of our 28 colleges - for the Aspen Prize in Community College Excellence, the Aspen Institute's recognition of high achievement and performance among the top 150 colleges. Broward College, In dian River State College and Miami Dade College are all finalists in the top 10 for the 2019 prize . Additionally, 11 of Florida's colleges ranked in CollegeChoice's "50 Best Community Colleges for 2016-17," and 11 were placed in the top 100 colleges in the nation for the number of associate degrees awarded to minority students.
 
The FCS serves nearly 800,000 students and has excelled in providing the highest quality education to serve our state's growing higher education and workforce needs. Our colleges provide students with an education that is the pathway to prosperity. Thank you for your ongoing commitment to our students and our state.

With great appreciation,


Madeline Pumariega 
Chancellor

Hillsborough Community College's Start2Finish Program 
Hillsborough Community College's (HCC) Start2Finish is an action plan that pilots and brings to scale a new student success seminar (SLS 1106, First Year Experience Orientation) to retain first-time-in-college (FTIC) students. Based in part on the guided pathways model described in Redesigning America's Community Colleges by Dr. Davis Jenkins, this new seminar partners faculty and academic advisors to ensure that all students set academic goals with a career in mind, develop college-completion and ten-year life plans, learn about and use free student support services, and engage as learners both in and out of the classroom. The program helps improve the advising process, limit students' accumulation of excess hours and places them on a direct plan to their chosen career or university transfer. The College has begun training their faculty and staff, with more than 40 faculty successfully completing professional development certification to teach SLS1106, to decrease the amount of FTIC students leaving before completing their degree. Student orientation enrollments were high with more than 80 percent of seats filled. HCC has now mandated SLS 1106 as a requirement in the Associate in Arts program. 
Congratulations to the Class of 2018 
Caps off to you, graduates! It is an exciting time of year, when the hard work, dedication and achievements of thousands of Florida College System (FCS) students are honored at commencement ceremonies across the state. Every graduation season, a new group of talented, transforming leaders transition to one of our state universities or enter the workforce prepared to contribute their acquired knowledge and skills. Thank you to the faculty and staff who dedicate their time and effort to ensuring student success by making students their top priority. Behind every successful student is a dedicated mentor, advisor or teacher guiding them toward their future career. This year's spring graduates consist of many passionate and ambitious students, as well as some who have had to overcome adversity in pursuit of a higher education. 

Broward College graduates  Patricia Davis and Kenneth McCray, Davis's son, have a reason to celebrate after receiving their associate degrees, despite experiencing hardships, including the loss of McCray's father. As a single parent, Davis battled lymphoma, lost her job and experienced homelessness with her son. Following her third round of chemotherapy treatment, Davis fell into a coma for four days. After regaining consciousness, Davis re-learned how to walk and speak.  Davis went into remission and has been cancer-free for 13 years after finishing treatment. As McCray continues to care for his mother, he plans to continue studying computer science to obtain his bachelor's degree. To read more,  click here .

Palm Beach State College (PBSC) graduate Alexis Vazquez earned his associate degree after overcoming a traumatic car accident that left him in a coma for three months. Following two years of treatment involving relearning how to walk, talk and eat, Vazquez enrolled in PBSC and has been working as a full-time paraprofessional at a local high school assisting special needs children. Vazquez will pursue his communication/mass media degree at Florida Atlantic University with the goal of encouraging others who have experienced hardship through speeches, movies and writing. To read more, click here. 

Pasco-Hernando State College (PHSC) graduate Kathryn McCarthy earned her Associate in Science in Nu rsing degree after suffering an illness that left her paralyzed and on a ventilator for four months. The kindness, compassion and care she received in the hospital during her lengthy rehabilitation led her to enter the PHSC nursing program to pay it forward as a caregiver. Actively involved in the community, McCarthy will continue to enhance her skills and abilities in health care while pursuing a bachelor's degree in nursing at the University of North Florida where she hopes to make a difference by providing compassionate care. To read more, click here. 

Valencia College graduate Donll Desliens earned his associate degree alongside his mother, Mirielle, a nd  his father,  Georges. The challenge of getting to class often got in the way for Mirielle until Valencia opened its new campus in Poinciana. The family is looking forward to continuing their education at the University of Central Florida (UCF) through Valencia's DirectConnect to UCF program as well as at Valencia College. To read more, click here. 





Congratulations to the Class of 2018! 
 

Introducing the Chancellor's Leadership Seminar Class of 2018
The theme  of this year's Chancellor's Leadership Seminar (CLS) focused on strategic insights and lessons associated with 21st century leadership development, lessons from the Aspen Prize on community college excellence, guided pathways, equity, challenges and key issues facing the FCS, as well as 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 at Valencia College that took place May 16-18. 

Several higher education leaders shared their insights and expertise with seminar participants , including Executive Director Josh Wyner of the Aspen Institute Community College Excellence Program, who spoke as the Chancellor's Champion leader. Wyner discussed the challenges facing the community college sector and shared the five core tenets of what excellent community colleges do to achieve exceptional student outcomes; namely, strong leadership and vision, clear pathways to credentials, improved teaching and learning, strategic use of data, and community partnerships. According to Wyner, "As our community colleges go, our country goes."
 
Fellow speakers included Senior Research Scholar, Dr. Davis Jenkins, of the Community College Research Center at Columbia University's Teacher College, Deborah Santiago, Founder and Vice President for Policy at Excelencia in Education, Nicole Washington, Higher Education Policy Consultant at Lumina Foundation, Troy Miller, Associate Director for Research & Policy at Florida College Access Network, and respected author, presenter and consultant, Dr. Jeff Hockaday, a former community college president among many others. Six college presidents shared their own insights and guidance to the class including: Presidents Dr. Ava Parker, Palm Beach State College, Dr. Timothy Beard, Pasco-Hernando State College, Dr. Angela Falconetti, Polk State College, Dr. Tonjua Williams, St. Petersburg College, and
 Dr. Sandy Shugart, Valencia College. 

Fellows who attended the seminar gained an increased understanding of le adersh ip as it relates to the ever-changing landscape of higher education. As follow-up, a ttendees shared: "This was a life-changing opportunity. The tools and resources are priceless!"  and "This experience has changed, impacted and enlightened how I think about  myself, my potential, my role at my college, my commitment to students and equity, and my enthusiasm for the Florida College  System. Thank you!" 

Palm Beach State College Launches Jump-Start Welding Training
In coordination with the Palm Beach County School District, Palm Beach State College (PBSC) launched an initiative providing high school students with a jump-start on training for a high-demand welding career. The first cohort of dual enrollment welding students got underway in fall 2017, and have reached the end of their first year in the program. On May 7, students demonstrated their knowledge and skills to business, school and community partners at the Technical Education Center on the Belle Glade campus.

Typically, high school students dual enroll at PBSC to pursue an Associate in Arts transfer degree. With this initiative, PBSC has created an opportunity in the Glades region for students who want to go directly into a trade career to gain the skills needed in the workforce.

"It's great to see their enthusiasm for the program and for the skills that they're learning," said Dr. Gloria McAllister, program director for Postsecondary Adult Vocational certificate programs on the Belle Glade campus. "I think it's a wonderful opportunity for them to develop their skills early."

Dr. Roy Vargas, dean of academic affairs for the Belle Glade and Loxahatchee Groves campuses, believes that the initiative has strong potential given the response of business partners to PBSC's evening welding program for adults on the Belle Glade campus. Special job categories have also been established by certain companies to facilitate hiring program graduates from PBSC.

"There's a need for more employees with these particular skills, and the College has been investing in expanding opportunities," Vargas said. "The College's collaboration with industry will open the door to jobs for these new students who are going to graduate from high school with the welding certificate. Our goal is to provide a great workforce for this area."

As an American Welding Society S.E.N.S.E. participating organization, PBSC's program adheres to industry standards, preparing students to work in a fabrication or repair capacity in a variety of industries, such as agriculture, aviation, utilities, marine and more.

In the program's initial year, students began learning the pre-welding skills before training in basic welding techniques. The various skills students focused on include applied math skills and material science, how to operate power tools and machinery to prepare surfaces for welding, and job safety. Students also had the opportunity to gain hands-on experience through a lab called I-beam Playground that replicates an authentic welding environment, right down to the steel.

"It's set up like a real job site, with fabrication and installation areas, so that when students go into the field, nothing is strange to them," said Anton Pastuszak, lead welding instructor who also oversees the evening welding program. "They can make the connection to something they did in class."

"Steel is very expensive," McAllister said. "The I-beam Playground is unique in the state because nobody can afford this level of steel. We can't either, but because of Anton's connections with industry partners, he's able to get the steel donated to the College and even transports it here on his trailer."

The incoming cohort for the following school year is expected to grow to 20, the maximum allowed. High school students who begin the welding program in their sophomore year and continue through their senior year can successfully complete the program while also receiving both a Postsecondary Adult Vocational (PSAV) certificate and their high school diploma. Additionally, students who complete the program earn three levels of certifications from the National Center for Construction Education and Research. Students who are unable to complete the PSAV program while in high school have the opportunity to return to the program as adults to work toward completion.
   
The Florida Career and Professional Education (CAPE) Act was created to provide a statewide planning partnership between business and education communities, to expand and retain high-value industry, and sustain a vibrant state economy. The 2013 Legislature expanded the CAPE Act from secondary students to include industry certification attainment by postsecondary students[1].
 
Since 2013-14, the number of funded postsecondary CAPE industry certifications increased from 1,212 to 14,704 (1,113%). For the past two years, the Florida Legislature has appropriated $10 million for funded postsecondary industry certifications, an increase from $5 million during the first three years.

For more information, contact the Research and Analytics team at FCSResearch@fldoe.org 
[1] See Florida Administrative Rule, 6A-6.0574 CAPE Postsecondary Industry Certification Funding List.

Mary Steele - St. Johns River State College  

St. Johns River State College student Mary Steele recently graduated with an Associate in Science in Radiologic Technology. Throughout her college career, Steele not only demonstrated exceptional leadership and consideration for others, but has persevered through her program with excellent grades despite experiencing personal loss.
 
Prior to starting the radiologic program at SJR State, Steele had been an active Student Government Association member, raising money for various community causes and assisting with as many school-sponsored events as she could. She then rose to the position of treasurer. However, Steele chose to throw in her hat for her role of Radiology Club Vice President and class president, moving on to be club president as approved by her classmates. In these roles, Steele motivated her classmates to become active in fundraising and assisting with school events. She gave her all into organizing the student pinning ceremony, securing funding from the student government association, raising money and securing donations for appreciation plaques and technologist awards for clinical sites.
 
Steele experienced several devastating events during her time in the program. Her son was in a serious car accident and a close family member was killed. These events and others left her family in desperate financial circumstances. While these events may have broken someone else, Steele chose to persevere and continue through the program while maintaining outstanding grades, working part-time to help support her family and taking into consideration the needs of others. Steele has demonstrated the qualities of an exceptional student and great leader.
Faculty and Administrators: Nominate a Student to be the Chancellor's Clark Maxwell Scholar Student of the Month
In honor of the late Chancellor Clark Maxwell Jr., each month a student is selected to represent the Florida College System. Nominations for the Student of the Month are accepted on a rolling basis. 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!
Innovative Product Development Center at Santa Fe College 
Florida College System institutions are equipped with the right faculty and staff who dedicate their time to providing support and advisement services for student entrepreneurs who are interested in developing a company or are already in the process. One example of this work is the Innovative Product Development Center  (IPDC) at Santa Fe College (SF). The College recently announced the opening of the IPDC, a community-based commercialization center providing early stage startup companies with tools, training and infrastructure to help them get started, grow and develop into financially viable enterprises. The Center will be housed at the Gainesville Technology and Entrepreneurship Center, a business incubator owned by the City of Gainesville and managed by SF.

IPDC goals include developing a network of service providers and private sector companies to offer services, support and training to IPDC clients, as well as provide a project management system to establish goals and track progress; help IPDC clients access mentors, prototyping, management, financial, legal and funding expertise; expand awareness and understanding on how commercially feasible innovations are patented, licensed and transformed into products and services in the marketplace; and more.

The creation of the IPDC is a direct result of a grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce to provide seed capital funds through the Economic Development Administrations Regional Innovation Strategies program. The College's IPDC works with startup companies, entrepreneurs, and innovators to not only support their vision, but to create efficient pathways for business development and technology commercialization. Additionally, the IPDC supports a network of service providers offering technology and business development services to IPDC entrepreneurs, inventors and innovators.

With the grant awarded, the IPDC will establish a regional commercialization center to focus on developing industry clusters in the life sciences, software/web development, and niche manufacturing. The launch of eight to 15 startups per year, the creation of 75 to 100 new jobs and securing private investments for IPDC startups at a minimum of $1 million annually are anticipated regional impacts of the commercialization center.