Mikalia, Author at College Of Central Florida

91��Ƭ Garners Prestigious Awards in 2023, Setting New Standards for Academic Excellence

Mikalia — Tue, 12 Dec 2023 15:47:00 +0000

The College of Central Florida proudly announces a string of notable achievements in 2023, highlighting its commitment to academic excellence, innovation and community impact. These accolades serve as a testament to the unwavering dedication of the college’s faculty, staff and students, and the pivotal role played by its community partners.

“We are thrilled to share the news of 91��Ƭ’s outstanding achievements in 2023 and are humbled by the recognitions we’ve received,” said Dr. Jim Henningsen, 91��Ƭ president. “As we look ahead, we are inspired to build upon these accomplishments, further strengthening our impact on our students and the community.”

List of awards and recognitions achieved by the College of Central Florida in 2023:

91��Ƭ was recognized by Aspen Institute as one of the Top 150 colleges in the nation for quality and excellence. It is the sixth time that 91��Ƭ has made this prestigious list.
91��Ƭ was once again noted for being in the top 1% in the nation for affordability.
91��Ƭ has received historical state support for academic programs and the college mission, allowing the continuation of the largest workforce expansion in the history of the college.
The Citrus County Hospital Board committed up to $5 million to the 91��Ƭ Foundation for the college to apply for matching Linking Industry to Nursing Education support. This is the second year in a row that the board has given a seven-figure gift to aid 91��Ƭ’s Nursing program, allowing the college to meet the regional and statewide demand for nurses.
A ribbon-cutting for Allied Health Sciences took place in March. The new building is home to Surgical Services, Cardiovascular Technology and Diagnostic Medical Sonography Technology programs. Respiratory Care will be added at the Ocala Campus, as well as 91��Ƭ’s Citrus Campus.
A groundbreaking for the new 91��Ƭ Center for Nursing was held in September, in partnership with Ocala Metro Chamber and Economic Partnership. The $20 million capital expansion project will serve 325 nursing students in associate and bachelor’s degree programs upon opening in 2025.
91��Ƭ’s Associate Degree Nursing program was recognized as 2023 Best Registered Nursing Program in Florida by RegisteredNursing.com.
In April, 91��Ƭ’s Nursing program was renamed as the 91��Ƭ Debbie Ressler Nursing Program to honor the retired RN who served Citrus County for many years.
In a new partnership with FleetForce, 91��Ƭ is now offering a commercial truck driving program at the Ocala Campus.
91��Ƭ was selected as an education partner for Amazon’s Career Choice program, providing Amazon’s hourly employees access to all 170+ of 91��Ƭ’s degree and certificate programs.
Seven outstanding 91��Ƭ students were named to the Florida College System 2023 All-Florida Academic Team in the spring. The esteemed recognition was based on academic performance, leadership and community service.
The 91��Ƭ Baseball team won the National Junior College Athletic Association World Series in June, capping off the greatest season in school history and bringing home 91��Ƭ’s first baseball national championship. The 91��Ƭ Softball team won the Mid-Florida conference for the fifth consecutive year, and the 91��Ƭ Cross-Country team wrapped up the season with several records.
91��Ƭ’s Dental Hygiene program was launched in the fall after a $1.4 million renovation at The Hampton Center. The college is looking forward to welcoming the community to the dental clinic with an open house in the spring.
91��Ƭ Communications Professor Lori Witkowich was honored with the Outstanding Educator of the Year Award by the Florida Association for Student Success.
91��Ƭ Engineering Professor Sam Ajlani was recognized with the National Dale P. Parnell Distinguished Faculty Award by the American Association of Community Colleges. The award recognizes instructors who go above and beyond to help their students find academic success.
91��Ƭ Engineering Technology Instructional Assistant Chris Kromke received the 2023 Advanced Technological Education Award of Excellence by the National Science Foundation and the American Association of Community Colleges for a series of projects he developed during his time as both a student and employee at the college.
One of 91��Ƭ’s Teacher Education students, Gavin Alexander Riley-Morales, was selected to represent the college on the Florida Department of Education Articulation Coordinating Committee. He will advise on the Associate in Arts to bachelor’s degree transfer student experience.
91��Ƭ’s Collegiate Academy was launched in the fall in partnership with Marion County Public Schools. The new program expands dual enrollment opportunities beyond the Associate in Arts to include Associate in Science pathways — all at no cost to the student or family.
In November, Distinguished 91��Ƭ Alumni Mary Sue Rich was honored with the Association of Florida Colleges LeRoy Collins Hometown Hero Award.
91��Ƭ was recognized by Statista, in collaboration with Newsweek, as one of America’s Top Online Colleges 2024. The ranking highlighted only 200 colleges nationwide and was based on surveys of student satisfaction.

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Architect Mario Cartaya Talk on Cuban Architecture at 91��Ƭ Appleton Oct. 8

Mikalia — Fri, 08 Sep 2023 14:23:14 +0000

The Appleton Museum of Art, College of Central Florida, offers free admission on the first Saturday of each month with the popular Free First Saturday series.

The next Free First Saturday is Oct. 7. From 10 a.m.-5 p.m., visitors can enjoy the permanent collection and several special exhibitions, including “The Unscene South: Charles Eady Revisits History” and “Caught Up in History and Captured on Film: Randy Batista’s Photographs of Florida and Cuba.”

At 1 p.m., architect and author Mario Cartaya will give a free presentation in the Appleton auditorium called, “Across the Florida Straits to Cuba: A Living History of the Buildings Left Behind.” Cuba is a historical laboratory of buildings, streets and artifacts that have been mostly untouched since 1960 — allowing visitors to transport themselves into a time and space that has not evolved into modern times. In this historical presentation, Cartaya retraces and recalls six decades of friendly and cooperative Cuban-American relations and history.

Free First Saturday visitors can also visit the Appleton Artspace for art activities for all ages. The Smoked Biscuit Company food truck will be onsite from 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Free First Saturdays are sponsored in part by Marion Cultural Alliance and CAMPUS USA Credit Union.

The Appleton Museum, Artspace and Store are open Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., and Sunday, noon-5 p.m. A campus of the College of Central Florida, the Appleton Museum of Art is located at 4333 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala, east of downtown on SR 40 (exit 352 east off I-75 or exit 268 west off I-95). Parking is free. For more information, call 352-291-4455 or visit

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91��Ƭ Homecoming for National Baseball Champions

Mikalia — Mon, 05 Jun 2023 15:30:15 +0000

The College of Central Florida will celebrate its national championship baseball team at 3 p.m. Monday, June 5, in the Patriot Café in the Bryant Student Union, Building 5 on the Ocala Campus, 3001 S.W. College Road.

The 91��Ƭ Patriots defeated Wabash Valley College Saturday night in Grand Junction, Colorado, to win the National Junior College Athletic Association Division 1 National Championship, the first national baseball title in 91��Ƭ’s history. The team overcame a loss to Weatherford College on Monday and finished the tournament with four consecutive victories to claim the title. The 19-12 win on Thursday night was the longest game in JUCO World Series history at 5 hours and 19 minutes.

“We are proud of our student-athletes who demonstrated teamwork and perseverance to bring the title home,” said Dr. Jim Henningsen, 91��Ƭ president. “Special thanks to Coach Marty Smith, his coaching and support staff and our student-athletes for capping off an amazing season with a national championship. This team exemplified true grit on and off the field.”

The Patriots finished the season with a 56-7 record, the best in school history. Juan Correa, Brian Holiday, John Marant and Cam Schuelke were named to the All-Tournament Team. Correa was named MVP, Holiday was named Outstanding Pitcher, and Coach Smith was named Coach of the Tournament.

“Special congratulations to our nine graduating student-athletes,” said Dr. Saul Reyes, vice president, Enrollment Management and Student Affairs. “Thank you for choosing 91��Ƭ for your education and athletic career. We wish you well and we look forward to cheering your accomplishments at the next level.”

For information about the 91��Ƭ Baseball team, visit .

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91��Ƭ Appleton Museum of Art Celebrates the Season with ‘Eternal Summer’

Mikalia — Mon, 22 May 2023 19:39:45 +0000

The Appleton Museum of Art, College of Central Florida, will open a new exhibition of works curated from the world-class permanent collection. “Eternal Summer,” on view June 10-Sept. 24, features paintings, prints, photographs and more that celebrate the theme of summer in Florida.

Through the sunny perspectives of nature, leisure and sports, travel, and more, this multimedia exhibition will showcase modern and contemporary art with a few familiar favorites plus new works that have never been displayed at the Appleton.

Visitors will remember “The Hunt,” a 2014 photograph by award-winning, Gainesville-based Mac Stone, documenting an Everglades snail kite at the moment before it swoops down to grab its prey. A selection of black-and-white photographs by local legend Bruce Mozert (1916-2015) will be on display, highlighting vintage imagery of Marion County outdoor attractions and natural wonders. Other Florida-focused works by artists from the Sunshine State that are new to the collection include photographs by Martha Strawn and a large-scale painting by Margaret Tolbert.

Another exciting and recent addition to the collection on display in “Eternal Summer” is a detailed watercolor by noted American realist Janet Fish that evokes feelings of warm temperatures and summer travels. A print by Austrian artist Kiki Kogelnik (1935-1997), called “Sunkist,” adds a colorful Pop aesthetic to the exhibition.

“This exhibition celebrates summer as a season, and how it has served as inspiration to artists,” said Jason Steuber, museum director. “From flowers, sunrises and sunsets to bodies of water and bold fashion photography, it all comes together to honor the Sunshine State.”

Summer Shindig – Appleton Members Party
Friday, June 9, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Appleton members are invited to a seasonal shindig in honor of “Eternal Summer,” an exhibition that celebrates summer in Florida. Beat the heat and dress in your summer linens (but we’re keeping it casual, and there is no dress code) while enjoying elevated picnic fare and live music from Left on Broadway in the courtyard. Appleton Director’s Circle members will receive a summer-themed gift bag. An RSVP for all guests is required by June 1 to Colleen Harper, harperc@cf.edu, or 352-291-4455, ext. 1831.

The Appleton Museum, Artspace and Store are open Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday, noon-5 p.m. Admission is free on the first Saturday of each month. A campus of the College of Central Florida, the Appleton Museum of Art is located at 4333 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala, east of downtown on SR 40 (exit 352 east off I-75 or exit 268 west off I-95). Parking is free. For more information, call 352-291-4455 or visit .

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91��Ƭ Recognized as a Tree Campus for 14th Year

Mikalia — Mon, 22 May 2023 18:03:33 +0000

The College of Central Florida has earned Tree Campus Higher Education recognition for its dedication to campus forestry management and environmental stewardship. This is the 14th year that 91��Ƭ has been recognized.

Tree Campus Higher Education is a national program of the Arbor Day Foundation that honors colleges, universities and their leaders for promoting healthy management of their campus forests and for engaging the community in environmental stewardship.

“Trees not only play a vital role in the environment but also in our daily lives,” said Dan Lambe, chief executive of the Arbor Day Foundation. “Having trees on college and university campuses is a great way to show a commitment to students and faculty’s overall well-being.”

91��Ƭ met the five core standards of tree care and community engagement: establishing a campus tree advisory committee; providing a campus tree-care plan; dedicating annual expenditures on the campus tree-care plan; participating in an Arbor Day observance; and instituting a service-learning project to engage students.

“Trees on campus provide shaded green areas for studying and gathering, improving students’ mental and cognitive health and creating an appealing aesthetic,” said Elena Amesbury, 91��Ƭ associate professor of biological sciences. “Trees help lower energy costs and provide cleaner air and water.”

The Arbor Day Foundation launched the Tree Campus Higher Education program in 2008 and continues to honor colleges and universities for effective campus forest management and engaging students and staff in conservation goals. Currently, there are 411 campuses across the United States with this recognition.

To learn more about the Tree Campus Higher Education program, visit .

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91��Ƭ Unveils New Mural at Ocala Campus

Mikalia — Mon, 08 May 2023 14:40:03 +0000

Located outside the Dassance Fine Arts Center, the mural depicts the different visual and performing arts courses offered at 91��Ƭ.

Carla Gonzalez, the mural’s artist, is a 2022 91��Ƭ Associate in Arts graduate who has been painting for more than 12 years. She won Best in Show in the 2021 91��Ƭ Student Art Exhibition and two Honorable Mentions in the 2022 91��Ƭ Student Art Exhibition. After “growing up in Cuba but surrounded by Mexican culture,” Gonzalez said her work is influenced by many Latin American artists.

“While it may not be accurate to say artists rule the world, it is certainly true that art and artists have the power to shape our perception, challenge our assumptions and inspire us to think and act differently,” Gonzalez said. “With this mural, I wanted to celebrate the power of art, bring people together and create a sense of community.”

The mural was funded by a College of Central Florida Foundation New Initiative Grant submitted by Rachel Cote, manager of web communications and new media. The grant’s purpose was to create an art installation that would permanently enhance the beauty of a 91��Ƭ campus and become a part of 91��Ƭ’s brand identity, providing a new way for students and campus visitors to engage.

The new initiative grant started with an open call to artists for mural proposals. All proposals were reviewed by a committee made up of 91��Ƭ faculty and staff, and Gonzalez’s art proposal was selected as the winning piece.

“We had a fantastic selection of art submissions, which is a testament to the great talent of our local artists,” said Cote. “The committee unanimously agreed that Carla’s piece best represented 91��Ƭ’s mission, vision and commitment to the arts. We’re so pleased with the mural’s vibrancy and creativity.”

The mural is open to the public and is located on the exterior wall of the Dassance Fine Arts Center east stairwell. For more information about 91��Ƭ’s Visual and Performing Arts Department, visit . To learn more about the 91��Ƭ Foundation’s New Initiative Grant, visit 91��Ƭ.edu/Foundation.

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91��Ƭ Presents Grant Funds to Marion County Sheriff’s Office

Mikalia — Mon, 24 Apr 2023 14:43:30 +0000

On April 21, Dr. Jim Henningsen, president of the College of Central Florida, presented Marion County Sheriff Billy Woods with a check for $38,557.84 to help support Marion County Sheriff’s Office in accordance with the Open Door Grant Program.

The Open Door Grant Program was created by the Florida Legislature in 2021 to create and sustain a demand-driven supply of credentialed workers for high-demand occupations and expand the affordability of workforce training and credentialing.

91��Ƭ was the recipient of $267,453 in Open Door funding and has disbursed funds by partnering with law enforcement agencies including the Marion County Sheriff’s Office and the Ocala Police Department, which are experiencing an increased need for qualified, well-trained law enforcement personnel. The grant funds support law enforcement recruits attaining certification through the Criminal Justice Institute at 91��Ƭ by helping to reduce expenses and barriers to completion and increase the number of qualified graduates to fill open law enforcement jobs.

“We strive to do our best to support our local agencies in the important mission of public safety,” said Dr. Charles McIntosh, 91��Ƭ dean of Criminal Justice. “I am extremely proud that we were able to support some of them through the Open Door initiative.”

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91��Ƭ Commencement Ceremony May 11

Mikalia — Mon, 17 Apr 2023 18:48:34 +0000

The College of Central Florida will hold its spring 2023 commencement ceremony at 2 p.m. on Thursday, May 11, at the World Equestrian Center, Expo Center 1, 1750 N.W. 80th Ave., Ocala. For easiest access, graduates and their guests should use the entrance on State Road 40.

“We are excited to invite 91��Ƭ graduates and their loved ones to celebrate their success,” said Dr. Saul Reyes, vice president of Enrollment Management and Student Affairs. “Commencement is our annual opportunity to honor our students’ hard work and share their stories with our community.”

Melissa Stires, director of development and new partner engagement at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, will be honored with the 91��Ƭ Foundation’s Distinguished Alumni Award. Nursing student Makayla Cox, Florida’s 2022 New Century Workforce Pathway Scholar, will be the graduation speaker.

91��Ƭ’s Distinguished Service Award will be posthumously awarded to Ralph “Larry” Roberts.
The in-person ceremony also will be livestreamed on the 91��Ƭ YouTube channel. Visit for details.

For more information, call the Ocala Campus at 352-854-2322, ext. 1391 or ext. 1739; Citrus Campus at 352-746-6721; or Levy Campus at 352-658-4077.

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91��Ƭ Hosts GED Information Session in Williston

Mikalia — Mon, 10 Apr 2023 16:25:54 +0000

Adults who want to earn their high school diploma are invited to learn more about the College of Central Florida’s Adult Education/GED program offered at the Jack Wilkinson Levy Campus in Chiefland. An information session will be held Thursday, May 4, 5:30-7:30 p.m. at We Soar Inc., 120 N.E. First St., Williston.

91��Ƭ Adult Education staff will provide information about opportunities to help adults prepare for the GED exam to earn their high school equivalency diploma. Offered at 91��Ƭ’s Jack Wilkinson Levy Campus, the Adult Education program provides instruction for adult students in a caring and academically nurturing environment with courses designed to ensure that students are prepared to enter the workforce or postsecondary education programs after earning their diploma.

To learn more about 91��Ƭ Adult Education, visit www.91��Ƭ.edu/GED.

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91��Ƭ Hosts Administrative Professionals Event

Mikalia — Mon, 10 Apr 2023 15:27:28 +0000

The College of Central Florida will celebrate National Administrative Professionals Day by hosting the fourth annual Administrative Professionals Event on Friday, April 21, 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at the Ewers Century Center, 3001 S.W. College Road, Ocala.

Attendees are invited to get inspired to succeed in our ever-changing business environment with keynote speaker Lisa Lombardo, chief culture and strategy officer for Hotel Development and Management Group, and featured speaker Sonda Eunus, founder and CEO of Leading Marketing Solutions. Breakout session topics will include effective communication and presentation skills, nutrition tricks for health and energy, and how administrative support roles can advance your career.

The $35 registration fee includes, breakfast, sessions, lunch, gifts and more. Registration is required at 91��Ƭ.edu/BusTechEvents. For more information, contact Bonnie Hays haysb@cf.edu.

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