Ashley Brace, editor-in-chief of 91制片鈥檚 The Patriot Press, earned first place in the College Arts & Entertainment Review category, competing against finalists from Florida Atlantic University and Florida State University. Amber Battillo, student journalist and photographer, was named a finalist for College Photojournalist of the Year and News Photo.

鈥淎shley and Amber’s talent and dedication shine through in everything they do, and I couldn’t be prouder to see them recognized alongside prominent universities as two of Florida’s top college journalists,鈥� said Melissa Schuck, 91制片 faculty and advisor of The Patriot Press. 鈥淭hese honors highlight the strength and caliber of our Communications program and students at 91制片.鈥�

The Sunshine State Awards bring together journalists from across Florida, with SPJ Florida combining college entries from two-year and four-year colleges and universities together. The recognition highlights the quality of student journalism produced at 91制片 and The Patriot Press鈥檚 continued commitment to reporting, photography and storytelling.

About The Patriot Press:
The Patriot Press is the student-run newspaper of the College of Central Florida, covering campus and community news throughout Marion, Levy and Citrus counties. The publication provides students with opportunities to develop their skills in journalism, photography and multimedia storytelling.

About the College of Central Florida:
The College of Central Florida is committed to providing a full range of educational programs, offering high-quality, affordable education across three counties and online. 91制片 offers more than 170 academic pathways in a variety of fields to prepare students for meaningful careers and successful futures.

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After construction is completed, the new center will house up to five Law Enforcement Academies and four Corrections Academies, approximately 180 students, on an annual basis. In addition, the complex will provide training in advanced/specialized courses to more than 600 law enforcement professionals from 14 agencies within region six (Marion, Citrus, Levy, Hernando and Sumter Counties) annually.

鈥淭he new Criminal Justice Institute represents a significant investment in the future of public safety across our region,鈥� said Dr. Jennifer Fryns, 91制片 vice president of Workforce Development and Innovation. 鈥淏y increasing our capacity to prepare law enforcement and corrections professionals and providing specialized training for those already serving our communities, 91制片 is helping meet the workforce needs of our public safety partners while creating opportunities for students to build rewarding careers.鈥�

The $19.4 million, 31,201-square-foot complex is funded by the state legislature and local funding. Comprised of an academic and training building on one side and a simulation and defensive tactics building on the other, with a covered 鈥淢ain Street鈥� connecting the two, the new institute will eliminate the disconnect between classroom theory and street reality, giving real-world training in a safe environment.

The first building, for academic and training, will feature 10 large classrooms, a 730 SF F.A.T.S. simulator room for firearms and scenario-based simulation training, and an exercise/fitness room supporting physical conditioning and training activities.

The second building, for simulation and defensive tactics training, will contain a variety of staged environments for realistic scenario-based training exercises, including a mock restaurant with a fully functional kitchen and break area, a mock booking and intake area for law enforcement processing, and a mock bank and hotel front desk. The building will also contain a 2,600-square-foot defensive tactics training area with padded flooring and three white box training rooms for additional scenario-based training.

The Main Street area between the two buildings will provide a covered area for reality-based scenario training, with integrated observation decks that will allow instructors and trainees to safely observe ongoing training exercises.

RSVP is requested for this event: 91制片.edu/Groundbreaking or pr@cf.edu.

For more information about the 91制片 Criminal Justice program, visit www.91制片.edu/CJI.

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Imagine hosting your ceremony, corporate gathering, wedding, fundraiser or other special event surrounded by world-class art in an atmosphere unlike any other. The Appleton offers a truly distinctive setting where beautiful spaces, inspiring artwork and memorable experiences come together. Whether you鈥檙e planning a chic, intimate courtyard gathering or a grand occasion beneath the oak trees of old Florida, the museum鈥檚 event spaces provide an elegant and unforgettable backdrop.

Interested in learning more? Drop in on Sept. 24 between 2-6 p.m. for an Open House and experience the possibilities firsthand! Tour the indoor and outdoor event spaces, learn more about what鈥檚 available for your occasion, and meet the staff who can help you plan your event. Come get inspired, envision your next event surrounded by art, and see why your next gathering belongs at the Appleton Museum of Art.

This event is free to attend; no reservation needed.

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 AppletonMuseum.org.

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鈥淏ritain鈥檚 Loyal Colonies Lost: The American Revolution in Florida鈥� will be held from 12:30-1:30 p.m. at the Stearns Learning Resources Center on the Ocala Campus, 3001 S.W. College Road. This free event is open to community members.

Head鈥檚 lecture will examine the conflict and the role Florida played during the American Revolution. While 13 of Britain鈥檚 American colonies declared independence in 1776, East and West Florida remained loyal to King George III. The colonies soon became caught between American and Spanish forces as the war spread into the region.

Head is a senior lecturer of history at the University of Central Florida. A native of Western New York, he earned his Ph.D. in history from the University of Buffalo and has published five books, including 鈥淎 Crisis of Peace: George Washington, the Newburgh Conspiracy, and the Fate of the American Revolution,鈥� a finalist for the 2020 George Washington Book Prize.

His most recent book, 鈥淎 Republic of Scoundrels: The Schemers, Intriguers, and Adventurers Who Created a New American Nation,鈥� explores the people and intrigue surrounding the creation of the United States. Head also writes regularly for public audiences on topics ranging from the Golden Age of Piracy in Florida to George Washington鈥檚 love advice.

鈥淭he annual speaker series brings distinguished Americans to the 91制片 Ocala Campus, providing an opportunity for both the college community and citizens from Marion County and the surrounding areas to learn from and meet these individuals,鈥� said Cliff Stearns, who established the Friends of Cliff Stearns Endowed Chair through a gift to the 91制片 Foundation in December 2020. The series aims to bring national and regional speakers on history, political science and technology to 91制片 to benefit both students and the community.

Registration is encouraged at 91制片.edu/Stearns.

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The Ocala Metro Chamber & Economic Partnership will join college officials to cut the ribbon for the new center, which provides students with immersive career exploration tools, networking opportunities with local employers and connections to internships.

鈥淭his new center represents 91制片鈥檚 commitment to evolving to the workforce needs of our students and local employers,鈥� said Dr. Jim Henningsen, 91制片 president. 鈥淭his center will give students the tools, guidance and connections they need to navigate today鈥檚 workforce, while helping employers find the skilled talent they need to grow and succeed in our community.鈥�

The center is also home to 91制片鈥檚 professional clothing closet, which provides students with free attire suitable for job interviews, and the new Connection Hub by Fastenal 鈥� a comfortable collaborative space for networking events and conversations. The Connection Hub is available for students and employers to use as a meeting room and features a set of virtual reality headsets to aid students in career exploration.

鈥淲e are grateful to Fastenal for the generous donation that made the Connection Hub possible,鈥� said Dr. Jennifer Fryns, 91制片 vice president of workforce development and innovation. 鈥淧artners like Fastenal play a key role in helping 91制片 look ahead and embrace new possibilities. Their engagement reflects the kind of forward-thinking partnership that enables us to continually improve how we serve our students, our employers and our community.鈥�

Attendees will enjoy light refreshments, take a tour the new space and learn more about Handshake, the college鈥檚 career platform that provides direct connection between employers seeking candidates and students and alumni looking for jobs and internships.

Immediately after the ribbon cutting and tour, students are encouraged to stop by the Talent Center next door for their open house event and participate in resume critiques and LinkedIn profile evaluations.

For more information about the ribbon cutting, visit www.cf.edu/CCD.

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Sen. Stan McClain and Rep. Richard Gentry were present for a photo opportunity with college leadership and trustees, and they spoke in support of 91制片鈥檚 mission and vision. Their participation highlighted the important partnership between the college and state leaders who advocate for the educational, workforce and economic development needs of our community.

鈥淚 think we are very fortunate to have a great delegation that does such a fantastic job supporting us in Tallahassee,鈥� said Rusty Branson, 91制片 District Board of Trustees chair. 鈥淲e truly need their help and support and they have always been there for us.鈥�

Expanding critical workforce programs was a top priority for 91制片 in the 25-26 legislative budget funding cycle. 91制片 is in the largest workforce program expansion in its history, and this extra funding allows the college to support the need for skilled workers in key industries.

The $1 million in funding is already being put to use hiring qualified faculty and staff for Nursing, Agribusiness, IT and other in-demand programs. 91制片 is also utilizing the funds to expand existing workforce programs and launch new degrees, such as the Associate in Science in Precision Agriculture, Associate in Science in Hospitality Management and Tourism, Bachelor of Science in Exceptional Student Education and College Credit Certificate in Geographic Information Systems.

鈥�91制片 is grateful for the continued support of our legislative delegation and for their commitment to the communities we serve,鈥� said Dr. Jim Henningsen, 91制片 president. 鈥淭heir advocacy helps strengthen the college鈥檚 ability to provide accessible, high-quality educational opportunities and meet the evolving workforce needs of our region.鈥�

For more information about 91制片鈥檚 workforce programs, visit www.91制片.edu/Workforce.

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This fall, there is no shortage of engaging opportunities to enjoy the museum. Free First Saturdays continue with free admission on the first Saturday of each month. Visitors can explore the galleries and participate in free programming such as film screenings and talks, as well as support local businesses by visiting on-site food trucks and vendors.

Saturday, Sept. 5: 鈥淔lorida Lore鈥� Storytelling Presentation by Dr. Caren Neile, noon
Saturday, Oct. 3: Film Screening, 鈥淭he Yearling,鈥� 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Saturday, Nov. 7: Film Screening, 鈥淲ho the #$&% Is Jackson Pollock?,鈥� 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 5: Holiday Community Day, 10 a.m.鈥�5 p.m.

Free First Saturdays are supported in part by CAMPUS USA Credit Union. The Holiday Community Day is supported by the Urban Family. Saturday hours are 10 a.m.鈥�5 p.m. Event details are available at AppletonMuseum.org.

From Oct. 13鈥�18, visitors can also enjoy free admission in honor of the birth date of museum founder Arthur I. Appleton (1915鈥�2008).

Early October brings two exclusive events for Appleton members. On Oct. 2, 5:30鈥�7:30 p.m., Appleton Director鈥檚 Circle members are invited to celebrate the opening of 鈥淛effrey Kronsnoble: Master of Allusion, A Life of Art鈥� with heavy hors d鈥檕euvres and wine. The artist will give a talk in the auditorium at 6:30 p.m. This event is open to Appleton Director鈥檚 Circle members. RSVP is required to Colleen Harper at harperc@cf.edu or 352-291-4455, ext. 1831.

On Oct. 8, 5鈥�8 p.m., all Appleton members are invited to a festive evening with the popular Alpine Express. Dance and sing along to favorite tunes as the band performs traditional Oktoberfest music in two lively, interactive sets. Enjoy light snacks and beverages, including Oktoberfest brews, in the caf茅 before the music begins in the auditorium at 5:45 p.m. The event is free to attend. RSVP is required by Monday, Oct. 5, to Colleen Harper at harperc@cf.edu or 352-291-4455, ext. 1831.

New this fall, The Appleton with an Artist program invites visitors to tour the galleries with Heather Dawn Batchelor on Sept. 19 at 11 a.m. Batchelor will share works that have influenced and inspired her own artistic practice. Along the way, hear about her creative journey and process, with plenty of opportunities for questions and conversation. The program is free for members and included with museum admission for nonmembers. No reservation is needed to attend.

The Appleton also offers a new schedule of fall studio art classes, with offerings for pre-K through adult participants. Designed for all skill levels, classes invite the community to learn, create and be inspired in a safe, supportive environment. Held on-site in the Appleton鈥檚 art studios, each class is led by experienced educators and artists who provide guidance to help participants build and expand their artistic skills. New this year is open studio time in the ClayLab for adult students who have recently taken a clay class at the Appleton. For the class schedule, descriptions, fees and registration, visit AppletonMuseum.org. For inquiries, contact AppletonEducation@cf.edu.

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 AppletonMuseum.org.

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91制片鈥檚 Marketing and Public Relations team submitted for their marketing campaign 鈥淭ake the Reins: Quality Enhancement Plan.鈥� At the gala, 91制片 earned a Judges鈥� Award (presented to entries that demonstrate impressive return on investment), a Golden Image Award (presented to the top-scoring entry in the Integrated Marketing category), and the Dick Pope All Florida Golden Image Award (the highest honor, given to the overall best PR program across the state).

The FPRA Golden Image Awards represent the highest level of statewide recognition, and honor outstanding public relations programs throughout Florida. 91制片 was pleased to be recognized among many industry giants including Universal Studios, Florida Department of Transportation, AdventHealth, Sachs Media, University of Florida, Premier Sotheby’s International Realty and many more.

The 鈥淭ake the Reins鈥� campaign supported the launch of the College of Central Florida鈥檚 Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP), a new career and transfer readiness initiative for 91制片 students as part of the college鈥檚 10-year reaffirmation process with the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). With 鈥淭ake the Reins,鈥� 91制片 students can earn a series of microcredentials in high-demand skills such as communications, leadership, technology and responsible AI literacy (TRAIL), critical thinking and more.

鈥淚鈥檓 so pleased to see the hard work of our 91制片 team members be recognized in such a meaningful way,鈥� said Rachel Cote, APR, 91制片 director of marketing, public and community relations. 鈥淭ake the Reins is having a real impact on our students鈥� career and transfer success, and we were grateful to have the opportunity to showcase the project at a statewide level.鈥�

As part of the campaign, the 91制片 Marketing team cultivated “Take the Reins” Brand Ambassadors among employees, utilized high-visibility environmental branding to normalize “Take the Reins” in the daily student experience and leveraged student-first storytelling to make “Take the Reins” objectives easier to understand.

To learn more about 鈥淭ake the Reins,鈥� visit www.91制片.edu/TakeTheReins.

For more information about the Florida Public Relations Association, visit www.fpra.org.

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Through this new partnership with BibliU, 91制片 students also have easy access to the new My91制片 Books program, which provides day-one access to all required digital textbooks and courseware directly in their online student portal. Through the flat-rate program, My91制片 Books, 91制片 students will have access to required course materials for one predictable cost, helping reduce uncertainty around textbook pricing and making it easier to be prepared for class. The digital-first model is designed to improve affordability, simplify access and support student success from the first day of the term.

鈥淭he College of Central Florida is excited to partner with BibliU to offer our students an improved bookstore experience to promote academic success with affordable and accessible textbook options,鈥� said Dr. Jim Henningsen, 91制片 president.

The My91制片 Books program piloted for students during the summer, with the full launch starting in the fall term, which begins Aug. 17.

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This free event offers high school seniors, transfer students, current college students and their families the opportunity to explore career paths and talk with dozens of vendors representing colleges and universities, trade schools and local career opportunities. The expo is part of the Florida College Tour.

For more information about this 91制片 event, visit 91制片.edu/Events.

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