by Bill Ernst
eminole State College has experienced many changes, most notably its name: Seminole Community College is now Seminole State College. The change came about because the college now offers four-year baccalaureate degrees in addition to its associate-degree programs. In addition, the Sanford/Lake Mary campus underwent a facelift as part of the college’s $80 million construction and renovation campaign. The opening of the UCF Partnership Center on the main campus is the centerpiece of this expansion. The $33 million, 106,000-sq.-ft. center houses 29 classrooms and the 33,000-sq.-ft. research library.
The college was established in 1966 with just a few portable classrooms huddled in a former citrus grove. The Seminole County School Board hired Dr. Earl S. Weldon, a former president of St. Johns River Junior College in Palatka, as president of the newly formed institution. Weldon served until his retirement in 1995. Dr. E. Ann McGee was named president to succeed him. McGee, SCC’s second president, is in effect the first president of Seminole State College.
The McGee era has been one of tremendous growth. When she took over as SCC president in 1996, few people had any idea that Seminole State would become one of the nation's fastest-growing colleges.
Today, enrollment exceeds 32,000, with full-time enrollment shooting up from 7,797 to 14,465 in 2009. And in the past decade, the college expanded its footprint throughout the county: the Oviedo campus opened in 2001, the Heathrow campus in 2007, and the Altamonte Springs campus in 2008, doubling the square footage from 651,000 in 1995-96 to 1,387,000.
Seminole State College offers a high-quality educational experience. The faculty is well-qualified; many faculty members hold doctorates. Classes are small, with an average of 23 students per class, making the instruction personal and offering students the opportunity for tremendous growth. It’s no wonder, then, that increasing numbers of local students attend Seminole State, which has one of the highest “population participation” rates—the percent of students attending in the school’s local geographic area.
As for the current state and the future of Seminole State, Bill Ernst recently spoke with McGee, touching on a variety of topics.
What were things like when you arrived here?
When I arrived here in 1996, we were located on only one site. We lagged the other 27 community colleges in facilities. We had an overall goal of improving our facilities and expanding our focus. We knew that students needed affordable education that was also convenient to them. By expanding to four campuses, we have campuses that are within a short drive of almost anyone in Seminole County.
How has the average Seminole State student changed over 15 years?
Today, more than half our students are traditional students ages 18 to 24. Just 10 years ago, they made up 35 percent. This is part of a statewide trend, as more traditional students in Florida are seeing the benefits of two-year state colleges. And our student body is becoming more diverse. We’re mirroring the greater Central Florida community. As an example, 10 years ago we were about 20 percent minority. In fall 2009, nearly 40 percent of our students were minority. We’re seeing an increasing number of recent [Seminole County Public Schools] graduates who are transitioning to Seminole State. Nearly 35 percent are now choosing Seminole State. Ten years ago, the number was 22.9 percent. There’s good buzz about Seminole State among area teens, too. Not so long ago the local kids wanted to go away to college. Now they want to get their applications in to Seminole State early.
Do test-score averages point to advancements in education?
The only exit exam consistently administered has been the College Level Academic Skills Test (CLAST), which was a requirement for [Associate of Arts] graduates before this year. When I arrived at the college, approximately 80 percent of our students passed the exam each year. For the past five years, our numbers have been consistently above 95 percent.
Have current economic conditions helped or hindered Seminole State’s growth?
The current economic downturn has pushed more students to Seminole State. With our planned growth and expansion we’ve been able to find a space for thousands more students.
With the enrollment increases we’re experiencing, we’re needed now more than ever. The silver lining in the economic downturn is the realization of how valuable community colleges are as economic engines for their communities. The spotlight is finally on community colleges to help drive the economic turnaround.
Seminole State is an economic engine for Seminole County. We are set to distribute more than $60 million in financial aid this year. The students in turn spend it throughout the community on housing, food, utilities, clothing, and other necessities. We are a key to economic recovery in Florida.
I was speaking at a Chamber of Commerce function, and I was able to come bearing the news that Seminole State is currently hiring. We just gave raises and bonuses, and enrollment is up. What a positive message to give to a business gathering! And unexpected, especially in these times.
Name Change
Why did SCC become Seminole State?
The name change ties to the nationwide trend. Last year, the Florida legislature created the Florida College System and empowered the state’s community colleges to change their names when adding four-year degrees.
The new name more accurately reflects the broadening mission of Seminole State as it begins to offer four-year degrees. In 1975, Seminole Junior College became Seminole Community College as the state transitioned to the Florida Community College System. Thirteen of the 28 colleges in the new Florida College System offer four-year degrees, and all of them changed their names.
Why is that important to the school?
The entire name change process was an exciting one for us. What stands out most is how we were able to involve the entire community and get them interested and excited about what was happening here. There’s a lot of excitement out there about what we’re doing. I also like that our board chose a name that honored our past while also setting our path to the future.
What types of four-year degrees does Seminole State offer?
Just this month we began offering our first four-year degree, a Bachelor of Applied Science in Interior Design. We’re also in the planning phases on four additional degrees. Soon we’ll offer BS degrees in Construction, Engineering Technology, Information Systems Technology, and Business Administration –Management Information Systems. These could be offered as early as fall 2011.
Expansion/Partnership
Tell us about the $80 million construction and renovation campaign.
With the opening of the Partnership Center, we’re nearly finished converting our Sanford/Lake Mary Campus into an Academic Village, with parking and driving on the perimeter, and walking, talking and learning throughout the interior.
The makeover includes $10.1 million for the CFADA Professional Automotive Training Center, which was completed in 2007. In 2009 we spent $20 million for the Center for Public Safety and fire simulation lab, $5.7 million for the Loop Road Project, which included new parking lots and road improvements, $800,000 for E Building renovations, [and] $33 million for the University Partnership Center, which we just opened.
What does the Partnership Center represent to Seminole State?
It’s the cornerstone of the campus makeover, a symbol of the new vibrant “academic village.” The center utilizes interior and exterior space. We’ve added high-tech classrooms and a new four-story library, which is open to the public. They can’t check out books, but county residents can use the extensive library and electronic media, databases, etc. The library is a beautiful place to spend time, too—the view of the lake and fountain from the cyber café is beautiful.
Plus, the center reinforces the growing partnership between Seminole State and UCF.
In your view, what does that partnership add to education as well as campus/academic life?
The partnership brings an array of baccalaureate-degree options for Seminole County residents. We realize that because of work or family commitments, many residents can’t travel to UCF’s main campus. This partnership opens the door to bachelors and even masters degrees for Seminole County residents.
Any future construction/expansion plans in the works?
There is limited funding available for construction. This spring we’ll begin Phase I of renovations for L Building. This is our largest classroom building on campus, and also the home of our existing library. The renovations start with the third floor.
Other future projects are a parking garage, Phase II for the Altamonte Springs campus, and a $28 million Student Services addition on the Sanford/Lake Mary campus.
Act Locally
Are there ways local residents and businesses can be involved with Seminole State?
Yes, there are many ways to help. [One way is] by making financial gifts to the [Seminole State] Foundation. Individuals can establish scholarships or endow teaching chairs. They can become members of the Presidents’ Club, or become a career mentor.
Donations don’t need to be huge. Individual scholarship donations are also accepted, and sometimes a few hundred dollars is the difference between a student attending college or not. And best of all, all donations are 100 percent tax-deductible.
They can also name a building! With all of the new construction, there are many opportunities. Seminole State values the Partnership Center sponsorship at $1.5 million, but there are others that aren’t as expensive. The Altamonte and Heathrow campuses are looking for endowments and sponsorships, as well. And here on the Lake Mary/Sanford campus we’re hoping to find an “angel” to provide financial support to help to update the performing arts facility.
Tell us something about Seminole State educationally that people may not be aware of.
We’ve had four consecutive Jack Kent Cooke scholarship winners—[we’re] one of only two colleges in the nation. Also, the size of our student body . . . one out of every three Seminole County Public School graduates enrolls at Seminole State.
Are there any aspects of the school that are underappreciated?
The size and scope of the institution: we’re the third largest employer in Seminole County, with an annual budget exceeding $65 million. Music and theater events: I’d like to see more people come out and enjoy them, as well as the planetarium. And our study-abroad programs: The college offers low-cost programs that the community can take part in.
Any tips for students planning to attend Seminole State soon?
Apply early, and register early for the best choice of classes—and ask questions. No question is unimportant.
Any advice on career choices?
Become a teacher. I get to have student contact every day, and to see how we change lives. I can’t imagine a more rewarding, meaningful and purposeful life than devoting oneself to education.
What do you consider your biggest accomplishment as president?
Being able to provide access to a quality and affordable education for the residents of Seminole County.
How do you measure success?
By the achievements of our students and the positive contributions we are making to our community. Just imagine the difference in the quality of life if Seminole State wasn’t here. We train [the community’s] firefighters, nurses, police and EMTs. There would be quite a void.
What personally drives you as Seminole State president?
We need to do the most good for the most people while here we’re on this earth. People thought I might stay [at the college] for just a few years. But this is the best place. I love the people and the community. I want to leave a legacy.
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Seminole State College, 100 Weldon Blvd., Sanford; 407.708.4722; seminolestate.edu.
For information on donations or sponsorships: Sarah Balas Johnson, Seminole State Foundation, Inc., 100 Weldon Blvd., Sanford; 407.708.2410; seminolestate.edu/foundation.
