Guest correspondence

In nearly 20 years at Florida State University-Manatee Sarasota, the question “Should I go to college?” is rarely asked. It wasn’t a question from a prospective student, it was a “Can you do it?” question. Today, the value proposition of higher education remains solid. Students have many choices, and SCF allows them to choose when, where and how they want to pursue higher education in a convenient and affordable way.

History teaches us that only change is constant. Industries need change and individuals want to grow or change professions over time. Professional growth is one of the key tools for retention, and some students never want to stop learning. For 65 years, we have adapted our academic programs and student services to meet the workforce demands of our communities.

The SCF registration is a testament to this tradition. Nearly 65% ​​of the students we serve are first-time college-entrants, students continuing their education, and those transferring from large colleges to smaller one-to-one classroom settings For students, individuals taking classes offered at more affordable prices, or not offered by major institutions.

Statistics show that professionals with college degrees earn more in their lifetime than those without. A college degree is more than just a collection of classes, it aims to teach critical thinking, problem solving, and a broader understanding of the world in which we live. The experience itself is more than just a qualification. Our students value peer networks, experiential learning opportunities, internships, mentors and social interactions as much as a college degree. Many of our professors maintain contact with students and connect them to resources that foster their success and help them realize their potential. SCF’s pride is shown when alumni share their expertise as successful nurses, teachers, dentists, performers, artists, politicians and entrepreneurs.

Boldly engaging and working together to find economic and workforce solutions is also part of SCF’s tradition. We partner with local school districts, colleges of technology and universities to create pathways to immediate workforces, jobs and areas requiring advanced research. As the labor market changes, SCF works with local economic development councils, chambers of commerce and businesses to fill the talent pipeline.

Most recently, in response to the national crisis of a shortage of commercially licensed drivers, SCF worked with FleetForce to offer 4-week and 8-week certification courses for Class A and B commercial driver licenses. provided. We will continue our “Rapid Credentialing” program to provide employee credentials. It is a quick and affordable way to prepare students for a fulfilling and stable career with medium to high paying potential. In addition to his traditional Bachelor of Arts degree, SCF holds more than 30 Associate of Science degrees and seven Bachelor’s degrees in various majors. We serve over 11,000 people through no-credit courses for workforce education, development, and personal enrichment.

You need to remain flexible when dealing with today’s workforce because you know it will change again. Our responsibility is to provide students with the tools they need to reinvent themselves as they navigate the constant sea of ​​change they encounter throughout their lives.

The value of a university is demonstrated by the ability of students to choose when, where and how they access their higher education, and to use that education to adapt, change and reinvent throughout their professional careers. I can do it. At SCF, we will meet you where you are and advise you that you can go anywhere from here.

Dr. Carol F. Probstfeld President of Florida State University in Manatee Sarasota.