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As the graduates prepare to cross the stage, their focus is already shifting beyond the ceremony to the communities they hope to serve.

Today’s Students, Tomorrow’s First Responders

The next time a fire engine pulls into a neighborhood or a rescue crew responds to a crash, one of the first responders on scene could be among the 41 students set to graduate next month from Florida SouthWestern State College’s Fire Fighter I/II Career Certificate program. “The training we received was top notch,” said student Adam Johnson, a former Coast Guard member now pursuing a career as a firefighter through FSW. “I am humbled by the quality of instructors who go out of their way to train the next generation of firefighters. Their dedication is a testament to the fire service’s commitment to upholding the standards of those who serve the local community.” The graduation ceremony will recognize the dedication and hard work required to complete one of Southwest Florida’s premier firefighter training programs. Hosted at the award-winning North Collier Fire Training Center, the program combines rigorous classroom instruction with hands-on training designed to prepare students for the realities of emergency response. ...More

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Christine Bellport christine.bellport@fsw.edu (239) 433-8026

Recent Posts

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    FSW Sends Acceptance Letters to Thousands of Recent High School Graduates in Southwest Florida

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    Celebrating FSW Alumni Serving Southwest Florida During EMS Week

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    Inside Florida's Mosquito Battle: FSW Students on Front Lines of Research

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    FSW students reported record satisfaction levels in 2026, reflecting growing confidence in the value, support, and academic experience offered at the college.

    FSW Students Give College Highest Satisfaction Ratings in Survey History

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    Mon Navarro, IIET program support specialist, gives an overview of the XR Suite technology to guests at the IIET grand opening.

    Regional Healthcare Leaders Experience Immersive XR Training at FSW

    As healthcare providers increasingly explore immersive technology to strengthen workforce training and staff development, organizations like Lee Health are turning to Florida SouthWestern State College (FSW) to witness the technology in action.  ...More

    FSW Nursing students train in the FSW Simulation Lab.

    FSW Celebrates National Nurses Day with ACEN Accreditation for School of Nursing

    On National Nurses Day, the atmosphere at Florida SouthWestern State College (FSW) felt especially meaningful. The School of Nursing marked a milestone that reflects years of work behind the scenes. The program has earned accreditation from the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing. ...More

    Keely Mckinney celebrates with her family at the conclusion of FSW's School of Education Pinning Ceremony.

    FSW Celebrates 100% Certification Pass Rate and Job Offers for New Elementary Education Graduates

    In recognition of National Teacher Appreciation Day, Florida SouthWestern State College (FSW) is highlighting its growing impact on the region’s educator pipeline by celebrating its newest elementary education graduates and their 100% pass rate on the Florida Teacher Certification Exams. This achievement reinforces the college’s role in strengthening the regional teacher workforce. ...More

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    How FSW Is Raising the Bar for Campus Safety Nationwide

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    FSW Celebrates First Graduating Class of Entrepreneurship Students

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    Smiling FSW graduate in cap and gown holding her Florida SouthWestern State College diploma cover at a commencement ceremony.

    FSW Honors Class of 2026 Graduates with Three Commencement Ceremonies

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    Student award winners and supportive staff pose in front of a backdrop of purple and aqua balloons and a banner with FSW logos and fsw.edu.

    FSW Campus Life Awards Celebrate Outstanding Student Leadership and Engagement for 2025 to 2026

    FORT MYERS, Fla. – APRIL 15, 2026 – Florida SouthWestern State College’s (FSW) Campus Life Awards recognize students, staff and community partners for strengthening campus life through leadership, creativity, and service. ...More

    Graduates seated in rows during a college commencement ceremony, wearing black caps and gowns. One decorated graduation cap with yellow butterflies and the phrase “The best is yet to come” is visible in the foreground. On stage, faculty and speakers are gathered, with banners and a large screen showing a speaker in a turquoise shirt projected above them.

    FSW Granted Accreditation by Higher Learning Commission

    NOVEMBER 7, 2025 — FORT MYERS, FLA — Florida SouthWestern State College (FSW) has been granted initial accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), effective Nov. 6, 2025. FSW earned accredited status after completing the Accelerated Process for Initial Accreditation and demonstrating that it meets all HLC quality standards and requirements. ...More

    FSW student, Josue Briones, receives award from the members of the State Board of Education for his work helping FSW student veterans and vets create support and leadership opportunities during the fall and spring semesters.

    Dr. Jeff Allbritten Presents Florida College System Update to State Board of Education

    NAPLES, Fla. – APRIL 17, 2026 – Dr. Jeff Allbritten, President of Florida SouthWestern State College, presented on behalf of the Florida College System Council of Presidents at the April 17, 2026, meeting of the Florida State Board of Education in Naples. ...More

    Faculty Feature

    A portrait of a person kneeling in tall grass holding a small box turtle with patterned shell, while gently touching its head. The individual wears a blue and gray cap, face mask, salmon shirt over a long sleeve, and gray pants against a partly cloudy sky.

    As a kid, FSW professor Jordan Donini loved turtles and other reptiles. Now, he shares his love of this important species with his students. Read more about Professor Donini.