Florida SouthWestern State College Awards Local Partners During Annual Business Partners Appreciation Luncheon
Mar 5, 2025
MARCH 5, 2025 – FORT MYERS, FL – Florida SouthWestern State College's (FSW) Division of Workforce Education hosted its Annual Business Partners Appreciation Luncheon and Meeting on Feb. 20. The event brought together members from FSW's 18 Business Advisory Boards, representing over 350 professionals from more than 100 different organizations throughout Southwest Florida. The luncheon provided a valuable platform for business leaders and college administrators to share insights on workforce development, preview upcoming FSW initiatives, and explore collaborative partnerships and opportunities to enhance regional economic growth. The luncheon included the presentation of three partnership awards, recognizing exceptional contributions to FSW's educational mission. Clinical Champion Award: NCH Healthcare System The Clinical Champion Award was presented to NCH. Far more than just a clinical partner, NCH has been a cornerstone of the FSW Nursing program's success. Each semester, NCH opens its doors to FSW students, providing invaluable clinical sites and preceptorships that bridge the gap between classroom theory and real-world patient care. NCH's commitment extends far beyond clinical training. They have made substantial investments in students' futures through various initiatives: • Providing crucial financial support through scholarships for both ASN and BSN programs, making the dream of becoming a nurse more accessible • Funding the NCLEX exam fees, removing a significant financial barrier for graduating nurses • Sponsoring the Three-Day NCLEX Live Review, an intensive preparation workshop that has proven instrumental in improving NCLEX pass rates over the past two years Through these contributions, NCH has demonstrated that they are investing not just in individual students but in the future of healthcare in the community. Business Advisory Leadership Award: Brian Zegers, Information Security Officer at Lee Health The Business Advisory Leadership Award was presented to Brian Zegers, who demonstrated exceptional leadership and vision during a critical time in the development of FSW’s Cybersecurity Operations program. During the program's foundational year, Zegers dedicated himself to a specialized subgroup focused on cybersecurity development, helping to craft the curriculum and programming that would become the backbone of the current program. Zegers’ commitment goes beyond the advisory capacity - he is regularly present at campus student events, providing valuable mentorship and guidance. He has also created opportunities for students to interact with various cybersecurity professionals from his team, giving them real-world insights into different cyber roles. Community Impact Award: Joe Goldstein, President of OCS IT The Community Impact Award celebrates a business or community partner that has made a substantial, lasting impact on FSW and the broader community, supporting the college's mission and contributing to regional development. Joe Goldstein, president, OCS IT, has been a driving force in the Computer Science advisory board and the development of cybersecurity programs. His vision and leadership brought the Cyber Patriots summer competition to FSW. His contributions have not only enhanced FSW's programs but have also strengthened the technological foundation of the entire community. "FSW’s business advisory boards demonstrate our commitment to aligning educational programming with industry needs," said Whitney Rhyne, assistant vice president, FSW Workforce Education. "The insights shared by our business partners are invaluable in ensuring our students graduate with the skills and knowledge required in today's dynamic workplace. We're especially grateful to this year's award recipients, whose exceptional contributions exemplify the power of meaningful academic-industry partnerships." FSW's Business Advisory Boards play a crucial role in curriculum development, providing industry expertise that helps the college adapt to evolving workforce demands across various sectors. For more information about FSW's workforce initiatives or partnership opportunities, contact the Division of Workforce Education at (239) 432-7394 or email workforce@fsw.edu. ##### Florida SouthWestern State College is Southwest Florida’s largest and most affordable institution of higher education. Annually serving nearly 19,000 students globally, FSW offers a variety of nationally-ranked, career-focused academic programs with two- and four-year degrees and professional certifications, several with 100 percent licensure pass and job placements rates. Study and travel abroad opportunities are available for students through FSW’s Center for International Education. Students are also active in clubs and programs catered to their interests. Visit www.FSW.edu for more information.
Last Updated: October 3, 2025
Back to News Archives