Site Search

Results

FSW Names Giaimo Director of Public Safety

FSW Names Giaimo Director of Public Safety Jun 25, 2018 – Anthony “Tony” Giaimo has been named the Director of Public Safety for Florida SouthWestern State College. “Tony brings a wealth of experience to FSW,” said Dr. Gina Doeble, vice president, administrative services. “He has demonstrated a strong belief in community service and has an extensive career in law enforcement, and safety and emergency management.” His career in law enforcement spans 27 years, and he has been a college instructor for 10 years. He most recently was the superintendent of police for the Tredyffrin Township Police Department in Pennsylvania for 27 years. He has also taught criminal justice/sociology and emergency medical techniques for police officers. He graduated from Temple University with a bachelor’s degree in accounting/law; Mountain State University with a master’s degree in strategic leadership; and the FBI National Academy with a diploma and certifications in behavioral science, terrorism, management and criminal justice. He has been honored with numerous awards in his career, including Police Officer of the Year, the Safe Cities Award in 2016, the Board of Supervisors Award and the Life Saving Program Award. He is also a member of numerous professional organizations. Last Updated: June 25, 2018 Back to News Archives

FSW Secures $524,000 Employee Training Grant for Cheney Brothers

FSW Secures $524,000 Employee Training Grant for Cheney Brothers Jun 21, 2018 What can a growing and successful company like Cheney Brothers do with a $524,000 grant? Hire and train onsite up to 330 new employees. Cheney Brothers, in partnership with Florida SouthWestern State College (FSW), has been awarded that $524,000 grant. “Our partnership with FSW furthers our commitment to building our local workforce by attracting and training the employees we need to continue growing and expanding,” said Shane Simmons, President of Cheney Brothers in Punta Gorda. “We are deeply committed to being a vital part of the communities we serve. Our employees work here, live here, and raise families here.” “We are proud of this partnership and the results our corporate training center at FSW brings to our region’s business economy. Cheney Brothers is a well-established and successful company, that with this grant now has the funding necessary to train and expand our region’s workforce with up to 330 new hires,” said Dr. Robert R. Jones, vice president, economic development and external affairs, FSW. “These new employees will receive training that ranges from logistics to management and supervision positions. These are the type of positive, economic driving companies that these grants are designed to help take their success to the next level. In turn that helps our economy.” Cheney Brothers, Inc. began its family business in 1925. From humble beginnings in West Palm Beach with one truck delivering eggs, milk and butter, Cheney Brothers has grown into one of the largest broadline food & beverage service distributors across the Southeast. Cheney Brothers presently employees over 2,500 people in Florida with yearly sales exceeding $2 billion. Their export services extend to over 80 countries worldwide, including the Caribbean and Latin America. Florida SouthWestern State College (FSW) administers the Quick Response Training (QRT) grants in southwest Florida by working closely with the state of Florida Economic Development Office. FSW has been successful in securing $2.6M in QRT funds to train over 1,400 new hires since July 1, 2017. This funding not only directly benefits the companies receiving training funds, but also results in a benefit to the local economy through increased jobs and increased wages. Since 2013, FSW has secured over $12M in QRT funding to train over 6,800 new hires. The QRT grant lasts for one year and is targeted on the highly customized training programs that companies need to improve the transferable skill base of new hires. These programs can be instructed by FSW faculty and consultants or by specialists from the company itself. More information is available by contacting Adrian Kerr, FSW’s Director of Corporate Training and Services, at 239-432-5233 or email: adrian.kerr@fsw.edu Last Updated: June 21, 2018 Back to News Archives

Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation Awards FSW Collegiate High School-Lee $30,000 Grant to Advance STEM Education

Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation Awards FSW Collegiate High School-Lee $30,000 Grant to Advance STEM Education Jun 21, 2018 JUNE 21, 2018 – FORT MYERS, FLA. – The Florida SouthWestern State College Collegiate High School-Lee, (FSWC-Lee) was recently awarded a $30,000 grant from the Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation (RMSFF). The grant funds will be used to advance project-based learning opportunities in STEM education for ninth- and 10th-grade FSWC-Lee students. “The purpose of FSWC-Lee’s engineering lab is to provide students with an opportunity to synthesize the learning they do in the classroom using a hands-on, project-based, collaborative curriculum,” said Dr. Brian Botts, FSWC-Lee principal. “While we have the facility and faculty to provide this course to our students, the cost of equipment, supplies, and materials can put a damper on the ambitious nature of our faculty and students.” This is the second year the RMSFF has awarded FSWC-Lee with the grant. Last year, a $27,500 grant allowed for 223 students to participate in grant-funded activities every single school day in their engineering class. “Thanks to the RMSFF, we were able to acquire the tools and supplies needed to allow all of our students to construct their own video game controllers from scratch, build and code sophisticated robots, and integrate and solder electronic circuit boards,” Dr. Botts said. “We look forward to now expanding more activities into our ninth grade class. Student exposure to these types of experiences improves their chances of being accepted by competitive STEM baccalaureate and graduate programs.” About the Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation: The Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation began its work in 2004 with the charge from its founder to support transformational change for the benefit of mankind. The Foundation has consistently directed its primary efforts and resources toward matters of importance in human & social services, education, and health & medicine. It continues to do so today with a focus on investments that produce specific and measurable outcomes with a geographic emphasis on the Twin Cities (Minnesota) seven-county metropolitan area and Lee and Collier counties in Florida. In all of its activities, the foundation embraces its founder’s beliefs in the value of innovation and in improving the lives of middle- and working-class families. #### FSWC-Lee provides a dynamic STEM focused learning environment that is dedicated to creating and sustaining the independent learning process with a focus on helping students construct knowledge through projects, hands on activities, and academic debate/discussion. An integral part of the school’s mission is to connect qualified and motivated students to maximizing their college dual enrollment options. For more information about Florida SouthWestern Collegiate High School Lee County, visit http://www.fsw.edu/wp/lchs/. Students enjoy small class sizes and individualized attention as FSWC since the school has a maximum of 436 students in grades 9 through 12. Last Updated: June 21, 2018 Back to News Archives

FSW Charter School Governing Board Meeting June 28

FSW Charter School Governing Board Meeting June 28 Jun 6, 2018 Following the regular FSW Board of Trustees meeting at 3 p.m. on Thursday, June 28 at the Hendry/Glades Curtis Center, there will be a FSW Charter School Governing Board Meeting. Last Updated: June 6, 2018 Back to News Archives

FSW Collegiate High School-Lee Graduates Earn Over $7M in Scholarships

FSW Collegiate High School-Lee Graduates Earn Over $7M in Scholarships Jun 7, 2018 The Class of 2018 at Florida SouthWestern Collegiate High School – Lee, collectively earned over $7.1M in scholarships. Additionally, over 70 percent of the graduates had already earned their Associate in Arts degree from Florida SouthWestern State College during commencement on May 4. “We emphasize STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) in an independent learning process for our students,” said Dr. Brian Botts, Principal, Florida SouthWestern Collegiate High School – Lee. “Those skills are especially beneficial for their junior and senior years, when they are full-time college students at FSW.” Of the 86 graduates, 62 earned their Associate in Arts degree from FSW on May 4 before receiving their high school diploma during their commencement at Suncoast Credit Union Arena at FSW on May 5. Some of the universities and colleges these graduates will be attending include University of Florida, Florida State University, University of Central Florida, University of South Florida, Stetson University, Florida Southern College, Embry-Riddle University, Florida Polytechnic University, FGCU and FSW. FSWC-Lee provides a dynamic STEM focused learning environment that is dedicated to creating and sustaining the independent learning process with a focus on helping students construct knowledge through projects, hands on activities, and academic debate/discussion. An integral part of the school’s mission is to connect qualified and motivated students to maximizing their college dual enrollment options. For more information about Florida SouthWestern Collegiate High School Lee County, visit http://www.fsw.edu/wp/lchs/. Students enjoy small class sizes and individualized attention as FSWC since the school has a maximum of 436 students in grades 9 through 12. Last Updated: June 7, 2018 Back to News Archives

FSW Proposes Course Fee Changes for 2018-2019

FSW Proposes Course Fee Changes for 2018-2019 Jun 1, 2018 Each year, Florida SouthWestern State College conducts an assessment of the courses offered and the associated fees. For the 2018-2019 academic year, the proposal for fees must be brought to the college’s Board of Trustees for review and vote. The FSW Board of Trustees meeting is scheduled at 3 p.m. on Thursday, June 28 at the FSW Hendry/Glades Curtis Center in LaBelle. A total of 34 course fees were adjusted, with a total dollar savings to the student body of just under $27,000. The list of courses and associated fees is available at: https://www.fsw.edu/assets/pdf/adminservices/coursefeechanges/CourseFeeChangesFY19.pdf Last Updated: June 1, 2018 Back to News Archives

Callaghan Named Assistant VP at FSW

Callaghan Named Assistant VP at FSW May 14, 2018 Keith Callaghan has been named the Assistant Vice President for Economic Development and External Affairs for Florida SouthWestern State College. “Keith is a great addition to our college, and he brings a wealth of experience in the areas of raising community awareness and financial support,” said Dr. Robert R. Jones, Vice President, Economic Development and External Affairs at FSW. In his role, Callaghan will be responsible for community outreach and economic development efforts for the college, with a focus on Charlotte County. Prior to joining FSW, he was the community liaison for Lee Health Foundation and Golisano Children’s Hospital. His Florida career also includes development director positions with Edison State College (now FSW), Florida Gulf Coast University, and the Conservancy of Southwest Florida. He is involved with many local charities and serves on the boards of the Fred Lang Foundation, Charlotte Behavioral Health Care, the Boys and Girls Club of Charlotte County, Crossroads Hope Academy, the Punta Gorda Chamber of Commerce and the Visual Arts Center Endowment Trust. He has served as a mentor in the Take Stock in Children program and volunteers for the Animal Welfare League, United Way and Leadership Charlotte (Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce). He also has served on the Charlotte County Community Health Improvement Partnership and School Health Advisory committees. Last Updated: May 14, 2018 Back to News Archives

Campus Tours

Let Us Show You Around!Located in sunny Southwest Florida, just minutes from white sandy beaches, we think you'll love all that Florida SouthWestern State College has to offer. With campuses in Fort Myers, Naples, Punta Gorda and a center in LaBelle, you’ll see why more than 22,000 students choose Florida SouthWestern State College each year! There are several ways to become better acquainted with FSW, select one of the options below to start exploring.Admissions ToursJoin a regular campus tour or request a special group tour at one of our locations. There are a limited number of tours available and you may register online by choosing the desired campus below or make an appointment as follows.Thomas Edison (Lee) CampusRegular Campus Tour Join us for a walking tour of campus where you'll learn about FSW, our programs, and campus life. During the tour you will get to view our student and support services, on-campus housing, library, Bucs Store, Dunkin Donuts, a variety of classroom buildings, and more! Special Group TourGuided tours are available for groups larger than 15. Please give as much notice as possible so we can plan a personalized tour for your group!*For tour parking on the Lee Campus, follow the signs to Parking Lot 10 & park in "Admissions Visitor Parking".Charlotte Campus (Punta Gorda)Regular Campus Tour Join us for a walking tour of campus where you'll learn about FSW, our programs, and campus life. During the tour you will get an up-close view of the library, Bucs Store, the Moore Observatory, a variety of classroom buildings, and more!Special Group Tour Guided tours are available for groups of any size. Please give as much notice as possible so we can plan a personalized tour for your group!Collier Campus (Naples)Regular Campus TourIncludes a student-led walking tour of campus. You’ll get an up-close view of the student-centered campus including the library, fitness trail, Bucs Store, a variety of classroom buildings, and more, while learning about FSW and campus life. Special Group Tour Guided tours are available for groups of any size. Please give as much notice as possible so we can plan a personalized tour for your group!Please contact the campus at (239) 732-3702Hendry-Glades Curtis Center (LaBelle)By Appointment Only Please contact the campus at (863) 674-6029

FSW College High School-Charlotte Graduates Earn Over $2M in Scholarships

FSW College High School-Charlotte Graduates Earn Over $2M in Scholarships Jun 4, 2018 For over 70 percent of the graduates of Florida SouthWestern College High School - Charlotte, that stroll across the stage on May 18 wasn’t their first. When they crossed the stage in the Charlotte Harbor Event and Conference Center, 57 of the 79 graduates had already participated in Florida SouthWestern State College’s commencement ceremony on May 4 for their Associate in Arts degree. “Part of our mission is to provide that path for our students to simultaneously earn a two-year college degree, and their high school diploma,” said Matthew Cantazarite, Principal, FSW Collegiate High School – Charlotte. “By earning their AA degree at FSW, our students have a head start in completing a bachelor’s degree.” The Class of 2018 also collectively earned over $2.3M in scholarships to continue their education. Some of the universities that these students are attending include: University of South Florida, FSW, FGCU, University of Florida, Florida State University, University of Central Florida, Florida Atlantic University, Unity College, University of Tampa, University of Pittsburgh and Ringling School of Art and Design. Last Updated: June 4, 2018 Back to News Archives

FSW Secures Significant Training Grant for Arthrex

FSW Secures Significant Training Grant for Arthrex May 16, 2018 Florida SouthWestern State College (FSW), the State Fiscal Agent for Quick Response Training (QRT) grants, has secured a significant grant for Arthrex to train 269 new hires. “This is a significant grant for Arthrex and our region,” said Dr. Robert R. Jones, regional vice president economic and community development, FSW. “The funds will be used for proprietary supervisory and management training.” Arthrex is an orthopedic medical device company, and a leader in product development, medical education and a pioneer in arthroscopy, having developed thousands of products and surgical procedures in orthopedic medicine worldwide. The company’s corporate headquarters is located in Naples, Florida, with global divisions in Munich, Germany and Singapore. It also has several subsidiaries and distribution centers throughout the Eastern and Western Hemispheres. “Arthrex is very appreciative of our partnership with Florida SouthWestern State College and the state of Florida. The grant supports Arthrex’s continued growth and investment in southwest Florida,” said Kathy Sparrow, Senior Vice President of Human Resources for Arthrex. Florida SouthWestern State College is the State Fiscal Agent for Quick Response Training (QRT) grants in southwest Florida. This is the second QRT grant awarded to Arthrex in the last two years. By working closely with CareerSource Florida in Tallahassee, and FSW’s School of Business and Technology (SOBT), FSW has been successful in securing $2.4M in QRT funds to train over 1,300 new hires since July 1, 2017. This funding not only directly benefits the companies receiving training funds, but also results in a local economic benefit through the multiplier effect. Since 2013, FSW has secured $12M in QRT funding. The QRT grant lasts for one year and is targeted on the highly customized training programs that companies need to improve the skill base of new hires. These programs can be instructed by specialists from the company itself or by a one of the SOBT's extensive portfolio of private and internal subject matter experts. Last Updated: May 16, 2018 Back to News Archives

FSW Mathematics Professor Aids in Donating Computers to the University of Zimbabwe

FSW Mathematics Professor Aids in Donating Computers to the University of Zimbabwe May 15, 2018 MAY 15, 2018 – FORT MYERS, FLA – Florida SouthWestern State College’s (FSW) mathematics department recently donated 30 of its computers to the University of Zimbabwe’s (UZ) mathematics department. The donation was initiated by FSW Mathematics Professor, Dr. Douglas Magomo, who attended and earned his master’s degree from UZ. “FSW was in the process of upgrading our computers to newer models, and I had just learned that UZ was still using the same computers it had when I attended in the 1990s,” Dr. Magomo said. “I reached out to our School of Pure and Applied Sciences Dean, Dr. Martin McClinton, and the FSW Information Technology (IT) department to ask if the computers could be donated, and they agreed.” Before the computers could be donated, FSW’s IT team wiped the hard drives of all data and reimaged them so that UZ could install the software they needed. “FSW’s staff and faculty PCs are replaced every four years, and our student and classroom PCs are replaced every seven years,” said Jason Dudley, FSW chief information officer. “In most cases, we use a recycler if we can’t find a use for the older computers. Thankfully, along with UZ, we have recently been able to find other institutions in need that can use our computers to further their educational programs.” “Prior to the computer donations, all of our undergraduate math courses that required the use of computers were being taught in other departments,” said Dr. Gift Muchatibaya, UZ mathematics department coordinator. “This meant that our students had limited access to computers since they had to share the lab with students from other university programs. We are proud to say that we now have our own lab because of FSW’s generosity. We have since installed packages such as Matlab, Mathematica and Maple to the machines, and this has made teaching of most of our courses such as numerical methods, fluid dynamics and mathematical modeling a lot easier for faculty and students.” “Having a functional lab has also helped in that most of our students can’t afford personal computers or the relevant software packages because of the current economic situation,” Dr. Muchatibaya said. “The impact this donation has had as far as our research and teaching activities in our department is enormous and we, the UZ community, are grateful.” In addition to coordinating the donations, Dr. Magomo also covered the shipping costs out of his own pocket, and he is currently gathering more computers for a second round of donations. “In these days of the internet, these machines can be used for many things, but most importantly they enhance education and connect people to the outside world,” Dr. Magomo said. “This is not just a need for UZ, but for the entire country of Zimbabwe.” #### Florida SouthWestern State College is Southwest Florida’s largest and one of the most affordable institutions of higher education. Annually serving nearly 22,000 students globally, FSW offers a variety of nationally-ranked, career-focused academic programs with two- and four-year degrees, and professional certifications. Students are also active in clubs and programs catered to their interests. FSW debuted its intercollegiate athletics program in January 2016. Visit www.FSW.edu for more information. Last Updated: May 15, 2018 Back to News Archives

Risk and Counsel Director to Speak at National Conference

Risk and Counsel Director to Speak at National Conference May 11, 2018 Susan Marcy, Florida SouthWestern State College’s Director of Risk and Counsel, will be presenting at the annual conference of the National Association of College and University Attorneys in Minneapolis June 24-27. She will join fellow attorneys Daniel J. McNulty of Carnegie Mellon University and Chris J. Melcher, of Augusta University to lead a discussion group entitled “Outwit, Outlast, Outplay: A Group Strategy Session on Surviving Campus Contracts.“ The session will offer attorneys in higher education with practical insight and advice for creating and negotiating contracts in higher education. The Association has more than 1,800 institutional campus members and 4,500 attorney representatives. The annual conference is the highlight of the Association’s educational offerings with more than 1700 attendees at last year’s conference. Last Updated: May 11, 2018 Back to News Archives

FSWC-Lee Student Named 2018 National Merit Scholarship Finalist

FSWC-Lee Student Named 2018 National Merit Scholarship Finalist Apr 26, 2018 APRIL 26, 2018 – FORT MYERS, FLA. – Florida SouthWestern Collegiate High School-Lee student Sofiya Yusina has been named a 2018 National Merit Scholarship Finalist by the National Merit Scholarship Program. To participate in the National Merit Scholarship Program, students must take the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT). Of the 1.6 million entrants, some 50,000 with the highest PSAT/NMSQT Selection Index scores qualify for recognition in the National Merit Scholarship Program. Students then must take the SAT to confirm their score, and submit an essay and letters of recommendation to be named a finalist. Yusina is dual-enrolled and will receive her associate in arts degree from FSW this May, prior to receiving her high school diploma. She plans to attend either Princeton University or the University of Pennsylvania and major in biochemistry. Born in Moscow, Russia, Yusina and her family moved to Florida five years ago. She credits her parents for helping her build and understand the importance of a strong work ethic. “My parents inspire me to work as hard as I can,” said Yusina. “They grew up in relatively small towns very far from each other. It was their incredible work ethic and success at school that helped them get into one of the best universities in Russia, where they met. If they didn't work hard, I wouldn't exist.” “My advice to other students is to find a personal source of motivation,” Yusina said. “My motivation is to fulfill my potential and take advantage of the opportunities I am given.” #### Florida SouthWestern State College is Southwest Florida’s largest and one of the most affordable institutions of higher education. Annually serving nearly 22,000 students globally, FSW offers a variety of nationally-ranked, career-focused academic programs with two- and four-year degrees, and professional certifications. Students are also active in clubs and programs catered to their interests. FSW debuted its intercollegiate athletics program in January 2016. Visit www.FSW.edu for more information. Last Updated: April 26, 2018 Back to News Archives

FSW Student Accepted to MIT Women’s Technology Program

FSW Student Accepted to MIT Women’s Technology Program May 11, 2018 Summer vacation. Students are counting down the days. For FSW student Elizabeth Swiersz, that countdown is for a different reason. She is one of only 40 women to be accepted to the Women’s Technology Program in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (WTP-EECS) held at MIT this summer. There were 696 applicants nationally for those 40 coveted spots. The ones selected have demonstrated outstanding academic talent in math and science. “I like problem-solving because it’s very fulfilling to me,” said Swiersz. “I’m very interested in the either civil engineering or architecture.” She’s a junior at FSW’s Lee Collegiate High School, the only STEM accredited charter school in the state, and a full-time dual-enrolled student at FSW. “It’s wonderful to see Elizabeth take advantage of this opportunity,” said Dr. Martin McClinton, Dean, School of Pure and Applied Sciences, FSW. “The goal of this program is to further encourage women to pursue careers in the math and science areas.” “We emphasize science and engineering at the high school to all of our students,” said Dr. Brian Botts, principal, FSW Collegiate High School, Lee. “Our students learn to conduct research, use technology, communicate and work collaboratively, and demonstrate critical and creative thinking. These skills, and others that students like Elizabeth learn, serves to help them take full advantages of opportunities like the WTP-EECS program.” About WTP-EECS The MIT Women's Technology Program in EECS (WTP-EECS) is a rigorous, fast-paced four-week academic and residential experience where female high school students explore electrical engineering, computer science, and mathematics for EECS through hands-on classes, labs, and team-based projects in the summer after 11th grade. Since WTP-EECS was launched in 2002, 626 students have attended and over 64% of WTP-EECS alumnae have chosen college majors in engineering or computer science. Another 21% have majored in science or mathematics, with the remaining 11% in a variety of fields. Last Updated: May 11, 2018 Back to News Archives

Four FSW Employees Recognized with NISOD Awards

Four FSW Employees Recognized with NISOD Awards Apr 30, 2018 APRIL 30, 2018 – FORT MYERS, FLA. – Four Florida SouthWestern State College (FSW) faculty and staff members have been named winners of the National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development (NISOD) Award for 2018. NISOD’s Excellence Awards recognize college faculty, staff and administrators each year who have demonstrated an outstanding commitment and contribution to their students and colleagues. FSW students and employees submit nominations for their professors and colleagues for this award based on teaching and learning practices that encourage student achievement. Dr. Katie Paschall, professor of speech at the FSW Collier Campus, has received the NISOD Excellence Award for Professional Development and Scholarship; Don Ransford, professor of mathematics at the FSW Thomas Edison Campus, has received the NISOD Excellence Award for Service to the College and Community; and Sandra Seifert, professor of mathematics at the FSW Hendry/Glades Curtis Center, has received the NISOD Excellence Award for Teaching and Instruction. This year’s recipient of the NISOD Staff Excellence Award is Amy English, Academic Support Center specialist at the FSW Hendry /Glades Curtis Center. “The NISOD Excellence Awards gives our students, faculty and staff the opportunity to recognize those college employees that go above and beyond their everyday duties in guiding our students to the ultimate goal of graduation,” said Dr. Jeff Stewart, FSW provost and vice president, Academic Affairs. “We are proud of the dedication and commitment these staff and faculty members have provided to ensure our students reach their greatest potential.” In 1989, in connection with a University of Texas at Austin national study of teaching excellence, NISOD hosted its first ceremony honoring NISOD Excellence Award recipients. It has since become the largest and most inspiring gathering that recognizes the contributions and achievements of community and technical college faculty, administrators and staff. This year’s recipients will be recognized during NISOD’s International Conference on Teaching and Leadership Excellence in May. About NISOD: For community and technical colleges that want to make the most of their professional development dollars, NISOD provides budget-friendly, high-quality, and faculty-focused programs and resources. For nearly 40 years, NISOD’s customer-focused approach has helped align our wide array of benefits with the needs of our members. For more information about NISOD, visit www.nisod.org. #### Florida SouthWestern State College is Southwest Florida’s largest and one of the most affordable institutions of higher education. Annually serving nearly 22,000 students globally, FSW offers a variety of nationally-ranked, career-focused academic programs with two- and four-year degrees, and professional certifications. Students are also active in clubs and programs catered to their interests. FSW debuted its intercollegiate athletics program in January 2016. Visit www.FSW.edu for more information. Last Updated: April 30, 2018 Back to News Archives

Foundation Named Desamours CFO

Foundation Named Desamours CFO Apr 26, 2018 Florida SouthWestern State College (FSW) Foundation announced that Dr. Ami Desamours has joined as chief financial officer. In this role, she is responsible for operations of the foundation’s budget, financial accounting, and procurement, as well as communication to all stakeholders regarding how funds are used, and impact of funds donated to the Foundation. She brings more than 15 years of non-profit financial leadership experience in southwest Florida. Prior to joining FSW, she was the CFO of School District of Lee County. Desamours earned her Bachelor of Science and Master degrees in accounting from the University of Florida, Gainesville. She then earned her doctor of education from Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale. Community involvement includes attending sporting and arts events at our local schools, the Rotary Club of Lehigh Acres, and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Last Updated: April 26, 2018 Back to News Archives

FSW Respiratory Care Program Earns National Award

FSW Respiratory Care Program Earns National Award Apr 23, 2018 APRIL 23, 2018 – FORT MYERS, FLA – The Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC) has awarded Florida SouthWestern State College’s (FSW) Respiratory Care program the Distinguished RRT Credentialing Success award for the fourth consecutive year. To receive the award, programs were required to have three or more years of outcomes data; hold accreditation without a progress report; document Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credentialing success of 90% or above; and meet or exceed established CoARC thresholds for Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) credentialing success, attrition and positive job placement. “We take great pride in the fact that we have earned this honor for the fourth time,” said Jean Newberry, program director, FSW Respiratory Care. “Our students work very hard throughout the program, and their efforts, along with the dedication of our faculty, clinical associates and clinical facilities have made this all possible. It is an honor to be associated with this program.” The program will be recognized in July during the annual CoARC conference in San Antonio, Texas. The Associate of Science in Respiratory Care is one of seventeen career options offered in the FSW School of Health Professions. About CoARC: The Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC) accredits entry into professional practice programs in respiratory care at the Associate, Baccalaureate, and Master’s Degree level in the United States. The CoARC also accredits polysomnography programs offered by professional respiratory care degree programs in the United States. CoARC’s mission is to ensure that high quality educational programs prepare competent respiratory therapists for practice, education, research, and service. - http://www.coarc.com #### Florida SouthWestern State College is Southwest Florida’s largest and one of the most affordable institutions of higher education. Annually serving nearly 22,000 students globally, FSW offers a variety of nationally-ranked, career-focused academic programs with two- and four-year degrees, and professional certifications. Students are also active in clubs and programs catered to their interests. FSW debuted its intercollegiate athletics program in January 2016. Visit www.FSW.edu for more information. Last Updated: April 23, 2018 Back to News Archives

100 Percent of FSW School of Education 2018 Teacher Candidates Receive Job Offers

100 Percent of FSW School of Education 2018 Teacher Candidates Receive Job Offers Apr 23, 2018 APRIL 23, 2018 – FORT MYERS, FLA. – For the fourth consecutive semester, 100 percent of Florida SouthWestern State College’s (FSW) School of Education graduating teacher candidates have received job offers for local teaching positions. FSW’s School of Education provides a rigorous learning environment ensuring teacher candidates will achieve their greatest potential. “FSW’s teacher education program immediately begins preparing our students to work in the classroom by putting them in the field at the very start of their education,” said Dr. Joyce Rollins, chair, School of Education. “Additionally, we have high expectations for initiative and passion, and our professors model teaching with both passion and dignity.” All 39 candidates in the class of 2018 received the offers during the FSW School of Education’s annual teachers’ career fair held on the FSW Thomas Edison Campus. “The teachers’ career fair allows us to provide an additional level of support to our students and to welcome our district partners to FSW,” said Dr. Larry Miller, dean, School of Education. “It is also nice to see some friendly competition across district boundaries for our hardworking and well-prepared future teachers.” “We are so proud of all of the hard work of our teacher candidates, and we are confident that they will positively impact the lives of children in southwest Florida,” Dr. Rollins said. #### Florida SouthWestern State College is Southwest Florida’s largest and one of the most affordable institutions of higher education. Annually serving nearly 22,000 students globally, FSW offers a variety of nationally-ranked, career-focused academic programs with two- and four-year degrees, and professional certifications. Students are also active in clubs and programs catered to their interests. FSW debuted its intercollegiate athletics program in January 2016. Visit www.FSW.edu for more information. Last Updated: April 23, 2018 Back to News Archives

LCEC Pledges $25,000 to FSW

LCEC Pledges $25,000 to FSW Apr 9, 2018 When it comes to supporting workforce education, Lee County Electric Cooperative (LCEC) took it a step further by pledging $25,000 to Florida SouthWestern State College’s (FSW) School of Business and Technology over the course of the next five years. “This gift will help us continue providing the workforce education so our students can become the professionals our southwest Florida region needs,” said Susie DeSantis, executive director, FSW Foundation. “We will use this generous gift to provide materials for several areas of study, including crime scene tech labs, and construction and engineering materials.” LCEC supports education through involvement and financial support of local initiatives in order to strengthen the workforce pipeline. “Mentoring students, serving in leadership roles, and offering internships are just a few of the ways we become part of the solution for a sustainable future,” said CEO Dennie Hamilton. “We are excited about how our partnership with FSW has developed over the years and we look forward to the impact we can make for business and technology students.” In recognition for LCEC’s support, the company has a five-year naming of the welcome lounge of FSW’s School of Business and Technology on the second floor of Building K on the Fort Myers campus. Last Updated: April 9, 2018 Back to News Archives