Site Search

Turner Joins as Alumni Relations Coordinator

Turner Joins as Alumni Relations Coordinator Jun 29, 2015 Florida SouthWestern State College (FSW) announced today that Joe Turner has joined the institution as Coordinator of Alumni Relations. “Joe brings a wealth of public relations and alumni communications expertise to FSW,” said Dr. Louis Traina, VP Institutional Advancement and Executive Director of the FSW Foundation. “He will help us continually enhance our efforts to engage our alumni.” As coordinator of alumni relations, he will be responsible for alumni outreach efforts, planning and implementing a variety of events and recruiting and assisting a variety of projects for the FSW Foundation. “With over 38,000 alumni, FSW has a rich history of service to the Southwest Florida community,” said Turner. “It's great to be part of an incredible institution that is doing wonderful things for our community.” Prior to joining FSW, Turner was the Director of Public Relations and Alumni Affairs for Hodges University. He graduated from Wayne State University in Detroit with his bachelor’s degree in media arts. Last Updated: June 29, 2015 Back to News Archives

Florida SouthWestern Launches New Athletics Website

Florida SouthWestern Launches New Athletics Website Mar 23, 2015 Although competition doesn’t begin until the fall with baseball and softball, Florida SouthWestern State College (FSW) fans can visit the new athletics website to get the latest news and developments. The website is www.fswbucs.com. “This website will be the place for all Buccaneers fans to visit for schedules, coach and player profiles, and more,” said Carl McAloose, FSW Athletic Director. “Visitors can also learn more about our facilities, the City of Palms Stadium and the Suncoast Credit Union Arena. There is also a fan zone for everyone to follow us on social media.” The Buccaneers will begin with fall 2015 exhibition competition in baseball and softball at the City of Palms Stadium in Fort Myers, the former spring training facility for the world champion Boston Red Sox. The Suncoast Credit Union Arena, set to begin construction this summer, will be the home for the Buccaneers men’s and women’s basketball teams, and the women’s volleyball team. The arena will also be a place for recreational and wellness activities for FSW students, as well as a place to host community events like graduations, concerts and tournaments. The arena is expected to open in the fall 2016. Florida SouthWestern State College is Southwest Florida’s largest and one of the most affordable institutions of higher education. Annually serving more than 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 will debut its intercollegiate athletics program in the fall 2015. Last Updated: March 23, 2015 Back to News Archives

FSW Cardiovascular Technology Faculty Present at New Orleans' Conference

FSW Cardiovascular Technology Faculty Present at New Orleans' Conference Jul 1, 2015 JULY 1, 2015 – FORT MYERS, FLA – Two Florida SouthWestern State College (FSW) faculty recently presented at the New Cardiovascular Horizons Conference in New Orleans. Leslie Yaniga, Cardiovascular Technology Program Clinical Coordinator, and Jeff Davis, Program Director, Cardiovascular and Respiratory Care, presented a Registered Cardiovascular Invasive Specialist (RCIS) exam review course. The RCIS is the credentialing exam for professionals working in invasive cardiac catheterization. The annual New Cardiovascular Horizons Conference showcases new drugs and interventions physicians and nurses can use to help prevent cardiovascular- and diabetes-related amputations in their patients. “Presenting to and attending these types of conferences allow us to acquire new knowledge, resources and insights on the future of the cardiovascular industry and bring that information back to our students,” said Davis. “We are able to network with other professionals in these areas and learn about new tools and technology that we can incorporate in our training at FSW.” “It is extremely important for our faculty to be actively involved on a national level and to stay well-informed of the most current evidence in their disciplines,” said Dr. Marie Collins, Dean, School of Health Professions. “Our FSW faculty take professional involvement to greater depths by serving as expert speakers and presenters at professional meetings across the country. Our FSW students benefit directly from this faculty expertise which attributes to their success academically and professionally.” #### Florida SouthWestern State College is Southwest Florida’s largest and one of the most affordable institutions of higher education. Annually serving more than 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 will debut its intercollegiate athletics program in the fall 2015. Visit www.FSW.edu for more information. Last Updated: July 1, 2015 Back to News Archives

SWFL Children’s Charities Presents $100,000 to FSW’s School of Health Professions

SWFL Children’s Charities Presents $100,000 to FSW’s School of Health Professions Jun 29, 2015 SWFL Children’s Charities Inc., organizer of the Southwest Florida Wine &Food Fest, presented a generous gift of $100,000 to the School of Health Professions at Florida SouthWestern State College (FSW) on June 22. SWFL Children’s Charities President Elaine Hawkins and Vice President Dorothy Fitzgerald presented the check –a portion of the wine fest’s 2015 proceeds– to FSW President Jeff Allbritten and Vice President of Institutional Advancement Lou Traina. Hawkins and Fitzgerald later toured FSW’s Respiratory Care Lab and Dental Hygiene Clinic to see the impact last year’s gift had on students and the two high-tech programs. “Florida SouthWestern State College is a most deserving beneficiary of the efforts of our trustees and all the people who support the Wine Fest. The college has outstanding nursing and pediatric dental programs with phenomenal success rates,” said Hawkins. “Our board and trustees believe in our community-education system, and this investment serves the entire community. Helping FSW enhance its training and the ability of its students to fill positions in our healthcare system is a win-win for everyone,” said Fitzgerald. Besides providing $25,000 in student scholarships the last academic year, FSW also invested in a V60 pediatric respirator and a panograph X-Ray machine to diagnose dental disease in children. The Dental Hygiene Clinic provides preventive dental care to 2,000 local children and adults each year. “Thank you to SWFL Children’s Charities for providing our hardworking students with the funds to complete their degrees without the burden of debt and for equipping the School of Health Professions with state-of-the-art technology,” said Traina. “Our graduates receive superb training at FSW and enter the Southwest Florida workforce ready to improve the lives of children.” “Our healthcare programs are outperforming others across the country,” said President Allbritten. “For example, our dental hygiene program has boasted a 100 percent pass rate on the National Dental Hygiene Board Exam for 20 years. We are happy to provide our students with the means to achieve greatness.” The FSW School of Health Professions offers two bachelor’s degrees, 11 associate’s degrees, and six certificate programs, preparing local students with the credentials to work in nearly every health-related field. SWFL Children’s Charities raised $3.4 million in 2015, funds that benefitted The Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida, Music Therapy Program at Florida Gulf Coast University, and Pediatric Nursing Program at Florida SouthWestern State College. About the FSW Foundation: Since 1966, the Florida SouthWestern State College Foundation has been enhancing the quality of higher education for FSW students and faculty. On average, the FSW Foundation has awarded more than $1.2 million for student scholarships and $700,000 in academic support to the college annually since 2011. The Foundation’s focus is attracting and managing private contributions from individuals, organizations, businesses and other private foundations to support the college’s mission. To learn more about the non-profit, tax-exempt FSW Foundation or to make a gift, visit www.FSW.edu/foundation. About SWFL Children’s Charities Inc. The Southwest Florida Wine & Food Fest is the signature event of the SWFL Children’s Charities Inc. and has raised nearly $15 million in the past seven years, making it the most successful fundraising event in Lee County and one of the top-grossing wine fests in the country. Wine Spectator ranked the event No. 6 on its list of Top 10 U.S. Charity Wine Auctions of 2014. The 2016 Southwest Florida Wine & Food Fest is scheduled for Feb. 26 and 27. To learn more, log onto www.swflwinefest.org. About FSW Florida SouthWestern State College is Southwest Florida’s largest and one of the most affordable institutions of higher education. Annually serving more than 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 will debut its intercollegiate athletics program in the fall 2015. Visit www.FSW.edu for more information. Last Updated: May 26, 2020 Back to News Archives

FSW Dedicates ‘The Carl and Diana Grissom Community Room’ on Lee Campus

FSW Dedicates ‘The Carl and Diana Grissom Community Room’ on Lee Campus Mar 26, 2015 The Florida SouthWestern State College Foundation dedicated “The Carl and Diana Grissom Community Room” on the Thomas Edison (Lee) Campus on Tuesday, March 17. The College dedicated AA-177, a multi-purpose room, in honor of Sanibel Island residents Carl and Diana Grissom after the couple made a generous gift to the FSW Foundation. “The Foundation was very proud to accept the gift from the Grissoms to benefit the FSW Faculty Development Center, a place where our faculty can meet and share new ideas,” said Dr. Louis Traina, Vice President of Institutional Advancement at FSW. “This gift will go a long way towards the continued education and development of our faculty. Everybody who comes here will be able to realize how much Carl means to this institution and how his generosity will go a long way,” said FSW President Jeff Allbritten. Grissom, a Financial Representative with Northwestern Mutual Financial Network, first moved to Lee County in 1979. Besides having served on the FSW Foundation Board of Directors since 2011, Grissom has consistently given to the College to benefit various academic programs. “I have always believed in education,” said Grissom. “When you see progress and hear about the needs, you want to give because you know how it helps our community.” He was particularly interested in Room AA-177 because the space is often used for educational panels, faculty meetings, and campus events. With the community room, he hopes to ensure that FSW graduates are highly-trained, creative, and possess the ability to strike up important relationships with others in the community. “I can’t tell you how important those things mean to you in life,” said Grissom. For more information about the FSW Foundation or how to make a gift, visit foundation.fsw.edu. About Carl Grissom: Carl Grissom graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree from Indiana University. In addition to writing about the act of giving in the past, he has also served as Past President of the Society of Financial Service Professionals, Past President of the Planned Giving Council of Lee County, and Past President of the Lee County Estate Planning Council, and a Life and Qualifying Member of the Million Dollar Roundtable. Grissom is a certified Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU), Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC), Accredited Estate Planner (AEP), Chartered Advisor for Senior Living (CASL), and in Long Term Care Planning (CLTC). About the FSW Foundation: Since 1966, the Florida SouthWestern State College Foundation has been enhancing the quality of higher education for FSW students and faculty. The FSW Foundation has awarded $1.2 million for student scholarships and $700,000 in academic support to the college annually since 2011. The Foundation’s focus is attracting and managing private contributions from individuals, organizations, businesses and other private foundations to support the college’s mission. To learn more about the non-profit, tax-exempt FSW Foundation or to make a gift, visit foundation.fsw.edu. About FSW: Florida SouthWestern State College is Southwest Florida’s largest and one of the most affordable institutions of higher education. Annually serving more than 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 will debut its intercollegiate athletics program in the fall 2015. Visit www.FSW.edu for more information. Last Updated: March 26, 2015 Back to News Archives

Florida SouthWestern State College Charlotte Campus is Hosting a Job Fair

Florida SouthWestern State College Charlotte Campus is Hosting a Job Fair Mar 20, 2015 March 20, 2015 – PUNTA GORDA, FLORIDA —The Florida SouthWestern State College (FSW) Charlotte Campus will host a Job Fair from 11am – 2pm on Tuesday, March 31 in the center courtyard by the clock bell tower on the Charlotte Campus in Punta Gorda. This free event is open to the public and will feature a variety of businesses looking for employees to join their workforce. Attendees are encouraged to bring resumes with them to this event and dress professionally. The Job Fair will provide employers with the opportunity to network with interested individuals, while allowing attendees the chance to ask questions about job openings. Positions available include full-time, part-time and internship possibilities. Currently, the following organizations have signed up to participate: Bayfront Health Port Charlotte; Career Source of Southwest Florida; Charlotte County Public Schools; Florida SouthWestern State College; Fort Myers Police Department; HCA North & West hospitals (Fawcett Memorial & Englewood Community); Lowe’s; Millennium Physicians Group; Punta Gorda Chamber of Commerce; Punta Gorda Police Department; Publix; Wells Fargo. “We are happy to support our students and the local community by offering this opportunity for employers and potential employees to connect and see what options are available to them,” said Dr. Christy Gilfert, Charlotte Campus Dean at FSW State College. For more information about Career Services at FSW, visit www.FSW.edu/careerservices or call (941)-637-5629. Florida SouthWestern State College is Southwest Florida’s largest and one of the most affordable institutions of higher education. Annually serving more than 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 will debut its intercollegiate athletics program in the fall 2015. Visit www.FSW.edu for more information. # # # # Last Updated: May 21, 2020 Back to News Archives

Florida SouthWestern State College to Host Two-Day Workshop for FHIMA

Florida SouthWestern State College to Host Two-Day Workshop for FHIMA Mar 19, 2015 Florida SouthWestern State College (FSW) will host a two-day workshop for the Florida Health Information Management Association (FHIMA). These workshops will take place from 8am-5pm on Saturday and Sunday, April 18 and 19. “We are honored to have the FHIMA bring these educational courses to FSW,” said Elizabeth Whitmer, RHJT, AHDJ-F, Health Information Technology Faculty. “The field of Health Information Technology has grown significantly in recent years, and we want to provide our professionals with every opportunity to learn about changes and advancements as they are available.” The two-day workshop will cover Clinical Modification (CM) and Procedural Coding Services (PCS). Additionally, a workshop discussing Clinical Documentation Improvement will take place on April 18. These workshops will provide coding tips, how to overcome challenging areas, possible scenarios and more related to the CM and PCS programs. The CDI workshop will address the importance of CDI programs and ensuring those results to achieve better results. To register, or learn more about these events, please visit www.FHIMA.org or contact Elizabeth Whitmer at ewhitmer@fsw.edu or (239) 489-9493. Registration costs range from $150-$530, depending on the workshops attended and membership status with FHIMA. The FHIMA mission is “To support and promote health information management professionals by advancing best practices through education, technology, professional development, leadership, advocacy, and communication.” The association exists to promote high quality health care through strong health data information management and governance practices and principles. Members look to the state association for education, direction and support in the profession of health information management. For more information about Florida SouthWestern’s Health Information Technology associate degree program go to http://www.FSW.edu/academics/programs/ashim or call the HIT Program Office at 239-489-9419. Florida SouthWestern State College is Southwest Florida’s largest and one of the most affordable institutions of higher education. Annually serving more than 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 will debut its intercollegiate athletics program in the fall 2015. Last Updated: June 26, 2020 Back to News Archives

FSW Collier Campus Hosts Career Fair

FSW Collier Campus Hosts Career Fair Mar 18, 2015 March 18, 2015 – NAPLES, FLA – Career Services at the Florida SouthWestern State College Collier Campus will hold a Career Fair from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Thursday, April 2, in the Business and Technology Center, Building J, 7505 Grand Lely Drive, Naples. The career fair is free and open to the public. More than 30 local employers, community participants, and representatives from local colleges and universities will be present including Collier County Public Schools, Arthrex, Rookery Bay, Florida Gulf Coast University, and the University of South Florida. Attendees are encouraged to bring their resumes and dress professionally. For more information, contact Gary Rhine, coordinator, Career Services, at 239-732-3709 or grhine@fsw.edu. ### Florida SouthWestern State College is Southwest Florida’s largest and one of the most affordable institutions of higher education. Annually serving more than 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 will debut its intercollegiate athletics program in the fall 2015. Visit www.FSW.edu for more information. Last Updated: March 18, 2015 Back to News Archives

Be Inspired: FSW Holocaust Week Begins Monday, March 23

Be Inspired: FSW Holocaust Week Begins Monday, March 23 Mar 17, 2015 Florida SouthWestern State College’s Dr. Talbot Spivak Holocaust Memorial Week begins on Monday, March 23, 2015. Learn about the history and the impact of the Holocaust by attending various events, which are free and open to the public, on the Thomas Edison (Lee) campus. On Monday, March 23, 2015 at 11am in Building “U” Room 102 Marina Berkovich will offer a presentation to share her life experiences and journey, and how she lends her time, expertise and voice to defend freedom and fight anti-Semitism. Originally from Kiev, USSR, Marina became a Soviet refugee in 1978 and arrived to New York City in 1980. Marina will discuss her recent interview with a British Holocaust denier and anti-Semite author. This author of history has written many books that present a distorted view of WWII in an effort to portray Hitler in a better light and deny the true facts about the Holocaust. At 12pm on March 23, 2015 in Building “U” Room 102 Professor Martin Roland will present “History of Anti-Semitism,” which deals with anti-Semitic literature that was being produced in Western Europe from roughly 1850 to the early 20th century. In particular a forgery supposedly published in Russian in 1903 and in France in 1905 called The Protocols of the Elders of Zion, which Hitler claimed to represent a Jewish plot for world domination. At 1:15 pm on March 23, 2015 in Building “U” Room 102 Dr. Paul Bartrop of Florida Gulf Coast University will present “Righteous Gentiles, Conflicted Nazis and Courageous Jews”, this presentation will consider some remarkable stories of Upstanders who worked to rescue Jews from the Nazis during the Holocaust, by looking at three cases of a Gentile, a Nazi, and a Jew -- each of whom, in remarkable and very different ways, sought to mitigate the worst effects of the Holocaust and save lives. At 6:00 pm on March 23, 2015 in Building “J” Room 117/118 Dana Roes, art professor at Florida SouthWestern State College will present a student art show. After his horrific experience at Auschwitz, Viktor Frankl wrote, “That which is to give light must endure burning.” The role of the artist is to illuminate the full range of human experience. These artworks are intended to provoke thought about contemporary issues of social justice. At 7:00 pm on March 23, 2015 in Building “J” Room 103 Sanibel-based artist Myra Roberts will present her collection titled “Angels on Earth,” which celebrates extraordinary lives, starting from World War II to the present. Included are paintings of humanitarians Sophie Scholl, Sir Nicholas George Winton, and 2014 Nobel Peace Prize winner Malala Yousafzai. Also featured are paintings of local survivors Cesare Frustaci and Steen Metz, as well as, local World War II hero Bob Hilliard. The program incorporates oils from her “Faces of Anne Frank” series, based on The Diary of a Young Girl. It also includes collages from “Smokescreen: Prelude to the 1940s,” depicting propaganda disseminated during Hitler’s rise to power. To see the additional times and locations for other events that will occur during Dr. Talbot Spivak Holocaust Memorial Week, visit www.FSW.edu/holocaust. For additional information, please call or email Cindy Campbell at (239) 489-9367 or email her at ccampbell@FSW.edu. Florida SouthWestern State College is Southwest Florida’s largest and one of the most affordable institutions of higher education. Annually serving more than 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 will debut its intercollegiate athletics program in the fall 2015. Last Updated: March 17, 2015 Back to News Archives

OPEN HOUSE WEEK at Florida SouthWestern State College

OPEN HOUSE WEEK at Florida SouthWestern State College Mar 16, 2015 Florida SouthWestern State College (FSW) will host FSW Open House week from 3-6 p.m. on April 7, 8 and 9. All events are free to attend and attendees are encouraged to register online at www.FSW.edu/openhouse. The dates and locations are: April 7 – Collier Campus, 7505 Grand Lely Dr., Naples, Building M April 8 – Thomas Edison (Lee) Campus, 8099 College Pkwy., Fort Myers, Building U April 9 – Charlotte Campus, 26300 Airport Rd., Punta Gorda, Bell Tower “Florida SouthWestern State College offers a variety of academic programs that are designed to help our students earn the degree of their choice for their future careers,” said Mark Bukowski, Director of Admissions at FSW. “Our open house events allow students to learn more about the programs and support services offered at FSW to assist them in reaching their personal and professional goals.” While at the Open House, visitors will receive information about the admissions process, academic programs and financial aid. Special presentations on Financial Aid, Admissions, and Dual Enrollment will be available at each location. The events will offer campus tours, snacks and an opportunity to meet with current students, faculty and staff. On the Thomas Edison (Lee) Campus, visitors can also tour the college’s on-campus housing. For more information about the Open House visit www.FSW.edu/openhouse. Registration for Summer 2015 is now open, and Fall 2015 registration begins on April 24. Florida SouthWestern State College is Southwest Florida’s largest and one of the most affordable institutions of higher education. Annually serving more than 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 will debut its intercollegiate athletics program in the fall 2015. Last Updated: March 16, 2015 Back to News Archives

FSW Charlotte Campus Presents Holocaust Survivor Max Weisglass

FSW Charlotte Campus Presents Holocaust Survivor Max Weisglass Mar 16, 2015 MARCH 16, 2015 – PUNTA GORDA, FLA. – Florida SouthWestern State College’s (FSW) Charlotte Campus will hold a special presentation by Holocaust survivor Max Weisglass at 12:45 p.m. on Tuesday, March 24, in the Charlotte Campus auditorium, 6300 Airport Road, Punta Gorda. The event is free and open to the public. Weisglass will tell his story of hiding in an underground bunker for 10 months after escaping from a Polish ghetto with his parents. Following his liberation by the Russians, he remained in Poland for a time before escaping Russian rule. He then went to West Germany and Canada before immigrating to the United States. He and his wife, Anita, have lived in Punta Gorda for 16 years. The presentation is part of Dr. Talbot Spivak Holocaust Memorial Week, March 23-27. The week is named in memory of the late FSW Professor Dr. Talbot Spivak, whose determination to teach the lessons of the Holocaust both inside and outside the classroom led him to create this week-long program with college-wide support in 1996. For more information, call Joyce Gelfand, Adaptive Services specialist, FSW Charlotte Campus and a Holocaust Memorial Committee member at (941) 637-5626. ### Celebrating over 50 years of excellence, Florida SouthWestern State College (FSW) is Southwest Florida’s largest, most accessible and ranked nationally as one of the most affordable institutions of higher education. Serving more than 22,000 students per year regionally, nationally, and internationally, students are also active in a wide variety of clubs and programs that cater to their interests. Nationally, FSW is ranked 45th among associate degree producers and 26th for its prestigious associate producing Nursing program. For more information please visit www.FSW.edu. Last Updated: March 16, 2015 Back to News Archives

Public Meeting Notice - Florida SouthWestern Faculty Federation Collective Negotiations

Public Meeting Notice - Florida SouthWestern Faculty Federation Collective Negotiations Mar 11, 2015 Collective Negotiations between District Board of Trustees, Florida SouthWestern State College, Florida and Florida SouthWestern Faculty Federation, Local 3513, affiliated with United Faculty of Florida, AFT, AFL-CIO March 26, 2015 - 3:30 pm Robinson Hall I-225 (President's Conference room on the Thomas Edison Campus Lee) April 16, 2015 - 3:30 pm Robinson Hall I-225 (President's Conference room on the Thomas Edison Campus Lee) Last Updated: March 11, 2015 Back to News Archives

FSW Collegiate High School – Lee Campus

FSW Names Ward Head Women's Basketball Coach

FSW Names Ward Head Women's Basketball Coach Apr 22, 2015 A national search led to nearly 250 applicants, from Division I head coaches to National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) National Champions, vying to be the women’s head basketball coach for the emerging Florida SouthWestern State College (FSW) Buccaneers. FSW will compete in the fall 2016 in the NJCAA. In the end, Dr. Kristy Ward, the Head Women’s Basketball Coach at Florida State College at Jacksonville, was selected to lead the Buccaneers. “We felt very fortunate to have such a quality pool of applicants. The selection came down to whom we felt was the perfect fit for FSW and who we felt would get our student-athletes to perform at a national level,” said Carl McAloose, FSW Athletic Director. “Dr. Kristy Ward is a proven coach and knows how to take a team to the top of the NJCAA ,” said McAloose. “She can hit the ground running and I believe she will have us competing for championships in a very short period of time.” Ward had three consecutive 20-plus winning seasons while nationally ranked, plus back-to-back Mid-Florida Conference Championships at Florida State College at Jacksonville. She was also named Coach of the Year twice and in three seasons, 15 players were awarded four-year basket all scholarships. At Northwest-Shoals Community College, her team had a 100 percent retention rate over 16 years and a 95 percent graduation rate. She had over 60 players awarded four-year scholarships and took her team to the National Championship game while being ranked number one in the country. She was also a five-time Coach of the Year in her region and a four-time Coach of the Year in the Alabama Community College Conference. Her overall record was 384-141 (.730). “The commitment and excitement in the community and FSW’s administration is phenomenal to me,” said Ward. “I’ll be looking for young ladies who can play and represent this college. They will also need a good work ethic; I hold myself and them accountable. I think fans can expect an exciting, action-packed game. We’ll play a high intense defense, fast-paced game – a run-and-gun style.” What Others Are Saying: “Kristy has a tremendous passion and energy for two-year college basketball. She’s intense and she fights for her kids. She has lived it and she can teach it. In the four years she has been with us, she took a program that was in the doldrums and made it a Top 15 program.” ---George Sanders, Athletic Director, Florida State College at Jacksonville. “Kristy is ultra-competitive and a true teacher of the game. She knows how to build a program to make it successful on the court and off the court for her athletes. She gets it.” ---Mary Tappmeyer, Former University of North Florida Women’s Basketball Coach “She is very dedicated to the game and to her team. She puts a lot of heart into all that she does, making the team more of a family. For me, she has inspired me and helped me make career choices that have led to where I am today. FSW is really lucky to have her because I know she’ll build a strong team and a winning tradition.” ---Brittany Garner, Assistant Coach and Former Player, Florida State College at Jacksonville Career Highlights Education Nova Southeastern University: Doctor of Education Double concentration – Higher Education / Organizational Leadership Coaching Experience 2011 - Present: Head Women’s Basketball Coach Florida State College at Jacksonville 1995 - 2011: Head Women’s Basketball Coach Northwest-Shoals Community College Coaching Highlights Florida State College at Jacksonville Three consecutive 20-plus win seasons while nationally ranked Back to back Mid-Florida Conference Champions Two time Coach of the Year – Mid-Florida Conference Three seasons - 15 players awarded four-year basketball scholarships Northwest-Shoals Community College Women’s Basketball team 100% academic retention rate over 16 year period Women’s Basketball graduation rate over 16 year period – 95%. Over 60 players awarded 4-year basketball scholarships Competed in the finals of the National Championship game Five time Coach of the Year – Region XXII Four time Coach of the Year – Alabama Community College Conference Overall coaching record – 384-141 (.730) Numerous top rankings in the NJCAA poll with the highest spot at number one in the country Last Updated: April 22, 2015 Back to News Archives

Florida SouthWestern State College District Board of Trustees Meeting Scheduled

Florida SouthWestern State College District Board of Trustees Meeting Scheduled Apr 21, 2015 The Florida SouthWestern State College District Board of Trustees will hold their next regularly scheduled meeting at 3 p.m. on Tuesday, April 28, 2015, on the Charlotte Campus in O-117. Public comments are welcome. Each speaker will be allotted up to two minutes of speaking time. All those who wish to participate in the public comment portion of the meeting are required to fill out and turn in a Request to Speak Form at least 15 minutes prior to the start of the meeting. Speakers must be present at the Charlotte Campus. The agenda is posted at www.FSW.edu/board/meetings. # # # # Media Contact: Teresa Morgenstern, (239) 489-9061; Mobile: (239) 821-3978; tmorgenstern@FSW.edu Last Updated: April 21, 2015 Back to News Archives

The Honorable Randy Brock Selected as FSW Commencement Speaker

The Honorable Randy Brock Selected as FSW Commencement Speaker Apr 16, 2015 Before Florida SouthWestern State College (FSW) students cross the stage to become graduates, they will hear the words of wisdom from the Honorable Randy Brock, former Vermont State Senator. The graduation ceremony will be held at 6 p.m. on Friday, May 8 at Germain Arena. The two-time Senator and 2012 Republican nominee for Governor of the State of Vermont has also had a home in Naples for the past 18 years. “I am looking forward to this opportunity to address these students as they prepare to move forward in the next stage of their lives,” said Brock. “It is inspiring to me to see and meet students who have worked hard and dedicated themselves to attaining a college education.” “We know the former Senator Brock will offer our students a wealth of insight into the possibilities that an education offers,” said Dr. Jeff Allbritten, President, FSW. “He can share with them real-world experience that is sure to inspire them and reinforce the mantra that a good work ethic is key to achieving goals and success. His career includes not only public service as a Senator and State Auditor for Vermont, but also as a CEO for a company. He served our country and was honored with the Bronze Star Medal and the Army Commendation Medal.” About The Honorable Randy Brock: Randy Brock, the 2012 Republican nominee for Governor of the State of Vermont, served as Vermont’s 28th State Auditor. The State Auditor is one of Vermont’s five statewide Constitutional Officers. He also served two terms as a member of the Vermont State Senate. Prior to entering public service, Randy was executive vice president for risk oversight for Fidelity Investments, one of the world’s largest providers of financial services. He previously was CEO of one of America’s 500 fastest growing companies, a business that he founded. He currently sits on the board of ipCapital Group, a national leader in intellectual property strategy. Randy served for eight years on the National Board of Directors of the Alzheimer’s Association. He chaired the board of the Hodges University Foundation and is a trustee of the Vermont Historical Society and the Vermont Law School. He was appointed by President George W. Bush to the Board of Visitors to the United States Military Academy at West Point and he was the board’s 2010 and 2011 elected vice-chair. A Vietnam veteran, Randy left the Regular Army as a captain in the Military Police Corps. He holds the Bronze Star Medal for meritorious service and the Army Commendation Medal with 1st Oak Leaf Cluster. He and his wife, Andrea, have one daughter. Randy has been a Vermont resident for over 40 years and has also maintained a second home in Naples for the past 18 years. A frequent op-ed contributor, Randy is completing his first book: Bandits in the Boardroom: Lessons from America’s Greatest Corporate Frauds. Randy holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Middlebury College and a Master of Arts degree from Yale University. Last Updated: April 16, 2015 Back to News Archives

FSW Presents 2015 Spring Student Music Concert Series at B.B. Mann

FSW Presents 2015 Spring Student Music Concert Series at B.B. Mann Apr 16, 2015 April 16, 2015 – FORT MYERS, FLA. – Florida SouthWestern State College (FSW) will be hosting the 2015 Spring Student Music Concert Series at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall. Each season the community has an opportunity to attend performances by FSW’s gifted student musicians in the Symphony Orchestra, Choir, Jazz Ensemble, and Concert Band. Concerts are free to the public and seating is open in the performing arts hall. All concerts begin at 7:30 p.m. Opening the concert series on Thursday, April 16 will be the Concert Band, who will travel musically around the world from the Americas to Europe. The Symphony Orchestra and College Choir will deliver a night of classical pieces scored by musical luminaries ranging from Mozart to Mussorgsky on Monday, April 20. For the last performance of the semester on Monday, April 27, guests will loosen their collars with the Jazz Band as they demonstrate what it means to be cool with Miles Davis and Louis Armstrong. “We designed the Student Music Concert Series to be a free service to the community. The arts are strong at Florida SouthWestern State College and we want to share the impressive musical talents of our students with the community,” said FSW President Jeff Allbritten. Learn about the Student Music Concert Series and other upcoming events or exhibitions at www.FSW.edu/artsfsw. The webpage provides information about student concerts and performances, as well as professional productions and exhibitions at Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall, the Bob Rauschenberg Gallery and the Richard H. Rush Collections Gallery. FSW Concert Band: April 16 at 7:30 p.m. FSW Symphony Orchestra and FSW Choir: April 20 at 7:30 p.m. FSW Jazz Ensemble: April 27 at 7:30 p.m. About FSW: Florida SouthWestern State College is Southwest Florida’s largest and one of the most affordable institutions of higher education. Annually serving more than 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 will debut its intercollegiate athletics program in the fall 2015. Visit www.FSW.edu for more information. Last Updated: April 16, 2015 Back to News Archives

FSW State College Students Assist at Camp Boggy Creek for Children with Serious Illnesses

FSW State College Students Assist at Camp Boggy Creek for Children with Serious Illnesses Apr 17, 2015 Florida SouthWestern State College (FSW) students in the respiratory therapy program volunteered to serve as camp counselors for a week at Camp Boggy Creek. Six students spent six days at the camp which offers children who suffer from a variety of illnesses the chance to experience all the joys of camp through assistance and specialized equipment. This was the first time that Leslie Alexander, Cerissa Audia, Katie Cation, Melissa Kimbough, Veronica Palacios and Grace Tschuor served as camp counselors, and they were all very excited. “Seeing the kids in a different setting other than the hospital or medical facility is nice,” said Audia. “For some kids this is their first time away from home.” At Camp Boggy Creek, families are invited to bring their children to experience the activities that other children have in regular camp settings. Specialized equipment allows all children at Camp Boggy Creek to participate in the various activities, from swimming, archery, crafts, dancing, and more. Some of the counselors come from all over the country and are either pursuing or have a background in medical care. While at the camp, parents are able to also enjoy time on their own, while knowing that their children are in good hands and having fun. “It was so amazing to be part of this experience and witness the kids enjoying themselves in a fun environment,” said Cation. “The girl that I worked with was paralyzed, and to see her participate in the various activities was just amazing.” “Every day the families and camp counselors ate every meal together as family style,” said Kimbough. “And after each meal, we would all get up and sing and dance.” Some families have made this an annual event, and in a few cases, the families in attendance have more than one child with special needs. Camp Boggy Creek focuses on fun activities for the kids, including talent shows, swimming, campfires and more. The focus for the camp is a fun experience, without a focus on workshops or classes. Florida SouthWestern State College is Southwest Florida’s largest and one of the most affordable institutions of higher education. Annually serving more than 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 will debut its intercollegiate athletics program in the fall 2015. Last Updated: April 17, 2015 Back to News Archives

Results

Turner Joins as Alumni Relations Coordinator

https://www.fsw.edu/news/detail/1799

Archive

https://www.fsw.edu/news/archive/2015/90

Florida SouthWestern Launches New Athletics Website

https://www.fsw.edu/news/detail/1750

FSW Cardiovascular Technology Faculty Present at New Orleans' Conference

https://www.fsw.edu/news/detail/1814

SWFL Children’s Charities Presents $100,000 to FSW’s School of Health Professions

https://www.fsw.edu/news/detail/1804