College Overview Information for Faculty & Administration at the Florida Keys Community College in Key West, FL
College Overview
Since its establishment in 1965, Florida Keys Community College has proudly served the diverse and changing higher education, workforce, and enrichment needs of Monroe County and beyond. A member of the “Great 28” in the Florida College System, FKCC is the southernmost community college in the continental United States serving a 130-mile chain of islands. The college is governed by a five-member Board of Trustees, appointed by the Governor.
In addition to its beautiful oceanfront main campus in Key West, FKCC has two satellite locations, co-located with local high schools: the Middle Keys Center in Marathon and the Upper Keys Center in Tavernier. The college also serves a growing number of students via its Virtual Campus with online and technology-enhanced courses.
FKCC offers a robust selection of associate degrees and certificates that prepare students to transfer to a university or to enter or advance within the workforce. The majority of FKCC students pursue the Associate in Arts as the first step in Florida’s “2+2” articulation program with four-year public institutions. The college’s other premiere programs include Marine Environmental 
Technology, Diving, Marine Engineering, Nursing, and Public Safety.
With a 14 to one faculty to student ratio, FKCC students enjoy the benefits of individual attention and personalized instruction from highly-qualified, experienced, and dedicated faculty. The fact that FKCC students who transfer to Florida public universities have historically performed just as well or better than the native students is a testament to the quality education and skills they developed at FKCC.
In Fall 2011, FKCC opened a 100-bed waterfront residence hall, Lagoon Landing (pictured lower right), adjacent to the dive training lagoon on the Key West Campus. The addition, which garnered a “Venture Award” from the Key West Chamber of Commerce, has drawn students from all over the country, particularly those interested in studying marine-oriented fields. Lagoon Landing enables students to immerse themselves in a unique collegiate experience—bringing a new level of energy and activity to the student body.
As the community’s college, FKCC also offers programs and services that support the cultural enrichment, recreational, and workforce training needs in the Keys. Community members take advantage of an array of non-credit courses for personal or professional growth through the Office of Continuing Education and Workforce Development. The FKCC Library serves as a valuable resource for community patrons as well as students, faculty, and staff, and regularly presents art exhibits and literary seminars. The college’s Tennessee Williams Theatre is also a cultural hub—hosting a variety of performances throughout the year.
FKCC’s official fundraising arm is the FKCC Foundation, a 501(c)3 direct-support organization that was established in 1966. FKCC Foundation assists in the achievement of the college's mission by soliciting, administering, and optimizing through matching programs the private gifts, bequests, and donations to support FKCC's students and to enhance teaching and learning at the college. The FKCC Foundation currently has $3.9 million in assets. Last year, the Foundation provided approximately $130,000 in scholarship support and $170,000 in program support to the college.
In the near future, the college hopes to successfully
identify and secure a new location for its Upper Keys Center—one which will enable the expansion of program offerings and services for the northern constituents. The college community is also looking forward to the development of the college’s first bachelor’s degree—a process that will begin in 2012. With a four-year degree will also come a subsequent accreditation level and name change, as well as opportunities for new growth and further development.
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