Florida Keys Community College - Headlines, Updates

COLLEGE FLOODED WITH NEW INSTRUCTOR APPLICATIONS
*New Leader Sparks Hope In Community, Drawing Interest of Talented Potential Faculty* Key West , FL- Florida Keys Community College received an unprecedented number of applications, a great majority from Keys residents and new-comers, all responding to a classified advertisement placed by the college seeking full and part-time faculty. Of the 46 new applications received, the majority is from Key West and includes scholars and practitioners with backgrounds in biology, math, culinary arts, photography, journalism and computer programming. Among them is a Theater Arts Director from Rome , a retired advertising executive and a world-renown marine biologist affiliated with the prestigious James-Cooke University . “This is very good news for us,” said FKCC Provost Chuck Shaffer. “Half the battle in recruiting instructors is always relocation and the cost of living. With all these local applicants, we are drawing from talent that is already here.” The college currently has 24 full-time faculty members and over 90 part-time instructors. With the expansion of degree and course offerings, as well as the addition of new programs, comes the need for qualified instructors. New programs already launched this year, or under development for unveiling in August, include an Educator Preparatory Institute, a new Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program, a Performing and Visual Arts degree, increased Dual Enrollment classes, new Culinary & Hospitality training classes and HVAC certification. The College has also partnered with various agencies to launch programs in tropical landscaping, turbine hydro-power production, reef and diving research, presidential scholars studies and fire science. “In the short time that I've been in the Keys, I've met a great number of people with incredible backgrounds and accomplishments, who want to impart their expertise and knowledge,” said President Dr. Jill Landesberg-Boyle. “There is a wonderful talent pool right here in our community, and it has been my goal to tap that pool and infuse them into our high quality faculty here at FKCC.” This year, Florida 's community colleges endured a 4% funding cut, and deeper cuts are expected next year as state revenue shortfalls continue. The state is, however, supporting community colleges that are growing, and luckily for FKCC-after 10 years of a steady decline in credit enrollment- the college is reporting a 10% increase, one of the highest growth rates for state community colleges. "Though it's been a challenging year with financial restraints and transitions, there is much to be hopeful about at FKCC, and I believe the community shares our hope and excitement for new things to come," said College spokeswoman Lydia Estenoz.

COLLEGE FLOODED WITH NEW INSTRUCTOR APPLICATIONS

New Leader Sparks Hope In Community, Drawing Interest of Talented Potential Faculty

Key West , FL- Florida Keys Community College received an unprecedented number of applications, a great majority from Keys residents and new-comers, all responding to a classified advertisement placed by the college seeking full and part-time faculty.

Of the 46 new applications received, the majority is from Key West and includes scholars and practitioners with backgrounds in biology, math, culinary arts, photography, journalism and computer programming. Among them is a Theater Arts Director from Rome , a retired advertising executive and a world-renown marine biologist affiliated with the prestigious James-Cooke University .

“This is very good news for us,” said FKCC Provost Chuck Shaffer. “Half the battle in recruiting instructors is always relocation and the cost of living. With all these local applicants, we are drawing from talent that is already here.”

The college currently has 24 full-time faculty members and over 90 part-time instructors. With the expansion of degree and course offerings, as well as the addition of new programs, comes the need for qualified instructors. New programs already launched this year, or under development for unveiling in August, include an Educator Preparatory Institute, a new Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program, a Performing and Visual Arts degree, increased Dual Enrollment classes, new Culinary & Hospitality training classes and HVAC certification.

The College has also partnered with various agencies to launch programs in tropical landscaping, turbine hydro-power production, reef and diving research, presidential scholars studies and fire science.

“In the short time that I've been in the Keys, I've met a great number of people with incredible backgrounds and accomplishments, who want to impart their expertise and knowledge,” said President Dr. Jill Landesberg-Boyle. “There is a wonderful talent pool right here in our community, and it has been my goal to tap that pool and infuse them into our high quality faculty here at FKCC.”

This year, Florida 's community colleges endured a 4% funding cut, and deeper cuts are expected next year as state revenue shortfalls continue. The state is, however, supporting community colleges that are growing, and luckily for FKCC-after 10 years of a steady decline in credit enrollment- the college is reporting a 10% increase, one of the highest growth rates for state community colleges. "Though it's been a challenging year with financial restraints and transitions, there is much to be hopeful about at FKCC, and I believe the community shares our hope and excitement for new things to come," said College spokeswoman Lydia Estenoz.