News

In 2022, Florida passed legislation establishing the Sixth District Court of Appeal, with proceedings set to take place in the Hollis Room at FSC and other local campuses until a permanent courthouse is constructed. In exchange for using the space, the court provided students with an opportunity to see court proceedings live and in person without leaving campus on March 13.

FSC has implemented a new General Education curriculum called the WRIGHT Foundations. Named after architect Frank Lloyd Wright, the program focuses on the cornerstone philosophies of academic integrity, dignity and respect which the college is founded on.

Frank Lloyd Wright Day is bringing students together April 10 for a celebration of mental health and community. The Student Government Association (SGA) is fostering campus unity for a day of relaxation, fun and mental health advocacy with this day. The day honors the legacy of the renowned architect whose designs grace the FSC campus, while also promoting student well-being. 

Food Service Director Tim Raible begins his retirement on April 5 after 18 years at Florida Southern College. Raible began his career at FSC as the catering director under Guest Services, Inc., a non-profit hospitality management company. He worked in this role for years until he retained the Food Service Director position after temporarily filling it when his boss left.

Moving into 2025, Morning Grind has debuted a brand new mobile cart, donated by the Baldwin Group in Lakeland. Along with a new drip coffee machine and the implementation of boba soon to come to the menu, there are many plans on the horizon for the company.

The future of The U.S. Department of Education is facing significant uncertainty as the White House pushes forward with a strategy to restructure the agency. On Feb. 4, the White House outlined a two-pronged approach to downsizing the department. The initial phase targets programs that were not explicitly created by Congress, making them easier to eliminate. However, the department’s major functions— such as Title I funding for low-income schools, IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) and the federal student loan system —are protected by congressional statute, meaning any major structural changes would require legislative approval.

Dr. Shameka Shelby, a dedicated member of the Chemistry Department, is stepping into a new leadership role in the fall. Starting in September, Shelby will serve as Florida Southern’s Deputy Chief of Staff and Associate Vice President for Inclusive Excellence. Shelby has been a faculty member at FSC for over a decade. She serves as the Department Chair of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Physics. She has also taken an active role in the creation and facilitation of the Race, Culture and Ethnic Studies minor. Through her passion and mentorship, she’s made an impact on many. Fortunately for students, Shelby will still teach one class a semester.

Every morning, Saed Alaraj commutes from his house in Tampa to Rogue Coffee in Lakeland. Opening the door to a cozy setting with couches, a menu full of specialty drinks right over the bar, Alaraj makes his way to the back corner of the shop that is full of stacked coffee beans right from Brazil. From farm to cup, Rogue Coffee sells premium coffee beans as a wholesaler to coffee shops in Lakeland such as Foxtail and Latitude, and Alaraj explains that the coffee community is all about giving everyone the best coffee beans.

The Muslim Student Association (MSA) at FSC was born out of a need for community and representation. Co-leaders Nida Anwar (president) and Ghita Diani (vice-president) have worked to establish a welcoming environment for Muslim students while educating the broader campus community about Islam.  When both Anwar and Diani first arrived at FSC, they found it challenging to connect with other Muslim students. Recognizing the gap, the MSA’s mission became clear: to create a safe, inclusive space for Muslims to practice their faith and build community.

Florida Southern is entering an exciting new chapter based on growth and transformation, with the most notable being the expansion of the Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Arts (ABG). Formerly the Polk Art Museum, the building has recently received a new name, benefactor and makeover. Set to open its doors to the public on Jan. 18, the 14,000 square foot expansion comes after nearly 30 years of planning and fundraising.  “This is a really exciting moment for our entire community, academic and beyond,” said Dr. Alexander Rich, the executive director and chief curator of the AGB. “We are developing an innovative, intentional, academic and community space that I can’t wait for our whole community [to see].”