News

Dr. Jeremy Martin is coming to the conclusion of his first academic year of presidency at FSC.  When Dr. Martin first became president at FSC, he made no immediate goals of change. Rather, Martin proactively made it his first step to know and understand the FSC community more deeply and profoundly. With a two major hurricanes hitting Central Florida within just a few weeks of his start, Martin faced a challenge.

Many students dream of traveling the world. Senior Erika Ljutich turned this dream into a reality. While balancing a full course load, Ljutich has managed to visit over ten countries and several U.S. territories — some by herself — proving that travel is for everyone. Ljutich’s love for travel started long before she arrived at FSC. Her first international trip, when she was only in high school, sparked a lifelong passion.

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.