Valencia was one of five cutting-edge colleges and universities featured in an August special on “PBS NewsHour,” as a team of PBS reporters examined how some schools are trying to close the “graduation gap” between well-to-do students and students from low-income families. Valencia and the University of Central Florida were highlighted for their unique transfer agreement—DirectConnect to UCF. Although the number of Americans who enroll in college has grown dramatically over the past 40 years, the percentage of students who actually earn a college credential by the age of 24 has not. The only significant increase has been for families with the highest household incomes. Every night for a week, the “PBS NewsHour” examined efforts on campuses across the country—from the University of Texas at Austin to Valencia College in Orlando—focused not just on getting more low-income, first-generation students into college, but through college to a useful credential. Valencia College’s 2015 Graduates Have the Last Word. In September, Washington Monthly magazine named Valencia College’s president, Dr. Sandy Shugart, one of the nation’s most innovative college presidents. Shugart was recognized for overhauling the college’s approach to incoming freshman, focusing on “front door” courses in order to improve success rates. Others on the list include Dr. John Hitt, president of the University of Central Florida, who was cited, along with Shugart, for coming up with the groundbreaking DirectConnect to UCF transfer program. In September, Valencia’s student chapter of the Florida Engineering Society received two prestigious awards. For the third consecutive year, the chapter won Most Active Student Chapter among two-year engineering programs. In addition, professor Charles Davis, who serves as an advisor to the Valencia FES chapter, was named the Engineering Faculty Member of the Year. This is the second consecutive year that Davis has received the honor. In giving Davis the award, the FES Board recognized his work advising the Valencia College chapter, as well as his continued efforts to educate future engineers in the areas of applied engineering as it relates to math, technical design, quality assurance, ethics, communications and management. Davis was also credited for his volunteer work with professional and industry organizations. He is currently serving as chair of the Florida Professional Engineers in Industry (FPEI). Valencia is seeking state approval to offer a Bachelor of Science degree program in sign-language interpretation. The college currently offers an associate degree in sign language. However, new regulations are requiring students to have bachelor’s degrees before they become Certified Deaf Interpreters. There’s strong job demand for sign-language interpreters in the Orlando area. Florida has the nation’s third-largest population of people with hearing difficulties at 210,779—roughly 1.8 percent of Florida’s population, according to the 2014 Annual Disability Statistics Compendium. If Valencia receives approval from state officials and the regional accrediting agency, it may begin offering the program in January 2017.Valencia Featured on “PBS NewsHour” for Efforts to Help Low-Income Students Finish College
Alexandrea Castro, who graduated in spring 2015, is featured in the “PBS NewsHour” special.
Students from the Valencia College class of 2015 talk about their favorite professors, best memories, what they would change and what they learned about themselves.Shugart Named One of America’s 10 Most Innovative College Presidents
Engineering Society Wins Statewide Awards… Again
Professor Charles Davis and Valencia College Chapter Officers
The Florida Engineering Society honors Charles Davis as the Engineering Faculty Member of the Year.
Valencia to Add Bachelor’s Degree in Sign Language
Students practicing sign language on East Campus.
