Kevin Yurasek, Executive Director of Strategic Communications, reflects on the college’s historical backdrop and its profound influence on the institution’s evolution and regional impact. “Last year, we celebrated our 60th anniversary, and while it has transitioned in name to State College with the addition of bachelor’s degrees, our community college spirit remains pivotal to our identity. It’s about being a crucial part of the community—not just through educational offerings but also by linking closely with local workforce needs,”Yurasek explains. Highlighting the strategic expansion of the LakeSumter State College, Yurasek elaborates on the geographical and demographic shifts that have guided the college’s growth. “The initial campus in Leesburg, Florida, expanded in the late ‘90s to include a site in Sumter County, adapting to its agricultural environment and proximity to The Villages, a large retirement community. Noting the younger demographic in Lake County, the college opened a fourth campus in the rapidly growing Four Corners area to serve an expanding population, including a significant Hispanic community and newcomers from Puerto Rico,” he says. This expansion addresses the educational needs in a region anticipating the addition of 20,000 households over the next three years. GROWTH AND CHALLENGES As Lake-Sumter State College continues to expand, it faces significant challenges that shape its strategic direction. Rapid population growth within its service areas demands agility and innovation from the institution, affecting everything from program development to campus expansions. Dr. Heather Bigard, the institution’s president, discusses the strategic shifts undertaken during her tenure to navigate these challenges effectively. “When I assumed the presidency two years ago, one of our significant hurdles was envisioning our growth strategically to add new programs and locations effectively,” Dr. Bigard states. She explains that this required reevaluating and revising the college’s vision and mission statements to align more closely with proactive community engagement and workforce development. “We have transitioned from being a responsive institution to one that actively shapes its educational offerings in dialogue with local business, industry, and educational partners. This is not just about expanding our footprint; it’s about reinforcing our role as a pivotal educational partner in workforce development for Lake and Sumter counties,” Dr. Bigard asserts.This transformation reflects a broader shift in mindset at the leadership level, emphasizing strategic engagement over passive participation in the region’s educational and economic development. 107 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 11, ISSUE 06 LAKE-SUMTER STATE COLLEGE
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