hospitals and state funding initiatives. Turning to education, Dr. Bigard speaks about the upcoming Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education. “This program is a direct response to local demand. Our superintendents expressed a need for more teachers due to rapid community growth. Their support helped us craft a curriculum poised to address this critical shortage,” she explains. This program stands out as a prime example of how the college responds to and serves the specific needs of its community. Another program that Dr. Bigard highlights is the Lineworker program, which addresses a critical state-wide need. “Given Florida’s vulnerability to hurricanes and severe storms, there’s a high demand for skilled line workers. Our utility partners approached us with this need, and we’ve been able to expand this program significantly. It’s gratifying to see our graduates serve across Florida and assist in other states like Georgia and North Carolina during crises,” she notes. about providing service but also about immersing our faculty, staff, and students in the community, learning its needs firsthand and contributing in tangible ways,” she adds. SUCCESS STORIES FROM LAKESUMTER STATE COLLEGE Lake-Sumter State College thrives through its educational programs and community services and shines brightly through the success stories of its alums, faculty, and various academic programs. Dr. Bigard expresses pride in the college’s achievements, particularly its nursing program. “Our Associate of Science in Nursing has been our cornerstone, acting as our flagship workforce program. Before the pandemic, we had less than 100 students, but we’ve now quadrupled our capacity, expecting over 400 students enrolled by next fall,” she shares. This expansion, she notes, isn’t just a numerical increase but a strategic enhancement made possible through partnerships with local 112 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 11, ISSUE 06
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