Indian River State College News

23 institutions selected to participate in AAC&U Institute on ePortfolios

23 Institutions Selected to Participate in AAC&U Institute on ePortfolios

 

 

The American Association of Colleges and Universities (AAC&U) announced today the 23 institutions selected to participate in the third annual Institute on ePortfolios. The Institute provides a yearlong engagement opportunity for campus teams seeking to actualize an ambitious strategy to broaden student and faculty/staff engagement with ePortfolios. The ePortfolio Institute engages campuses directly throughout the 2023 calendar year as participants’ ePortfolio implementation plans are put into practice.

In collaboration with the Association for Authentic, Experiential, and Evidence-Based Learning (AAEEBL) and the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA), AAC&U will launch the 2023 Institute on ePortfolios on January 13. Participants will also take part in the Annual Forum on Open Learning and ePortfolios, a virtual event held on January 23 in conjunction with the AAC&U Annual Meeting. Each team from the participating institutions will design its own implementation plan for bridging curricular and/or cocurricular learning with ePortfolios. Institute faculty will serve as partners for campus plan development and implementation.

“ePortfolios may be the best strategy higher education has available to it to foster integrative learning that connects courses and high-impact educational experiences,” said C. Edward Watson, AAC&U Associate Vice President for Curricular and Pedagogical Innovation. “This Institute’s yearlong model will enable campuses to receive mentorship and consulting as they engage in the complex work of instantiating ePortfolios across courses, and in some cases, across programs and curricula.”

The 23 institutions participating in the 2023 Institute on ePortfolios are:

  • Augustana University
  • Bethune-Cookman University
  • Colorado Mountain College
  • D'Youville University
  • Duke Kunshan University
  • Grand Valley State University
  • Holy Family University
  • Indian River State College
  • Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis
  • Johns Hopkins University
  • Kansas State University Salina Aerospace and Technology Campus
  • Mississippi University for Women
  • New England College
  • Ohio Dominican University
  • Open Society University Network—Bard College, American University of Central Asia (Kyrgyzstan), BRAC University (Bangladesh)

AAEEBL provides a community of practice and resources to help meet the needs of the global ePortfolio community and promotes portfolio learning as a major way to transform higher education.

NASPA is the leading association for the advancement, health, and sustainability of the student affairs profession. Its work provides high-quality professional development, advocacy, and research for 15,000 members in all 50 states and 25 countries.

  • Pasadena City College
  • Pima Community College
  • University of Arkansas
  • University of Rochester School of Nursing
  • University of Saint Mary
  • University of South Alabama
  • Virginia State University

 

Treasure Coast Business is a news service and magazine published in print, via e-newsletter and online at tcbusiness.com by Indian River Media Group. For more information or to report news email [email protected]

Dec. 2, 2022|

IRSC Promise Program 2023 questions and answers

IRSC Promise Program 2023 questions and answers

On Nov. 16, 2022, Indian River State College (IRSC) revealed the IRSC Promise Program 2023—its most significant investment in eliminating barriers to higher education. Promise 2023 offers tuition-free Associate degrees for qualifying 2023 graduates from public and public charter high schools in Indian River, Martin, Okeechobee and St. Lucie counties, as well as eligible, in-district home school graduates.

Follows are answers to commonly asked questions:

What is the IRSC Promise Program?

The IRSC Promise Program provides tuition-free Associate degrees for students graduating in 2023 from public and public charter high schools in Indian River, Martin, Okeechobee and St. Lucie counties and eligible 2023 in-district homeschool graduates.

How does one get into the Program?

To take advantage of the program, eligible high school seniors must commit to IRSC by taking the Promise Pledge, available at promise.irsc.edu. The pledge deadline is March 10, 2023.

Is there a catch?

There is no catch. Any public or public charter high school graduate in the IRSC service district or eligible in-district homeschool graduate for 2023 who qualifies for Florida in-state residency and wishes to enroll as a full-time student in an IRSC Associate Degree program can participate.

What’s an eligible homeschool graduate? 

In-district 2023 homeschool students need to provide an IRSC Homeschool Affidavit Form + School District Letter acknowledging the establishment or termination of their home education program.  Students homeschooled through a private school are considered private school students, not homeschoolers and are not eligible for the IRSC Promise Program.

Do students have to demonstrate financial need or be first-generation students to qualify? 

No, the Promise is not based on need, however, Promise students must complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each academic year.

Is a minimum high school GPA required?

The Promise program requires that you graduate in 2023 from a public or public charter high school in Indian River, Martin, Okeechobee or St. Lucie county or be an eligible in-district homeschool graduate. Students must meet the minimum 2.0 GPA required for high school graduation. Once at IRSC, students must maintain a 2.0 GPA to receive Promise funding.

Does the Promise apply to career-training (non-degree) certificates?
You must be enrolled full-time in an Associate Degree program to be part of the IRSC Promise Program. Several IRSC programs allow you to earn industry certifications as you progress toward your degree. These include A.S. and A.A.S. programs in trades such as Air Conditioning, Refrigeration and Heating Systems Technology; Automotive Service Management Technology; Building Construction Technology; Criminal Justice Technology; and Fire Science Technology. View IRSC Associate in Science/Associate in Applied Science Degree programs at https://irsc.edu/programs/associate-in-science-degree-programs.html.  

Is the Promise available to private school students?

Not yet.  We will continue to evaluate the program to inform future expansion plans. We encourage private school graduates to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and apply for IRSC Foundation scholarships for assistance with funding.

Are Dual Enrollment students eligible for the Promise?

Yes. Any student that is a 2023 graduate from an in-district public or public charter high school or an eligible 2023 in-district homeschool graduate, regardless of incoming credit, can pledge to the IRSC Promise program.

 Is the Promise available to G.E.D.® students?

G.E.D.® students are not yet eligible for the IRSC Promise program. We will continue to evaluate the program for next year to make expansion plans. We encourage G.E.D.® students to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and apply for IRSC Foundation scholarships for assistance with funding.

Are graduates of Florida Virtual School eligible for the Promise?

No. Only graduates of public and public charter high schools in Martin, Indian River, Okeechobee, and St Lucie counties or eligible in-district homeschool graduates are eligible. We encourage Florida Virtual School graduates to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and apply for IRSC Foundation scholarships for assistance with funding.

Are DACA students eligible for the Promise?

Yes. If the State of Florida considers you a student, IRSC considers you a student. DACA students who qualify for Florida in-state residency can pledge to the Promise. We will work with each student individually to confirm eligibility.

What if a 2023 high school graduate completed an A.A. concurrent with high school graduation and wants to pursue an A.S. at IRSC?

That student would qualify for the Promise program to complete an A.S. Degree.

If I already have Florida Pre-paid, can I still be eligible for the Promise?

The IRSC Promise Program allows families with 529 plans, like Florida Prepaid, to stretch their investments even further. Those seeking to pursue a Bachelor’s Degree after completing an IRSC Associate Degree tuition-free can apply pre-paid balances toward that next educational milestone. Unused Florida Pre-Paid monies may also be returned to you; see  www.myfloridaprepaid.com for details.

Am I still eligible for the Promise if I already have Bright Futures or scholarships?

The Promise will apply to any tuition balance after funds from Bright Futures or scholarships are applied.

If I get financial aid, does the IRSC Promise still apply to me?
The Promise Program is last-dollar funding, meaning it will cover any tuition cost after financial aid and scholarships have been applied.

Will the Promise Program cover my tuition if I don’t qualify for Financial Aid or scholarships?
Yes, the Promise Program will cover the cost of tuition students who don’t qualify for Financial Aid or scholarships.

How is the IRSC Promise Program funded?

The IRSC Promise is a tuition-paid program sponsored by the IRSC Foundation and funded through generous donor philanthropy and unrestricted investment proceeds. The IRSC Promise Program has no cash value. The College looks forward to partnering with other private organizations to expand the program and meet the needs of even more students.

Are there any other costs apart from tuition for the Promise Program? 
The Promise Program covers tuition only. There are additional costs students should budget for, including books, supplies, transportation, rent, and food.  Examples of fees you could be responsible for include distance learning fees, lab fees, and other special fees.  For more information on Indian River State College fees, visit the college catalog.

What if I am not eligible for the Promise Program?

Students not eligible for the Promise Program should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and apply for IRSC Foundation scholarships for assistance with funding.

How do I learn more about the IRSC Promise Program?

Students and parents can talk with their high guidance counselors or visit promise.irsc.edu to view a schedule of upcoming Promise Program Information Sessions, learn more about the program, and take the Promise Pledge.

Nov. 25, 2022|

Sebastian River High School hosts IRSC Program rally

Sebastian River High School hosts IRSC Promise Program rally

 

 

On Wednesday, Nov. 16, Dr. Timothy Moore, President of Indian River State College, will announce the continuation and expansion of the IRSC Promise Program and provide a community update on the impact of Promise 2022, at an assembly and press conference hosted by the School District of Indian River County Superintendent  Dr. David Moore, at Sebastian River High School. 

WHAT: 

Indian River State College President, Dr. Timothy Moore, addresses a special assembly of Sebastian River High School seniors to introduce year two of the IRSC Promise program—a free tuition program sponsored by the IRSC Foundation. 

A community report on the impact of the inaugural year of the Promise Program and a question and answer period for members of the press will follow the assembly/Promise Rally. Leadership from the School District of Indian River County, Indian River State College, and the IRSC Foundation will be on hand to answer questions. 

WHEN: 

7:30 a.m.: Promise Rally kicks off as students assemble in the Auditorium 

7:35 a.m.: Promise program announcement 

8:30 a.m.: Community update/Media Q&A with college, school district, and IRSC Foundation leadership 

WHERE: 

Performing Arts Center, Sebastian River High School, 9001 Shark Blvd., Sebastian, FL 32958. Parking for media is available behind the Performing Arts Center. All others may utilize the guest parking lot. 

Media interested in covering the event should contact Suzanne Seldes, Indian River State College, at [email protected] or  772-462-7265. 

 

 

Treasure Coast Business is a news service and magazine published in print, via e-newsletter and online at tcbusiness.com by Indian River Media Group. For more information or to report news email [email protected]

Nov. 14, 2022|

IRSC Fielden Institute for Lifelong Learning distinguished lecture series

IRSC Fielden Institute for Lifelong Learning Announces 2022-23 distinguished lecture series

 

 

One of the most well-known offerings through the Fielden Institute for Lifelong Learning at Indian River State College (IRSC) is the popular Distinguished Lecture Series. This series focuses on subjects in science, the arts, environmental concerns, global issues, and education. Lectures will be offered once per month, starting December 8 at the IRSC Massey Campus in Fort Pierce at 10 a.m.

The following lectures comprise the 2022-’23 season:

December 8, 2022:  Matthew Greenhouse
“The James Webb Space Telescope Mission”
Location: IRSC Massey Campus, Fort Pierce.

Matthew Greenhouse has served on the James Webb Space Telescope senior staff as Project Scientist for the Webb science instrument payload since 1997. He specializes in infrared imaging spectroscopy, development of related instrumentation and technologies, flight project science, and technical management.

Greenhouse has served on several NASA and European Space Agency (ESA) flight mission teams. He supported ESA's Infrared Space Observatory mission as a member of the Long Wavelength Spectrometer instrument team. The James Webb Space Telescope is the successor to the Hubble Space Telescope. It is the largest space telescope ever constructed and will extend humanity's high-definition view of the universe into the infrared spectrum.

 

January 12, 2023:  Janet Roessler
“Reconnecting to Your Passion and Purpose—Practical Tools to Craft Your Vibrant Life”
Location: IRSC Mueller Campus, Vero Beach

Janet Roessler’s purpose is to connect, inspire, teach and learn by utilizing her curiosity, creativity, wonder, and compassion. These journeys of exploration, whether through speaking, art-making events, or experiential exercises are geared towards getting each of us to connect with our gifts, our passion, and purpose, and getting out of our own way so that we are empowered to take action and contribute our part to make this world better.

Janet is and has been a successful serial entrepreneur in several fields all with the common thread of service, she has been a celebrated bodyworker, intuitive counselor, interior designer, craft artist, painter, poet, sculptor, boutique PR services owner, gallery manager, ritual-maker, minister, Toastmaster, and certified success principles trainer. Always open to the pull of the deeper flows within herself and others, she is always seeking the nudges and tugs of “spirit” and intuition.

 

February 9, 2023:  William Craig Fugate
“Trying to Reason with Hurricane Season”
Location: IRSC Massey Campus, Fort Pierce.

Craig Fugate served as President Barack Obama’s FEMA Administrator from May 2009 to January 2017. Previously, he served as Florida Governor Jeb Bush’s Emergency Management Director from 2001-07 and Governor Charlie Crist from 2007-09. Fugate led FEMA through multiple record-breaking disaster years and oversaw the Federal Government’s response to major events such as the Joplin and Moore tornadoes, Hurricane Sandy, Hurricane Matthew, and the 2016 Louisiana flooding.

Fugate set a clear and compelling vision, mission, and priorities for FEMA and relentlessly drove the Agency to achieve better outcomes for survivors. Before his tenure at FEMA, Fugate was widely praised for his management, under Governor Jeb Bush, of the devastating effects of the 2004 and 2005 Florida hurricane seasons (Charley, Frances, Ivan, Jeanne, Dennis, Katrina, and Wilma). Craig currently provides senior-level advice and consultation in disaster management and resiliency policy through Craig Fugate Consulting LLC and is a Strategic Consultant for IRSC in the area of emergency management.

 

March 2, 2023:  Sandra Pearce
“Ethiopia–The Tribes and Traditions”
Location: IRSC Mueller Campus, Vero Beach

Sandra Pearce (McAuley) lives in Okeechobee, Florida, with her husband David McAuley. Sandra has been a professional photographer for over 30 years. She has given up most of her photography work to teach Digital Art. Sandra has earned the Master of Photography, Master of Electronic Imaging, and Craftsman in her national association Professional Photographers of America.

She has traveled to Africa for the past five years and has documented her experiences with photographs. She has been to Ethiopia to visit the remote tribes in the past couple of years where only a few people have traveled. She is working on a travel book about the tribe she has come in contact with. Sandra enjoys the friendships of the many people she has met thru Photography and teaching people to paint in Photoshop.

 

April 20, 2023: Kimberlie Massnick, Ph.D.
“Cold Cases, College Students and Community Service”

Location: IRSC Massey Campus, Fort Pierce

As an Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice at Indian River State College, Dr. Kimberlie Massnick believes that learning needs to get out of the classroom and into real-life situations. Her teaching styles include staged crime scenes instead of traditional exams, assisting in law enforcement searches, and participating in community opportunities involving the homeless, addicted, and juveniles in need. To be a great educator, she believes one must never stop learning. 

Dr. Massnick’s fascination with criminal justice started during a college psychology lecture on serial killers. That single lesson turned into an extensive career as a criminologist who specializes in sexual offenders and serial killers. She is also a subject matter expert on victimology and forensic psychology. Massnick has her own podcast which is victim centered.

The Distinguished Lecture Series is presented by the Fielden Institute for Lifelong Learning. Doors open 30 minutes before the lecture. Lectures last approximately one hour and are followed by a moderated 30-minute question-and-answer session. Registration for the five-part series is $150 per person for new and returning members; $100 per person for lifetime members and peer leaders. If available, individual lecture seats are offered at $35 one week before each of the lectures.

The Distinguished Lecture Series is presented by Indian River State College Foundation and School of Continuing Education. To subscribe to the Distinguished Lecture Series, contact the Fielden Institute for Lifelong Learning at 772-462-7880 or visit www.irsc.edu/community. For more information on Lifelong Learning program offerings, visit www.irsc.edu/community/school-of-continuing-education/lifelong-learning.html.

 

 

Sandra Pearce

Kimberlie Massnick, Ph.D.

Matthew Greenhouse

 Janet Roessler

William Craig Fugate

Treasure Coast Business is a news service and magazine published in print, via e-newsletter and online at tcbusiness.com by Indian River Media Group. For more information or to report news email [email protected]
Nov. 14, 2022|

Former fortune 500 executive returns to Fort Pierce to inspire students and community

Former fortune 500 executive returns to Fort Pierce to inspire students and community

IRSC to host ‘Soaring: Turning Challenges into Success’ with Lee Rhyant on Sept. 22

 

The public is invited to join Lee E. Rhyant, former executive vice president and general manager for Lockheed-Martin Marietta and Fort Pierce native son, on Thursday, Sept. 22, 2022, at 5:30 p.m. for a community conversation in support of his new book, Soaring Eleven Guiding Principles on the Path from Segregation to Success, co-authored with Dr. Catherine Lewis.

The program will take place at the Kight Center for Emerging Technologies, Room V-110, on the Indian River State College Massey Campus, 3209 Virginia Ave. in Fort Pierce. The talk will be followed by a meet and greet and book signing with the authors. The event is free and open to the public.

A powerful underdog story, Soaring delivers practical leadership advice, business lessons, and tips for career and personal success mined from Rhyant’s 40 years as a corporate leader. Born into poverty in the postwar South, Rhyant was the fourth of eight children raised by a family of sharecroppers struggling to survive the last decades of segregation.

As a child, Lee’s family moved to Fort Pierce, and with help from his family, teachers, clergy, and local community, reached the executive ranks at General Motors, Rolls-Royce Aeronautics, and Lockheed-Martin. During “Soaring: Turning Challenges into Success,” Rhyant and co-author Dr. Catherine Lewis will share his guiding principles and tips for success to demonstrate the transformative power of perseverance.

“I’m cannot think of a better place to launch the publication of this book than in my hometown,” shares Lee Rhyant. “Fort Pierce shaped me into the person I am today, and my family and I owe so much to this community. Indian River State College helped change the trajectory of my life, and I hope that by sharing my story, I can inspire and motivate a new generation to strive for success.”

The event at IRSC marks the launch of the book Soaring Eleven Guiding Principles on the Path from Segregation to Success (UGA Press, 2022).

 

More about Lee Rhyant

From 2000 to 2011, Rhyant served as Executive Vice President and General Manager for Lockheed-Martin Marietta. Since leaving the aerospace industry, Lee has been highly sought after as an executive coach and confidant to Fortune 500 executives across the industrial spectrum. He is the President and CEO of LER Solutions, an executive coaching firm in Atlanta, and a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity.

About Dr. Catherine Lewis

Dr. Catherine Lewis is assistant vice president for Museums, Archives & Rare Books and professor of history at Kennesaw State University. She has curated more than 40 exhibitions around the nation and is the author, co-author, or co-editor of fifteen books.

 

Media interested in covering the event or seeking an advance interview with Lee Rhyant should contact Suzanne Seldes at [email protected] or 772-462-7265.

 

Treasure Coast Business is a news service and magazine published in print, via e-newsletter and online at tcbusiness.com by Indian River Media Group. For more information or to report news email [email protected]

 

Aug. 29, 2022|

Dr. Terri A. Graham to succeed Casey Lunceford as IRSC Mueller Campus president

Dr. Terri A. Graham to succeed Casey Lunceford as IRSC Mueller Campus president

 

Indian River State College (IRSC) introduced Terri A. Graham, Ed.D., as the next Campus President for the IRSC Mueller Campus in Vero Beach, Florida. Dr. Graham assumes her duties on August 1, 2022. Her service will overlap with the retiring Casey Lunceford. Lunceford has served IRSC with distinction since 1997, holding positions that include Associate Professor and Director of Instrumental Music, Academic Director of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Dean of Arts and Sciences and, since 2014, Mueller Campus President. Lunceford retires at the end of August.

“For some 25 years now, Casey Lunceford has dedicated himself to IRSC, most recently as Mueller Campus President, where he has built strong relationships within Indian River County communities and established a campus culture focused on maximizing student success,” asserts Dr. Timothy Moore, IRSC President. “We wish Casey well in his retirement endeavors and welcome Dr. Terri Graham as our next Campus President. As we embark on IRSC’s next chapter of service in Indian River County, we will draw extensively on Dr. Graham’s track record of exemplary leadership, employee development, teamwork and open communication.”

Graham comes to IRSC from Valencia College in Orlando, where since 2016, she has served as Executive Dean, leading the academic, fiscal, and operational areas of the regional/satellite Winter Park campus in close partnership with the Campus President. In 2020, Graham was named Interim Campus President for the College’s West and Downtown Campus, adding roles as chief academic and operating officer for two sites that collectively enroll over 35,000 students annually.

At IRSC, Graham will oversee operations and management of College staff, programs, curriculum, activities and resources in Indian River County, including those at Mueller Campus and IRSC educational sites in Sebastian and Fellsmere. By actively and visibly representing the College throughout the community, Graham will strengthen and grow collaborative relationships with individuals, businesses, industry, organizations, governmental entities and educational partners and help IRSC identify and respond quickly to the educational and workforce needs of the community.

Before joining Valencia College, Graham was Dean of the School of Academic Foundations at Seminole State College in Sanford, Florida. She was responsible for planning, developing and implementing instructional and student development programs. Before that, she was Director of Program Development for Workforce Degree and Certificate Programs at Florida State College in Jacksonville.

Throughout her 28-year career, Graham has served in both education and administration. In her early days, she taught at elementary and middle school levels. She has taught at the college level since 2009.

Graham is a frequent presenter on topics such as leadership, higher education and minority achievement and has served on boards including the Downtown Orlando Partnership, Parramore Education and Innovation District, Parramore Community Engagement Council, PACE School for Girls and the Winter Park YMCA. She has Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Elementary Education from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU), an M.B.A. in Management and Marketing from Rollins College, and a Doctorate of Education in Higher Education Administration from the University of Florida.

 

Treasure Coast Business is a news service and magazine published in print, via e-newsletter and online at tcbusiness.com by Indian River Media Group. For more information or to report news email [email protected]

 

Aug. 2, 2022|

IRSC’s use of Blockchain Technology featured at Florida Technology & Innovation Solution Summit

IRSC’s use of Blockchain Technology featured at Florida Technology & Innovation Solution Summit

 

 

The upcoming Florida Technology & Innovation Solution Summit, presented by The Florida Chamber Foundation, features Indian River State College (IRSC) Vice President of Institutional Technology and CIO Tim Marshall. Marshall will present a session titled “Block Chain Examples in Education and Other Industries.” The daylong Summit takes place on Aug. 31 at the Tampa Marriott Water Street.

In Nov. 2021, Marshall introduced the implementation of blockchain technology to remove barriers and open new opportunities for IRSC students. With blockchain technology, students may freely share their education records with anyone, anytime, expediting the process of entering higher education and accelerating their ability to connect with career opportunities. 

Marshall, whose three-decade career in education, technology/management services, banking and defense industries, will share how blockchain technology is transforming IRSC and other educational institutions and its potential use for different industries.

“The Florida Chamber Foundation is working on satisfying six pillars of goals outlined in their FL 2030 Blueprint,” said Tim Marshall, IRSC Vice President of Institutional Technology and CIO. “ My presentation will focus on how blockchain technology can be used to meet the goals of the ‘Improving Florida’s Talent Pipeline for a Better Workforce’ pillar, focusing on education and workforce readiness.”

The IRSC Foundation is a Diamond Sponsor of the event. Those interested in joining IRSC can use the promo code “IRSCFTech22” for 10% off in-person attendee registration. Visit the Florida Chamber Foundation website to register and for more information at https://flchm.co/3z07JG5. 

 

Treasure Coast Business is a news service and magazine published in print, via e-newsletter and online at tcbusiness.com by Indian River Media Group. For more information or to report news email [email protected]

 

Jul. 26, 2022|

Florida SBDC IRSC nominates professor for statewide award

Florida SBDC IRSC nominates professor for statewide award

 

From left to right: IRSC School of Business Dean, Dr. Prashanth Pilly, FSBDC at IRSC Regional Director, Tom Kindred, FSBDC Network Volunteer of the Year Dr. Herb Ricardo, FSBDC at IRSC Business Consultant Mike Bernard and IRSC President Dr. Tim Moore

The Florida Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Indian River State College (IRSC) announced the nomination of Dr. Herb Ricardo of the IRSC School of Business for the Florida SBDC Network Volunteer of the Year award. Ricardo accepted the regional award at a meeting with IRSC president, Dr. Tim Moore, in early June. The regional award automatically entered Ricardo in for the statewide award, in which he took home the title for on Monday, June 27, 2022 where FSBDC at IRSC Regional Director, Tom Kindred, accepted the statewide award on Ricardo’s behalf at the FSBDC Network annual conference in Tampa Bay, Florida. 

Volunteers provide opportunities to expand and enhance service capacity and capability to meet the diverse and complex needs of SBDC clients. This award recognizes one volunteer from each SBDC region that has provided significant, direct contributions with respect to advocacy, consulting, training, program development or special projects during calendar year 2021.

Dependable and efficient, Dr. Ricardo is always willing to lend his time and talents to assist the Florida SBDC at IRSC. Dr. Ricardo has served Indian River State College for over 22 years as a Professor at the IRSC School of Business. It was through Dr. Ricardo’s initial collaboration efforts that the Florida SBDC at IRSC has developed a long-term and valuable relationship with the school of business. Because of Dr. Ricardo’s outreach and partnership commitment to the center, SBDC clients have the ability to leverage and utilize the talents, intelligence, enthusiasm and business acumen of IRSC senior level business students. The students engage center clients through multiple programs and classes, including the capstone course, internships and focus groups. At the beginning of each semester Dr. Ricardo invites an SBDC center representative to present information regarding the center and its business assistance and resource programs to capstone participants. In creating the list of regional businesses for capstone classes Dr. Ricardo always prioritizes center clients. 

Beyond connecting center clients to students, Dr. Ricardo also lends and provides his time, expertise and business acumen for use by the center. He often serves as guest host for both radio and podcast segments of Small Biz Florida. He is also a frequent contributor to Treasure Coast Business Magazine providing best practice articles. Over the past four years Dr. Ricardo has also served as a member of the center’s banking committee for the purpose of reviewing emergency bridge loan applications. His leadership on this committee has provided for the distribution of over $5.8 million in emergency funding to regional small businesses. He also leads strategic planning sessions and training programs for center partners and stakeholders. Center consultants appreciate collaborating on projects with Dr. Ricardo because of his entrepreneurial and innovative thinking, his attention to detail and a willingness to take on the difficult projects. Despite an overwhelming amount of work and responsibilities associated with his primary role of professor, Dr. Ricardo consistently finds ways to assist the SBDC at IRSC, its stakeholders and clients. His willingness to assist others and commitment to promoting all of the resources available to the Treasure Coast business community has provided valuable and credible exposure for the center. More than a volunteer, Dr. Ricardo is truly part of the SBDC TEAM. It is the center’s honor to add Dr. Ricardo’s name next to any recognition for his many contributions to the Florida SBDC at IRSC.

For more information regarding the FSBDC at IRSC, please contact our center at (772) 336-6285 or [email protected] 

About the Florida SBDC Network: 

For over forty years, the Florida SBDC Network, the state’s principal provider of business assistance [Fl. Stat. 288.001], has nourished a statewide partnership between higher education and economic development to provide existing and emerging small and medium-sized business owners with management and knowledge resources that enable overall growth, increased profitability, and economic prosperity for Florida’s economy. 

In 2019, Florida SBDCs provided 114,064 hours of professional business consulting to 12,535 client businesses, resulting in 37,966 jobs impacted; $4.4 billion in sales generated; $496.5 million in government contracts acquired; and $255.3 million in capital accessed; and 453 new businesses started.  With over 40 offices statewide, the Florida SBDC is funded in part by the U.S. Small Business Administration, Defense Logistics Agency, State of Florida and other private and public partners. The Florida SBDC Network, headquartered at the University of West Florida, is nationally accredited by the Association of SBDCs and is a recipient of the President’s E Award for Export Service. Florida SBDC services are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis. Language assistance services are available for individuals with limited English proficiency. For more information, please visit www.FloridaSBDC.org.

 

Treasure Coast Business is a news service and magazine published in print, via e-newsletter and online at tcbusiness.com by Indian River Media Group. For more information or to report news email [email protected]
Jul. 4, 2022|

National Science Foundation’s $2.7 million award to fund electric vehicle consortium at IRSC

National Science Foundation’s $2.7 million award to fund electric vehicle consortium at IRSC

BY SUZANNE SELDES

National Science FoundationIndian River State College has received a three-year, $2,735,771 award from the National Science Foundation to establish a National Electric Vehicle Consortium to help alleviate an immediate shortage of skilled technical workers across almost every sector of the fast-growing electric vehicle industry.

The consortium will focus on manufacturing, installation, operations, maintenance, repair, vehicle conversion, safety and standards, and emerging technological advances within the EV sector.

IRSC will lead efforts that link academic, agency and industry experts across all EV disciplines, including 15 community colleges, 19 industry partners, two research universities, and NSF Advanced Technical Education Centers and projects.

Kevin Cooper, IRSC executive director of innovation and business development

Kevin Cooper, IRSC executive director of innovation and business development

“It is estimated that the 1 billion light-duty vehicles on the roads today consume one-fourth of global primary oil and contribute 10 percent to global greenhouse gas emissions,” says Kevin Cooper, IRSC executive director of innovation and business development. “A multidisciplinary National Electric Vehicle Consortium is critical to securing immediate and future needs in the nation’s EV workforce and helping address national resiliency and environmental goals.”
Workforce projections estimate that an all-EV industry will add 250,000 to 500,000 new high-paying jobs by 2030.

The consortium offers a venue for collaboration among training providers to support broad-scale outreach and community-building among educational institutions; industry, professional, trade, and regulatory associations; educators; and practicing technicians within the EV ecosystem.

It will document workforce needs, skills and competencies; collect data on academic programs and curricular resources; align academic programs and courses with the industry sector needs; and support institutions of higher education in adapting and establishing new EV programs.

“This synergistic EV consortium is designed with national solutions in mind,” Cooper continues. “It creates the first critical mass of experts focused on addressing the need for EV technicians in the U.S.”

National Electric Vehicle ConsortiumThe grant was awarded to IRSC by the NSF Division of Undergraduate Education Advanced Technological Education, which focuses on the education of technicians for the advanced-technology fields that drive the nation’s economy.

The NEVC at IRSC is scheduled to launch July 1.

See the original article in the print publication

Treasure Coast Business is a news service and magazine published in print, via e-newsletter and online at tcbusiness.com by Indian River Media Group. For more information or to report news email [email protected]

Jul. 1, 2022|

Bloomberg Terminals link students with financial world

Bloomberg Terminals link students with financial world

Bloomberg Terminals

IRSC Investment Club students explore use of Bloomberg Terminals in the new IRSC Bloomberg Finance Lab at the grand opening event on Wednesday, Feb. 23. The College has installed 12 Bloomberg Terminals, providing students with unparalleled coverage of markets and securities with information across asset classes — from fixed income to equities, foreign exchange, commodities and derivatives. INDIAN RIVER STATE COLLEGE

BY SUZANNE SELDES

Students studying at Indian River State College now have access to the platform used by the world’s leading banks, corporations and government agencies to view real-time global financial data, news feeds and messages.

The college has installed 12 Bloomberg Terminals, providing students with unparalleled coverage of markets and securities with information across asset classes — from fixed income to equities, foreign exchange, commodities and derivatives.

IRSC’s implementation of the terminals brings the real world of business and finance into the classroom. IRSC is one of more than 1,000 academic institutions globally — but the only one on Florida’s Treasure Coast — to integrate Bloomberg into the curriculum for its business and finance degree programs.

The new Bloomberg Financial Lab will also be used for financial literacy programs and Bloomberg certification courses, which the college expects to begin later this year.

“The opportunity to bring Bloomberg to our students provides an unparalleled resource in developing valuable financial and analytic skills that will differentiate and improve their competitiveness in the job market,” explains Dr. Prashanth Pilly, dean of the IRSC Business Division.

“Integrating classroom teaching with the real-world data, news and analytics available on the terminal better prepares our students for futures in the business and finance industries.”
IRSC’s subscriptions to the Bloomberg Terminal will serve as a resource for students and professors. It will enable students to become familiar with tools used in financial services, reinforcing classroom theory, while professors can use it to further their research.

“When a student comes to IRSC, they can expect a best-in-class education and our Bloomberg Finance Lab is another example of the outstanding resources that are freely available to them,” says IRSC President Dr. Timothy Moore. “At IRSC, students from every academic discipline have the opportunity to sharpen their financial literacy to help them succeed personally and professionally.”

Students of varying levels and study areas can familiarize themselves with the fundamentals of finance by taking Bloomberg Market Concepts. Upon completion of the program’s core concepts modules, students will receive a certificate of completion that can be added to their LinkedIn profiles and resumes to show their knowledge of the markets and the terminal.

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Treasure Coast Business is a news service and magazine published in print, via e-newsletter and online at tcbusiness.com by Indian River Media Group. For more information or to report news email [email protected]

Apr. 20, 2022|