ConnectionINDIAN RIVER STATE COLLEGE

Creating the Future TodayFall 2013

IRSC IN TOP 10

COLLEGE RANKINGS

QUALITY + AFFORDABILITY = VALUE IRSC combines nationally ranked programs with affordable tuition

T his year, more than ever, Indian River State College represents a great value for area students, combining high quality programs with a

commitment by the IRSC Board of Trustees to hold the line on tuition. By taking innovative measures to reduce energy costs and maintaining the lowest administrative costs among Florida’s state colleges, the IRSC Board has adopted a 2013-14 budget with zero increase in tuition and fees – a back-to-school bonus for the 30,000 students served by IRSC and their families!

In fact, IRSC has been designated the 4th Most Affordable College in the country by the U.S. Department of Education. With such stable tuition, how can IRSC assure quality? By directing resources where they matter most – to student learning. IRSC ranks first in the State in the percent of funds going directly into classroom instruction.

IRSC’s focus on affordability is coupled with emphasis on student success, maintaining a student/teacher ratio of 22 to 1, providing world-class facilities, and ranking as the 10th Best Public Regional College in the South by U.S. News & World Report. Reinforcing this commitment to student success, IRSC was recently welcomed to the National Achieving the DreamTM network of colleges to increase achievement for first-generation-in-college and minority students.

An important element of the College mission is to open up new career choices for students across the economic spectrum. The National Science Foundation recently announced the award of a $2.9 million grant for IRSC to establish a highly sophisticated Laser and Fiber Optics Southeast Regional Center, which will develop training for high-skill, high-pay employment in this emerging industry sector.

These factors combine to make IRSC not only the primary provider of higher education in St. Lucie, Indian River, Martin and Okeechobee counties, but also a highly productive economic engine. The infusion of productivity, income and expenditures generated by the College, its students, and its graduates equals approximately 7.3%

of the total regional economy – a $1.1 billion annual financial boost to the area. Taxpayers benefit from a stronger economy, more job opportunities, lower social welfare costs and reduced crime and unemployment. Investing in higher education not only returns strong benefits for the individual, but also for the entire region.

IRSC President Dr. Edwin R. Massey Named National CEO of the Year

Dr. Edwin R. Massey, President of Indian River State College, has been selected from more than 1,200 state and community college presidents nationwide to receive the Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT) highest CEO award. The 2013 Marie Y. Martin Chief Executive Officer Award was presented to Dr. Massey in front of a standing-room-only crowd of more than 2,000 college trustees and presidents on October 4 at the National ACCT Leadership Conference in Seattle.

Honored for his exceptional leadership, talent for translating vision into action and strong record of accomplishments, Dr. Massey was previously named the Southern Regional CEO of the Year, which qualified him as one of five regional finalists for the national award.

IRSC President, Dr. Edwin R. Massey, accepts the 2013 Marie Y. Martin Chief Executive Officer Award from the Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT) at the 2013 ACCT Awards Ceremony. The award was presented to Dr. Massey in front of a standing-room-only crowd of more than 2,000 college trustees and presidents at the National ACCT Leadership Conference in Seattle. Presenting the award to Dr. Massey are (left) 2012-2013 ACCT Chair Jean Torgeson and ACCT President and CEO J. Noah Brown.Continued on page 2

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IRSC AWARDED PRESTIGIOUS NATIONAL

GRANT IN LASERS AND OPTICS Regional Center to serve as

model in cutting-edge training

F rom surgery to smart missiles, laser and fiber optic technology is changing at the speed of light,

creating a strong national demand for skilled technicians. To meet this need, IRSC will lead a network of 10 other colleges and more than 253 companies in the development of a highly sophisticated Laser and Fiber Optics Southeast Regional Center, funded by a $2.9 million National Science Foundation (NSF) grant.

“There is an urgent need to ramp up the production of laser and fiber optics technicians to satisfy the high demand, maintain our world leadership and create high-paying jobs. The Laser and Fiber Optics Southeast Regional Center will serve as a model of best practices to create a pipeline of highly-skilled technicians,” said Dr. Edwin R. Massey, IRSC President.

The Regional Center will be based in the College’s Brown Center for

Innovation and Entrepreneurship at the Main Campus in Fort Pierce.

The Laser and Fiber Optics Center will build on IRSC’s strong track record in training for emerging technologies. The highly successful IRSC Photonics Institute provides hands-on instruction applicable to biomedicine, life sciences, remote sensing and cyber security, graduating over 120 technicians since 2005.

Recent graduate Jason Troyano, now a Field Service Engineer at GE Healthcare, ensures that imaging equipment is maintained for health care professionals to diagnose patient ailments.

“In addition to the technical skills, I learned analytical thinking at IRSC, the ability to look at a problem and systematically find a solution. With this, I hope to be a team leader at GE one day,” Troyano says.

Accepting the national award on behalf of “the entire Indian River State College family,” Dr. Massey credited “the dedication of the College faculty and staff, great students, sound direction by the Board of Trustees, and tremendous community support for IRSC’s achievements.”

“We have an outstanding team, and attaining this level of national stature is absolutely due to the combined efforts and contributions of all those committed to the College’s success,” Dr. Massey said.

IRSC Board of Trustees members Werner Bols, Chair, of Stuart, and José Conrado, of Vero Beach, were present at the ACCT Leadership Conference when the award was announced. “We couldn’t be more proud,” Bols commented. “This recognition of Dr. Massey is exceptionally well-deserved.”

“One of the hallmarks of Dr. Massey’s presidency is his intense commitment to community needs, building numerous collaborative partnerships at the local, state and national levels to foster economic and workforce development,” Bols said. ”Under his leadership, IRSC has become a nationally respected, high-performing institution with far-reaching benefits for the Treasure Coast and our students. In recognition of Dr. Massey’s dedication to excellence and world-class results, the IRSC Board whole-heartedly commends and congratulates him.”

Dr. Massey was appointed IRSC’s third President and CEO in 1988, and his tenure in office has been marked by a legacy of exceptional accomplishments. Examples include:

• Expanding enrollment by 300% in over 130 Degree and Certificate programs.

• Significantly expanding the College’s five campuses to include over 700 acres and 1.5 million square feet of state-of-the-art educational facilities.

• Leading the College’s transition from Indian River Community College to Indian River State College, expanding the College mission to become a Baccalaureate degree-granting institution, and establishing 23 new Bachelor’s Degree programs linked directly to regional workforce needs.

• Achieving national rankings for IRSC as the 10th best college in the Southern Region by U.S. News & World Report and 4th most affordable college by the U.S. Department of Education.

• Increasing Foundation assets by more than 900 percent and raising funds to support student scholarship awards of $3.3 million annually.

• Securing more than $90 million in local, state and national grant awards over the past ten years for projects ranging from the highly successful Regional Center for Nuclear Education and Training to the new Lasers and Fiber Optics Southeast Regional Education Center.

• Supporting high-quality instruction as evidenced by the fact that IRSC consistently ranks Number 1 among the 28 Florida College System institutions in the percent of budget dedicated directly to instruction, and lowest among FCS institutions in administrative costs.

• Ensuring an exemplary fiscal audit history for over 25 years.

Dr. Massey was first employed by the College as a biology professor in 1973 and promoted to several administrative positions prior to becoming President in 1988. He serves on many local, state, and national boards and is frequently called upon to present on higher education topics and issues at national conferences and forums, including a meeting of prominent educational and industry leaders at the White House in Washington D.C. last year. He currently serves as Chair-Elect of the National Association for Community College Entrepreneurship.

Continued from page 1

Dr. Massey Named National CEO of the Year

Connection ■ Fall 2013 ■ 3

I ndian River State College received unanimous approval from the State Board of Education to launch new Bachelor’s

Degree programs in Accounting, Elementary Education and Health Care Management, expanding the College’s Baccalaureate programs to 23. Applications for the new programs are now being accepted and classes will begin January 8.

“With our economy beginning to strengthen and diversify, it’s very important that Treasure Coast residents have local access to higher

five years, and the new offerings reinforce the College’s role in developing a vibrant economy.”

Over 70 employers and community leaders wrote letters to the Florida Board of Education supporting IRSC’s program proposals. Major accounting firms throughout the region stressed the need for local training. “We would definitely hire graduates from Indian River State College,” said Gerald A. DiBartolomeo, Jr. CPA and Principal with DiBartolomeo, McBee, Hartley & Barnes, PA.

IRSC GRADUATES GET GREAT JOBS

Ahmad Toom recently earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Digital Media and is now overseeing marketing, web design and branding as Graphic Design Manager for Southern Eagle Distributing, Inc.

Stephanie Heidt returned to school to pursue her interest in public administration. She earned her Associate Degree and is now working for the Treasure Coast Regional Planning Council while enrolled in the Bachelor’s Degree program in Public Policy and Leadership.

Jessica Roy gained experience at Martin Health Care System through her capstone project for the Bachelor’s Degree in Health Care Management. She is now Human Resources Coordinator there.

education opportunities that open new doors. The new Bachelor’s Degree program in Accounting will support new and existing businesses. In fact, the State Board commended the College for meeting an identified statewide and regional need for programs related to accounting and financial services. In addition, our graduates in Health Care Management will find leadership positions in a wide range of health care facilities,” said Dr. Edwin R. Massey, IRSC President. “We have experienced a great deal of interest in elementary education, and the new degree program will enable Treasure Coast residents to earn their teaching degree locally with many opportunities to develop into highly qualified teachers. IRSC has continued to expand its Bachelor’s Degree programs over the past

Administrators at area hospitals and health care facilities cited the need for a pipeline of qualified health care professionals. Mark Robitaille, President and CEO of Martin Health System, said, “The Health Care Management program will add value to our recruitment efforts for a highly-skilled, well-trained workforce.”

Superintendents of area school districts expressed support for expansion of the College’s teacher education program. “This new addition will be very favorably received by our employees, students and the member of the community,” said Dr. Frances Adams, Superintendent, Indian River County School District.

Over 3,500 students are now enrolled in IRSC Bachelor’s Degree programs.

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IRSC students Melissa Williams, Jennifer Davis and Eric Dorn gain real-world laboratory experience as paid interns at Torrey Pines Institute for Molecular Studies.

IRSC students tour Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic.

Study Abroad Promotes Global Understanding “These memories will stay with me forever,” said Griselda Ruan after returning from Study Abroad in Europe this summer. “I got a taste of history and how it influenced things today. I will definitely go back!”

IRSC faculty members and students are already planning for 2014 Study Abroad experiences, which combine adventure and exploration with the opportunity to learn about other cultures and earn college credits. Take your first step to a once in a life time journey by calling 1-866-792-4772.

This year’s itinerary includes:Eastern Caribbean: Cruise to the Turks and Caicos during Spring Break to explore the economic, political and social history of each port.

Spain: Land of Many Cultures: Experience the rich culture, history and language of Spain, with the opportunity to navigate the Spanish skies with a “star finder” introduced to the region 1000 years ago.

IRSC and Torrey Pines Launch Paid Internships Students gain research experience, a scholarship and a paycheck

H ands-on laboratory experience in scientific research provides IRSC biology students with a competitive

advantage when seeking employment or applying to graduate school. Getting paid for it is even better!

IRSC and Torrey Pines Institute for Molecular Studies (TPIMS) recently introduced an innovative Work-Study Internship that engages students in cutting-edge research to help find cures for diseases while they earn a paycheck and receive a $1,250 per semester scholarship.

“We are extremely pleased with the quality of IRSC Work-Study students,” said Dr. Richard Houghten, Founder, CEO & President of Torrey Pines Institute. “We were able to match each student’s interests with the related area of research being conducted at Torrey Pines Institute.”

Business Study Abroad in Prague: Enhance understanding of international commerce through this in-depth 5-week program with students from around the world.

Service Learning in Costa Rica: Build nursing and Spanish language skills through a home-stay experience and hands-on service in Heredia.

Timeless Florence: Focus on art and the humanities at the hub of the Medieval and Renaissance periods.

Economics and Math in Australia & New Zealand: Combine exploration of “the land down under” with the application of economic concepts and international relations.

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Tom Kindred, Business Incubator Coordinator of the Virtual Incubator at IRSC, (standing), discusses business plans with incubator client Benjamin Braxton, V.P. of Marketing, Jream Mobil.

Dan Dooley, President of TruMobility, second from right, was the inaugural champion in the 2013 Research Coast Business Plan Competition.

IRSC EXPANDS SUPPORT OF ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND BUSINESS GROWTH

According to a recent report by TD Economics, Florida’s small businesses are leading the way to the State’s economic recovery, with small companies accounting for 45% of employment in the Sunshine State. Ready to support business growth, Indian River State College offers an array of entrepreneurship services.

Martin County entrepreneurs brimming with great ideas will find the support they need through the new Business Incubator of Martin County at the IRSC Chastain Campus in Stuart.

The IRSC Virtual Incubator is based at the Brown Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship at the Main Campus in Fort Pierce.

N ew for the 2013 Fall Semester, IRSC is launching the Virtual Campus with expanded opportunities and flexibility

to complete degree programs entirely online.

The Virtual Campus encompasses hundreds of online courses and an array of online student

Accepting Submissions for theResearch Coast Business Plan Competition

Entrepreneurs and companies with innovative ideas are invited to enter the Research Coast Business

Plan Competition presented by The Research Coast Principium

Foundation.

$25,000 and $15,000 prizes and a package of free legal, accounting and mentoring advice will be awarded to the first and second place winners.

Submit your application online at www.rcbiznovation.com by January 10, 2014.

services for education any where, any time.

Getting started is more convenient than ever. Students can complete their first two years of college online, graduating with an Associate in Arts Degree. Bachelor’s Degree programs are the next step, with online programs in Organizational Management, Business Administration and Nursing.

The Virtual Campus creates a complete online experience that supports student success with orientation, tutoring, job bank and more.

“The online programs reflect the College’s emphasis on quality and affordability combined with the convenience of online learning,” said Kendall

St. Hilaire, Director of the Virtual Campus. “With most IRSC students working, juggling family responsibilities and attending college at the same time, this expansion of online learning provides them with increased flexibility, while opening up educational opportunities for other students regardless of their location.”

IRSC Incubators provide business consulting and mentoring, assistance with obtaining funding, links to lawyers and accountants, offices and work-space, conference rooms, high-speed Internet, use of office equipment and professional networking opportunities. For more information, call 1-866-792-4772.

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Lori Fry

The recipients are awarded an annual stipend for three years to implement their project and improve instruction in their field of expertise.

Tom Corr

Lisa Kaul

IRSC President Dr. Edwin R. Massey, presents Dr. Gale Cohen with the Anne R. Snyder Department Chair Excellence Award.

IRSC FOUNDATION REWARDS EXCELLENCE To support excellence in teaching, three exceptional professors were honored by the IRSC Foundation with 2013 Endowed Teaching Chairs to enhance instruction in their fields of expertise.

Dr. Matthew Brooks, Associate Professor, was awarded the Community in Fine Arts Endowed Teaching Chair for professional development in social media and online learning.

Dr. John A. Carpenter, Associate Professor, received the Gladys Williams Wolf Endowed Teaching Chair in Communications to develop materials that improve critical thinking in students.

Tiffany E. Lewis, Assistant Professor, was presented with the J. Douglas Stephen Endowed Teaching Chair to present course content in new ways.

Lori Fry Selected Professor

Of The Year

Tom Corr Honored as 2013 Entrepreneur of the Year

Exhibiting entrepreneurial vision and business acumen throughout his life, Tom Corr was honored with this year’s Dan K. Richardson Entrepreneur of the Year Award.

“Under his leadership, the George E. Warren Corporation successfully navigated the challenges facing the oil industry over the past 26 years, becoming one of the largest fuel importers in the United States,” said Dr. Edwin R. Massey, IRSC President. “Tom is also recognized for his generosity and strong commitment to community service.”

The award is a central element of the Dan K. Richardson Entrepreneurship Program established in 2000 by the IRSC Foundation and 13 founding members.

Lisa Kaul Named 2013 Distinguished

Alumni Lisa Kaul’s lifelong interest in marine biology and the environment were sparked by an IRSC class trip to the Florida Keys in the 1970s. A 1977 graduate of IRSC with High Honors, she continued her education in

chemistry and oceanography and founded the environmental consulting firm, Envector, Inc., managing residential and commercial solar installations.

Lisa Kaul has played an important part nationally in the development of clean energy projects and maintenance of safe and healthy living and working conditions.

Dr. Gale CohenRecipient 2013 Anne R. Synder

Department Chair Excellence AwardDr. Gale Cohen, Professor, has served as the Chair of the Human Services Department for 20 years, demonstrating strong leadership, commitment to the College mission and dedication to student success. She has spearheaded the design and implementation of IRSC’s very successful Bachelor’s Degree program in Human Services and is always eager to guide and assist colleagues and students.

Lori Fry, Assistant Professor of Spanish, was selected by students as 2013 Professor of the Year for outstanding teaching, fostering confidence in learning a new language and enhancing cultural awareness.

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Oscar Macias creates 3D model during his internship.

The 2013/2014 McAlpin OnStage season promises an entertaining mix of music, comedy, drama and hit musicals.

The season kicked off with a Variety Concert in October, followed by John Steinbeck’s Of Mice and Men. Get ready for the holiday season in November with excerpts from the Nutcracker, performed in the Just Dance show, and enjoy the Home for the Holidays concert in December.

The first musical of the season is The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, a hilarious tale of six adolescent “outsiders” vying for the spelling championship of a lifetime.

Next up is Fiddler on the Roof, one of the all-time hit musicals, telling the tale of Tevye, a poor dairyman trying to instill the value of tradition in his five daughters.

Tickets for the nine-show subscription are only $90. Individual show tickets are also available.

Visit the stars and planets

Marvel at the stars and mysteries of outer space at the Hallstrom Planetarium with shows on Friday

evenings and Saturday afternoons.

For ticket information on IRSC performances

call 1-800-220-9915 or visit www.irsc.edu.

Clark Internships Aid High School Seniors

And Businesses A-rated charter high school gives students a head start

An internship can reinforce the aspirations of an enthusiastic 17-year-old for a specific career and provide valuable workplace skills. Senior year internships at the Clark Advanced Learning Center help students at the A-ranked charter high school make informed decisions linked to their career choices, as well as familiarizing them with the expectations of area businesses.

During the past school year, 76 Clark seniors completed over 4,000 internship hours at 65 businesses and organizations. Oscar Macias created 3D models at Scott Hughes Architects, while future teacher Rachel Vankirk taught computer skills at the Hobe Sound Boys and Girls Club. Pre-med major Sydney Colon assisted medical staff at Dr. Jeffrey Gorodetsky Family Practice.

Located on the IRSC Chastain Campus in Stuart, Clark is rated as the 7th best high school and 3rd best charter high school in Florida, serving about 240 sophomores, juniors and seniors from Martin County.

Institutional Advancement DepartmentINDIAN RIVER STATE COLLEGE3209 Virginia AvenueFort Pierce, FL 34981-5596

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PAIDFT. PIERCE, FL

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1-866-792-4772 ■ www.irsc.eduFall 2013

BACK-TO-SCHOOL GIFT TO STUDENTS

IRSC HOLDS THE LINE ON TUITION Thousands of Treasure Coast residents have more money in their pockets thanks to no increase in IRSC tuition or fees for the 2013-2014 school year.

“We are committed to maintaining reasonable tuition, and due to the College’s prudent financial planning over a period of years, the Board was able to approve this year’s budget with no tuition increase,” said Werner Bols, Chair of the IRSC District Board of Trustees.

IRSC has been able to hold down operational costs by implementing cost efficiencies in energy usage and administration. Administrative costs at IRSC are historically the lowest of all 28 state and community colleges in Florida, with IRSC ranking the highest in percent of funds going toward instruction.

As a result of this emphasis on quality and value, IRSC is ranked the 4th Most Affordable College in the U.S. by the U.S. Department of Education Affordability and Transparency Report.