EFSC Accomplishments 2019 | Page 4

January-February 2019 College Accomplishments • It includes a food court with four vendors, study and lounging areas, offices for student government and a large Community Center for student, college and community events. • The Student Union project included several other major elements as well. • Among them were an expanded main campus parking lot, turning Titan Boulevard into a grassy promenade and resurfacing and painting surrounding buildings. Distinguished Faculty Awards Two Eastern Florida State College faculty members were honored for their exemplary performance, demonstrating a high level of professionalism toward students and colleagues. (Employee Relations) Title IX Conference The college hosted a statewide higher education conference on Title IX Compliance and Regulatory Changes, showcasing EFSC to leaders from around Florida. (Student Enrollment, Diversity Initiatives) • Discussions centered on making sure that colleges are adhering to the law, which prohibits sexual discrimination in any educational program or activity. • About 100 people attended the conference, representing all 28 colleges in the Florida College System and the Florida Department of Education. • The featured speaker was Joseph Storch, Associate Counsel at the State University of New York, who is a nationally- recognized expert on the subject. • Carrie Wells, an Assistant Professor of English on the Palm Bay campus, received the 2019 Distinguished Educator Award. • The conference was held in the new Student Union on the Melbourne Campus, giving attendees the chance to see an example of EFSC’s growth. • Wells was cited for her dedication inside and outside the classroom where she makes a major difference in helping students on an individual basis. Developing Workplace Skills • Wells’ many accomplishments include serving on the Women’s History Month, Black History Month and Hispanic Heritage committees. The college held its 2nd Annual Skills Now Conference with student workshops devoted to helping them develop the skills needed to get hired after graduation and excel on the job. (Student Enrollment, Diversity Initiatives) • She also serves as faculty advisor for the Palm Bay Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa, the Core Scholar Program and coordinator for the Palm Bay Writing Center. • One student said Wells became her role model and her influence “allowed me to expand my perception of what I am capable of accomplishing and to find my confidence.” • More than 150 students attended, learning ways to separate themselves from the pack and letting employers know they are the right person to hire. • Marianne D’Altilio, an Assistant Professor of Veterinary Technology on the Cocoa campus, received the 2019 Excellence in Mentoring Award. • Workshops were based on recent national surveys showing that employers are seeking the following traits above all else: • D’Altilio was cited for working closely with colleagues and providing critical support that helped them excel. • Said one colleague: “I would not have learned nearly as much as I have without her. Words really can’t express how grateful I am to Marianne.” 4 2019 College Accomplishments • The ability to solve problems and work as a team, have good written communication skills, high-end leadership skills, strong work ethic and the ability to make good decisions. • Those skills are especially important because the careers students select in college often are not the ones they eventually pursue either by choice or because economic forces push them in a different direction.