State University System
State higher education spending sees big decline
Fox News
State funding for higher education has declined because of a slow recovery from the recession and the end of federal stimulus money, according to a study released Monday. Overall, spending declined by some $6 billion, or nearly 8 percent, over the past year, according to the annual Grapevine study by the Center for the Study of Education Policy at Illinois State University. The reduction was slightly lower, at 4 percent, when money lost from the end of the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act was not taken into account.
Note: Since 1960, Grapevine has published annual compilations of data on state tax support for higher education, including general fund appropriations for universities, colleges, community colleges, and state higher education agencies. Each year’s Grapevine survey has asked states for tax appropriations data for the new fiscal year and for revisions (if any) to data reported in previous years.
Hyperlink: Data tables summarizing the results of the Grapevine survey for fiscal year 2012
Ban on lawmakers working for colleges barely passes panel
MiamiHerald.com
Sen. John Thrasher‘s ethics bill banning lawmakers from working for colleges and universities narrowly made it out of its first panel Monday, after questions about his intentions.
Ethics bill would end special deals for lawmakers
Orlando Sentinel
A panel of lawmakers voted Monday to crack down on perceived sweetheart deals that lawmakers get with public colleges and universities as a result of the legislative service. The Senate Ethics and Elections Subcommittee voted to forward legislation that would prohibit lawmakers from taking any job with a state college or university during their elected term and for two years after their legislative service. The idea is to stop lawmakers from tucking special projects or money into the state budget for their chosen institution in hopes of getting a thank-you note in the form of a high paying job.
Bill Could Ax Professors from Legislature
WCTV
A proposed bill passes a subcommittee vote by 7-6. If it is approved in the house and senate, professors or other employees of colleges and universities in Florida would not be able to serve in the state legislature.
Florida Representative Says State Should Launch Fully Online College
U.S. News University
Weatherford recently requested a cost-benefit analysis of creating an online school from the Florida Board of Governors. He said he hopes this document will be completed before lawmakers meet for the 2013 legislative session.
I-Team: Local universities charge students to pay for sports
ABC Action News
We looked at the athletic fees of all of Florida’s public universities. Students pay the smallest amount ($2 million a year) at the University of Florida , where alumni donations and ticket sales are huge. At schools with less established sports programs, it’s a different story. At UCF, students pay the most in the state: $17 million a year. USF is third highest in the state. Students pay $13 million a year in athletic fees. That makes up one-third of the athletic budget…
FAMU given deadline to hand over documents related to anti-hazing program
Tallahassee.com
Florida A&M has until Feb. 7 to provide the Florida Board of Governors’ Office of the Inspector General with documents related to the university’s anti-hazing program so it may begin its investigation into administrators’ efforts to combat the insidious practice on campus.
Hyperlink: Read the letter from the Inspector General’s letter to FAMU’s board chair
FAMU Students Dismissed Following Hazing Arrests
ABC News
Four students have been expelled from Florida A&M Universitytoday after being arrested and charged with hazing offenses. The expulsions come two months after drum major Robert Champion died on a school bus following a football game. Police have said they believe hazing contributed to his death. The four band members expelled in the latest hazing indicent were identified as Denise Bailey, 22, Brandon Benson, 23, Hakeem Birch, 21, and Anthony Mingo, 22.
State of the Region is Friday at St. Lucie West FAU Campus
TCPalm
More than 150 people are expected to attend Workforce Solutions’ third annual State of the Region. U.S. Assistant Labor Secretary of Employment and Training Administration Jane Oates and U.S. Assistant Secretary of Commerce Suresh Kumar will headline the event Friday at the St. Lucie West Florida Atlantic University Campus.
Hyperlink: www.yourworkforcesolutions.com
UCF Cyber Stalker’s Sentence Not Harsh Enough, Victim Says
ABC News (blog)
Patrick Macchione, 24, was sentenced Friday to four years in prison after pleading no contest to 19 charges of cyber stalking against Pratt while the two were students at the University of Central Florida. Macchione stood accused of sending death …
Orlando leaders to decided on proposed UCF medical center
WFTV Orlando
City leaders in Orlando will decide on a proposal to allow the University of Central Florida’s College of Medicine to build a new academic medical center. The proposed site is in a state-required runway clearance zone, in case planes flying in and out …
UF researchers develop gene therapy that could correct a common form of blindness
Alachua County Today
A new gene therapy method developed by University of Florida researchers has the potential to treat a common form of blindness that strikes both youngsters and adults. The technique works by replacing a malfunctioning gene in the eye with a normal …
Presidential Debate Drawing Bigger Crowd Than Expected to Jacksonville
First Coast News
Crews are already at work and setting the stage for the big debate on Thursday at the University of North Florida. While plans have been carefully laid out, on how things will go, UNF now says those plans could be changing. Sharon Ashton, UNF‘s spokesperson, says it’s because CNN received more media credential requests than expected. Ashton said 150 journalists from around the world were originally expected.
Notes from the Florida Campaign Trail
The Ledger
Then on Thursday, CNN, the Republican Party of Florida and the Hispanic Leadership Network host a debate in Jacksonville at the University of North Florida. (Thursday, 8 pm). Wolf Blitzer moderates that one.
UNF prepares for presidential debate
WJXT Jacksonville
We’re just days away from the Republican Presidential Debate here in Jacksonville on the campus of the University of North Florida. In fact preparations are already underway at the school, both for security and for the national TV broadcast, …
Voters clamor for CNN/RPOF debate tickets
WOKV
Republicans all over Northeast Florida have been trying to get tickets to the CNN/Florida GOP debate at the University of North Florida on Thursday, but as many voters are finding out, opportunities are scarce.
NBC presidential debate arrives on campus today
The Oracle
Following Saturday’s South Carolina primaries, all four remaining Republican presidential nominees will take the stage in Theatre I tonight in hopes of securing next week’s Florida primary vote. The 24th Republican national debate of the season, hosted by “NBC Nightly News” host Brian Williams and the Tampa Bay Times’ political editor Adam Smith, is expected to become a “new game” after the results of the last three primaries in Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina have yielded different victors.
USF Poly Board Is Briefed on New Facilities, Constuction Contracts
The Ledger
The State University System of Florida Board of Governors eventually agreed to allow the college to separate from USF once certain benchmarks are reached. The campus board of the University of South Florida Polytechnic met Monday morning and conducted business as usual — void of drama connected to the six-month-long campaign for independence…
What to Watch For in the Tampa Debate
New York Times (blog)
The coming clash between Newt Gingrich and Mitt Romney will be the featured attraction at the University of South Florida on Monday, where the two men and their rivals, Rick Santorum and Ron Paul, meet for the first of two debates …
Broad range of protesters expected outside GOP debate at USF
Tampabay.com
Tonight’s Republican presidential debate at the University of South Florida is expected to draw protesters from across the political spectrum. Making its public debut, for example, will be a coalition …
Protesters at USF have plenty to say, mostly politely
Tbo.com
If demonstrations at Monday night’s Republican presidential debate at the University of South Florida are a precursor to the August Republican National Convention in downtown Tampa, get ready for more of a …
GOP race continues with great doubt
USA TODAY
The most bitter exchanges of the campaign to date set the stage for a pivotal evening debate at the University of South Florida as Romney tried to use advantages in money and organization and a more aggressive assault on Gingrich’s character to quell …
Ron Paul, Newt Gingrich, Mitt Romney and Rick Santorum debate causes step up …
WPTV
All eyes will be on South Florida Monday as the Republican presidential candidates take the stage in Tampa on the University of South Florida campus…
USF shines in national spotlight during debate
WTSP 10 News
Right now, it’s time to shine for the University of South Florida, as the school is hosting one of the last two debates before the state primary on January 31st. Nationally known for it’s sports team and academia, USF is thrust into the headlines once …
State College System
Interim president ‘best fit’ for BCC
Florida Today
By the numbers Promising to “lead the way as the Space Coast gets back to work,” Jim Richey thanked Brevard Community College trustees for selecting him …
Edison trustees to discuss firing Walker during board meeting
Naples Daily News
Trustees at Edison State College are expected to discuss potentially firing President Kenneth Walker during their board meeting beginning at 4 pm today in room 201 of Building M on the school’s Collier campus. The board will consider and possibly take …
Reaction to report on possible Edison State firing
Wink News
Reaction is coming in to the law firm report that finds many grounds to fire suspended Edison State College President, Dr. Kenneth Walker. He dismisses the report as riddled with inaccuracies. “First, I am glad that we were not crazy in our concerns …
Report may seal fate of Edison’s president
WZVN-TV
A newly released report could help decide the fate of embattled Edison State College President Dr. Kenneth Walker. It says there is reason to fire him. Walker responded by saying the report is full of inaccuracies. Time may be running out for the …
GOP Candidates Agree To Univision “Non-Debate”
CBS Local
Monday, Romney, Gingrich, and Santorum all agreed to take part in a “Meet the Candidates” forum co-sponsored by Miami Dade College and the US Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, where they will be interviewed by Univision anchor Jorge Ramos. However, since they will be interviewed separately, the event is technically not a debate.
SFC, UF step up safety measures
Gainesville Sun
Some safety and security projects have been on the back burner for years at Santa Fe College, but after the alleged kidnapping of a student earlier this month, those efforts are now on the forefront of the college’s agenda.
US Secretary of Education to Host Town Hall at TCC on Wednesday
WCTV
US Secretary of Education Arne Duncan is hosting a town hall Wednesday, January 25 at Tallahassee Community College. The town hall is an opportunity for Secretary Duncan to discuss adult education and the role that workforce training plays in helping put people back to work.
Independent College System
Former Florida Gov. Bush to address Ave Maria University graduating class
The News-Press
Jim Towey, president of Ave Maria University, announced today that Florida’s 43rd Governor, Jeb Bush, will address the Ave Maria University graduating class of 2012.
Bethune-Cookman University president resigning
Central Florida News 13
According to our partners at the Daytona Beach News-Journal, the University board accepted the resignation of Trudie Kibbe Reed on Friday. The board chairman says the 64-year-old felt it was time to move on. Reed was president of Bethune-Cookman for …
Bethune-Cookman search committee to look for President Trudie …
Daytona Beach News-Journal
A search committee has been named to start looking for a new president for Bethune-Cookman University…
President of Bethune-Cookman resigns
MiamiHerald.com
Under Reed’s watch, Bethune-Cookman made the transition from a college to a university. The newspaper reports Reed has also dealt with a number of issues, …
Bethune-Cookman president to retire
Orlando Sentinel
Bethune-Cookman University President Trudie Kibbe Reed is stepping down after seven and a half years on the job, B-CU announced Monday. At age 64, Reed has decided to retire, …
Flagler College receiving $1 million challenge grant
St. Augustine Record
William T. Abare Jr., president of Flagler College, announces that the William R. Kenan, Jr. Charitable Trust awarded a $1 million grant to Flagler College for endowment, subject to a one-to-one match by other donors. In expressing his appreciation to …
South Florida roads prove dangerous for people not in their cars
Sun-Sentinel
Nave’s mother, Michelle Cannon of Indianapolis, said her daughter was a senior at Lynn University in Boca Raton, studying to be a social worker. She was raising her son, Mychael Nave, who will turn two in March, by herself.
Chronicling a Catcher’s Final Ups and Downs
New York Times
The two extended their sports bond in 2009 when [Gary] Carter was named the baseball coach at Palm Beach Atlantic University, where Bloemers has coached the …
Stetson University unveils mascot
MyFoxOrlando.com
Stetson University has a new athletics mascot. John B. made his debut during halftime of the Hatters’ Atlantic Sun Conference basketball game against Florida Gulf Coast on Friday. John B. is the first Stetson Athletics mascot in more …
Stetson University mascot John B.
Orlando Sentinel (blog)
Say hello to Stetson University’s new mascot, John B. — named after the wealthy Philadelphia hat maker who also gave the university his name way back in 1889. He’s the school’s first athletics mascot since the Mad Hatter was unofficially retired years …
John B. makes grand debut as new Stetson University mascot
SWVolusia News
The Stetson University family welcomed the newest member into the fold this weekend when John B., the new Athletics mascot, made his debut at the Edmunds Center. Shrouded in smoke, John B. made his first public appearance at halftime of the Hatters’ …
Jackson Health System, UM headed toward “a completely new relationship”
MiamiHerald.com
Jackson Health System and the University of Miami are planning a new arrangement that would have some UM doctors practicing only at UM, while opening the way for FIU doctors.
For Profit and Career Colleges
Full Sail in the Spotlight
Inside Higher Ed
Mitt Romney has reinvigorated the national debate over for-profit colleges. The New York Times reported on his recent praise for the sector as a cost-effective option, in particular the relatively obscure Full Sail University, and critics quickly pounced on Romney’s comments.
Yip Yap: Noted and Quoted FLHE Voice from Around the State
Letter: Republican vote suppression efforts aimed at giving …
TCPalm
I smell a rat here with the Republican National Convention being held in Tampa, the last presidential debate Oct. 22, taking place at Lynn University, … Pamela Muse, Sebastian, FL
Editorial: Losing ground
Gainesville Sun
The Florida Legislature has been marching backward when it comes to investing in the very institutions — the University of Florida, Santa Fe College and …
Robert Watson: Florida set to be kingmaker in GOP nomination
TCPalm
Here are five quick “take-away” points from South Carolina’s primary: They say South Carolinians know how to pick ‘em. Since 1980, the winner of the Republican primary in the Palmetto State has captured the nomination — a point not lost on Newt Gingrich (or Mitt Romney). Robert Watson, Ph.D., is professor and coordinator of American studies at Lynn University, Boca Raton. They say South Carolinians know how to pick ‘em.
Anthony Westbury: A great idea; proving it seems to take forever
TCPalm
It’s an idea that’s been around since the 1960s, but current research at Florida Atlantic University may one day help harness the underwater power of the Gulf Stream to generate electricity…
Candidates’ Stance on Immigration Reform Scrutinized Ahead Of Florida Primary
NPR (blog)
“Latinos in Florida are much less worried about immigration,” says political science professor Eduardo Gamarro, of Florida International University. “Here we more than likely have solved our immigration problems and our families are probably in route …
Miami Symphony Orchestra’s Maestro Signs 5-Year Contract
CBS Local
Maestro Eduardo Marturet invited CBS4′s Shannon Hori to a rehearsal at Florida International University. “I’m not mean, but very demanding. I’m really like a bit of a witch. So that they do what I want to,” Marturet said.
Oil rig arrives off Havana; drilling 70 miles from Keys
MiamiHerald.com
… semi-submersible rig finished its months-long trek from China and is now visible from the shores of Havana, Cuba, according to Jorge Piñon, visiting research fellow at the Cuban Research Institute at Florida International University.
The big get in Florida _ Rubio _ isn’t giving
Fox News
Indeed, [Marco] Rubio, who teaches political science at Florida International University in his spare time, is a natural on the campaign trail, equally comfortable giving passionate speeches about his parents’ sacrifices as he is discussing how to restructure …
Murder Suspect In FIU Football Star Case Could Be Freed Without Trial
CBS Local
Former Florida International University student Quentin Wyche sat in the back of a South Florida courtroom Monday morning, hearing witnesses describe the day he stabbed FIU football running back Kendall Berry to death with a pair of scissors…
In Florida, Polk County’s economy seen as key in presidential race
Imperial Valley Press
This is the ground where much of the state’s presidential contest will be conducted … said Gordon Kettle, a professor of economics at Polk State College.
Disney OKs Facial Hair For Cast Members
WESH Orlando
Rollins College professor Rick Foglesong wrote a book about Disney World and its impact on Orlando. Foglesong said the beards are a sign Disney is evolving. “My response is, it’s about time. For the people who work at Disney there are lot of rules and …
Counties scale back hours of early voting in primary
Tampabay.com
The scaled-back schedule drew criticism from Daniel Smith, a University of Florida political scientist and author of the “Election Smith” blog. He calculated that the total number of hours of early voting statewide, 1888.5, is a drop of about 30 …
Larger workforce signals discouraged workers re-entering job market, economist …
Sun-Sentinel
That’s a signal some discouraged workers are re-entering the workforce, said Sean Snaith, economist for the University of Central Florida. But 62 percent of Florida’s unemployed are still workers who have lost jobs, according to a 12-month average …
Daniel Tosh returns with new season of ‘Tosh.0′
Orlando Sentinel (blog)
“Tosh.0,” starring University of Central Florida grad Daniel Tosh, starts its fourth season at 10 pm Tuesday, Jan. 31, on Comedy Central. Tosh, who grew up in Titusville, headlines the channel’s most-watched and highest-rated series.
Post investigation: What Florida lawmakers are worth
Palm Beach Post
University of Miami political scientist George Gonzalez sees those wealthy candidates and the very visible influence of wealth in politics as a sharp change from the past. “People used to keep the relationship between wealth and political power more …
Lots of Fun in the Sun, but Little Use of Sunscreen by Kids
ABC News
“This is the age group we need to make an impact on, becuase it gets harder to make an impact as they get into their later teen and early adult years,” said Dr. Jonette Keri, associate professor of dermatology at the University of Miami’s Miller School …
The best school district in Florida? It all depends on how you slice the numbers
Tampabay.com
Rankings, as opposed to ratings like grades, have a “competitive appeal,” said Sherman Dorn, an education professor at the University of South Florida. But they can also distort by oversimplifying.
Florida Republicans: The Majority Lives Along I-4 Corridor
WUSF 89.7 News
WUSF’s Bobbie O’Brien talked with University of South Florida political science professor Susan MacManus about a statistical snapshot of Florida Republicans she and two former students developed for the Sayfie Review.
Florida’s Housing Mess Puts GOP Hopefuls on Uncomfortable Turf
National Journal
The moniker, credited to University of South Florida professor Gary Mormino, references a pre-recession notion that things would be fine so long as the state continued to attract newcomers, no matter the surge in over-speculative buying and mortgage fraud…
Dear Mr. President: What locals want to hear from Obama
Pensacola News Journal
Leah Courtney, 21, University of West Florida College Republicans president. “I’d like to hear a coherent jobs plan. I don’t think he has articulated something that is going to work. The latest example is the Keystone Pipeline project where he …
Releases and Web Stories
Miami Beach Showcases Talents of the World’s Renowned Culinary Personalities …
PR Web (press release)
Southern Wine & Spirits of Florida and Florida International University (FIU) are hosting their 11th Annual South Beach Wine and Food Festival, a 4-day event starting February 23rd to February 26th 2012 in South Beach, Miami, just steps away from the…
State of the Union Address: Florida State University Experts Offer Analysis
Newswise (press release)
As President Obama prepares for his State of the Union address on Tuesday, Jan. 24, Florida State University’s nationally regarded experts in communication and political science are available to answer media questions and provide analysis…
Fitch Releases Report on University of Central Florida
MarketWatch (press release)
NEW YORK, Jan 23, 2012 (BUSINESS WIRE) — Fitch Ratings has published a report on University of Central Florida. The report is available at ‘ www.fitchratings.com ’. Additional information is available at ‘ www.fitchratings.com ’.
USF St. Petersburg and Poynter News University Collaborate to Offer …
MarketWatch (press release)
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla., Jan. 23, 2012 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ — In a unique collaboration, The Poynter Institute’s News University and the University of South Florida St. Petersburg (USFSP) have teamed up to offer a USFSP-Poynter Certificate of Proficiency in Digital Media. The assessment supplements the application process for USFSP’s new fully online master’s degree in Digital Journalism and Design.
