SANFORD, Fla. – (July 1, 2025) – Seminole State College of Florida proudly marks its 60th Anniversary, celebrating six decades of transforming lives through education, innovation, and service to the Central Florida community. 

 Often referred to as the Community College Boom, 1965 marked a period of rapid expansion in two-year institutions across the United States. Driven by the need to accommodate the growing number of Baby Boomers reaching college age and returning military veterans seeking education, this movement emphasized open access, affordable tuition, and career -focused training to meet local workforce demands and broaden educational opportunity. 

Seminole State College has grown from a small community college into a dynamic, four-campus institution serving more than 22,000 students annually. With programs spanning from associate degrees to bachelor’s degrees and workforce certifications, Seminole State College continues to be a driving force for economic development and opportunity in the region. 

 “For 60 years, Seminole State has been committed to empowering students, strengthening our community, and preparing future leaders,” said Dr. Georgia Lorenz, president of Seminole State College. “As we celebrate this milestone, we also look ahead with optimism and confidence in the College’s future.” 

Over the years Seminole State College has thrived by adapting to and meeting the needs of an ever-changing community. By offering high-quality educational programs and services, the College continues to provide students and area residents with a multitude of resources. Now and in the years to come, opportunities for personal growth abound at Seminole State. 

 It all started with a dream…a dream that has been realized in extraordinary ways. 

The Florida State Legislature signed a charter on July 1, 1965, creating Seminole Junior College. The Seminole County School Board hired Dr. Earl S. Weldon, a former president of St. Johns River Junior College in Palatka, to be the newly formed institution’s president. 

 It was initially established as Seminole Junior College and began operations in August 1966 with 800 students, nearly double the 456 students estimated in the evaluation brief submitted to the State Junior College Board and the State Board of Education—a true testament to the postsecondary academic desires of the Seminole County community. 

 In 1975, the institution was renamed Seminole Community College, and in 2009 the Board of Trustees unanimously approved changing the name to Seminole State College of Florida. 

 In an archived audio file from the late Dr. Weldon, he stated, “What we have tried to do, and what everyone at Seminole Community College will continue is to provide the best possible education for every student. We are all well aware, students are the only reason the College exists.” That vision continues to guide the institution today. 

 For a look back at the first 60 years of Seminole State College and its significant growth and achievements, visit the website. Over the past decade, significant milestones include: 

• Dr. E. Ann McGee stepped down from the presidency in July 2018 after more than 20 years of service as the second president in Seminole State’s College’s history. She transitioned into the role of President Emerita where she is “of counsel” to the new president to provide fundraising assistance to the College. 

• Dr. Georgia Lorenz began her tenure as the third president of Seminole State College of Florida in August 2018, ushering in a new era. She brought more than 20 years of experience in higher education to the College and continuously builds on Seminole State’s legacy with a keen focus on a student-centered, data-informed culture focused on post-graduation success and career readiness. 

• The COVID pandemic of 2020, while not unique to Seminole State, marked a defining moment in its recent history—one that tested the institution’s resilience, adaptability, and unwavering commitment to student success. From rapidly shifting to virtual learning to expanding student support services, the College emerged stronger and more innovative, setting a new standard for how it serves and supports its community in times of uncertainty. 

• A historic donation of $2 million from Wharton-Smith in April 2024 provided the foundational gift for the renovation of the George and Gretchen Smith Workforce Trades Center on Seminole State’s Sanford/Lake Mary Campus, highlighting the support of the College’s construction partners who are making this state-of-the-art facility possible. 

• The Aspen Institute named Seminole State College a top 10 finalist for the 2025 Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence. The institutions selected for this honor stand out among more than 1,000 community colleges nationwide as having high and improving levels of student success. 

• The Foundation for Seminole State College’s 2025 Dream Gala raised a record-breaking $630,000 to support student scholarships, programs and areas of greatest need. The Dream Gala’s success is a testament to the community’s commitment to education and the transformative power it holds. 

 Looking ahead, Dr. Lorenz is spearheading a new strategic plan set to launch in the 2025–2026 academic year, focused on building lasting connections with students and community members. The goal is to serve as a trusted partner throughout every stage of the college and career journey. “We remain committed to putting students first and cultivating a student-centered learning environment—one that’s the best choice for learners at every phase of their educational lives,” said Dr. Lorenz. 

 What started as a few portable classrooms huddled in a former citrus grove is now Seminole State College of Florida with four campuses and two sites spanning Seminole County and enrollment of more than 22,000. Additionally, with more than 150,000 Raider graduates since 1966, the Seminole State alumni community is strong. 

 “We look forward to the next chapter in Seminole State College’s story—one defined by innovation, engagement, and a continued commitment to student success. As we celebrate 60 years of impact, we remain focused on the future — expanding opportunities, strengthening partnerships, and empowering learners,” said Dr. Lorenz. 

 About Seminole State College of Florida 

Seminole State College of Florida, established in 1965, serves more than 22,000 students across six sites in Central Florida. A full-service education provider, Seminole State has thrived by adapting to and meeting the needs of an ever-changing, vibrant community. Seminole State offers 11 bachelor’s degrees in high-demand, high-growth fields; two-year associate degrees; specialized certificates; continuing professional education; adult education and guaranteed admission via DirectConnect to UCF® to the University of Central Florida for Associate in Arts (A.A.) graduates. By offering flexible, affordable, high-quality educational programs and services, the College continues to help students learn, succeed and GO Far. 

For more about Seminole State, visit seminolestate.edu. 

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