Tommy Gregory, President, State College of Florida, Manatee – Sarasota

In an interview with Invest:, Tommy Gregory, president of State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota, discussed the institution’s recent achievements, ongoing challenges, and future plans, with funding among the top priorities. “Beyond funding, my vision for SCF is to go higher and faster,” Gregory added.

What have been some of the college’s top highlights since you stepped into the role last year?

The second half of 2024 was certainly a busy one. I’ve been here for eight months. Since I arrived, we’ve held a convocation to kick off the school year, followed by three hurricanes, which I put under the category of “saturation.” One of those storms caused approximately $5 million in damages to our main campus here in Bradenton. Then, we went through the accreditation process, as it was time for reaffirmation with our accrediting body. We also celebrated graduation and my inauguration. It’s been a remarkably busy year. Most importantly, though, we’ve seen great success with our programs and students. Enrollment is increasing, our programs are expanding, and we continue to meet the needs of the local economy.

How would you describe the state of higher education in the region, and what major trends have you observed?

Here on the Gulf Coast, we like to say that you don’t have to leave home to receive a world-class education. Whether you’re attending the State College of Florida here in Manatee or Sarasota, you have access to high-quality education. We have three campus locations spanning from the northern tip of Manatee County to the southern tip of Sarasota County, and we’re building a fourth campus at the end of this year. Even if you don’t attend SCF, we have four other outstanding institutions of higher education in the region. Whether you choose to go to SCF, Ringling, New College, USF, or one of FSU’s programs, you can get an excellent education right here at home.

What key factors make this region a hub for educational excellence?

The first thing that makes this region a natural hub for higher education is that we’re one of the fastest-growing areas in the country — arguably in the world. Florida, as a state, is still seeing an influx of about 1,000 new residents per day. People move here for job opportunities, access to education, great weather, and even the political landscape.

Our region, in particular, is unique because we are not only experiencing rapid growth but also serving as a major retirement destination. This combination has led to a significant demand in the healthcare industry. Naturally, when you have such substantial growth in healthcare, it creates a surge in job opportunities, many of which come with competitive salaries and strong career advancement potential. SCF, along with other colleges and universities in the region, is responding to this demand. For example, we offer both two-year and four-year degrees in nursing, as well as programs in dental hygiene, health sciences, technology, and business. These areas are expanding rapidly to meet workforce needs.

How is SCF tailoring its academic offerings to ensure students are well-prepared for careers beyond college?

Many of our programs, whether certificate programs or degree pathways that include embedded certifications, are designed in close collaboration with local business leaders. We form advisory councils consisting of industry professionals who work directly with our faculty and administrative leaders. These councils help shape our curriculum, ensuring that students are developing the skills employers need.

Additionally, we create opportunities for these industry leaders to engage directly with students, whether through guest lectures, mentorship programs, or networking events. This close partnership has also led to a significant number of internships, allowing students to gain hands-on experience before they graduate. In fact, it’s common, especially in our healthcare programs, for students to secure job offers from companies they interned with while still in school.

What are the biggest challenges facing higher education in Florida today?

Tuition is a major consideration, but I’m proud to say that SCF has not raised tuition in 14 years. We remain an incredibly affordable place to receive a world-class education. However, when tuition stays frozen for that long, it does create funding challenges. We rely on partnerships with the local community and strong state support to bridge the gap. Advocating for funding, whether from state legislators, county commissioners, or local businesses, is an ongoing priority to ensure we continue offering high-quality programs at a low cost to students.

Unlike some states that face both funding challenges and declining enrollment, Florida is in a fortunate position. Our enrollment is actually increasing, largely due to population growth. This is especially notable given that, historically, low unemployment rates tend to drive college enrollment down. Florida, however, benefits from a population that recognizes the value of higher education. We also work hard to push back against the narrative suggesting a college degree isn’t necessary. The data is clear: obtaining a degree significantly increases lifetime earnings, and we must continue to communicate that to students.

How is SCF engaging with the local community to address disaster resilience, especially given the region’s vulnerability to extreme weather?

Living in a tropical paradise comes with challenges, and hurricanes are one of them. Over the years, we’ve focused on building resilient facilities — solid construction with concrete blocks, steel, and metal roofs to withstand storms. Despite that, severe hurricanes can still cause damage. Last year, for example, a microburst tore through our Bradenton campus, ripping the roofs off four buildings.

In the aftermath, we partnered with local utility companies and emergency response teams to assist with recovery. We’ve had a long-standing agreement allowing utility trucks to stage in our parking lots, expediting power restoration efforts after storms. Additionally, in collaboration with the state, we set up a drive-through relief station on campus, distributing essential supplies like water, food, and cleaning materials to the community.

For students and faculty without power, we opened our undamaged campuses as cooling and charging centers, providing access to air conditioning and the internet. These initiatives reflect our deep commitment to serving the community beyond just education.

Are there any upcoming development projects or improvements planned for SCF in the next few years?

One major initiative is the development of our fourth campus. We plan to break ground at the end of this year. So far, we’ve raised about 75% of the $40 million needed to complete Phase 1 of the project.

This new campus will be in Northeast Manatee County, an area that, 20 years ago, was sparsely populated but has since become one of the fastest-growing regions in the country. Our first campus was in Manatee County, followed by two campuses in Sarasota County, and now we’re returning to Manatee to meet the demand in the northeast region. Our goal is for no student to feel they have to leave home to receive a world-class education.

What are your top priorities for SCF over the next two to three years?

My top priority is addressing funding challenges. We need additional financial support, both recurring funding from the state and county as well as private partnerships, to continue providing high-quality education at an affordable cost. Advocacy for increased resources is a key focus.

Beyond funding, my vision for SCF is to go higher and faster. I want to raise our graduation rates to the highest in the state within five years, not just for the sake of statistics but because it means more students will complete their education and gain better career opportunities. The second part of that vision is to help students graduate faster. We are continuously evaluating our course offerings and schedules to ensure students can complete their degrees as efficiently as possible.

At SCF, we meet students where they are — academically, financially, and geographically. We are everyone’s college, and my goal is to ensure that every student who walks through our doors has the resources and support they need to succeed.