Dr. Heather Bigard, President, Lake-Sumter State College

In an interview with Invest:, Heather Bigard, president of Lake-Sumter State College, discussed how the school tailors courses to meet workforce development needs, the impact of collaborating with industry partners, school districts, and technical colleges, and how the institution is leveraging technology to enhance the student experience.

Since assuming the role of the first female president of Lake-Sumter State College in 2023, what growth achievements are you proudest of?

I am pleased with our growth trajectory since assuming the role in 2023, particularly in enrollment, programs, and community support. Reconnecting with our community has been a primary focus, and I am proud of the progress made in rebuilding relationships across the region. This includes engagements with local business leaders, chambers of commerce, and collaboration with economic development entities to strategize for the future.

What strategies have you implemented to achieve growth, and how do you plan to sustain it moving forward?

Our strategy for growth has been a collaborative effort involving my entire leadership team. Together, we have analyzed job growth trends, identified rapidly advancing industry sectors, and adjusted our employee planning accordingly. Ensuring an adequate number of instructors to support our programs is crucial. Moreover, we are focused on scaling access to our offerings across both counties we serve. It’s imperative that we communicate to our community that we are their college, offering programs tailored to workforce development needs.

How are you leveraging technology and innovation to enhance the student experience and support academics?

Our successful bid last year resulted in the allocation of $17.5 million from the Florida legislature to spearhead the construction of a state-of-the-art Workforce Development Center in Leesburg to rejuvenate and fortify our presence in Leesburg. Energized by this achievement, we have turned our sights toward Clermont where we have submitted a subsequent funding proposal for a cutting-edge technology and innovation center. This center will house an array of pioneering programs spanning business, fintech, emerging media, and digital technologies. It is designed to be a dynamic hub where students can immerse themselves in the latest advancements, from virtual reality to augmented reality and beyond.

While awaiting the green light for our technology and innovation center, we are already envisioning its seamless integration into the broader master plan for our Clermont campus as we set our sights on accommodating a growing student population — our aim being to serve up to 10,000 students. 

How does Lake Sumter State College collaborate with local industries to ensure graduates are well-prepared for the job market?

Recognizing the escalating demand for healthcare professionals, especially in light of the pandemic, we proactively sought solutions to address this challenge. To achieve this, we established a local consortium comprising CEOs, representatives from our Technical Center, and the School District. Through regular meetings, we strategized on enhancing the pipeline of talent entering the healthcare workforce.

Taking decisive action, we secured funding and support from healthcare providers and the state to significantly expand our nursing program’s capacity. This bold initiative, which quadrupled our program’s size, was aimed at producing more qualified nurses to meet the escalating demand. Hand in hand with local hospitals, we devised strategies to provide our students with enhanced access to real-world clinical experiences, ensuring they are well-prepared for the rigors of the healthcare profession upon graduation.

How does the college use technology and digital tools to enhance learning, and what are the plans for expanding these resources?

Utilizing the Canvas platform, we have streamlined our educational delivery process, ensuring consistency across all courses. This standardized approach to organizing course materials provides students with a seamless experience when interacting with content. In certain programs, such as nursing and healthcare, we integrate simulation exercises to bring theoretical concepts to life. These simulations offer hands-on practice opportunities, bridging the gap between theory and application.

Recognizing the digital preferences of our students, we have transitioned all communication and support services online. Whether it’s registration, advising, tutoring, or accessing mental health support, students can conveniently engage with us digitally. This approach aligns with our commitment to meeting students where they are and providing support in their preferred learning environment. 

With the growth at Lake-Sumter State College and ongoing expansion, how do you balance financial sustainability with maintaining affordability for students?

Lakes-Sumter State College, in line with all 28 colleges in the Florida college system, has maintained tuition rates unchanged for the past 12 years. This unwavering commitment to affordability makes us the most cost-effective option for students statewide. Our ability to sustain this affordability hinges on the steadfast support of our local legislative representatives, who advocate for budget allocations, and the legislature, which approves funding for our institutions. 

Moreover, our college benefits from a robust network of donors whose contributions play a pivotal role in our financial sustainability. Last year alone, we were awarded over $1 million in student scholarships, underscoring our dedication to assisting students in need. While our tuition remains low, we recognize that many students still require financial assistance. To this end, we offer various avenues, including federal and state aid, alongside support from our foundation, to ensure that every student has the opportunity to pursue their educational goals.

What key trends are shaping the future of community colleges, and how is Lake-Sumter State College adapting?

One of the predominant trends shaping community colleges is the relentless focus on workforce development. We are increasingly being called to the frontlines to swiftly create programs that prepare students for high-paying jobs. This necessitates agility in program development, approvals, and hiring of skilled faculty; however, there is a challenging landscape of talent competition affecting community colleges negatively. To counter this, we are actively empowering faculty autonomy and encouraging innovation to foster a rewarding teaching environment.

Additionally, the rise of artificial intelligence presents a significant trend that we must navigate. It’s crucial to ensure the ethical use of technology while preparing students for a rapidly evolving job market. What students learn today may evolve tomorrow, so we prioritize instilling critical thinking and adaptability skills. This equips them to thrive in any environment they encounter, fostering their success in an ever-changing world.