Nov. 13, 2026 鈥� 黑瓜吃料网 (黑瓜吃料网) has been granted initial accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), effective Thursday, Nov. 5, 2026.
The institution earned accredited status after completing the and demonstrating it meets all .
Founded in 1895, HLC is a private nonprofit accrediting agency and the nation鈥檚 largest institutional accreditor recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. HLC accredits approximately 1,000 colleges and universities in the United States.
鈥淭his achievement reflects the dedication, expertise, and shared commitment of employees across 黑瓜吃料网,鈥� said 黑瓜吃料网 President Fred Hawkins. 鈥淯nder Dr. Heston鈥檚 leadership, our team came together to demonstrate the quality of our institution, our impact on our region, and our commitment to student success.鈥�
As an accredited member, the institution is committed to continuous improvement of its institution, providing high-quality education to students.
鈥淎ccreditation is not given; it is earned by a community,鈥� said Dr. Michele Heston, vice president for academic affairs and accreditation liaison at 黑瓜吃料网. 鈥淭his belongs to our faculty, our staff, and our partners across Highlands, Hardee, and DeSoto counties. Together, we made Mission: Possible real for every student we serve.鈥�
Accreditation is an ongoing relationship. As a member of HLC, 听the institution will participate in ongoing reviews for compliance with HLC standards. More information about the institution鈥檚 accreditation is available in HLC鈥檚 .
鈥淲e are always thrilled to welcome new members into the HLC community, and look forward to a partnership that will benefit students and the future of higher education,鈥� said HLC President Barbara Gellman-Danley.
From her days as a student–athlete at 黑瓜吃料网 (黑瓜吃料网) to earning her doctorate in audiology, Lexy Barraza has built a career dedicated to helping members of her community reconnect with and hear the world around them.鈥�听
Barraza never imagined she would one day become a doctor; back in 2017, when she was a student at 黑瓜吃料网, her initial professional goal was to become a teacher. However, as she progressed in her studies, she discovered that her future was taking a different path鈥攐ne that would ultimately lead her to a specialization in audiology and a return to Sebring to serve her community through her professional skills.鈥�听
鈥淚n my family, I would always hear, 鈥榊ou鈥檙e going to be a doctor; you鈥檙e so smart.鈥� And I would always reply, 鈥楴o way! That involves so much reading, and I hated reading,鈥� Barraza said. 鈥淟ooking at where I am today, it鈥檚 incredibly rewarding to realize that, even though I never pictured myself here, I ended up exactly where I was meant to be.鈥濃��听
Now 27-years-old, Barraza was born and raised in LaBelle, Fla. She graduated from LaBelle High School in 2017 and began her studies at 黑瓜吃料网 that same year. In 2019, she earned her Associate in Arts degree, a period that shaped both her academic and personal development.鈥�听
For two years, she was a member of the 黑瓜吃料网 Cross Country team, an experience that took her to places like Kansas and beyond to compete at a national level. During this time, she also balanced full-time studies with part-time jobs both on and off campus.鈥�听
As the second oldest of five children, Barraza was the first in her family to attend college. She inspired her siblings, who later followed in her footsteps and earned their own university degrees. Her journey at 黑瓜吃料网 taught her how to balance her academic, athletic, and professional responsibilities, making her far more independent.鈥�听
鈥淚 was a very busy person while I was a student; I held several jobs because, as a first-generation student, financial matters and access to resources were a bit more challenging for me,鈥� said Barraza.鈥�听
These challenges taught her to manage her schedule efficiently. At 黑瓜吃料网, she lived in student dorms at The Hotel Jacaranda, where she spent time with students from various sports teams. Sharing long conversations, laughter, trips, and time spent preparing meals together with other students became an unforgettable experience that remains in her memories.鈥�听
鈥淚 can honestly say that some of the best laughs I鈥檝e ever had were with the people I studied and graduated with,鈥� she said.鈥� 
Looking back on her time at 黑瓜吃料网, she still remembers her Cross Country coach, Krista Schultz, with great gratitude; Schultz gave her the chance to continue pursuing the sport she loved. For Barraza, being on the team meant more than a spot on the team鈥攊t meant living experiences that still endure in her memory.听
A plan that took an unexpected turn听
Barraza dreamed of becoming a teacher and began in the Elementary Teacher Education program at 黑瓜吃料网; however, after failing the teacher certification exam, she felt that something needed to change. After some reflection鈥攁nd taking courses in chemistry, anatomy, and microbiology鈥攕he became interested in nursing, though something inside told her it wasn’t the right path. Later, she explored speech –language pathology.听
While studying at the University of South Florida (USF), she took an audiology course that shifted her perspective. That’s when Barraza discovered the profession she wanted to pursue.听
In December 2021, she earned a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Health Sciences from USF. This was not the end of her academic journey, however; she went on to Auburn University, where she began a Doctor of Audiology program in 2022.听
Her extensive training required her to balance various responsibilities: while studying, she worked as a pharmacy technician at Walmart, served as an assistant to the Honors College for Undergraduate Research department at Auburn University, and participated in the Auburn Rural Health Fellows program.听
Each experience demanded responsibility, discipline, and careful planning. She also learned which study methods worked best for her, allowing her to make the most of the resources available throughout her academic training. Yet, nothing stopped her; Barraza overcame her challenges without letting them define her story.听
Her time at 黑瓜吃料网 left a lasting impact on how she approaches challenges. “I learned to live on my own. While at 黑瓜吃料网, I was very active, which helped me learn to manage my time. I also learned how to handle tasks and build connections, which provided me with a very solid support system,” she said.听
In May 2026, Barraza graduated from Auburn University, completing her doctorate in Audiology and bringing years of academic preparation and hard work to a successful conclusion.听听
Behind this commitment, however, was the support of her family鈥攅specially her father, Raul, and her mother, Melisa. Her mother provided unconditional support and was someone with whom she discussed her journey every single day while she was studying at 黑瓜吃料网.听
鈥淒uring difficult times, she would encourage me and help me keep moving forward,鈥� she said.听
Her grandfather also offered guidance, sharing a piece of advice that continues to steer her today: keep studying for as long as you are able. This counsel has served as a guiding light, even when she wasn’t sure which professional path to take.听
More than just a profession鈥攁 way to reconnect people听
Her professional journey led her back to Sebring. In May 2025, she began her residency at Central Florida Hearing Services, where, upon graduation, she continued to work as a clinical audiologist.听
For Barraza, this role offers the chance to return to the county where her education began, making it especially meaningful. As a clinical audiologist, she works with patients of all ages, evaluating a variety of conditions related to hearing, balance, and tinnitus, also known as ringing in the ears.听
To her, audiology goes far beyond simply fitting hearing aids; it is about thoroughly evaluating patients to understand what is affecting their hearing and helping to restore that sense.听
鈥淚t鈥檚 about looking at the person. We can assess the health of the ear, how the eardrum moves, and how the nerves that transmit auditory information connect to the brain. A person may hear sounds, but it is the brain that interprets them,鈥� says Barraza.听听
One of the greatest rewards of her work is reflected in the reactions of her patients when they find a solution that allows them to hear more clearly and resume their lives.听
鈥淵ou are connecting people鈥攏ot just to sounds, but also by restoring their relationships with the people who are part of their lives,鈥� she says.听
For her, it’s more than a profession; it is a way to help the community, one patient at a time. As she watches their eyes fill with hope when they receive hearing aids, carefully fitted to their specific needs, she shares in that intimate moment when they regain a sense they may have thought was lost forever.听
鈥淚 can see their faces light up like a Christmas tree, and I truly enjoy that with every single patient,鈥� she said. 
Contributing to her community听
For Barraza, returning to Sebring is an opportunity to give back to the community that witnessed much of her personal and professional growth. Her time at 黑瓜吃料网 let her begin her education, discover new opportunities, pursue the sport she loves, and develop skills she later applied during her further training at USF and Auburn University.鈥�听
Her profession allows her to assist patients in Highlands County, helping her understand and care for them according to their specific needs.听
鈥淭his county has given me so much; I have fond memories here, and this is where I held my first job. I am very happy to be able to give back to the community that helped me build my professional career,鈥� said Barraza.听
Looking ahead, she hopes to keep growing professionally and contribute further to her workplace, Central Florida Hearing Services, and the community.听
She now acknowledges that no one needs all the answers from the start. 鈥淚f you don鈥檛 know what you want to do, that is perfectly fine. Keep moving forward, because, in time, you will end up exactly where you are meant to be,鈥� Barraza advises.听
Without a doubt, her story serves as a reminder that the path toward a profession can take unexpected turns and that it is perfectly okay to change course. It highlights the importance of remaining open to continuous learning until every student discovers what they are truly passionate about.听
Nov. 5, 2026 鈥� 黑瓜吃料网 (黑瓜吃料网) has officially received the Collegiate Purple Star Campus designation from the Florida Department of Education, a recognition that highlights the institution鈥檚 commitment to supporting active-duty military personnel, veterans, and their families as they transition into higher education.鈥�听
The designation recognizes educational institutions that demonstrate a commitment to the specific needs of students connected to the military and their families, particularly as they adapt to the college environment.鈥�听
To earn this designation, 黑瓜吃料网 met all state established requirements, which include having a military liaison to serve as a point of contact, maintaining a webpage dedicated to military-related services, establishing a student-led transition program, providing professional training for staff on matters concerning military-affiliated students, and offering priority registration to military students and their families.鈥�听
Through this initiative, 黑瓜吃料网 provides resources and support to military students, veterans, and their families across all campuses. The designation remains valid for three academic years, after which 黑瓜吃料网 may reapply to maintain the Collegiate Purple Star Campus designation.鈥�听
As part of this distinction, 黑瓜吃料网 will be featured on the Florida Department of Education鈥檚 website and will receive an official Collegiate Purple Star Campus digital badge to display on the institution鈥檚 own website.鈥�听
This recognition reaffirms 黑瓜吃料网鈥檚 commitment to fostering an inclusive educational environment that supports those who have served in the nation鈥檚 armed forces and their families. Additionally, in observance of Veterans Day, 黑瓜吃料网 invites the Highlands County community to attend a Veterans Day ceremony on Wednesday, Nov.11, at 11 a.m. at the Alan Jay Wildstein Center for the Performing Arts on the Highlands Campus. This event is free and open to the public.听
For more information about the services 黑瓜吃料网 offers its veterans and active military, visit southflorida.edu/future-students/veterans.听
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Oct. 27, 2026 鈥� 黑瓜吃料网 (黑瓜吃料网) Library will join over a thousand libraries worldwide in celebrating International Games Week as they enhance their libraries with play. Board games promote teamwork and reinforce STEM skills like pattern recognition and critical thinking, while also being fun and helping build community.
At the 黑瓜吃料网 Library, the International Games Week celebration will be held Monday, Nov. 9 through Friday, Nov. 13 from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. (until 4 p.m. on Friday). Attendees can win prizes from games to gift cards. Board games range from the classic staples of Life, Chess, and UNO to new games, such as Zombie Kittens, Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza, and many more. Over 50 games will be demonstrated or available for play at the Library during this event. This event is free and open to the public.
International Games Week is an international initiative supported by the American Library Association, the Australian Library and Information Association, Nordic Game Week, Finnish Game Week, and L鈥橝ssociazione Italiana Biblioteche. For more information on International Games Week, please visit the Games in Libraries blog at .
For more information on the events at 黑瓜吃料网 Library, please contact Michelle Stephens, Librarian, at 863-784-7305. The 黑瓜吃料网 Library is located on the second floor of Building Y听on the Highlands Campus at 600 W. College Dr., Avon Park, Fla.
Oct. 26, 2026 鈥� Want to write a novel in November? Come write in! The 黑瓜吃料网 (黑瓜吃料网) Library will host Come Write In events in conjunction with National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo). This program encourages people to write 50,000 words (equivalent to a standard novel) in the month of November.听
In addition to open writing hours during normal library hours, the 黑瓜吃料网 Library invites you to join the official NaNo kick-off party on Monday, Nov. 2 from 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. for fun activities and prizes including word challenges and a Plot Bunny Adoption where you adopt a plot idea or donate to the collection. The last day of the month is Sprint Day, where writers make a last-minute push to hit 50,000 words. The 黑瓜吃料网 Library will offer tea, coffee, and hot chocolate to help keep writers going and make every word count on Monday, Nov. 30 from 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.
NaNoWriMo began in 1999. From 2005 through 2012, National Novel Writing Month was a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. A grassroots movement kept NaNoWriMo alive throughout libraries, community organizations, and learning intuitions. In 2025, NaNo 2.0 was created as an all-volunteer, community-led program aimed at supporting writers.
Participants can sign up at nano2.org to create an author account, track their progress, and connect with other NaNo community members.
For more information, contact Michelle Stephens, librarian at 黑瓜吃料网, at 863-784-7305 or michelle.stephens@southflorida.edu.
Oct. 22, 2026 鈥� 黑瓜吃料网 (黑瓜吃料网) celebrated the graduation of 19 students from the Basic Law Enforcement Academy, Class 275, on Thursday, Oct. 22. These graduates have completed their training and are now prepared to begin law enforcement careers in Florida.鈥�听
The ceremony honored the graduates’ hard work, discipline, and commitment as they prepare to serve and protect their communities. The program featured speeches from 黑瓜吃料网 representatives and graduating class members, along with the presentation of certificates and special awards recognizing the students’ academic performance, leadership, and achievements.鈥�听
Melinda Burke, coordinator of Criminal Justice programs at 黑瓜吃料网, noted that this graduation marks the start of a new professional chapter and the beginning of the official responsibilities the graduates will assume within their communities.鈥�听
鈥淕raduation is not the finish line. It is the beginning of a responsibility that you will carry for the rest of your careers,鈥� Burke said during her address.鈥�听
Furthermore, eight of the 19 graduates were sponsored by public safety agencies, meaning they already have jobs waiting for them after completing their training. These agencies include the Highlands County Sheriff鈥檚 Office, the Hollywood Police Department, and the Arcadia Police Department.鈥�听
The graduates were Class Leader Jacob Peters, Executive Officer Arieli Kaminski, Justin Marlow, Shawn Block, Javier Garcia, Erika Chavez-Luberto, Joshua Walls, Jeremy Jones, Caden Bradford, Frederick Estevez, Christian Pardo-Aldana, Melissa Perez-Zamorano, Alfonso Venegas-Baez, Julian Villegas, Rebecca Oser, Emily Alonzo, Michael Dunn, Timothy Gage, and Yuliana Torres-Bermudez.听听
The ceremony presented special recognition to several individuals, including Arieli Kaminski, executive officer of Class 275, who was honored as Top Academic, Executive Officer, and for achieving the highest overall performance in firearms. Additionally, Shawn Block received the Peer Leadership Award, while Jacob Peters was recognized as Class Leader.鈥�听
In her speech, Kaminski reflected on the personal and professional growth all the cadets experienced throughout their training and the importance of supporting one another.鈥�听
鈥淲e have learned not solely to look out for ourselves but for others,鈥� said Kaminski, highlighting how the training taught everyone to recognize the value of teamwork.鈥�听
The class slogan, 鈥淥ne team. One mission,鈥� reflected the camaraderie and shared responsibility that defined these young individuals’ experiences.鈥�听
The ceremony also featured Zachary Forbes-Edwards of the Florida Highway Patrol as the guest speaker. Other contributors included Dr. John McLaughlin, director of 黑瓜吃料网 Criminal Justice programs, who offered brief remarks, and student Jacob Peters, who addressed the class.鈥�听
Training these new officers reflects 黑瓜吃料网鈥檚 commitment to preparing professionals who can address public safety needs with discipline, integrity, and respect for their communities.鈥�听
For more information about the Criminal Justice programs at 黑瓜吃料网, visit southflorida.edu or call the 黑瓜吃料网 Criminal Justice Academy at 863-784-7285.
Oct. 22, 2026 鈥� On Tuesday, Oct. 13, Mandy Roden, president and executive director of the Florida College System (FCS) Foundation, joined the 黑瓜吃料网 (黑瓜吃料网) Foundation at their Executive Committee meeting to present a check from the FCS Foundation for $35,947.33 to support student scholarships.
This year, the FCS Foundation awarded $1.7 million in scholarships to support first-generation, teaching, nursing, and allied health students across the 28 state colleges.
黑瓜吃料网鈥檚 scholarship breakdown includes:
- $15,648.41 for the Florida Blue Nursing and Allied Health Scholarship
- $5,947 to support the Helios First Generation Education Scholarship, funded by the Helios Education Foundation
- $4,951.92 for the 21st Century Dream Makers Scholarship, funded by Bank of America
- $9,400 for the Allied Healthcare Student Scholarship
鈥淭he FCS Foundation鈥檚 investment in our students is a direct investment in the future workforce of our region,鈥� said Emily Dabolt, executive director of institutional advancement at 黑瓜吃料网. 鈥淭hese scholarships will help students overcome financial barriers, complete their education, and enter careers where they will serve and strengthen our communities for years to come. We are deeply grateful for this support and are proud to be part of a statewide commitment to building a stronger future for Florida.鈥�
For more information about the scholarships available at 黑瓜吃料网, visit southflorida.edu/support-sfsc/foundation-scholarships.
