BY DAN HILDEBRAN
The June meeting of the Clay Chamber’s Lake Region Prosperity Partners featured a presentation by Dr. Brent Ferns of Santa Fe College.
Ferns is the college’s vice president of academic affairs, career and technical education.
In his talk at the Keystone Beach Pavilion, Ferns stated that while many Santa Fe students transfer to the University of Florida and leave the area after obtaining a bachelor’s degree, the students in his programs tend to stay in the immediate vicinity.
“Graduates from my programs, they live here, they shop here, they buy houses after they graduate because they’re paying taxes, and they start businesses and they create jobs,” he told the chamber group. “I’m the economic development portion of Santa Fe College.”
The VP also talked about the Andrews Center in Starke and the Watson Center in Keystone Heights.
“Nearly 30 courses are offered each semester between the two centers,” he said. “Students can complete their entire AA degree locally. One-stop support services available at both centers from application to graduation, assistance with advising, registration, financial aid, mental health counseling, some new programs. We’re opening a new EMT program at the Andrews Center in Starke, responding to local needs with the EMT shortage.”
Ferns also promoted the developing associates in nursing program that the college is setting up at North Florida Technical College.
“Andrews and Watson are more than just campuses,” he said. “They are community anchors offering college pathways close to home, enrichment for learners of all ages, programs that meet local workforce needs.”
Ferns oversees the college’s business, construction and maintenance, information technology, and public safety programs.
He also forges training partnerships with local employers, such as Ring Power and Clay Electric, to help employees of those companies develop and advance in their careers.
