Pandemic Impacts to Higher Education Summary:

Like other sectors of the country, the pandemic has had a significant impact upon higher education. In the November edition of Listen Lakeland, Dr. Kyle Fedler interviews two representatives of local institutions of higher education about the effects of the pandemic on their colleges. Dr. Orathai Northern, from Polk State College and Dr. Brad Hollingshead, Florida Southern College, discuss how their respective colleges are handling the changes wrought by the pandemic and how they have adjusted their approaches in light of the need to maintain social distancing. The guests also shared how the last eight months have impacted enrollment and finances, as well as how they are handling those academic programs that require face-to-face interaction, whether on campus (labs, arts, etc.) or off-campus, such as internships, clinical nursing rotations, and other areas. Finally, the guests shared their thoughts on the possible lasting impact of the pandemic on their own institutions and on higher education in general.

Vision Focus Area/ Goals:

• Lifelong Education:
  • Funding and Community Support
    Lakeland will support quality education through collaboration among schools, businesses, and other institutions in the community.
  • Programs and Curriculum
    Lakeland will support quality curriculum, teaching, mentoring and hands-on experiences to prepare students to succeed in college, in vocations, the workforce, and in life.
  • Career Development
    Our educational community will offer life-long training opportunities for an ever-changing job market.
  • Higher and Continuing Education
    Lakeland will create strong partnerships with its colleges and universities.