North Orlando News

Seminole State College recently issued the following announcement.

Seminole State College Board of Trustees Chair Amy Lockhart has been named the Association of Florida Colleges (AFC) 2022 AFC Trustee of the Year. Lockhart is being recognized for her leadership and insight in advancing the College to a new level of success and accomplishments through innovative programs and initiatives while creating new opportunities for students.  

“Ms. Lockhart’s experience and longevity on the Seminole State Board of Trustees makes her a resource for new board members. She is invaluable in building trust and proving information to new members and has embraced her role as first vice-chair and subsequently chair to ensure that board meetings run smoothly and board meetings are accessible and informative for faculty, staff, students, and community members,” said Seminole State President Dr. Georgia L. Lorenz. “Amy Lockhart is a dedicated and exemplary Trustee who contributes tremendously to Seminole State and the mission of the Florida College System.”  

Examples of her work include facilitating connections between Seminole State and community leaders to create opportunities for physical space in which the college could hold introductory courses in local neighborhoods. Before and during the pandemic, Ms. Lockhart played a crucial role in Seminole State’s mission to be the workforce engine for Central Florida. As a Seminole County Commissioner, she is an avid supporter of developing a skilled workforce to grow the Central Florida and Seminole County economy.  

While in the midst of the pandemic, Ms. Lockhart worked with college administration, faculty and staff to develop innovative programs utilizing federal government CARES Act and American Rescue Plan funding. With the funds, the college was able to: 

• Offer rapid skills credential certificates in business, construction, entrepreneurship, graphic design, information systems technology, project management, and public safety benefitting more than 430 individuals who had been furloughed, laid off or otherwise financially impacted by the pandemic.
• Host nine live, no-cost training webinars for Seminole County residents and business owners, attended by more than 200 registrants through the college’s Center for Business Development. 
• Create no-cost, online, self-paced courses for Seminole County residents and business owners with over 350 registrants enrolled in more than 1,400 courses in Microsoft Office and Intuit QuickBooks, while providing services at a discount to Seminole County businesses through industry partners.  

“We are proud to have Amy Lockhart represent the Florida College System as our nominee at the Association of Community Colleges Trustees Award,” said AFC Trustees Commission Chair Cindy Ross. “Amy is a result driven Trustee with an in-depth knowledge of her community’s needs and resources. She inspires others with her belief that investing in people of all ages and backgrounds through education will positively impact students by enhancing their lives and income earning abilities.”  

Lorenz nominated Lockhart for the AFC 2022 Trustee of the Year Award, praising her passion for ensuring students have a balanced educational experience that includes real-world internships, technical education and workforce programs that will ensure students graduate ready to enter college or the workforce.  

As the recipient of the award, Ms. Lockhart becomes automatically eligible for the Association of Community Colleges Trustees Award (ACCT).

Original source can be found here.