Chapter One - Raider Nation: Get to Know Us
How We TEACH Makes all the Difference!
Strategy Statement
"Seminole State is Your Learning Partner for Career Success."
Mission
Seminole State College of Florida enhances the educational, economic, and cultural vitality of our region by providing exemplary learning opportunities for the diverse community we serve.
Vision
Seminole State College of Florida will be a national leader in academic programs and services, cultivating equitable and excellent student outcomes, career advancement, and civic engagement in a global society through a collaborative and inclusive environment.
Strategic Goals
Goal One
For Our Students...
- Increase student engagement and student participation in learning processes.
- Improve graduation rates and accelerate student progress to credential completion.
- Close the gap in achievement rates for minority and underserved students.
- Maintain high rates of career placement and improve rates of baccalaureate transition.
Goal Two
For Our Employees...
- Build a College culture of employee satisfaction.
- Achieve External Recognition as a Great Place to Work.
- Ensure staffing levels are ideal and compensation levels are competitive.
Goal Three
For Our Region...
- Increase the proportion of working adults in the region with postsecondary credentials.
- Achieve community perception as a preferred educational destination.
- Enhance community participation in cultural, community, and educational activities.
Fast Facts about Seminole State College
Seminole State College is an exceptional public, non-profit educational institution located in Central Florida. The Aspen Institute has recognized our college as a top-10 finalist for the 2025 Aspen Prize which places us within the top 1% of community colleges in the country. We are recognized for having one of the lowest tuition rates in the country for the last 14 years, and our students earned a placement rate of 94.9% for completers, outperforming the Florida College System average. Seminole State has been designated nationally as a Best Workplace for Commuters for the sixth year in a row. We value rigorous academic standards and workforce preparation. We recently received a historic gift of $2M from the Wharton-Smith corporation as a show of support and commitment to the education of our community’s skilled workforce.
Seminole State has approximately 220 full-time faculty and 500 adjunct faculty. We serve students on four main brick and mortar campuses, plus our online campus through eLearning. We are a comprehensive, full-service education provider, offering bachelor's degrees; two-year college-credit degrees (A.A., A.S., A.A.S.); specialized career certificates; continuing professional education; adult education; and an array of culturally stimulating events and timely guest speakers. We serve approximately 22,000 students.
Additional information can be found at www.seminolestate.edu.
Raider Nation: Leading the Way
Dr. Georgia Lorenz
Dr. Georgia Lorenz became Seminole State's third president in 2018. With 30 years of experience in higher education, she continues to build on Seminole State’s incredible legacy. Dr. Lorenz has been honored as one of Orlando Magazine's 50 Most Powerful People in Education as well as Orlando Business Journal's 2023 Women Who Mean Business, which recognizes female leaders for their contributions to business success, workforce development and community advancement in Central Florida. Dr. Lorenz leads the College with a keen eye for celebrating our shared successes while pushing forward to new accomplishments.
Dr. Loretta Ovueraye
Dr. Loretta Ovueraye has over 20 years of experience serving in the Florida College System (FCS) as a faculty member, department chairperson, program director, dean of faculty and more. Prior to joining Seminole State in June 2023, she served as vice provost of workforce programs and professional learning at Miami Dade College. Seminole State offers over 200 degrees, certificates and programs, including 11 bachelor’s degrees. As Vice-President of Academic Affairs, Dr. Ovueraye is responsible for the delivery of academic programs, courses and services. She welcomes and encourages innovation and collaboration to support our students and faculty.
If you are teaching as an adjunct, you are part of our Academic Affairs division, and your departmental dean reports to one of the AVPs listed below. Academic Affairs is at the heart of our institution's commitment to academic excellence. This includes a dynamic spectrum of educational initiatives, innovative programs, and information on faculty-led work that defines our academic landscape.
- Dr. Molly Kostenbauder - AVP, Workforce Schools
- Dr. Stephen Summers - AVP, School of Arts and Science
- Carlene McNeil - AVP, Academic Services
Rally Raider is Seminole State College's costumed mascot. Rally is a spirit leader and goodwill ambassador for Seminole State. Rally’s presence on campus is to create a sense of pride in the Raiders and to entertain and engage the campus community.
In 1966, founding President Earl Weldon chose the Raider as the College's mascot, representing the myriad ornithological life on the new campus. Central Florida Zoo bird keeper Cindy Dupree says the raider mascot is among the most successful raptors in the United States, and a dedicated hunter with sharp vision. Its tenacity, speed and keen-eyed pursuit of its prey reflect the ethos and attitude of the Raider athletes.
Our Brand & Logo
The Seminole State identity not only relies on its visual communication but also on the written and spoken aspects. Our brand guide will help to create a clear and consistent voice that accurately reflects and reinforces everything that Seminole State values. This includes print, digital and social media communications.
As we have grown, it has become increasingly important to express one clear and consistent identity. Doing so adds to the value of each program while reinforcing the collective value of the College.
Just as every person has a unique voice and tonality, so do we. The tone of college communication should be: confident, direct, warm, helpful, understanding, and trusted.