The College of Central Florida recently was certified as a National Institute of Food and Agriculture Non-Land-Grant College of Agriculture. CF is one of only three Florida educational institutions with this designation from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, alongside Florida State University and Florida International University, and is the only college in the Florida College System to earn this certification.

CF joins the ranks of 82 universities and just five other colleges nationwide with this designation, which makes CF now eligible to apply for specific sources of federal funding to build capacity, enhance academic programs and strengthen partnerships with local businesses and organizations. CF is the only Florida state college that offers an Associate in Science degree in Agribusiness Management, and CF’s Vintage Farm Campus is the only working farm campus within the Florida College System.

“The Vintage Farm Campus is quickly becoming one of the College of Central Florida’s most high-tech educational facilities,” said Dr. Jim Henningsen, CF president. “This certification shows the potential for Marion County to become a hub for cultivating cutting-edge agriculture and equine talent for the entire state of Florida. With our area producing nearly $400 million in agriculture exports each year and generating an economic impact of more than $4 billion through our equine industry, CF is positioned to be the top educational provider for agribusiness career training, talent development and applied research.”

The Non-Land-Grant College of Agriculture designation is a key aspect of the CF Vintage Farm Plan for the Future, a five-year strategic plan for 2025-2029. One of the plan’s priorities is to obtain funding to expand CF’s training space with a state-of-the-art simulation lab, vocational lab and additional classroom space to accommodate the growing numbers of students interested in agribusiness and equine careers.

Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson, a lifelong farmer, has recognized CF’s creative approach to expanding workforce education.

“CF has been ahead of the curve each time they have accommodated their local communities to make sure that they’re producing the workforce that is needed,” Simpson said. “You have this gem in Central Florida at CF that’s growing our talent for tomorrow’s jobs.”

For more information on College of Central Florida’s Agribusiness Management program, visit CF.edu/Agribusiness. For more information on the CF Vintage Farm Campus, visit CF.edu/VintageFarm.

In accordance with the Commission on Dental Accreditation policy on Third Party Comments, the College of Central Florida Dental Programs-Dental Hygiene and Dental Assisting are soliciting comments pertaining to the standards for Dental Hygiene and Dental Assisting Education or policies and procedures used in the Commission’s accreditation process. All comments must:

• Pertain only to the standards or policies and procedures used in the Commission’s accreditation process
• Be signed or unsigned however, signatures will be removed from comments prior to forwarding them to the program

The Commission will accept only comments pertaining to the standards or policies and procedures.

A copy of the accreditation standards and/or the Commission’s policy on third-party comments may be obtained by contacting the Commission at 211 East Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL, 60611 or by calling 800-621-8099, ext. 4653.

These comments should be received in the Commission’s office 30 days prior to the site visit on April 2-4, 2025.

Comments should be submitted to:
Third Party Comments
Commission on Dental Accreditation
211 East Chicago Avenue
Chicago, IL 60611
Or by fax to: 312-440-2915

For information about the site visit, contact Dental Hygiene Program Manager Jerelyn Zacke, zackej@cf.edu, 352-873-5881, ext. 1230 or the Dental Assisting Program Manager Jennifer Luffman, luffmanj@cf.edu, 352-873-5881, ext. 1702.

The College of Central Florida Webber Gallery invites the community to explore the unique qualities of navigating life in the American Southeast at the “Michael Mallard: Recent Works” exhibition on view Feb. 17-March 12, 2025.

Mallard’s colorful pieces blend everyday objects and symbolic imagery to tell layered stories about identify, place and experience. Each work draws viewers in to examine the subtleties of Southern life, offering a rich, contemplative look at the beauty and challenges inherent in the rhythms and stories of the region.

Mallard is an artist and educator who currently serves as associate professor of visual arts at Albany State University in Georgia, where he plays an active role in teaching and mentoring students. He holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from University of Georgia and a Master of Fine Arts degree from the University of Illinois.

The community is invited to the exhibition’s closing reception on Wednesday, March 12 at 12:30 p.m.

The Webber Gallery is located at the CF Ocala Campus, 3001 S.W. College Road. Hours are 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Thursday and admission is free. For more information, visit www.CF.edu/Webber or call 352-854-2322, ext. 1664.

The College of Central Florida Webber Gallery will showcase the talent of the college’s visual arts faculty in the biennial Faculty Art Exhibition on view Jan. 8-Feb. 6. New work by four faculty members spans mediums including ceramics, fiber arts, mixed media, printmaking and more.

Artists include Tyrus Clutter, professor and program manager for art; Abigail Stallings, assistant professor and program manager for digital media; Michele Wirt, senior professor of art; and Graham Young, associate professor of digital media.

“This dynamic exhibition celebrates the creativity and expertise of our visual arts faculty members, offering viewers an inspiring glimpse into the diverse approaches and techniques that define contemporary art,” said Dr Jason Longtin, visual and performing arts department chair. “Each work is a testament to the innovative spirit of our faculty, inviting visitors to experience the vibrant dialogue between tradition and experimentation that drives their artistic practices.”

The community is invited to an opening reception on Thursday, Jan. 30, from 4:30-7 p.m.

The Webber Gallery is located at the CF Ocala Campus, 3001 S.W. College Road. Hours are 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Thursday and admission is free. For more information, visit www.CF.edu/Webber or call 352-854-2322, ext. 1664.

Victoria Billig, assistant director for the Appleton Museum of Art, College of Central Florida, was recently recognized with the Florida Association of Museums (FAM) 2024 Exceptional Leadership Award.

FAM’s annual Museum Service Awards Program recognizes outstanding contributions to the museum profession in the Sunshine State. The Exceptional Leadership Award recognizes Billig’s work in the museum field and her profound impact on the cultural arts, Florida’s museums, and the lives of the citizens of the State of Florida.

“Victoria’s decade-long commitment of service excellence at the Appleton has made significant contributions to the museum while simultaneously advancing Florida’s museums, both locally and statewide,” said Appleton director Jason Steuber.

Billig has been with the Appleton as assistant director for almost 11 years. She leads a 15-person team composed of the Education, Marketing and Public Relations, Appleton Store and Visitor Services departments. Victoria is the managing editor and content designer for all the Appleton’s public-facing engagement and marketing strategies, such as the trimonthly museum magazine, Artifacts, as well as the website and media communication platforms. Working closely with the Appleton team, she led the museum’s successful American Alliance of Museums reaccreditation in spring 2023 and the development of two, five-year strategic plans (2017-2022 and 2023-2028). Billig embodies a true and heartfelt dedication to ensuring that museums and the arts are accessible resources for children and adults in all walks in life.

“The Florida Association of Museums is such an important organization that works diligently to bring together and provide valuable resources for the state’s museum professionals while promoting and supporting the arts and arts advocacy,” Billig said. “I’m thrilled and honored to receive this leadership award and represent the Appleton and College of Central Florida.”

About Florida Association of Museums

The Florida Association of Museums is the not-for-profit professional organization for Florida’s museums and museum professionals. The mission of the association is to represent and address the needs of the museum community, enhancing the ability of museums to serve the public interest. The Association encourages excellence in its members by promoting communication through which its members share information and resources, effect legislation and promote support of museums.

The Appleton Museum, Artspace and Store are open Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday, noon-5 p.m. A campus of the College of Central Florida, the Appleton Museum of Art is located at 4333 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala, east of downtown on SR 40 (exit 352 east off I-75 or exit 268 west off I-95). Parking is free. For more information, call 352-291-4455 or visit AppletonMuseum.org.

The College of Central Florida’s online programs and degrees recently received national recognition in Newsweek’s America’s Top Online Colleges 2025 list.

At No. 35, CF ranked highest among the Florida College System’s 28 institutions, and placed above larger universities including University of Central Florida, University of Florida and University of Miami. CF students can complete the following programs fully online: Associate in Arts, Associate in Science in Business Administration, Associate in Science in Early Childhood Education, and nine college credit certificates in areas such as business and education. Unique in Florida, CF offers Equine Studies students the opportunity to start their education journey with an Equine Technician college credit certificate offered completely online.

The college’s fully online Bachelor Science in Nursing program was nationally recognized this year on the U.S. News & World Report Best Bachelor of Science in Nursing Programs list, where CF placed the highest among Florida College System schools. The BSN program is ranked No. 3 for the Best Online Nursing Programs in Florida by Research.com.

The CF Associate in Science in Early Childhood Education and college credit certificate programs in Early Childhood Development and Child Care Center Management, which offer fully online credentials for future preschool educators, were ranked No. 24 on the Intelligent.com nationwide list of Best Online Early Childhood Education Degree Programs of 2025.

“The College of Central Florida has proved, once again, that we can meet our students where they are with flexible scheduling that does not sacrifice quality,” said Dr. Jim Henningsen, CF president. “By offering courses virtually, we can help learners access instruction by our highly ranked faculty, whether they are pursuing a degree that will prepare them to transfer to a university or a credential that will help them achieve their career goals.”

For more information about CF’s fully online degree and certificate programs, visit CF.edu/Online.

Now through Jan. 12, visit the Appleton Museum of Art, College of Central Florida, for a festive display of trees decorated by community groups, organizations and businesses. This annual, community-driven tradition is showcased alongside “A Dickens Christmas: The Urban Family’s Holiday Exhibition,” creating a memorable holiday experience throughout the museum for all ages to enjoy.

During the summer months, the Appleton seeks participants from the local community to provide and decorate themed trees to adorn the second-floor galleries during the holiday season.

“Each year, our participants provide beautifully decorated trees that reflect the mission and spirit of their organization, while others delight visitors with their imaginative designs,” said Victoria Billig, assistant director of the Appleton Museum of Art. “We’re really happy to have such great representation from our community partners this year and we appreciate all of the hard work and thoughtfulness that is clearly reflected in their displays.”

This year’s participants include Appleton Artspace, Better Together, Bridge to Hope, CAMPUS USA Credit Union, College of Central Florida, East Marion Elementary, Hands Up Communications with LN Signs and Greater Marion County Association of the Deaf (GMCAD), Hiers-Baxley Funeral Services, Humane Society of Marion County, North Central Florida Media and Urban Counseling.

Regular admission fees apply to visit. Admission is free on the first Saturday of each month as part of the Free First Saturday program. Free First Saturdays are supported in part by CAMPUS USA Credit Union, Marion Cultural Alliance and the National Endowment for the Arts.

Visit the museum on the Dec. 7 Free First Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., for the annual Holiday Community Day, sponsored by the Urban family. Enjoy face painting, photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, holiday crafts and more! For more details, visit AppletonMuseum.org.

The Appleton Museum, Artspace and store are open Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday, noon-5 p.m. A campus of the College of Central Florida, the Appleton Museum of Art is located at 4333 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala, east of downtown on SR 40 (exit 352 east off I-75 or exit 268 west off I-95). Parking is free. For more information, call 352-291-4455 or visit AppletonMuseum.org.

The College of Central Florida invites anyone thinking about college to an open house on Monday, Dec. 2, from 2-6 p.m. at the CF Jack Wilkinson Levy Campus, 15390 N.W. Highway 19, Chiefland.

Future students are encouraged to tour the campus and learn about more than 170 academic pathways, including 70 job-training programs. Attendees can receive assistance with the application process, financial aid and veterans’ assistance, and can register for the spring semester, which starts Jan. 8.

Everyone who completes an admissions application at the event will have the $30 application fee waived and will receive a CF T-shirt or lanyard.

The college also will host two other events in connection with the open house: An orientation for first-time-in-college students from 5-6 p.m., and an Emergency Medical Technician information session at 6 p.m.

Additional open house events will be held Tuesday, Dec. 3, noon-4 p.m. at the Wilton Simpson Citrus Campus, 3800 S. Lecanto Highway, Lecanto, and Wednesday, Dec. 4, noon-4 p.m., at the CF Ocala Campus, 3001 S.W. College Road, Ocala.

For more information, visit CF.edu/OpenHouse or call 352-658-4077.