Seminole State to receive $1 million over 4 years from Florida Hospital

Seminole State College announced this week that over a four-year period Florida Hospital will donate $1 million to help benefit the college’s nursing program.
The announcement came from the Foundation for the Seminole State College, a non-profit that helps raise money and improve programs at the college.
Publicly launched in February 2015, the Foundation’s comprehensive campaign’s goal was $12 million. With Florida Hospital’s commitment, the three year campaign concludes with $13.553 million raised to provide scholarships, student support services, and student spaces.
“Florida Hospital’s outstanding support of quality nursing education is clear,” said John Gyllin, executive director of the Foundation for Seminole State College. “This financial commitment is important to our nursing program and is the capstone gift to our comprehensive campaign. We are extremely pleased that Florida Hospital has helped us to exceed our goal in such a significant way."
Seminole State and Florida Hospital have a long history of partnering to provide student nurses with outstanding clinical experiences, as well as professional development opportunities for faculty. Between 2013-15, more than 2,200 Seminole State students completed a clinical experience at Florida Hospital with many of those students ultimately being employed by Florida Hospital. In 2015, 91 nursing graduates, or 45 percent of the class, were hired by Florida Hospital.
“We have a long history of partnership with Seminole State College and are pleased to work together with them, as we continue to provide high quality healthcare to our community,” said Doug Harcombe, Florida Hospital senior executive officer.  Harcombe also serves as a member of the Foundation’s Board of Directors.
The Seminole State nursing program is known for its outstanding students and results, including:
• 96 percent pass rate on the national licensure exam, NCLEX-RN (state average is 72 percent)
• 85 percent of admissions are concurrently enrolled in the University of Central Florida’s BSN program
• 80 percent graduation rate
• 270 admissions per year

About the Foundation for Seminole State College
The Foundation is a not-for-profit, tax-exempt corporation dedicated to enhancing Seminole State College's programs and services through the development and management of private contributions, public grants and community partnerships.

- Special to the Herald