A Farewell from President Leitzel

Dear Colleagues,

Today is my next to last official workday, as well as my next to last official workday as president of SFSC. It’s time to say goodbye. This is not an easy thing to do. The past 10 years have flown by rapidly. It has been a privilege and a high honor to have served as your president. Together, we have accomplished much in these recent 10 years, and we also managed to have fun working hard to advance this College for our students and for our communities. It’s been an honor to be a part of the Florida College System, the No. 1 rated higher education system in the United States according to “U.S. News and World Report.”

Working at SFSC was wonderful. Working with a talented team was delightful and extremely rewarding. Thank you for accepting me into the SFSC family.

As I transition into retirement, I take great pride in knowing that SFSC is in great shape. It’s professionally rewarding to know that SFSC had its best funding year ever, thanks to hard work and maintaining strong connections with our legislative delegation. Relationships with our legislators are at an all-time high, due to hard work by many individuals including contract lobbyists funded by the SFSC Foundation. The trips and connections to Tallahassee resulted in very successful funding allocations. Additionally, in the past year, to be included in Aspen’s Top 25 colleges in the nation in our sector is a credit to the dedicated employees of this college. Our academic programs are strong, thanks to the enormously talented faculty. The student experience must continue to rank above everything else we do.

I will watch this college continue to grow and prosper. As I leave, I take with me many fond memories and pleasant thoughts. As a result of a national search, I am thankful that the District Board of Trustees selected me as the fourth president of SFSC. A new leader begins next week on July 3. I encourage you to welcome Mr. Hawkins as warmly as you welcomed me.

I pray for God’s blessings on everyone associated with this great college. Thank you for your support and friendship.

Tom Leitzel