OCALA, FL (352today.com) – The College of Central Florida’s President Dr. James Henningsen was the featured speaker at the Ocala Metro CEP’s ExCEPtional Breakfast at the Reilly Arts Center Aug. 20.
The College of Central Florida is driving innovation into their programs and has been a presence in the community since 1957, serving Marion, Levy and Citrus Counties. The 135-acre campus in Ocala off SR 200 has become an iconic part of the city’s landscape.
The higher learning institution has left a deep footprint in the area with seven campuses and sites, offering certificates, associate and bachelor’s degrees and customized workforce training.
“If you need something for your business, supervisory skills, leadership development, we have that covered as well,” said Henningsen. “We’re consistently ranked among the most affordable colleges in the country, as well as being one of the top colleges in the country. Yes, we’re your local college but we also have that level of recognition nationally.”
The Power of Positive Thinking
Visionary thinking and a call to action have brought ideas to fruition. The College of Central Florida strengthened their health sciences curricula by adding five new A.S. programs, cardiovascular technology, diagnostic medical sonography technology, respiratory care, surgical services, and dental hygiene, with a $10 million investment across the Ocala campus as well as the college’s Hampton Center. They are almost fully enrolled, it takes two years to get those programs enrolled from the start, said Henningsen. The dental hygiene program has already had their first graduating class.
“We’re now serving about 250 students in these programs and those are generally fulltime students,” said Henningsen. “75% of our surveyed graduates, stay local.”
A Collaborative Effort
In January 2025, the ribbon cutting for the AdventHealth Center for Nursing took place, with the 42,500 square foot building having a student capacity of 325. The building cost was more than $20 million, and the construction was funded through the Florida Legislature, Marion County Board of County Commissioners, the Marion County Hospital District and AdventHealth Ocala.
Resources for Success
The Citrus County Hospital Board’s Hospital Promise Scholarship, an $11.7 million endowment through the CCHB will be a real game changer, said Henningsen. They are available to every Citrus County resident admitted to an Associate Degree in Nursing program, with 100% of their tuition being paid by scholarship funds.
However, for some students the College of Central Florida serves as an innovative pathway to the state’s flagship universities, through their Ignite Transfer Program, such as the University of Florida, the University of Central Florida and the University of South Florida.
The innovative access Collegiate Academy has expanded college credit options in certificates and associate science degrees. The program provides students with the opportunity to graduate with high school diplomas and college degrees simultaneously, with the students getting the feel of the college experience by taking the college classes on the CF campus.
Cultivating Core Business Concepts for Agribusiness
One of the College of Central Florida’s most unique campuses is its Vintage Farm Campus on CR 475. It was a $6 million investment donated to the college. The site is 103 acres, with a barn, classroom and farmhouse. It’s home to CF’s agribusiness management and equine studies program.
Technology Tools
And as the college moves forward it finds itself becoming the statewide agritechnology hub. Students can earn a precision agriculture associate in science degree, with its anticipated launch date in the fall of 2026.
The Center of Agricultural Sciences has a dedicated space for high-tech agriculture and equine training. The facility will have classrooms, a wet lab, shop space and student lounge.
Diversity in Degrees for Today’s Marketplace
A number of industry driven degrees will be launched this fall, for hospitality and tourism management including an associate in science and a geographic information system college credit certificate. An Artificial Intelligence Awareness college credit certificate will launch this coming spring.
Focus on the Future
A new cutting-edge emergency medical facility is scheduled to open this winter. The 24,000 square foot facility cost $7.1 million to renovate. It will provide cross-functional training for paramedics and EMTs and will feature a built-in ambulance bay.
Engineering and Design Excellence
The Center for Advanced Excellence is scheduled to open in the fall of 2026. It will be the only FANUC Authorized Satellite Training, FAST, program for robotics in Florida.
Protecting the Public
The Criminal Justice Instruction Center is scheduled to open in Jan. 2027. The 32,000 square foot building will cost $17.5 million.
