The College of Central Florida officially opened the new Center for Career Development on Tuesday, with the help of the Ocala Metro Chamber & Economic Partnership (CEP). Afterward, local business leaders, student, faculty and staff toured the facility and met the new CF Patriots mascot.

“At CF, our goal is not only to help students earn a degree or credential, but to prepare them for what comes next,” said Dr. Jim Henningsen, CF president. “This center represents our commitment to connecting our students with the tools, guidance, and opportunities they need to succeed in today’s workforce.”

The new center, which is located in the Enterprise Center on the CF Ocala Campus, provides students with immersive career exploration tools, networking opportunities with local employers and connections to internships.

With Henningsen’s encouragement, several visitors tried out virtual reality headsets, which students will use to explore different careers, practice work readiness skills and even practice industry-specific skills in fields like health sciences and advanced manufacturing.

Henningsen also recognized Fastenal and Dan Livingston, a district sales manager with the company, for the company’s support of the Connection Hub by Fastenal.

“This room gives students, faculty and employers a place to meet, and network; to host employer meetings; and conduct mock interviews,” Henningsen said.

Matt McCormick, president and CEO of the CEP, said he was excited to celebrate what the new Center for Career Development would bring to the community.

“CF, time and time again, steps up to help our students, whether they’re in high school, whether they’re here on campus, they help our students and our community to find pathways to prosperity,” McCormick said. “This is another example of that.”

The center is also home to CF’s professional clothing closet, which provides students with free attire suitable for job interviews. Community members who would like to donate professional attire to the closet can contact CareerServices@cf.edu.

Attendees also learned about Handshake, the college’s career platform that provides direct connection between employers seeking candidates and students and alumni looking for jobs and internships.

On view Oct. 3-March 21, 2027, the Appleton is pleased to present “Jeffrey Kronsnoble: Master of Allusion, A Life of Art.”

The exhibition features more than 100 works spanning over six decades of Kronsnoble’s artistic career. Among them is a series he returned to repeatedly called “boxes,” referring to collaged images constructed and mounted in shadow boxes. The assemblages are painted, often using a dry-brush oil technique, in hyper-realistic detail. Broken, layered and obscured imagery creates fragmented, mysterious compositions that incorporate recognizable images from news and popular media, family photographs and historical artworks.

Kronsnoble’s artistic practice has been as varied as his collages and cannot easily be confined to a single style. Over the decades, he has painted landscapes, trompe l’oeil still lifes, expressionistic abstractions and portraits of family members and civic leaders, often juxtaposing these subjects within the same painting. He works in watercolor, acrylic, dry-brush oil, graphite, assemblage and collage, pursuing multiple approaches concurrently and using whatever medium and style inspire him on a given day. Now in his 80s, he continues to create art daily.

An accompanying full-color catalog featuring an essay by Jay Williams, curator and longtime colleague of the artist, will be released during the run of the exhibition and available in the Appleton Store. Of Kronsnoble’s work, Williams writes, “Kronsnoble’s art communicates the potential for achieving wholeness in a chaotic world. It reveals the surreal poetry of everyday existence, by reconciling the contradictions between urban and rural, nature and culture, unifying past and present.”

Kronsnoble was born in 1939 in Milwaukee, Wis. He earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin and his Master of Fine Arts from the University of Michigan in 1963. That same year, he joined the art faculty at the University of South Florida in Tampa, where he taught for 40 years before retiring in 2003.

His work is represented in the permanent collections of art museums in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Orlando, Daytona Beach, Jacksonville and New Orleans, as well as in more than 175 public, corporate and private collections. Kronsnoble’s awards include the William A. Paton and Thomas B. Clarke prizes from the National Academy of Design in New York and three Individual Artist Grants from the Florida Division of Arts and Culture.

Director’s Circle Reception | Friday, Oct. 2, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Appleton Director’s Circle members are invited to celebrate the opening of “Jeffrey Kronsnoble: Master of Allusion, A Life of Art” with hors d’oeuvres and wine. Be the first to see the exhibition before the artist gives a talk in the auditorium at 6:30 p.m. This event is open to Appleton Director’s Circle members. RSVP is required to Colleen Harper, harperc@cf.edu, or 352-291-4455, ext. 1831.

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.

Admission is free on the first Saturday of each month as part of the Free First Saturday program, sponsored in part by CAMPUS USA Credit Union.

The College of Central Florida has introduced a newly redesigned Patriot mascot, bringing a bold new face to the college’s longstanding tradition of calling its students “Patriots.”

The new CF Patriot made his physical debut Sept. 16 during the college’s annual Constitution Day event. A digital version of the Patriot, designed in-house by CF, complements the physical mascot and will help bring the Patriot to life across the college’s communications and events.

More than a sports mascot, the CF Patriot embodies the entire student body — celebrating students across academics, extracurricular activities and athletics. It joins the ranks of other great mascots that represent CF’s university transfer partners: the UF Gator, the UCF Knight, the USF Bull and the FAMU Rattler.

“The Patriot represents what we want every CF student to experience: a place where they are encouraged to discover their potential, persevere through challenges and pursue excellence,” said Dr. Mary Ann Begley, CF vice president of enrollment services and student affairs. “This new mascot gives our students a recognizable symbol of the pride, belonging and possibility that define the CF experience.”

The mascot’s return is part of CF’s celebrations commemorating the 250th anniversary of the United States.

“We are proud to celebrate our nation’s 250th anniversary with a newly refreshed mascot that showcases the patriotism exhibited by all of our students,” said Dr. Jim Henningsen, CF president. “Every CF student, employee and alumnus can claim the honor of being a CF Patriot. It is my hope that the refreshed Patriot design will strengthen that connection between the college and the people that make CF such a great place to learn and thrive.”

Students will have multiple opportunities to connect with the new Patriot throughout the semester, including the Take the Reins launch party at the Ocala Campus on Sept. 22 and “Meet the Mascot” events at the Jack Wilkinson Levy Campus on Sept. 23 and Wilton Simpson Citrus Campus on Sept. 30.

The new Patriot is ready to cheer on every CF student from their first day through graduation and beyond — representing the spirit, ambition and sense of community that unite the college’s Patriots.

To invite the CF Patriot to appear at a campus or community event, email pr@cf.edu.

About the College of Central Florida:
The College of Central Florida is committed to providing a full range of educational programs, offering high-quality, affordable education across three counties and online. CF offers more than 170 academic pathways in a variety of fields to prepare students for meaningful careers and successful futures.

College of Central Florida student Angie Granados has been named a 2026 Chime Workforce Scholar, joining 200 students nationwide recognized for their academic achievement and pursuit of career-focused education.

Funded by the Chime Scholars Foundation and administered by the Phi Theta Kappa Foundation, the Chime Workforce Scholarship provides each scholar with $1,000 to help cover educational expenses while completing a certificate or associate degree that prepares students for careers in high-demand fields. Granados is currently pursuing an Associate in Science degree in Business Administration at CF.

“Angie’s recognition as a Chime Workforce Scholar is a wonderful accomplishment,” said Dr. Jim Henningsen, president of the College of Central Florida. “We are proud to celebrate her achievements and are grateful to the Chime Scholar’s Foundation and the Phi Theta Kappa Foundation for supporting our students.”

Kappa Nu, the College of Central Florida chapter of Phi Theta Kappa, has upheld the organization’s hallmarks of leadership, scholarship, fellowship and service since 1960. The chapter has developed exceptional student leaders, including an International President and several International Vice Presidents. In the past year, Kappa Nu members received several prestigious awards, and the chapter was recognized as one of Phi Theta Kappa’s most distinguished chapters at the 2026 Phi Theta Kappa International Convention.

“We are thrilled to launch this new program and award hardworking students with Chime Workforce Scholarships,” said Amanda Karpinski Gorman, executive director of the Phi Theta Kappa Foundation. “These scholarships support students pursuing career and technical education at two-year colleges, and we look forward to see all they go on to accomplish.”

The Chime Workforce Scholarship supports students preparing for high-demand careers that strengthen their communities and local economies. By helping students complete their education and earn workforce credentials, the program aims to strengthen the pipeline of skilled workers in fields where they are needed most.

About Phi Theta Kappa:
Phi Theta Kappa is the first honor society recognizing the academic achievement of students at associate degree-granting colleges and helping them to grow as scholars and leaders. The Society is made up of more than 4.4 million members and nearly 1,250 chapters in 11 countries, with approximately 220,000 active members in the nation’s colleges. Learn more at ptk.org.

About the College of Central Florida:
The College of Central Florida is committed to providing a full range of educational programs, offering high-quality, affordable education across three counties and online. CF offers more than 170 academic pathways in a variety of fields to prepare students for meaningful careers and successful futures.

College of Central Florida student journalists were recognized for their work at the Society of Professional Journalists Florida Sunshine State Awards ceremony Aug. 29, which honors excellence in Florida journalism from the previous calendar year.

Ashley Brace, editor-in-chief of CF’s The Patriot Press, earned first place in the College Arts & Entertainment Review category, competing against finalists from Florida Atlantic University and Florida State University. Amber Battillo, student journalist and photographer, was named a finalist for College Photojournalist of the Year and News Photo.

“Ashley and Amber’s talent and dedication shine through in everything they do, and I couldn’t be prouder to see them recognized alongside prominent universities as two of Florida’s top college journalists,” said Melissa Schuck, CF faculty and advisor of The Patriot Press. “These honors highlight the strength and caliber of our Communications program and students at CF.”

The Sunshine State Awards bring together journalists from across Florida, with SPJ Florida combining college entries from two-year and four-year colleges and universities together. The recognition highlights the quality of student journalism produced at CF and The Patriot Press’s continued commitment to reporting, photography and storytelling.

About The Patriot Press:
The Patriot Press is the student-run newspaper of the College of Central Florida, covering campus and community news throughout Marion, Levy and Citrus counties. The publication provides students with opportunities to develop their skills in journalism, photography and multimedia storytelling.

About the College of Central Florida:
The College of Central Florida is committed to providing a full range of educational programs, offering high-quality, affordable education across three counties and online. CF offers more than 170 academic pathways in a variety of fields to prepare students for meaningful careers and successful futures.

The College of Central Florida invites the community to a groundbreaking ceremony for the new Criminal Justice Institute at the CF Ocala Campus, 3001 S.W. College Road. On Thursday, Oct. 1, at 9:30 a.m., the Ocala Metro Chamber & Economic Partnership will join college officials to break ground for the new complex, which will open for classes in January 2028.

After construction is completed, the new center will house up to five Law Enforcement Academies and four Corrections Academies, approximately 180 students, on an annual basis. In addition, the complex will provide training in advanced/specialized courses to more than 600 law enforcement professionals from 14 agencies within region six (Marion, Citrus, Levy, Hernando and Sumter Counties) annually.

“The new Criminal Justice Institute represents a significant investment in the future of public safety across our region,” said Dr. Jennifer Fryns, CF vice president of Workforce Development and Innovation. “By increasing our capacity to prepare law enforcement and corrections professionals and providing specialized training for those already serving our communities, CF is helping meet the workforce needs of our public safety partners while creating opportunities for students to build rewarding careers.”

The $19.4 million, 31,201-square-foot complex is funded by the state legislature and local funding. Comprised of an academic and training building on one side and a simulation and defensive tactics building on the other, with a covered “Main Street” connecting the two, the new institute will eliminate the disconnect between classroom theory and street reality, giving real-world training in a safe environment.

The first building, for academic and training, will feature 10 large classrooms, a 730 SF F.A.T.S. simulator room for firearms and scenario-based simulation training, and an exercise/fitness room supporting physical conditioning and training activities.

The second building, for simulation and defensive tactics training, will contain a variety of staged environments for realistic scenario-based training exercises, including a mock restaurant with a fully functional kitchen and break area, a mock booking and intake area for law enforcement processing, and a mock bank and hotel front desk. The building will also contain a 2,600-square-foot defensive tactics training area with padded flooring and three white box training rooms for additional scenario-based training.

The Main Street area between the two buildings will provide a covered area for reality-based scenario training, with integrated observation decks that will allow instructors and trainees to safely observe ongoing training exercises.

RSVP is requested for this event: CF.edu/Groundbreaking or pr@cf.edu.

For more information about the CF Criminal Justice program, visit www.CF.edu/CJI.

Make your next event a work of art. CF’s Appleton Museum of Art will host an Open House on Thursday, Sept. 24, 2-6 p.m.

Imagine hosting your ceremony, corporate gathering, wedding, fundraiser or other special event surrounded by world-class art in an atmosphere unlike any other. The Appleton offers a truly distinctive setting where beautiful spaces, inspiring artwork and memorable experiences come together. Whether you’re planning a chic, intimate courtyard gathering or a grand occasion beneath the oak trees of old Florida, the museum’s event spaces provide an elegant and unforgettable backdrop.

Interested in learning more? Drop in on Sept. 24 between 2-6 p.m. for an Open House and experience the possibilities firsthand! Tour the indoor and outdoor event spaces, learn more about what’s available for your occasion, and meet the staff who can help you plan your event. Come get inspired, envision your next event surrounded by art, and see why your next gathering belongs at the Appleton Museum of Art.

This event is free to attend; no reservation needed.

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 the community to a ribbon cutting on Tuesday, Sept. 22, at 2 p.m. for the new Center for Career Development at the CF Ocala Campus Enterprise Center, 3001 S.W. College Road.

The Ocala Metro Chamber & Economic Partnership will join college officials to cut the ribbon for the new center, which provides students with immersive career exploration tools, networking opportunities with local employers and connections to internships.

“This new center represents CF’s commitment to evolving to the workforce needs of our students and local employers,” said Dr. Jim Henningsen, CF president. “This center will give students the tools, guidance and connections they need to navigate today’s workforce, while helping employers find the skilled talent they need to grow and succeed in our community.”

The center is also home to CF’s professional clothing closet, which provides students with free attire suitable for job interviews, and the new Connection Hub by Fastenal – a comfortable collaborative space for networking events and conversations. The Connection Hub is available for students and employers to use as a meeting room and features a set of virtual reality headsets to aid students in career exploration.

“We are grateful to Fastenal for the generous donation that made the Connection Hub possible,” said Dr. Jennifer Fryns, CF vice president of workforce development and innovation. “Partners like Fastenal play a key role in helping CF look ahead and embrace new possibilities. Their engagement reflects the kind of forward-thinking partnership that enables us to continually improve how we serve our students, our employers and our community.”

Attendees will enjoy light refreshments, take a tour the new space and learn more about Handshake, the college’s career platform that provides direct connection between employers seeking candidates and students and alumni looking for jobs and internships.

Immediately after the ribbon cutting and tour, students are encouraged to stop by the Talent Center next door for their open house event and participate in resume critiques and LinkedIn profile evaluations.

For more information about the ribbon cutting, visit www.cf.edu/CCD.

The College of Central Florida recently recognized members of its legislative delegation for their advocacy role resulting in $1 million in funding for critical workforce programs. The recognition took place during the Aug. 26 meeting of the CF District Board of Trustees.

Sen. Stan McClain and Rep. Richard Gentry were present for a photo opportunity with college leadership and trustees, and they spoke in support of CF’s mission and vision. Their participation highlighted the important partnership between the college and state leaders who advocate for the educational, workforce and economic development needs of our community.

“I think we are very fortunate to have a great delegation that does such a fantastic job supporting us in Tallahassee,” said Rusty Branson, CF District Board of Trustees chair. “We truly need their help and support and they have always been there for us.”

Expanding critical workforce programs was a top priority for CF in the 25-26 legislative budget funding cycle. CF is in the largest workforce program expansion in its history, and this extra funding allows the college to support the need for skilled workers in key industries.

The $1 million in funding is already being put to use hiring qualified faculty and staff for Nursing, Agribusiness, IT and other in-demand programs. CF is also utilizing the funds to expand existing workforce programs and launch new degrees, such as the Associate in Science in Precision Agriculture, Associate in Science in Hospitality Management and Tourism, Bachelor of Science in Exceptional Student Education and College Credit Certificate in Geographic Information Systems.

“CF is grateful for the continued support of our legislative delegation and for their commitment to the communities we serve,” said Dr. Jim Henningsen, CF president. “Their advocacy helps strengthen the college’s ability to provide accessible, high-quality educational opportunities and meet the evolving workforce needs of our region.”

For more information about CF’s workforce programs, visit www.CF.edu/Workforce.