South Lake Chamber of Commerce (SLCC) Breakfast Keynote Speaker:
Dr. Heather Bigard, President of Lake-Sumter State College is the seventh president of Lake-Sumter State College, and the first female to hold the role. As president, Dr. Bigard is focused on improving student success outcomes and maximizing higher education opportunities for the community. She plans to build on the College’s past success to create a new shared vision for Lake-Sumter that embraces the evolving needs of our communities.
Dr. Bigard received her bachelor’s degree from Lambuth University, a master’s degree from Benedictine University, and her doctoral degree in higher education and organizational change. She resides in the Clermont area with her husband, Phil. They have two children, one of whom is currently enrolled at the college.
President Bigard joined Lake-Sumter State College in 2016 and in her role as Executive Vice President oversaw the implementation of several significant projects including the expansion of academic programs, the development of a five-year strategic plan, technology and service improvements, and a new resource allocation process. These changes paved the way for strategic investments across the institution, including an updated salary and compensation model for faculty and staff, information technology enhancements, facilities and infrastructure renewal, and expanded student learning and support services.
Dr. Bigard told of the growing presence of the LSCC. Campus locations are in Leesburg, South Lake County and Sumterville. Eustis and Four Corners campus locations coming soon. LSSC Student Enrollment and Retention is thriving. 4,791 students enrolled in the Fall 2022, and over 8,000 students were served. It is estimated that over 10,000+ students will be served in 2023.
For more information on Lake Sumter State College, visit their Website: LSSC
SLCC Breakfast Sponsor: Merideth Nagel, P.A. and The Legacy Legal Team
Merideth Nagel, P.A. opened the doors of her Clermont office in 2005. The firm’s reach has started to expand beyond Central Florida. Along with their main office in Clermont, they have also expanded to two other locations in Central Florida – Winter Garden and The Villages – as well as a fourth office in Austin, Texas. It’s Merideth’s hope that the firm will continue to grow beyond what she created, offering help and support to clients long into the future.
Co-Sponsor: Well of Hope
Well Of Hope Food Bank mission is to assist individuals and families toward their goals and life achievements by helping them with quality and healthier food, clothing, furniture, job training, employment opportunities, and educational classes focusing on family health and community growth. We also want to assist them with the tools to obtain their goals in life and fullfill their dreams. For more information, visit website: WellofHope
Jason Siegel, President and CEO of the Greater Orlando Sports Commission (Go Sports!) attended the breakfast to promote March Madness® on March 16 & 18, 2023 at Amway Center in Orlando. The University of Central Florida hosts the First and Second Rounds of the NCAA ® Division I Men’s Basketball Championship. Breakfast attendee Chuck Seaver was the lucky winner of tickets to the event. For more information, visit website: GoSports.
The Ray Goodgame Outstanding Student Leader Award was presented to Maia McClone of Lake Minneola High School. (To learn more, visit article on MAIA).
(Information provided by Nathaniel Edmund, SLCC.
