Eduardo J. Padrón
President
Office of the President
300 N.E. Second Avenue
Miami, Florida 33132-2297
305-237-3316
epadron@mdc.edu
Message From the President
Friday, April 11, 2008
MDC Added to State College System's Pilot Project
I am pleased to report another victory in Tallahassee. Today the full Senate voted to include MDC among the institutions in the State College Pilot Project (SB1716). In addition, the House Policy and Budget Council also approved the measure (HB7071), which now goes to the House floor for approval. When it is approved, we will have full consensus.
As part of this pilot program, MDC will be developing recommendations for the transition and developing the funding model for the new Florida College System. Because the details of the project bills differ between the House and Senate, negotiations will continue throughout the remainder of the legislative session.
Miami Dade College is being selected for the pilot program for several reasons, including our status as the first community college approved by the Florida Board of Education to offer a baccalaureate degree program, our diverse student demographic, and representation of nearly 20 percent of the Community College System.
This is a testament to MDC's important role in increasing access to higher education and serving as a catalyst in economic development.
I would like to thank the entire Miami-Dade County legislative delegation, especially Speaker Marco Rubio and Sen. Alex Diaz de la Portilla; the College's District Board of Trustees, faculty, staff, FACC members and community leaders who advocated for Miami Dade College's inclusion in this pivotal project.
Thank you.
Eduardo