New report says Keiser University has $542 million positive annual economic impact on Florida's economy, Market Watch (WSJ)

October 8. 2008

ORLANDO, Fla., Oct 08, 2008 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- Keiser University, a regionally-accredited, career-focused institution, has a $542 million positive impact on Florida's economy and helps meet the state's higher education and workforce needs, according to a report released today by a nationally-renowned economic consulting firm. Importantly, the report shows private, tax-paying post-secondary schools are a cost-effective solution for taxpayers and our state's need to develop world class talent.

The report by the Washington Economics Group (WEG), a premier economic and consulting firm headed by former U.S. Undersecretary of Commerce, Dr. J. Antonio "Tony" Villamil, provides a comparative analysis study of the costs of instructional programs at community colleges and public universities relative to Keiser University for similar programs. Commissioned by Keiser, the report also concludes that private, career-focused post-secondary educational institutions should be included in Florida's Higher Education Blueprint.

To read the rest of this story, click here.

University of Central Florida celebrates 40 years of growth, Orlando Sentinel

By Luis Zaragoza
October 7, 2008

He was a political-science major with a lot on his plate: The first student-body president at the school, then known as Florida Technological University , a resident adviser in one of the dorms and an Army reservist.

People remember him as a good-humored go-getter who tried to foster school spirit on a still-developing campus.

For the rest of this story, click here.

Study says community college students face obstacles, Tampa Tribune

By Adam Emerson
October 6, 2008

As Florida's public universities reject more applicants and drive them to community colleges, a Harvard researcher said that students who start at two-year schools are more likely to face obstacles on their way to a diploma.

In a report for the National Bureau of Economic Research, Harvard education Professor Bridget Terry Long writes that students who start at two-year colleges are "significantly less likely" to get a bachelor's degree in six years than students who start at four year schools.

For the rest of this article, click here.

Video Gambling Risky Way to Pay, Tampa Tribune

By H. Roy Kaplan
October 4, 2008

As the economy has weakened and citizens have become weary of increased taxes, more pressure is being put on state governments to find "painless" alternatives to fund education, which accounts for the largest category of state expenditures.

The bulk of funds for education comes from local and state sources - property taxes, bonds, special tax appropriations and, since the latter part of the 20th century, gambling .

While Florida spends $22 billion, or about a third of its budget, on education, it ranks 38th among the states in per pupil expenditures and is 49th in the number of students who graduate from high school in four years.

For the rest of this article, click here.

Report: Donovan officially signs contract with Florida, TSN

Gainesville, FL (Sports Network) - Billy Donovan reportedly signed his six- year, $21 million contract Friday, after agreeing to the extension 16 months ago following a bizarre set of events where Donovan was briefly the coach of the NBA's Orlando Magic.

Florida basketball spokesman Fred Demarest confirmed the signing to the Orlando Sentinel, with the contract set to pay Donovan $3.5 million per year through the 2012-13 season. He was paid by those terms last season despite never actually signing the deal, according to Florida athletic director Jeremy Foley.

For the rest of this story, click here.

State considers lifting enrollment cap, Gainesville Sun

By Nathan Crabbe
September 30, 2008


State universities won’t solve problems with access to higher education simply by admitting more students, according to a report released Tuesday by an advocacy group for minority students.

Higher education leaders are considering lifting a freeze on freshman enrollment at state universities. ENLACE Florida’s report instead promotes improving graduation rates and expanding options for four-year degrees at community colleges.

To read the rest of this story, click here.

For a related story, click here.

Colleges May Give More Weight to Writing Scores, Tampa Tribune

By Adam Emerson
September 28, 2008

If Florida's college-bound students haven't thought much about the SAT writing test, they had better start soon: the University of South Florida and others are paying more attention to their scores.

Although the emphasis has been on the critical reading and math portions of the test, USF, Florida State University and the University of Florida this year are considering writing results to help determine how ready a student is for college-level work.

For the rest of this story, click here.