Dr. James Michael Burkett is Florida Technical College New President

ORLANDO, Fla., Feb. 9, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Florida Technical College has named Dr. James Michael Burkett as its new president, overseeing the school's six campuses academics and operations, as well as two academic units: LaSalle Computer Learning Center and The Digital Animation and Visual Effects (DAVE) School.  Dr. Burkett has more than a decade of experience in higher education as an instructor, Dean of Academics, Program Executive Director and Campus President. He will succeed David Ruggieri, who retired in December.

Burkett earned a PhD from Capella University, a Masters of Business Administration from the New England College of Business and Finance, an MPA in Public Administration from the University of Central Florida and a Masters in Criminal Justice also from the University of Central Florida.

Like many of his students at FTC, he pursued every stage of his higher education while working full time and raising a child.

"Everyone has their own definition of success and how to get there," Dr. Burkett said. "I, myself, followed a non-traditional path. I joined the U.S. Marines straight out of high school. I pursued all of my college education later on while working full time and being a single father. There were plenty of times when I had to make sacrifices in order to get the education that would secure my family's future."

Dr. Burkett's vision for Florida Technical College builds upon the sustained expansion of the school in the last decade, in which it grew to six campuses in Central and South Florida, LaSalle Computer Learning Center and The DAVE School.

"My vision for Florida Technical College is for it to become the premier provider of career training and education in Florida, particularly in the communities that we serve," Dr. Burkett said. "What really differentiates FTC from other schools, is the staff and the personalized approach that we take. We think of each student as an individual, they become part of the family and we're only as successful as they are."

For more than 30 years, Florida Technical College has helped students take the first step to career training and to a brighter future for themselves and their families, by offering diploma, associate and bachelor's degree programs.  Courses are flexible, as part of programs which have evolved over the years to meet the needs of students and the changing job marketplace.

A firm believer in the transformational power of education, Dr. Burkett encouraged those considering college to spring into action.

"There's no better time to pursue your educational goals than today,'' Dr. Burkett said. "Twelve months from now you can be thinking about what you need to change your life, or you can be a year into that change."

About Florida Technical College: FTC offers associate and bachelor's degrees and diploma programs in a range of professions, including healthcare, computer networking, graphic design, criminal justice, culinary arts and cosmetology.  FTC's campuses are located in Orlando, Lakeland, DeLand, Kissimmee, Pembroke Pines and Cutler Bay. The college was founded in 1982 to provide private, post-secondary education in specialized fields.

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SOURCE Florida Technical College