About Academic Affairs
Welcome from the VPAA / Chief Academic Officer
As the Chief Academic Officer, it is my privilege and pleasure to welcome you to the Academic Affairs web page. Academic Affairs is at the heart of our institution's commitment to academic excellence. On this site, you will uncover a dynamic spectrum of educational initiatives, innovative programs, and information on faculty-led work that defines our academic landscape. Our relentless pursuit of knowledge is woven into the fabric of every program, ensuring a transformative learning experience.
Whether you're a prospective student, a dedicated faculty member, or a curious visitor, this page serves as a gateway to our academic community. Explore the diverse opportunities, collaborative initiatives, and intellectual pursuits that characterize our commitment to fostering a vibrant and inclusive learning environment.
I invite you to delve into the wealth of information encapsulated here, discovering the intellectual vitality that propels our institution forward. Thank you for embarking on this academic journey with us.
Academic Leadership Team
Basim Khartabil
Associate Vice President, School of Construction, Design, Engineering, and IT
Basim comes to the College with over 20 years of experience in higher education, most recently serving as the dean of faculty at Robert Morris University Illinois, where he focused on analyzing and improving teaching methods and academic environments for student achievement. He advocates for community partnerships as a way to open up new opportunities for students. Through establishing robust local, regional and international agreements, summer programs and experiential opportunities, Khartabil strives to close the gap between education and industry.
Dr. Molly Kostenbauder
Associate Vice President, School of Business, Health and Public Safety
Dr. Molly Kostenbauder has been with Seminole State College for over 20 years. She has served as an academic dean, academic coordinator, career program advisor, and retention specialist. She has taught animal science, biology, and general health courses. She has an extensive background in healthcare education, including advising, program development, grant management, educating, and helping students transition into the workforce. Dr. Kostenbauder has a Master of Science degree in Animal Science from the University of Florida, a Doctor of Education in Higher Education Leadership from the University of Central Florida, and Graduate Certificates in Epidemiology and Biostatistics from the University of South Florida.
Stephen Summers
Associate Vice President, School of Arts and Sciences
Dr. Stephen P. Summers holds a PhD in Chemistry from the University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, and a BA in Chemistry with a minor in English Literature from DePauw University, Greencastle, IN. He was hired by Seminole State College in 1994 as a Chemistry Professor, and subsequently moved into the role of Department Chair for Physical Sciences in 2007, Associate Dean of Physical Sciences in 2011, and his current role as Associate Vice President for the School of Arts & Sciences in 2013. Over the years he has served as Coordinator for the STEM Certificate Program, faculty advisor for the UNITY Student Group, and co-PI on several grants including an NSF LSAMP grant supporting URM students in STEM, an NSF ATE grant supporting the establishment of a Sustainability Certificate program in alternative energy, and the current S-STEM and Title III grants. His community involvement has included Board and Board Chair roles with The Orlando Chorale Inc., Board and Board Chair roles with Central Florida Community Arts, Chair of the Community College Alliance for Sustainability Education sub-group within the Global Council for Science and the Environment, and current service as a Board Member for the Seminole Cultural Arts Council, and the Orlando Science Center (ex-officio).
M. Lisa Valentino
Associate Vice President, Academic Services
Dr. Valentino’s tenure at Seminole State began in 1988 as an adjunct faculty member as the result of personal restlessness and the desire to work part-time outside the home, yet still be available for my three children. Little did I know that teaching those first introductory psychology courses would ignite in me a passion for the mission of the community college that still burns in me today. After two years as an adjunct faculty member, I joined the full-time faculty and have spent the past 28 years doing my best to help the college innovate, grow and change to meet the demands of its community as a faculty member, lead professor at the Oviedo campus, Oviedo Campus Dean/Provost and, currently, as Associate Vice President for Academic Services.