High Impact, High Reward: A Year of Transforming Learning at Seminole State

One Year, One Mission: Elevating Student Success Through High Impact Practices

When I stepped into the role of Coordinator of High Impact Practices (HIPs) at Seminole State College of Florida on July 8, 2024, I joined a team already laying strong groundwork for something transformative. What I found was a group of passionate faculty, staff and administrators who were ready to take high-impact learning to the next level—and this first year has proven just how powerful that commitment can be.

In just 12 months, we have sharpened our focus on five key areas of HIPs that are now central to our initiative:

• Undergraduate Research and Creative Inquiry
• Service Learning and Community-Based Learning
• Collaborative Learning and Projects
• Experiential Learning (Clinicals, Internships, Practicums and Work-Based Learning)
• First-Year Experience (IDS-1107)

We officially launched our course designation process, offering a clear and supportive path for faculty to earn recognition for their high-impact courses. This sparked tremendous engagement across disciplines—from biology and health sciences to digital media and more. We were especially intentional about ensuring the process felt accessible and encouraging, rebranding the application to emphasize that HIPs are for everyone willing to innovate and grow.

Signature Events & Faculty Development: Bringing HIPs to Life

Throughout the year, we created spaces for dialogue, inspiration and practical learning. Our panel series featured standout voices like Professors Nicole Salamon, Maya Byfield, Melissa Mesman and Michael Kappers, along with partners from Seminole State’s Library, Seminole State Volunteers and the Center for Business Development. Together, these events highlighted how HIPs extend far beyond classroom walls, fostering meaningful community collaborations and real-world learning opportunities.

We also hosted transformative workshops at faculty conferences, designed to equip faculty with both the vision and the tools to bring HIPs into their courses. Whether developing new assignment ideas or navigating the designation process, faculty were supported every step of the way by our incredible HIPs Ambassadors—mentors who have truly been the backbone of this initiative.

The HIPs Student Showcase: A Milestone Moment

Our inaugural HIPs Student Showcase became the signature capstone of the year. This vibrant event brought students, faculty and community members together to celebrate the transformational learning happening across our campuses.

The Showcase featured a keynote address by a community partner who collaborated with Seminole State students in a service-learning course—underscoring the real-world impact of these projects. HIPs student alumni joined a dynamic Q&A panel, sharing personal stories of growth and discovery. Vice President Dr. Loretta Ovueraye formally recognized our inaugural class of HIPs Designated faculty for Summer 2025, honoring their commitment to excellence.

We were also thrilled to award $1,250 in scholarships provided by the Foundation for Seminole State College to six outstanding students, with an additional three students receiving honorable mentions for their high-impact work. This event brought to life what we’ve been building all year: not just a program, but a culture of excellence, collaboration and student-centered innovation.

Looking Ahead: Deepening Impact

Our work is far from over. This summer, students will begin experiencing HIPs-designated courses for the first time, marking an exciting milestone in our commitment to student success. We are also prioritizing new ways to increase student recognition and awareness of HIPs, ensuring they understand the value and opportunities tied to these courses. Looking ahead, we aim to further strengthen community collaboration and recognition—highlighting how these partnerships enrich learning and broaden the impact of our programs.

As we move forward, we are focused on deepening assessment efforts, expanding professional development, and continuing to build strong partnerships both within the college and in our broader community. Our goal remains clear: to embed HIPs so deeply and effectively that they become a hallmark of the Seminole State experience.

Gratitude & Vision

This first year has been a testament to what’s possible when dedicated people come together with a shared vision. To every faculty member who piloted a HIPs course, every Ambassador who mentored and inspired, every student who engaged wholeheartedly—you are the reason this initiative is thriving.

The momentum is undeniable, and we are just getting started. Here’s to another year of innovation, partnership and transformative learning at Seminole State.

About the Author
Hailee Handel is the Coordinator for High Impact Practices at Seminole State College. In this role, she oversees initiatives that enhance student engagement and success in and outside the classroom, continuing her commitment to fostering educational excellence and student development.