Seminole State celebrates 25 years of Robert and Jane Lee Campus at Oviedo

Seminole State College of Florida proudly celebrates the 25th anniversary of the Robert and Jane Lee Campus at Oviedo, marking a quarter century of growth, innovation and student success in eastern Seminole County.

Since opening its doors in 2001, the Oviedo campus has embodied a distinctive blend of Old Florida natural beauty and forward-looking academic opportunity. The campus was renamed the Robert and Jane Lee Campus at Oviedo in 2018 to honor fourth-generation Oviedoans who contributed significantly to the College.

Nestled among preserved wetlands, native trees and peaceful walking paths, the Lee Campus at Oviedo quickly became known for its tranquil setting — a place where students can focus, collaborate and prepare for their futures while enjoying the natural landscape that defines Central Florida.

Over the past 25 years, the Lee Campus at Oviedo has evolved into an important educational hub for eastern Seminole County, expanding programs, facilities and partnerships to meet the needs of a growing community. What began as a campus designed to increase access to higher education has grown into a vibrant center for innovation, workforce preparation and academic achievement.

Today, the Lee Campus at Oviedo offers a wide range of programs that support both transfer pathways and career-ready degrees, helping students pursue everything from bachelor’s degrees to specialized workforce certifications. Located just a few miles from the University of Central Florida, it is an ideal choice for students in the College's DirectConnect to UCF® Program.

“The Lee Campus at Oviedo represents the enduring value of accessible, high-quality education and its ability to strengthen individuals, families and our entire community. By expanding access and aligning programs with real-world needs, we continue to create meaningful pathways for students to build their futures and contribute to the region’s long-term vitality,” said Dr. Georgia Lorenz, president of Seminole State College.

General Education courses for most of Seminole State's associate degrees, including the Associate in Arts degree and Associate in Science degrees in engineering technology, healthcare, IT, accounting and business, are available at the Lee Campus at Oviedo to prepare students for dynamic careers while maintaining the College’s long-standing commitment to affordability and access. 

Environmental studies and STEM courses thrive at the Lee Campus at Oviedo highlighted by a multiple purpose environmental lab funded by several grants from Duke Energy, designed to give students an interdisciplinary lab experience incorporating faculty from various academic disciplines including, biology, earth science, chemistry and engineering technology.

Additionally, The Art & Phyllis Grindle Honors Institute has an office at the Lee Campus at Oviedo and offers programs for students who want to enrich their academic experience and engage in honors activities. 

The Lee Campus at Oviedo is home to collaborative learning spaces and technology-enabled classrooms designed to support modern learning experiences. Students benefit from close connections with faculty, real-world coursework and opportunities to engage with local businesses and community partners throughout Seminole County.

As the Lee Campus at Oviedo celebrates its milestone anniversary, the College also welcomes new leadership within its academic programs.

Steven Smith has recently joined Seminole State College as Academic Dean of Business, Legal Studies and Entrepreneurship, bringing extensive experience in higher education leadership and workforce-focused program development.

“Seminole State’s Lee Campus at Oviedo represents the very best of community-focused higher education,” Smith said. “The natural beauty creates an inspiring environment for learning, and the programs offered prepare students to succeed in the modern economy. I am honored to join the College at such an exciting time and look forward to working with our faculty, staff and community partners to continue expanding opportunities for students.”

The 25th anniversary is not only a celebration of the Lee Campus at Oviedo itself but also of the thousands of graduates who began their journeys in Oviedo and have gone on to contribute to the growth and prosperity of Seminole County and beyond.

According to the 2026 report titled An Engine of Opportunity: How the Florida College System Helps Power the State’s Economy, research shows that for every dollar invested in Florida’s state colleges, students gain $6.30 in higher lifetime earnings and taxpayers gain $2.40 in added revenues and public-sector savings. When factoring in broader social and economic gains, the total return reaches $13.30 for every $1 invested in the Florida College System.

Moreover, Seminole State College contributes $1.31 billion in added income to the Orlando Metropolitan Area economy—equal to 0.5% of the region’s GRP, supporting 14,615 jobs.

From its serene environment to its forward-thinking academic programs, the Lee Campus at Oviedo stands as a powerful example of Seminole State’s mission of opening doors to education while building a stronger community for the future. 

As the College looks ahead to the next 25 years, the Lee Campus will continue to serve as a place where nature, innovation and opportunity come together to shape the next generation of leaders.

Learn more about the programs at the Robert and Jane Lee Campus at Oviedo

• Oviedo Degrees and Curriculum
• The Grindle Honors Institute
• Dual Enrollment Program