My Fellow Seahawks and Supporters of Broward College:
The spring semester is winding down, which means that many students soon will be taking the stage for commencement on May 5 at the Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise. It’s always uplifting to see the moment when our students reach their goal of completing college and beginning the next journey in their lives, whether that path takes them to the workforce or additional education.
Preparing students for success is why we are dedicated to making Broward College the #1 destination for academic excellence, and that vision is weaved into everything we do. Part of that includes recognizing the faculty members who prepare our students for success in their careers. I offer my congratulations to our seven new Endowed Teaching Chairs, who each recently received $13,500 in philanthropic awards, split between an honorarium and funding for professional development and classroom improvement projects. I would also like to congratulate our 12 honorees for Professor and Adjunct Professor of the Year. Your expertise, dedication, and passion for teaching are incubating the next generation of healthcare workers, business professionals, law enforcement officers, pilots, and more.
I’m always enthusiastic about academic excellence, but having fun is also part of a well-rounded college experience. That’s why over the last two months we’ve hosted multiple Clash of the Seahawks events across all our campuses that pit faculty/staff and students against each other in friendly competitions. Some of these events included flag football, basketball, soccer, pool, and kickball. You might have seen me join in at some of these events, and I’m glad that these spirited competitions resulted in a well-deserved 3-2 win for our faculty and staff. We will resume the Clash of the Seahawks in the fall.
We also held a series of events under the “America 250” banner to celebrate the 250th anniversary of our nation’s founding. I want to thank everyone who dressed up in red, white, and blue shirts across our campuses to form words for group photos, as well as to Professor John Donovan for his spirited readings (fully dressed and illustrating that historical period) of the Declaration of Independence.
I would also like to congratulate the newly minted Dr. Jennifer Kross, Dean of Student Services at the Judson A. Samuels South Campus, on the completion of her doctorate in education at Florida International University. Dr. Kross sets a great example for us on how learning and self-improvement are lifelong processes. That's something we see can every day in our diverse student body.
This has been an exciting semester, and I wish you success for the summer.
As always, please feel free to contact me directly at officeofthepresident@broward.edu.
Go Seahawks!
Torey Alston
President and CEO
Board Action
The following are agenda items approved by the Broward College District Board of Trustees at its April 21, 2026, regular meeting.
- The Board approved an agreement to piggyback off a University of Florida contract with Hunt Optics and Imaging to purchase updated microscopes for students and teachers to enhance instructional quality and support student achievement within the science departments.
- The Board approved a contract to secure services from the Association of College and University Educators (ACUE) to provide faculty professional development focused on evidence-based teaching practices. This initiative equips faculty with research-based strategies that improve instructional quality and student learning outcomes.
- The Board approved an agreement with Gun Range Equipment Services to continue to provide maintenance and calibration services for equipment at the Institute of Public Safety's firing range.
SIS Implementation Update
Broward College continues to make strong progress in the implementation of our new Student Information System (SIS), Ellucian, marking a major step forward in modernizing the systems that support our students while strengthening the tools and resources available to faculty and staff.
Since our last update, the project has reached several significant milestones. On April 7, the new MyBC portal officially launched, representing a major achievement in the College’s transition to our new SIS. Students are now able to log in to the new MyBC and view their Financial Aid status for Fall 2026, providing an early look at one of the key services that will be fully supported in the new system. During this transition period, Spring and Summer services remained accessible through the original MyBC card to ensure continuity and a smooth user experience.
On April 23, Broward College successfully opened Fall 2026 registration through the new MyBC portal. This milestone marked the first time students registered for classes using the new system, representing a critical step toward full adoption of our Ellucian suite of products and a significant advancement in delivering a modern, streamlined registration experience.
Equally important to this progress is the extensive preparation of Broward College faculty and staff. Employees across key functional areas—including Admissions, Advising, Financial Aid, and Registration—completed targeted training based on their role at the institution and their use of the new MyBC environment. These teams are now actively supporting students using the new system, applying new workflows and processes designed to improve service delivery and efficiency.
In parallel with go-live, cross-functional teams have been engaged in post-launch support efforts. Functional and technical staff are working collaboratively to monitor system performance, address issues, and provide timely assistance to both students and employees. This coordinated approach ensures that the College is well-positioned to respond quickly and effectively as system usage continues to expand.
Communication and outreach efforts remain a key priority. Students are being informed and guided through these changes using multiple channels, including email, text messaging, social media, campus displays, and learning management system announcements. At the same time, internal communications and resources continue to support faculty and staff as they adapt to the new system and assist students during this transition.
The progress achieved to date reflects the strong collaboration and dedication of teams across the College. As we continue through this critical phase of implementation, additional updates will be shared to highlight progress and upcoming milestones.
Visit the SIS website for additional information.
Student Spotlight
This month’s student spotlight focuses on Mervyn Jean-Baptiste, who serves as President of the Cybernetics Club.
Where are you from?
Miami, FL.
What’s your major?
Bachelor of Applied Science, Information Technology, Network Systems Analyst
What advice would you give to incoming students?
Get active outside of your classes. Engaging in major-related extracurriculars or even taking the initiative to start your own student organization is the best way to gain hands-on experience and unlock new career opportunities.
What is the best part about being a BC student?
The best part is how much room there is to actively develop your professional skills. BC gives you a real stage to take what you learn and apply it—whether that's through leading workshops, organizing technical projects, or stepping up into leadership roles.
What’s one important thing you learned outside the classroom while at BC?
I learned the immense value of networking. Connecting with peers, faculty, and industry professionals—especially when collaborating on projects or organizing speaker events—showed me that the relationships you build are a critical part of your overall success.
If you would like to nominate a student to be featured, please email us at mediarelations@broward.edu
Faculty/Staff Spotlight
This month’s faculty/staff spotlight focuses on Ricardo "Rico" Hawkins, a senior audiovisual engineer. He has been with the College for 10 years and was recognized with an Unsung Hero Award at the 2025 Osprey Awards.
What is the best part of working at Broward College?
The best part about working for Broward College is being part of an environment that’s rooted in growth, opportunity, and impact. Every day, I’m surrounded by education and the chance to help others move forward in their own journeys. What makes it even more meaningful for me is my personal path. I started at the ground level as a work study student and worked my way into a higher position, which gives me a deep appreciation for the process and the possibilities here. Along the way, I’ve refined my skills, strengthened my craft, and gained experience across multiple departments, each one shaping my perspective and helping me grow both professionally and personally. It’s rewarding to be part of a place where development is not just encouraged but lived.
What is one thing you’ve accomplished working at Broward College that you’re most proud of?
One of the accomplishments I’m most proud of is earning my degree while working at Broward College and then advancing in my career at the very same institution. It’s a full-circle moment that reflects both personal growth and professional dedication. Being able to grow within the College that helped shape my education makes the journey especially meaningful and motivates me to continue striving for excellence.
Are you a morning person or a night owl – and why?
I’m a morning person. I value starting my day early because it gives me a sense of focus and purpose before everything gets busy. Mornings allow me to be more productive, think clearly, and set the tone for the rest of the day. I also find that I have more energy and motivation in the morning, which helps me stay organized and accomplish my goals efficiently.
What is your favorite food?
My favorite food is brown stewed chicken.
What would you do if you won the lottery?
If I won the lottery, my first priority would be to pay off any debt and create financial stability for my family. After that, I would focus on making lasting memories by traveling more with my wife and children, experiencing new places, cultures, and opportunities together. For me, it’s not just about the money, but about using it to build security and create meaningful moments with the people who matter most.
If you would like to nominate a faculty or staff member to be featured, please email us at mediarelations@broward.edu
Alumni Spotlight
This month’s alumni spotlight focuses on Katya Kross, J.D., of the Class of 2018.
Where did you grow up and what motivated you to attend Broward College?
I was born in Russia, but I immigrated to the Florida when I was still a child. When we first moved to the United States, I spoke very little English, and it was difficult to adjust, fit in, and find a place where I truly felt like I belonged.
I chose to attend Broward College when I was only 15 years old as a dual enrollment student. At first, my goal was simply to earn my Associate of Arts degree — but I ended up gaining so much more. Broward College gave me incredible mentors, life-changing opportunities, and a close-knit community that truly felt like family.
Can you tell us about one or two moments that stand out about your time at the College?
As a political science major, some of my most memorable experiences at Broward College came from the major events I had the opportunity to be part of. One of the highlights was being involved in the 2016 U.S. Senate Debate hosted at Broward College.
Another moment that stands out was being selected to represent Broward College at the Future of Florida Summit, where I presented my idea for an amendment to the Florida Constitution. My group’s proposal was chosen as one of the top three, and it was even supposed to be presented to the Florida Constitution Revision Commission, giving it a real chance of becoming an actual constitutional amendment.
Additionally, while at Broward College, I had the opportunity to help organize numerous roundtable discussions with local leaders and candidates, fostering meaningful conversations and encouraging greater student civic participation.
These experiences shaped me tremendously and helped me discover my true professional passion. They played a major role in my decision to pursue political science degree and eventually work at the Florida State Legislature (as a Legislative Aide to a Florida State Representative).
Did you have any favorite professors or people at the College who were important to you as a student?
Dr. Victoria Brower was one of the most important mentors in my academic and professional journey. She was my mentor in the Professional Enhancement Program, and I also had the privilege of taking several of her classes, including National Government, U.S. Constitution, and International Relations.
Dr. Brower not only gave me the essential foundation for my political science and legal education, but she also became a lifelong mentor. Even now, seven years after graduating from Broward College, I still keep in touch with Dr. Brower, and I know I can always turn to her for advice and guidance. Her support truly changed my life, and I genuinely believe I would not be where I am today without her mentorship.
In addition, Dr. Balzora, Dean King, Dr. Walsh, and Ms. Vassell played a major role in making my time at Broward College — and in the Professional Enhancement Program — as meaningful and impactful as it was. I will always be incredibly grateful for their support.
Finally, I also formed amazing friendships and student connections at Broward College, and I still keep in touch with many other Broward College students to this day.
Where did you go after Broward College? How did what you learn at the College prepare you for your path?
I graduated from Broward College in August 2018 and transferred to American University in Washington, D.C. that same month. In May 2019, I transferred to the University of South Florida (USF) in Tampa, and I graduated with my Bachelor of Arts in Political Science in May 2020. While at USF, I served as President of a political science honor society and interned at the Tampa City Council.
In 2020, I was accepted to the top law schools in Florida. I chose to attend St. Thomas University College of Law on a full-tuition President’s Scholarship and began law school in August 2020.
During that time, I also discovered a passion for aviation and began pursuing flight training. In January 2021, I passed my checkride and earned my FAA Private Pilot License. Aviation became an important balance for me while navigating the intensity of law school.
While in law school, I also interned at the Miami-Dade County Commission. In May 2023, I graduated from St. Thomas University College of Law in the top 15% of my class. I passed the Florida Bar on my first attempt in February 2024.
After becoming an attorney, I began tutoring students for the Florida Bar and mentoring future lawyers, because I wanted to provide others with the same kind of guidance I received at Broward College.
In September 2024, I received the opportunity to work as a Legislative Aide to a Florida State Representative, where I experienced the 2025 Legislative Session in Tallahassee firsthand.
Broward College taught me the importance of hard work, dedication, and supporting others. Those values became the foundation of everything I pursued afterward. I truly believe I would not have achieved what I have without the mentorship I received at Broward College.
To this day, I am always happy to return to Broward College, because it is one place that always feels like home to me.
What do you do currently and what are your future plans?
I left my position as a Legislative Aide in May 2025 and opened my own law firm, Kross Law, PLLC. My practice focuses on estate planning and immigration.
Estate planning is deeply meaningful to me because it is about protecting families and giving people peace of mind. Immigration is equally personal, because it reflects my own family’s story and journey.
I also continue to tutor Florida Bar students and mentor future attorneys. Helping others achieve their goals and step into their own legal careers is one of the most rewarding parts of what I do.
If you would like to nominate an alumnus to be considered for a Spotlight, please send an email to alumni@broward.edu
News & Events
There’s always something exciting going on at Broward College’s campuses and locations. These are just some of the recent highlights of what our students, faculty and staff have been up to around the College:
- Sunshine Health presented a $100,000 check to the Broward College Foundation, which will cover tuition assistance and equipment and instructional resources for health sciences programs. Read more HERE.
- The 47th Annual Juried Student Exhibition runs from April 16 - May 27 at the Rosemary Duffy Larson Gallery on the A. Hugh Adams Central Campus in Davie. More information about Visual and Performing Arts events is available HERE.
If you have something that is newsworthy happening on your campus, in your classroom or on stage, please let us know - send us an email at mediarelations@broward.edu
Did You Know...?
Here are some fun facts and info about Broward College that you may not know.
- In January 1972, the College began offering distance education courses broadcast on TV.
- In September 1988, the Buehler Planetarium was rededicated in honor of its benefactor, aviation pioneer Emil Buehler. His name also graces the College's Aviation Institute (opened in 1993), as well as other planetariums and museums across the country.
- In 1975, the College began utilizing personal computers across its campuses.
