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My Fellow Seahawks and Supporters of Broward College:
As 2025 ends, I would like to reflect for a moment on the many achievements we accomplished this year:
These are all things that every Seahawk can be proud of. I have been consistently impressed by the dedication of our faculty and staff who empower our students to learn the skills they need to build successful careers after they graduate. And I am equally proud of the achievements of our students, who demonstrate why we work every day on our shared vision of being the #1 destination for academic excellence.
As we look toward 2026, there is much to be excited about:
I am proud of what we have accomplished together. I hope you all enjoy your well-deserved winter break, and I will see you at one of our campuses in January.
As always, please feel free to contact me directly at officeofthepresident@broward.edu.
Go Seahawks!
Torey Alston
President and CEO
The following are agenda items approved by the Broward College District Board of Trustees at its December 9, 2025, regular meeting.
This month’s student spotlight focuses on Edwin Castillo, who serves as President of the Student Government Association for the North Campus in Coconut Creek.
Where are you from?
I was born and raised in a Hispanic household here in Broward County, Florida.
What’s your major?
My major is Computer Engineering, and I hope to transfer to UCF for their bachelor’s after completing my AA here at Broward College.
What advice would you give to incoming students?
Do not be scared to explore what the College has to offer students. There are many services available to you aside from your classes that are included in your tuition, so utilize them as much as you can.
What is the best part about being a BC student?
The best part about being a BC student is the environment. The professors and staff are friendly and ready to help. The classrooms are a reasonable size, which allows the professor to help each student individually.
What’s one important thing you learned outside the classroom while at BC?
I learned how to not be afraid of talking to people. Socializing is a very common thing and no matter who it is, no one should be afraid to say "hello."
If you would like to nominate a student to be featured, please email us at mediarelations@broward.edu
This month’s faculty/staff spotlight focuses on Wezinna Gillespie, Senior Director, Employee Benefits in the Fringe Benefit Administration. She has been with the College for two years.
What is the best part of working at Broward College?
The best part of working at Broward College is knowing you are a part of an institution that values student success and development and is making an impact to student lives. As a former student at Broward College (at the time Broward Community College), I was given the opportunity to excel academically, socially and to develop my leadership skills. The College allowed me to graduate with highest honors, become the President of Delta Epsilon Chi, and meet valuable lifelong friends.
Broward College was also my first employer, and my first job was as a student worker at the Central Campus Library. When I got rehired with the College two years ago, I was able to reconnect with some of the employees that worked at the library at the same time I did. It is a privilege, in my current position, to be serving the employees at Broward College and making sure I am playing my part to make Broward College the #1 place for academic excellence, although in my opinion and own personal experience, it already is.
What is one thing you’ve accomplished working at Broward College that you’re most proud of?
The Benefits Team has been diligent within the past two years to ensure we have been positioning ourselves to continue to offer white glove service to all stakeholders within the College. One of the major transitions our team has gone through is the transition to the State Group Insurance. It was important that our team was ready to assist employees in the best way we could and share the knowledge we had gained in an easy way to understand. There were also behind the scenes considerations regarding process changes, administrative and system compliance items, and the team assisted with ensuring the right information was given and processes were followed to execution.
There is no “I” in team, so this is never a solo project, but I am most proud as the leader of the Benefits Team setting the tone of what we were expected to do and making sure we were agile enough to be able to pivot, if needed.
Are you a morning person or a night owl – and why?
I am a morning person. I find after a very rested night I am best able to concentrate and set the tone for the day.
What is your favorite food?
I love all types of food, but my favorite is anything Jamaican. I particularly like curry goat, rice and peas meals.
What would you do if you won the lottery?
My niece is on her way to pursuing a future career in medicine. I would immediately secure some of those funds to ensure she does not have to worry about her educational cost. I would donate some funds to Broward College and FAU to assist students with scholarships, similarly to how I have benefited from them. Lastly, I would fund a nonprofit organization geared to mentoring young women struggling with self-esteem and confidence issues and ensure they are exposed to skill sets, resources, and coaching opportunities geared to make them succeed.
If you would like to nominate a faculty or staff member to be featured, please email us at mediarelations@broward.edu
This month’s alumni spotlight focuses on Kelli Mahalick.
Kelli Mahalick began her journey in Fair Lawn, New Jersey, before moving to South Florida in 2012. Drawn by its accessibility, affordability, and strong academic reputation, Broward College quickly became the right choice for continuing her education. With campuses close to home and programs that provided a solid foundation for the future, it was the natural next step.
During her time at Broward College, one of the most memorable aspects was the sense of community on campus. Whether connecting with classmates during group projects or making new friends in class, these experiences created a strong feeling of belonging that shaped Mahalick’s college journey.
Professors also played an important role. Among them, a favorite stood out: not only a professor but also the dean of the campus. His passion for teaching, positive energy and dedication to helping students succeed left a lasting impression. His mentorship went beyond the classroom, providing encouragement and guidance that helped set the stage for long-term success.
Resources at the College were another critical factor in staying on track. Tutoring, advising and access to the library offered the support needed to build confidence and excel academically. Financial support also made a difference. As a recipient of financial aid and a scholarship for maintaining good academic standing, Mahalick was able to reduce the financial pressures of higher education while taking on additional classes.
After her time at Broward College, Mahalick continued to build on her accounting background. The skills and confidence she developed at the College prepared her to navigate professional challenges and opened the door to new career opportunities.
“What I wish more people knew about Broward College is that it offers an incredible balance of affordability, quality education and flexibility,” Mahalick said. “Students from all backgrounds can reach their goals thanks to multiple campus locations, online courses and flexible scheduling that make it possible to work full time while pursuing a degree.”
If you would like to nominate an alumnus to be considered for a Spotlight, please send an email to alumni@broward.edu
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:
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
Here are some fun facts and info about Broward College that you may not know.
