Seminole State expands academic school; new center for workforce education

A new academic school at Seminole State College of Florida will incorporate the former School of Engineering, Design and Construction and the former School of Academic Foundations to create the School of Construction, Design, Engineering and Information Technologies. The new school is home to the following professional disciplines:

• Computer Programming and Analysis
• Construction and Construction Management
• Digital Media
• Engineering Technology
• Information Systems Technology, Networking including Cyber Security
• Interior Design
• Project Management (Post-baccalaureate certificate)

The school also houses specialized centers including the Center for English Language Studies that assists community members looking to improve their English skills for academic and professional purposes as well as the new Center for Adult and Workforce Education. Incorporating the new center into the school will allow a more seamless transition for students completing their GEDs to continue onto workforce certificate programs, workforce-ready associate degrees or a bachelor’s degree. Through an Integrated Education and Training approach, adult learners are offered an opportunity to enroll in a career certificate program at the same time they are taking GED courses. The center houses workforce education programs including Automotive Engineering Technology, HVAC, Plumbing, Building Trades Technology and more.

The school is welcoming new leadership. Associate Vice President Basim Khartabil will lead the School of Construction, Design, Engineering and Information Technologies and Dr. Joseph Huston will serve as dean for the Center for Adult and Workforce Education.

Associate Vice President Basim Khartabil

With a talent for directing faculty and nurturing strategic partnerships, Seminole State is happy to welcome Basim Khartabil as our new associate vice president for the School of Construction, Design, Engineering and Information Technologies. With over 20 years of experience in higher education, Khartabil comes to the College from Robert Morris University Illinois where he was the dean of faculty and focused on analyzing and improving teaching methods and academic environments for student achievement. 

“The School of Construction, Design, Engineering and Information Technologies covers some of the most up and coming fields,” Khartabil said. “The care and dedication of the administration, faculty and staff I have interacted with in my first week reinforced how far everyone would go to serve the student and the community overall. I’m elated to be joining Seminole State, continuing the great work already in place and finding new ways to launch student success.”  

Dean of the Center for Adult and Workforce Education Dr. Joseph Huston

Dr. Joseph “Joe” Huston will continue his exemplary work at Seminole State as the new dean of the Center for Adult and Workforce Education. Huston has been with the College since 2008, most recently serving as the director of the Academic Success Center and the STAR Center for the past seven years. In his new role, Huston will provide academic leadership to the new Center for Adult and Workforce Education and will collaborate with internal and external partners to best serve our students who are returning to their education.

“I love being a part of this College and I am so excited to take on this new role,” said Huston. “Through education people can really take a greater control over their lives and explore opportunities they didn’t previously have access to. For whatever path people may choose, the Center for Adult and Workforce Education is going to be a fantastic way for them to start their higher education journey.”