Lake-Sumter State College is celebrating the start of the Fall 2025 semester with a historic milestone: serving more than 10,000 students annually, one year ahead of schedule.

In 2023, LSSC launched a new strategic plan with a goal to serve 10,000 students annually by August 2026. That goal was surpassed this past year, with 10,092 students enrolled across the 2024–2025 academic year in credit and non-credit programs.

“Our students are at the heart of everything we do,” says Dr. Laura Byrd, Interim President. “Achieving this milestone showcases the commitment of our faculty and staff to our students’ success. Students are choosing Lake-Sumter State College because of our commitment to their success, affordability, and offering programs that connect students directly to in-demand careers right here in our region.”

As we begin the 2025-2026 academic year, this fall also marks the largest student body in the College’s history, with 7,146 credit-seeking students enrolled. Enrollment reflects steady growth across Lake and Sumter counties, fueled not only by population growth in the region but also by the College’s commitment to offering an affordable education with an excellent return on investment.

“We are proud to be seeing enrollment growth across all programs and demand from students in all parts of Lake and Sumter Counties,” says Dr. Joseph Mews, Vice President of Enrollment and Student Affairs. “Students appreciate our commitment to their success and our innovative pathways that lead to valuable credentials and decrease time to completion.”
By creating partnerships through expanded high school programs, including dual enrollment, and its LakeWorks partnership with Lake Technical College, LSSC is creating seamless opportunities for students to accelerate their education and career training.

“Thanks to our low cost and financial support for students, many of our students graduate without debt and are prepared to continue their education or enter the workforce with the skills needed for high-demand jobs,” says Dr. Byrd.

The LSSC Foundation awarded over 1.7 million dollars in scholarships in 2024.

Key highlights of this fall’s enrollment include:

• 7,201 total students enrolled, an 18% increase with 1,102 more students than Fall 2024

• 1,259 students enrolled as first-time-in-college students, a 17% increase from last year

• 66% of students are 21 or younger, while enrollment for students 22 and older grew by 27%, showing LSSC’s ability to serve both traditional and adult learners.

• 25% increase in bachelor’s program enrollment, with record growth in Leadership, Elementary Education, and Nursing.

• Most popular areas of study include biology, business, computer science, education, engineering, nursing, and psychology.

• LSSC Foundation awarded $670,000 in scholarships to Fall 2025 students

Dr. Mews also explained the popularity behind both the psychology and biology AA transfer pathways.

“Many students who choose these pathways are on a pre-med track, with the long-term goal of entering healthcare careers with advanced degrees,” he says. “We are especially proud that as we expand access to higher education, our students continue to be successful through our focus on student success,” says Dr. Byrd. “We are seeing increases in student retention and credential attainment —meaning that students are performing better and graduating faster.”

MEET STUDENTS FROM 2024-25

Cannon Wisley ’25, Associate in Arts (AA)

Cannon Wisley, of Leesburg, graduated from Lake-Sumter in May 2024 and transferred to the University of Central Florida to study political science on a national security track/terrorism studies. After UCF, he plans to go to law school and aims to become an attorney with the U.S. Department of Justice. During his time at LSSC, Cannon was active in student life and served on the Student Government Association.

Cannon noted that his student experience was rewarding because of his involvement outside of his studies.

“Being a student leader gave me new perspectives on the entire student experience,” he says. “I would encourage students enrolling at Lake-Sumter not to take the opportunities presented for granted. As I start at UCF this fall, I realize how much of a blessing my time at LSSC was and how well-prepared I feel to continue my education. Don’t let the homework grind distract you from the bigger opportunity. Embrace the opportunity of going to college and take the time to find where you belong.”

Cannon also embraces his entrepreneurial side by running his own business offering private swim lessons and lifeguard services.

Steven Fischer, Commercial Driver Training (CDL)

After Steven Fischer and his family relocated to Central Florida earlier this year, he found a job as a Warehouse Supervisor with SECO Energy. Despite having more than 10 years of warehousing experience, this new role required a commercial driver’s license (CDL). SECO Energy sponsored Steven to attend the College’s CDL program, where he attended on a split schedule allowing him to spend half his day at training and the other half at work.

“The half-day scheduling was definitely a benefit because it allowed me to stay engaged at work,” says Steven.

“The LSSC team does a great job of giving you what you need to be successful,” he says, reflecting on his experience. “I was able to go from nearly zero experience to being licensed and confident driving a truck in just a couple of weeks.”

Esmeralda Larios Perez, AS Building Construction Management

Esmeralda Larios Perez started at Lake-Sumter this summer after graduating from South Lake High School in the spring. She is pursuing a career in construction and project management after having a great experience with the construction academy at SLHS.

“The construction classes taught by Mr. Hooligan helped me discover my passion for construction,” she explains. “He also introduced me to the program here at Lake-Sumter.”

Esmeralda plans to earn her associate and bachelor’s degree from LSSC and wants to become a general contractor and own her own business.

Jacob Smart, Lineworker Boot Camp

Jacob Smart, of Leesburg, completed the Lineworker Boot Camp earlier this year and was hired by Ivy H. Smith Company, where he does underground electrical work.

“I chose the boot camp because I wanted a career where I could thrive and be successful,” Jacob says. “Looking back, I realize that the way we were taught was very helpful during the interview process. Not only did I have the skills to be successful, but I was able to have a knowledgeable conversation with the professionals conducting the interviews.”

Emersyn “Emmy” Lee, Associate in Arts (AA)

Emmy Lee, from Eustis, is a graduate of Eustis High School where she also participated in dual enrollment courses. Now on the AA Business pathway at Lake-Sumter State College, she has plans to continue her education and is considering a career as a real estate lawyer.

A dedicated softball player, Emmy chose LSSC both for its location—allowing her to stay close to family and friends—and for the opportunity to play on the Lakehawks’ team. “I could tell Coach Miller really cared about his players as people,” Emmy shared. Excited to compete at the next level, Emmy looks forward to growing as an athlete, student, and teammate.

Her advice to others: “Stay organized and manage your time well. Being a student, having a social life, and making time for yourself can be overwhelming. Good time management skills can reduce that stress.” Emmy is eager to represent LSSC and embrace the challenges and memories ahead.