Description

Check-in & Networking 11:30AM-12:00PM
Program 12:00-1:00PM

Hear an update from our post-secondary institutions, their growth, insights and trends for local workforce. This panel discussion will feature leaders from Keiser University, Ringling College of Art & Design, State College of Florida and University of South Florida.

Key Takeaways

• Gain insights into how local institutions are expanding and evolving to meet educational demands.
• Learn how institutions are aligning programs to address local industry needs.
• Hear from academic leaders about the challenges and opportunities within post-secondary education and their impact on the community.
• Discover potential ways for businesses, educators, and community members to collaborate in fostering a skilled workforce for the region.

Speakers

Tommy Gregory, J.D.
State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota

Tommy Gregory, J.D., is the seventh President of State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota (SCF), which was established in 1957 and has campuses in Bradenton, Venice, Lakewood Ranch and online.

President Gregory is a native Floridian who served in the Air Force for 20 years and achieved the rank of Lieutenant Colonel before retiring in 2014. He is a senior executive with 30 years of experience leading teams, directing operations, and counseling fellow executives on legal matters. He is dedicated to public service and advocating for his community. He served in the Florida House of Representatives for three terms, lived and volunteered with his family in the Dominican Republic for a year, and has served on numerous local community boards.

President Gregory earned a bachelor’s degree in economics with distinction from the Air Force Academy and a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree with honors from the University of Texas School of Law.

He and his wife, Erica, also a retired Lieutenant Colonel, met as cadets at the Air Force Academy. Both served 20 years on active duty and deployed several times around the world. They have been married for 28 years and have three sons. Two of their sons graduated from SCF and Florida State University, and their youngest was recently selected to attend the Air Force Academy. President Gregory is an avid outdoorsman and enjoys traveling.

Brett E. Kemker, PhD
University of South Florida, Sarasota-Manatee

Dr. Kemker was appointed interim Regional Chancellor of the University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee campus in January 2025, having served as Regional Vice Chancellor since 2018. He maintains his role as Vice Provost for Academic Affairs and Student Success. A leader in higher education for more than 20 years, his career is exemplified by distinction in developing and leading innovative initiatives and complex, large-scale transformation (including consolidation of three campuses into one University of South Florida, AAU Carnegie R1, 50K+ students). Prior to joining USF, Kemker held senior leadership roles at the University of New Orleans, The University of Southern Mississippi, and Florida State University. He holds a bachelor of arts degree from the University of South Florida as well as a master of arts degree and a doctorate from the University of Florida. He has additionally completed executive leadership and management certification programs through Harvard Business School.

Michele Morgan, DBA
Keiser University Sarasota

For over 25 years, Dr. Michele Morgan has served students and employers in the Sarasota/Manatee area and the State of Florida for Keiser University. Returning as the President of the Sarasota campus in 2017, Michele was delighted to be back home again.  Born and raised in Presque Isle, Maine, Michele began her career in Higher Education at the University of Maine as a Graduate Assistant for the Vice President of Student Affairs. In 1996, Michele relocated to Florida where she began her tenure with Keiser University working as an Admissions Counselor, Director of Student Services, Dean of Academic Affairs, President, and Associate Vice Chancellor.  As Associate Vice Chancellor, Michele provided oversight for six of Keiser University’s campuses including one of the University’s specialty campuses, The College of Golf. In 2015, Michele was tapped to spearhead the operational transition of Keiser University’s newest residential campus located in West Palm Beach, which now boasts of being home to over 25 collegiate athletic teams. 

Dr. Morgan has been an active member of the community. She is the 2009 Past Chair for the Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance, served as a Board Member and on the Executive Committee for the Manatee Chamber of Commerce, and the Suncoast Workforce Board now CareerSource, as well as being a Board Member for the United Way of Manatee County.  In 2009, appointed by the Governor, Dr. Morgan served as a Board member and Past Chair for the State Board of Clinical Laboratory Personnel, and was subsequently appointed in 2023 by the Governor to the State Board of Physical Therapy where she continues to serve today. 

Michele earned her Doctorate degree in Business Administration from Argosy University, her Master’s degree in Higher Education from the University of Maine where she also earned her Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education.

Dr. Larry Thompson
Ringling College of Art and Design

Dr. Larry R. Thompson, president of Ringling College of Art and Design since July 1999, champions the need for businesses to embrace creativity to thrive in the 21^st century global economy. A lawyer and an educator, Thompson previously served as Special Assistant to the President of The Ohio State University; CEO of Flint Cultural Center; and the founding Executive Director of Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum. Thompson is former President of the Association of Independent Colleges of Art and Design (AICAD); is the former Chair of the President’s Council of the Independent Colleges and Universities of Florida (ICUF); and serves on the boards of many local arts and civic organizations. Dr. Thompson has been the recipient of numerous academic and humanitarian honors and awards for his service as a visionary leader and educator.