When Cedrick Gibson starts his new job next month at Florida State College at Jacksonville, he should feel at home.
While in college at the University of Florida, he often came to Jacksonville and drove by the Kent Campus along Roosevelt Boulevard at Park Street.
“I never realized it would be part of my future,” Gibson said.
He is the new president of Kent Campus and Cecil Center, as well as executive chair of the School of Business and Professional Studies.
The position combines two of his passions: education and aviation.
After earning his undergraduate degree in business administration at UF, Gibson spent 15 years in South Florida public schools as a teacher and administrator.
He also earned post-graduate degrees in business administration and aviation and aeronautical science at Embry Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach.
Gibson said that background is a good fit with FSCJ’s aviation technology and management programs at Cecil Center.
He has a master’s degree in educational leadership and administration from Jones International University and a doctoral degree in business administration from Northcentral University.
A career in education was inspired by his teachers.
“I like the opportunity teachers have to shape young people’s lives. It’s a noble effort,” said Gibson. He most recently was dean of business technology and a faculty member at Indian River State College in Fort Pierce.
At Indian River, Gibson was regional director of the Small Business Development Center, where he helped potential entrepreneurs hone their skills.
He plans to work with the Small Business Development Center at the University of North Florida for the same purpose.
“You have your own destiny in your hands, but often, people don’t understand how difficult it is to build your own business,” said Gibson. “So many people come to the table with creative vision. Where they struggle is with execution.”
He views FSCJ as a key contributor in helping develop the local workforce and plans to work with the JAX Chamber to anticipate local employment trends.
“Jobs drive the tax base and create opportunities. We’ll stay in the forefront of graduating students who meet the needs of the business community and the community as a whole,” Gibson said.
A commonality between his previous job and his new one is both institutions had humble beginnings but have grown their campuses and curriculum.
Indian River’s first campus was built on a landfill, Gibson said. More than 50 years ago, FSCJ was founded as a two-year junior college. The first classes were in surplus temporary housing units donated by the U.S. Navy at what is now Kent Campus.
Gibson’s long-term goal is to help the college maintain its growth and preserve its traditions.
“I’m looking forward to helping FSCJ continue its great legacy,” said Gibson, who begins his new job Nov. 16.
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