LSSC District Board Welcomes New Leaders for 2025-2026 Academic Year

LSSC District Board Welcomes New Leaders for 2025-2026 Academic Year

The District Board of Trustees of Lake-Sumter State College (LSSC) has charted a new course for the upcoming 2025–2026 academic year by electing fresh leadership. This governance body, comprising seven dedicated citizens from Lake or Sumter County, plays a crucial role in ensuring the college operates smoothly according to Florida Statutes and guidelines set by the State Board of Education. According to Leesburg News, Bret Jones has been appointed as the chair of the board while Tim Morris takes on the role of vice chair.

Bret Jones, hailing from Clermont, is no stranger to leadership and legal affairs, owning a law firm that specializes in business law, real estate law, and estate planning. A graduate of South Lake High School and the University of Florida Levin College of Law, he is active in the community’s economic development through his role as chair of Lake 100. His commitment to education and advocacy for student success at LSSC is noteworthy.

Conversely, Tim Morris, a lifelong resident of Leesburg, has a robust background in both business and community service. As vice president of Ernie Morris Enterprises, a family business, and a trustee at LSSC for the past 18 years, Morris has been appointed by four governors, demonstrating his long-standing dedication. His educational journey includes a business degree from LSSC, and he currently serves as the treasurer of The Florida College System Foundation.

New Faces on the Board

The recent elections did not just bring leadership from Jones and Morris, but also introduced three newly appointed trustees by Governor Ron DeSantis. This move is pivotal as each trustee’s role is vital in shaping the educational landscape of the college and ensuring it aligns with state mandates and community needs.

• Roger Croft: A dynamic general manager for Dobbs Equipment from Leesburg, Croft is also the chairman of the City of Leesburg Recreation Advisory Board and an alumnus of LSSC, bringing a valuable perspective to the board.
• Steve Munz: Based in Oxford, he owns Galaxy Home Solutions and 5M Livestock Company. An Army veteran and community leader, Munz is recognized for founding The Villages Pop Warner Football League and received the Mid-Market Governors’ Business Expansion Award in 2012.
• Samantha Scott: A dedicated realtor in Bushnell, Scott is not just focused on property but also plays an active role in the community as a director of marketing and in various local organizations.

As a cornerstone of higher education, the Florida College System, which comprises 28 colleges and is governed by local District Boards of Trustees, ensures that institutions like LSSC adhere to strict regulations while serving their communities. The board has the authority to establish operational rules and is a vital advocate for the college’s mission and development, as outlined by Lake-Sumter State College.

The recent appointments and leadership changes reflect a vibrant community commitment to educational excellence and student development. Governor Ron DeSantis’s appointments aim to strengthen the board’s capabilities, ensuring that LSSC meets its educational obligations while paving the way for innovative programs and initiatives that will benefit the community. Details on the trustees and their respective roles are essential for anyone interested in following the progress of LSSC and understanding how these leaders shape education in Lake and Sumter Counties.

For individuals looking to connect with the board, correspondence can be directed to the District Board of Trustees, with specific addresses for individual trustees available on the LSSC website.