Jared Ochs, new interim president of the College of the Florida Keys, joined Good Morning Keys on Keys Talk 96.9/102.5FM this morning to talk about what’s going on at the college.
Ochs is making his way throughout the community, meeting with students, faculty and residents while learning more about the needs of the college and the Florida Keys.
His immediate priority is listening to the community and developing relationships with the people the college serves.
Ochs brings an extensive background in state government to the position. He spent approximately eight years working for the Florida House of Representatives, followed by three and a half years in leadership roles with the Florida Department of Education. He also served as deputy chief of staff for the Department of Juvenile Justice, chief of staff for the Department of Business and Professional Regulation, and most recently as deputy chief of staff to Governor Ron DeSantis.
Ochs said he wants to understand the priorities of residents throughout the Keys, recognizing that Key West and the Upper Keys are part of one community but have distinct needs.
“For me, the biggest thing is for me to just kind of listen,” Ochs said. “I need to understand what the community, and the Upper Keys and Key West, they’re one community, but they’re kind of distinct communities in and of themselves.”
He said that information will help the college develop strategies that benefit students and communities across all of its campuses.
One of Ochs’ priorities is ensuring students have a positive educational experience and access to opportunities that can lead to successful careers.
“We want to make it a place where they feel safe and comfortable to go there, and fully knowing that they’re receiving a high-quality education that is going to absolutely lead to a high-paying job,” he said.
Ochs also recently participated in student recognition ceremonies celebrating academic achievement. Students earning a grade-point average of 3.8 or higher qualify for the president’s list, while those with a GPA of 3.5 or higher earn a place on the dean’s list.
He described several particularly meaningful moments, including a family in which a father, mother and son were all recognized for making the president’s list. A husband and wife were also among the students being honored.
Ochs said the college serves students at many different stages of life, from recent high school graduates to adults returning to school to develop new skills or earn another degree.
The college is also promoting its dual enrollment program, which allows high school students to earn college credits while completing their high school education at no cost.
A virtual information session for students and their parents or guardians is scheduled for Thursday, November 5, at 5:30 p.m. Ochs said the program can help students get a head start on higher education while saving both time and money.
“Dual enrollment gives students and their families an opportunity they can simultaneously achieve their high school matriculation while also taking higher education courses, and then they’re getting college credit while they’re in high school, and it’s all for free,” Ochs said.
More information about the virtual session and dual enrollment is available at cfk.edu/de.
The college is also preparing for its 12th annual Community Day, scheduled for Saturday, November 7, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Key West campus.
Ochs said the family-friendly event will feature academic showcases, student club exhibits, local organizations, live performances, children’s activities and music. More than 60 vendors have signed up to participate, and free food, drinks and T-shirts will also be available.
Ochs said he is looking forward to experiencing Community Day for the first time and encouraged residents to attend.
The college is also holding a series of Meet the President events throughout the Keys to give residents additional opportunities to meet Ochs and share their thoughts about the institution.
A gathering was held in Key West earlier this week, with another scheduled for the Upper Keys Center in Key Largo. A future event is planned for Thursday, November 12, at Marathon City Hall from 4 to 6 p.m.
Ochs said he hopes residents will take advantage of the college’s educational opportunities, whether they are looking to begin a career, develop new skills or improve their circumstances.
“If you’re looking for a better life, if you just invest a little bit of time and effort and discipline, and you have that resiliency and you have that determination to help yourself and your family thrive, take a look at us, reach out to us,” Ochs said. “We have people who will absolutely talk to you. We will hold your hand and walk you through the process, and we will be there for you.”
More information about programs, financial aid and upcoming events is available at cfk.edu.