Dr. Linda Miedema Honored for Major Contributions to Community

The Melbourne Regional Chamber has honored Dr. Linda Miedema for her role in significantly expanding career opportunities for Eastern Florida State College students and making a major contribution to the community.

The Chamber named Miedema, the College’s Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs and Chief Learning Officer, a "Woman on the Rise" Thursday and presented her with its "Collective Impact Award."

The award goes to what the Chamber called a "local exceptional woman business leader" who demonstrates dedication to her profession and close collaboration with other segments of the community.

"I’m truly humbled to receive this award," said Miedema. "I work with an outstanding team at the College who are committed to helping students succeed and serve the residents of the Space Coast. I’m very fortunate to play a role in making that happen."

College President Dr. Jim Richey nominated Miedema, saying she is a "tireless, passionate leader" who has helped change the face of higher education in Brevard County.

"Dr. Miedema is one of the most exceptional people I have ever worked with. Her ideas and energy are boundless. She works behind the scenes and shuns credit for her efforts, yet her impact on the College and our community has been profound," he said.

Richey said Miedema has been a driving force in helping EFSC achieve the following:

• Launching more than 60 new academic programs, mostly in Business, Health Care and Computer Technology, in the most rapid expansion in the College’s 60-year history.
• Starting 24 Bachelor Degree tracks in those three fields, meeting a critical local need for four-year degrees that did not previously exist in Brevard County.
• Establishing a $20 million, state-of-the-art Health Sciences Institute with 10 specialized labs to educate a new generation of Space Coast health care providers.
• Expanding business partnerships, internships and apprenticeships, benefiting aerospace companies at Kennedy Space Center, other high-tech firms and the health care industry.
• Working hand-in-hand with the Economic Development Commission of Florida’s Space Coast, business and industry advisory groups and Brevard Public Schools to create and tailor new academic programs to meet rising workforce needs.

"The result of these efforts has improved the lives of students, fueled growth in local companies and made the college a key player in economic development in Brevard County and Central Florida," said Richey.

The second annual ceremony was held at the Crowne Plaza Melbourne Oceanfront, where the Chamber also presented three other "Women on the Rise" awards. They were:

• "Trailblazer Award": Susan Glasgow, Kegman, Inc.
• "Woman of Courage Award": Tanya Green, Destiny Life Church
• "Woman to Watch Award": Dr. Christine Salinas, Neuropsychology Concierge