Florida’s Answer: The National Higher Education Call to Action

Answering the National Higher Education Call to Action

On August 3, 2026, United States Secretary of Education Linda McMahon issued a National Call to Action urging all postsecondary institutions to reaffirm their foundational commitments to academic and operational excellence.

Florida became the first state to formally answer this national call and welcomes it as an opportunity for its postsecondary institutions to publicly communicate the high standards expected of institutions serving students in Florida.

Below is a joint statement, signed on August 18, 2026, by all 12 State University System of Florida Presidents, including State University System Chancellor Ray Rodrigues, as well as Florida Commissioner of Education Dr. Henry Mack and all 28 Florida College System Presidents, affirming the Florida College System and State University System’s commitment to academic excellence, rigorous teaching, student success, workforce responsiveness, transparency, and public accountability, while outlining the standards and priorities Florida’s institutions are committed to upholding.

Read Florida's answer to the National Higher Education Call to Action

Santa Fe College has earned state and national recognition for student achievement and educational quality while maintaining a mission centered on rigorous teaching and learning, free inquiry, academic freedom, and evidence-based continuous improvement. The College provides accessible and affordable pathways to higher education, communicates clear academic expectations, measures and evaluates student outcomes, and uses assessment results to strengthen programs and services.

Through responsible stewardship of public resources, integrated planning, and institutional effectiveness practices, Santa Fe College ensures accountability and transparency in its operations. The College also works closely with employers, economic-development organizations, and community partners to align academic and workforce programs with Florida’s evolving economic needs, preparing students for successful careers, transfer opportunities, civic engagement, and lifelong learning. By combining academic rigor, measurable outcomes, workforce relevance, responsible use of emerging technologies, and a student-centered approach, Santa Fe College is committed to being student driven, future focused, community connected, and organizationally resilient and exemplifies the outlined principles and priorities.