SF and Bradford schools formalize nurse training partnership
January 29, 2026
STARKE, FL - This fall, students who have graduated from the North Florida Technical College practical nursing program can enroll in Santa Fe College’s associate degree nursing program, without leaving the Starke campus.
Officials from the Bradford County School District and Santa Fe College gathered Thursday, Jan. 29, at the technical college to formalize the partnership that will help the county produce much-needed registered nurses.
Thanks to a $4 million grant provided to the school district by Gov. Ron DeSantis, the program will enjoy new dedicated classroom and lab space, as well as state-of-the-art equipment. Construction at the college at 609 N. Orange Street, Starke, is under way. North Florida is operated by the school district.
Tracy Ison, chair of Santa Fe College’s Nursing programs, talked about the extra challenges nursing students face commuting to SF’s Northwest Campus in Gainesville. Adding to the rigor of the nursing program are the pressures of childcare, car issues, and the travel time. With the new program, students can focus on preparing for their careers in nursing.
"I know personally how important it is to have access to an A.S.N. Registered Nursing program in my community, because being a nurse at 19 years of age had nothing to do with opportunities in high school, it had a lot to do with access to a close community A.S.N. program that was high quality and made me successful,” she said.
Will Hartley, Superintendent of the Bradford County School District, also spoke about the importance of the program to students, including one he met recently, who was excited to hear that the program will open about the time she is ready for it.
“These are very exciting times for us,” he said. “Since I assumed my role as superintendent, I have met with SF administration about deepening the collaboration between Bradford County School District and Santa Fe for projects like these.”
The sentiment was reflected by Nate Southerland, SF Provost and Vice President Academic Affairs.
Santa Fe College “really loves being here in Bradford County and Starke, and we want to do what we can to complement what the school district and the technical college are doing to provide opportunities for students in this area.”
Southerland also took time to recognize the contribution of Bradford County Telegraph publisher and Santa Fe College Foundation Board member John Miller for his support in providing time and resources toward making this partnership a reality.
Finally, Lisa Prevatt, former Assistant Superintendent, BCSD, and a Trustee Emeritus for Santa Fe College, talked about her excitement for the collaboration and the difference it will make the community.
The program culminated in a signing ceremony to formalize the partnership.
The collaboration with Bradford County complements SF's efforts to expand nursing education, including the Nursing ANEW program launched in 2022, which provides instruction on nights and weekends for working professionals.
