16
private institutions, and as an executive,
I’ve led small private and community
college institutions. At SCF, I’ve found my
place and have gained a well-rounded
higher education perspective.”
Because Dr. Probstfeld’s parents, a
construction worker and bookkeeper,
aspired to offer her and her brother
an affordable higher education, she
holds a special place in her heart for
first generation students. “It speaks to
me personally to lead an institution that
affords opportunity to and mentors first
generation students,” she explains.
As State College of Florida, Manatee-
Sarasota enters the fourth year of its fiveyear
strategic plan, Dr. Probstfeld says
they are launching several new initiatives
including the following:
• BSNin4 Program - a full-time program
allows students to earn their Bachelor of
Science in Nursing (BSN) in four years.
• Weekend College - a program that
provides a flexible and affordable option
for working adults to complete their
Associate in Arts degree.
• Parrish Campus - an expansion of
SCF’s high quality academic programs
and services to residents in the service
region east of I-75 and north of the
Manatee River.
• SCF Finish Strong and Returns
Incentive Programs - designed to
encourage, engage and retain students to
continue and finish their pursuit of higher
education.
“SCF offers a complete college experience
and should be considered among one of
your first choices,” Dr. Probstfeld raves.
“Our faculty, students and alumni speak
as to the reasons why—all you have to
do is ask.”
Extracurricular
Activities
When she’s not working, Dr. Probstfeld
enjoys spending time with her husband,
Bill, and their two “fur kids,” Kelly, a red
smooth-coated Brussels Griffons, and
Monte, a Yorkshire Terrier.
She also finds time to volunteer and give
back to the community. “As president,
I’ve found my passion for community
engagement extending to what Bill and I
do as a family,” she explains. “Together,
we volunteer for local organizations, such
as the Bradenton Kiwanis and Habitat for
Humanity. One of our most passionate
projects is Kiwanis’ Christmas in August,
when we provide those in need with
school supplies and services, such as
wellness checkups.”
“I love to spend my time in the community
or abroad knocking items off my bucket
list with my husband or my brother and
his family,” she adds. Dr. Probstfeld loves
sewing and photography and is also an
avid diver. “As a matter-of-fact, many of
the underwater photos you see in my
office and around campus are from my
diving trips,” she explains.
“I’m excited for an upcoming trip to Africa
in late summer, where we’ll be one with
nature and experience the local culture
and wildlife, which is fun—and it’s likely to
offer me yet another perspective on life.”
Dr. Probstfeld certainly has a unique
perspective on life - one that has enabled
her to lead the way for SCF and serve as
the college’s biggest cheerleader. “My
legacy may not be a program, campus
or building,” she proclaims. “It will be the
joy I’ve been afforded from my role as
president of SCF.”