OCALA, FL (352today.com) – At the heart of the College of Central Florida’s (CF) mission is a deep commitment to community – a commitment personified by President Jim Henningsen. From his leadership style to his involvement in local causes, Dr. Henningsen believes giving back isn’t optional – it’s a responsibility.
A Culture of Empowerment and Service
When Henningsen arrived at CF, he saw a college with a strong foundation. “A former board member told me, ‘Jim, we got a good thing going here. Don’t muck it up,'” he recalled with a smile. That simple advice shaped his approach: build on strengths and lead with empowerment.
“It’s the culture. That’s how we stay driven, that’s how we keep moving forward,” Henningsen said. He encourages both staff and students to take ownership of their roles. “We empower our team, so they don’t feel like they have to get permission to do something. We engage. We want to be engaged with the students. We want to be engaged with the community.”
Whether he’s meeting with students or picking up a hammer at Home Depot, Henningsen stays visible and involved. “We’re here to serve this community,” he said. “If we don’t engage, if we don’t show up, we’re missing the point.”
Encouraging the Next Generation
Henningsen urges students to “think globally, act locally.” He champions CF’s service-learning programs, where students contribute to local projects.
“There’s a lot of needy causes, and I think you lead by example. We do it as a college. Our employees do it individually,” he said. “We have a service-learning component built onto our academic programs where students can sign up to be a part of that. It’s a way to give back and help out.”
Programs like United Way’s Strong Families initiative are close to his heart. CF also provides scholarships and training to help people build sustainable futures.
“So, I think the return on investment is amazing,” he said. “You tell the stories, and you find those people in need. That’s how we make a huge impact in our community.”
Eyes on the Future
Affordability remains a priority. CF has kept tuition low for years despite pressures.
“Sometimes when you’re sailing, you adjust your sails,” he said. “I know the waters are going to be rough going this way, but that’s where they need us.”
A Family Committed to Giving Back
The Henningsen family shares a passion for service. “My whole family is engaged from a philanthropic standpoint with charities,” he said. “I’m on a number of them; my wife’s on a lot of them.”
His wife, Jeanne, helps lead groups that fundraise for causes like domestic violence. His daughter, Juliana, once wrote Shop Pets of Ocala, raising funds for the Humane Society, an effort that earned her the Youth Philanthropist of the Year award.
“That was all her idea,” Henningsen said.
A Legacy of Heart
For Henningsen, CF isn’t just about education, it’s about people. His heart for the community continues to shape a legacy of service that’s only growing stronger.