News and Events

Michelle Sjogren, Assistant Vice President for Institutional Advancement and Strategic Communications, (904) 276-6814

SJR State’s Random Acts of Kindness keeps students on track
Find out more about the Foundation’s new emergency-need stipend program - “Random Acts of Kindness.”

SJR State to honor graduates May 2
St. Johns River State College will celebrate its spring commencement on May 2. Candidates from the Orange Park, Palatka and St. Augustine campuses will be acknowledged for their prospective associate and baccalaureate degrees, as well as certificate programs.

SJR State offers free workshop series at The Link
St. Johns River State College will extend its community education classes to reach Ponte Vedra Beach residents this summer with a free workshop series at The Link.

SJR State corrections cadets recognized
Cadets from the St. Johns River State College Criminal Justice Academy were recently recognized for completing the Florida Corrections Officer Academy program.

SJR State law enforcement cadets recognized
Cadets from the St. Johns River State College Criminal Justice Academy were recently recognized for completing the Florida Law Enforcement Academy program. The guest speaker was Michael Porath, Welaka Chief of Police.

FloArts to offer bachelor’s degrees
For nearly 50 years, students from all corners of the state and beyond have enrolled at Florida School of the Arts to prepare for successful careers in the visual and performing arts fields. Beginning this fall, students will have the opportunity to continue their education at the baccalaureate level.

FloArts announces Empty Bowls fundraiser
Florida School of the Arts students are preparing for this year’s Empty Bowls fundraiser, a grassroots effort to raise money and awareness in the fight to end hunger in Putnam County.

Barrow named 2025 Tindall Scholarship recipient
St. Johns River State College baseball catcher Ben Barrow was named the 2025 recipient of the John C. Tindall Endowed Scholarship. The award is presented each year to an individual for demonstrating exemplary work ethic, leadership, and quality performance in the classroom and on the field.

FloArts presents An Evening of Dance: Reflect
Florida School of the Arts presents “An Evening of Dance: Reflect.” The show runs April 11-13, Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m., with 2:30 p.m. matinees on Saturday and Sunday on the main stage theatre at the St. Johns River State College Palatka Campus.

SJR State Earns 2025-2026 Military Friendly® School Designation
St. Johns River State College announced today that it has earned the 2025-2026 Military Friendly® School designation.

FloArts visual arts graduates to showcase work April 3
Florida School of the Arts presents its Graduate Exhibition April 3 at 5:00 p.m. The reception is free and open to the public.

Florida School of the Arts presents “The Flick”
Florida School of the Arts presents “The Flick” March 28-30 in the black box theater. Seating is limited. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased online in advance or at the box office one hour before showtime.

SJR State adds bachelor's degree programs for second consecutive year
After a successful launch of five programs in 2024, St. Johns River State College continues to expand its academic offerings with three new bachelor’s degree programs for the 2025 fall semester.

Consider a career in manufacturing
Prepare for the Certified Production Technician 4.0. This short-term training program connects participants with local firms and quickly increases employability for positions in manufacturing production and quality assurance.

Special visit with Collier-Blocker Junior College alumni
Alumni from the Collier-Blocker Junior College recently made a special trip to the St. Johns River State College Palatka Campus to share memories of their college days in the early 1960s and to visit the exhibit wall dedicated to the heritage and history of CBJC.

Coming Fall 2025: Student Housing on the Palatka Campus!
St. Johns River State College is proud to announce the anticipated opening of student housing on the Palatka Campus fall 2025. Conveniently located just a short walk from classrooms, laboratories and student activities, students will experience a keen sense of community living.

Florida School of the Arts presents the musical Something Rotten
Florida School of the Arts presents the over-the-top musical comedy “Something Rotten” February 28 – March 2..

Vikings welcome volleyball coaching duo
St. Johns River State College announces the hiring of Shaun Dryden and Stephanie Champine as the new leaders of the indoor and beach volleyball programs.

Program Excellence, Students Exceed Licensure Exams
SJR State students once again exceed the passing rates on their state and national exams in crucial workforce areas.

Partnerships bring $32K in scholarships to SJR State
HCA Florida Putnam Hospital continues its investment in the future of healthcare with its partnership with St. Johns River State College and a $16,000 contribution toward scholarships. Together with Florida Blue’s matching funds, $32K will play a vital role in addressing local workforce needs and strengthening the community’s healthcare system.

St. Augustine Campus Career Fair – Feb. 20
St. Johns River State College will aid students, graduates and the public in answering their biggest career question – “Where are the jobs?” with a career fair on the St. Augustine Campus, Thursday, February 20, 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Day of giving, community service at SJR State
St. Johns River State College recently partnered with 15 local organizations to celebrate the College’s semiannual Vikings Day of Service. More than 200 employees and students from the Orange Park, Palatka and St. Augustine campuses volunteered to spruce up playgrounds, restock shelves, paint and pressure wash buildings, plant flowers and give a shelter full of animals a day of cuddles and care.

SJR State observes Arbor Day
In keeping with its Tree Campus Higher Education status, St. Johns River State College expanded its Arbor Day Celebration this year to include planting trees at all three campus locations.

SJR State Foundation Director named
St. Johns River State College welcomes JoLynn Carter as its new director of development and foundation operations.

Human trafficking, stalking awareness/prevention at SJR State
January is National Human Trafficking Prevention and Stalking Awareness Month. In partnership with the Betty Griffin Center, St. Johns River State College will present free information sessions to educate the community on human trafficking/stalking and what to do if you suspect someone is in danger.

Gov. DeSantis appoints four to SJR State Board
Gov. DeSantis appoints four to SJR State Board St. Johns River State College welcomes its newest members of the District Board of Trustees. Governor Ron DeSantis announced the appointments of Nick Primrose, Tammy “Chereese” Stewart, and Cyrus Zomorodian and the reappointment of Willard “Jud” Sapp Jr.

FloArts presents “3 Continuities,” a tribute to the continuous evolution of abstract art
Florida School of the Arts presents 3 Continuities: A tribute to the continuous evolution of abstract art, featuring the works of three distinctive Florida artists - David Engdahl, Joe Segal and Larry Spear.

New year, new skills - SJR State offers community courses
SJR State is offering the following community courses: The Art Forum (drawing class) and Introduction to Data Analytics.

SJR State celebrates fall graduates
More than 350+ students graduated Thursday at St. Johns River State College.

SJR State celebrates nursing graduates
St. Johns River State College recently held a pinning ceremony to recognize the Associate in Science in Nursing (ASN) students. A continued tradition of Florence Nightingale, the pinning ceremony symbolizes the rite of passage into the nursing profession and the care and devotion nurses provide. Graduates received a pin that serves as a reminder of their purpose to serve the sick and infirmed.

SJR State, HCA Florida Putnam Hospital partnership brings $16K in scholarships
HCA Florida Putnam Hospital continues its investment in the future of healthcare with its partnership with St. Johns River State College and a $16,000 contribution toward scholarships.

An SJR State holiday tradition continues through Project PRAISE
St. Johns River State College employees were able to help make Christmas a little brighter for 50 children with donations of toys, clothing and other goodies to the Project PRAISE organization.

SJR State to honor graduates December 19
St. Johns River State College will celebrate its fall commencement on December 19. Candidates from the Orange Park, Palatka and St. Augustine campuses will be acknowledged for their prospective associate and baccalaureate degrees, as well as certificate programs.

Florida School of the Arts presents “The Old Is New Again!”
The Florida School of the Arts Musical Theatre Vocal Company will present “The Old Is New Again!”, its fall concert Sunday, December 8 at 2:30 p.m.

Education in action - UF’s Trauma One lifts student career options to another level
Healthcare students gathered on the St. Johns River State College Orange Park Campus Wednesday to experience the University of Florida’s Trauma One helicopter demonstrate an emergency landing. The exercise exposed the College’s EMT/Paramedic and other healthcare students to the many career pathways available to them once they enter the healthcare field.

FloArts presents Falling Into Motion
Florida School of the Arts presents “Falling Into Motion,” a choreography dance concert. The show runs November 22-24, Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m., with 2:30 p.m. matinees on Saturday and Sunday on the main stage theatre at the St. Johns River State College Palatka Campus. Admission is $10.

Florida School of the Arts presents Juried Student Exhibition winners
The talent and skills of visual arts students from Florida School of the Arts was showcased in the Juried Student Exhibition Thursday. Paintings, drawings, prints, photography and digital work were judged by local artist and sculptor Pam Holthouser. According to FloArts gallery director Sarah Alexander Bjorn, guest jurors give students fresh constructive feedback from an outside perspective.

SJR State honors Melissa Miller
Former senior vice president Melissa Miller was honored Monday on the Palatka Campus for her 30 years of distinguished service, leadership, dedication and loyalty to SJR State.

SJR State Palatka Campus to hold Career Fair
St. Johns River State College will aid students, graduates and the public in answering their biggest career question – “Where are the jobs?” with a career fair on the Palatka Campus, Wednesday, November 13, 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Florida School of the Arts presents Juried Student Exhibition
The talent and skills of visual arts students from the Florida School of the Arts (FloArts) will be showcased in the Juried Student Exhibition opening on Thursday, November 7 at 5:00 p.m. at the School’s main gallery located on the Palatka campus of St. Johns River State College (SJR State).

President’s Gala celebrates John Thrasher, Thrasher-Horne Center 20th anniversary
The President’s Gala is an annual celebration for St. Johns River State College donors, supporters, and the students who benefit from the generosity of others. This year, the event celebrated the Honorable John Thrasher and 20 years of the Thrasher-Horne Center.

FloArts presents the cult classic The Rocky Horror Show
Florida School of the Arts presents the campy, over-the-top musical “The Rocky Horror Show” by Richard O'Brien. In this cult classic, sweethearts Brad and Janet, stuck with a flat tire during a storm, discover the eerie mansion of Dr. Frank-N-Furter.

SJR State heads westbound with hurricane relief donations
St. Johns River State College, together with numerous community members, collaborated this week to send truckloads of non-perishables to neighboring college communities affected by Hurricane Helene.

SJR State dual enrollment student Luke Cooper earns Congressional Medal
Congratulations to SJR State dual enrollment student Luke Cooper. He is the recipient of one of the highest honors Congress can bestow upon America’s youth. Luke was awarded the Congressional Award Gold Medal this summer in Washington for his initiative, service and achievement.

FloArts presents a modern retelling of the classic Greek myth “Eurydice”
Florida School of the Arts is taking this season’s opening performance on the road! Join us at the Thrasher-Horne Center on the SJR State Orange Park Campus for “Eurydice.” Sarah Ruhl reimagines the classic myth of Orpheus through the eyes of its heroine.

Florida Aviation Career Training partnership provides pilot pathway
Florida Aviation Career Training, in partnership with St. Johns River State College, will host a fast-track pilot program in St Augustine. An information luncheon is set for October 5.

Day of giving, community service at SJR State
Nearly 80 St. Johns River State College employees and students from the Orange Park, Palatka and St. Augustine campuses joined forces today with 12 organizations to assist in the College’s semiannual Vikings Day of Service.

SJR State Program Excellence
The commitment to provide exceptional programs at St. Johns River State College is evident among the dedicated students and industry partners. These recognitions are a much-deserved honor for the faculty members who go above and beyond their role as educators.

Florida School of the Arts presents watercolors by architect William Carpenter
Florida School of the Arts presents watercolors by early 20th century architect William Carpenter.

SJR State celebrates nursing graduates
St. Johns River State College recently held a pinning ceremony to recognize the Practical Nursing (LPN) and Associate in Science in Nursing (ASN) graduates. A continued tradition of Florence Nightingale, the pinning ceremony symbolizes the rite of passage into the nursing profession and the care and devotion nurses provide.

SJR State congratulates respiratory care graduates
St. Johns River State College students recently completed the Associate in Science degree program in respiratory care.

SJR State announces Palatka Campus student housing
What began 16 years ago as a vision to provide affordable, on-campus housing for students attending the St. Johns River State College Palatka Campus has become a reality for President Joe Pickens. More than 100 students, faculty and board members, and public officials gathered near the construction site Thursday for the groundbreaking ceremony and to celebrate the long-awaited housing solution.

SJR State Student Housing Groundbreaking on July 18
Join us in celebrating the beginning of an exciting new chapter at St. Johns River State College.

Florida School of the Arts honors graduates
Florida School of the Arts recently bid farewell to graduates now on their way to pursue careers in art galleries, on stage, or behind the scenes in the entertainment industry. Many will continue their education at universities before pursuing their niche in the arts. The College honored students who received their associate degrees in the visual and performing arts at the St. Johns River State College Palatka campus.

SJR State honors Adult Education graduates
Students earning their high school diplomas through St. Johns River State College were recently honored during the College’s annual adult education graduation. The ceremony represented more than just the passing of an exam, it represented countless individual achievements, struggles and challenges that are the very fabric of every GED diploma.

Putnam County Commissioners declare Lady Vikings Champions Day
Putnam County Commissioners declared June 11, 2024 as Lady Vikings Champions Day.

FloArts alum Cullen Douglas to address graduates, aspiring actors
Florida School of the Arts announces alumnus Cullen Douglas as the 2024 commencement speaker. The ceremony is set for Friday, June 21 at 5 pm and will honor graduates receiving their associate degrees in the visual and performing arts.

Study Abroad in Ireland connects students with history
St. Johns River State College recently resumed its study abroad program in Ireland to once again immerse students in the culture, literature and history of Ireland – lessons that, until now, only existed in the classroom.

FloArts presents “Pride & Prejudice” – with a modern twist
Based on the Jane Austen classic novel, Kate Hamill’s take on literature’s greatest tale of latent love has never felt so theatrical, or so full of life than it does in this effervescent adaptation. Often labeled as “this isn’t your grandmother’s Austen,” the play’s language may be traditional, but Hamill’s approach is uniquely modern, with select actors playing multiple roles.

Calling SJR State alums - share your experience with us!
If you reside within this community, chances are good that your friends, neighbors and countless local professionals are graduates of St. Johns River State College. Many have forged ahead to become pillars of our community - from sheriffs, judges, legislators and healthcare professionals - to teachers, coaches, and business and community leaders.

Vikings return home after valiant effort
After a valiant effort in their second consecutive attempt at the national championship, the St. Johns River State College baseball team fell against top-seeded LSU Eunice Friday night in the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Division II World Series.

SJR State Softball Team Wins the NJCAA Division II World Series
The St. Johns River State Vikings win the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Division II Championship in Spartanburg, South Carolina. As the #9 seed, they took the tournament in a five-game winning streak.

SJR State Foundation, donor surprise students with scholarships
Equipped with balloons, collegiate apparel and college mascot Viktor the Viking, Foundation board member Joyce Oliver and the SJR State Prize Patrol recently paid a visit to local high schools to personally award four seniors with scholarships to attend St. Johns River State College this fall.

SJR State softball, baseball teams head to world series
For the first time in St. Johns River State College history, the Viking softball AND baseball teams have claimed the NJCAA DII South Regional championships, with both teams clinching a spot in the world series later this month.

SJR State, hospital partnership invests in local nursing students
HCA Florida Orange Park Hospital continues its investment in the future of healthcare with its partnership with St. Johns River State College and a contribution toward 15 nursing scholarships.

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