Coming Full Circle

by Emma Dixon

For Dr. Molly Kostenbauder, higher education has always been deeply rooted in a sense of place. 

Born and raised in Central Florida, she began her own academic journey at Seminole State College before building a distinguished career in higher education leadership. 

Today, as associate vice president of Workforce Schools at Seminole State, Molly oversees the School of Business, Health, and Public Safety. She helps guide programs that prepare students for real-world careers in those fields. Her path reflects a full-circle journey and serves as a reminder that meaningful careers can begin close to home and eventually shape the communities they serve. 

Learning by Doing

As a child, Molly’s interests were the four-legged kind. She was immersed in the 4-H youth development program and surrounded by animals – horses, goats, dogs, cats, and smaller critters, as she puts it.

“I grew up in 4-H and have always been an animal lover,” she says.

That experience left a lasting impression, particularly the emphasis on learning by doing. Later, as a 4-H agent early in her career, Molly delighted in watching young people develop confidence and life skills.

“It brought me great joy to see my 4-Hers develop into wonderful people through their experiences by learning the soft skills – communication, teamwork, critical thinking – while enjoying their interest projects,” she says.

Those formative lessons continue to influence Molly’s  approach to education. After completing her studies at Seminole State, she went on to earn a master’s degree in animal science at the University of Florida, a doctorate in higher education leadership at the University of Central Florida, and graduate certificates in epidemiology and biostatistics at the University of South Florida. She then returned to Central Florida, eventually building a career that now spans more than two decades at Seminole State College. 

Taking on Multiple Roles

Over those 20 years, Molly has served as an academic dean, academic coordinator, career program advisor, and retention specialist. She has also enjoyed her role as an instructor, teaching courses in animal science, biology, and general health. The breadth of those roles has given her a rare, holistic view of students’ academic journeys, from their first semester to their transition into the workforce. 

In 2023, Molly was named a Seminole State College Alumni Excellence Honoree for her commitment to the community. In her role overseeing the School of Business, Health, and Public Safety, she focuses on collaboration and real-world preparation.

“While the disciplines appear diverse,” says Molly, “we are always looking for ways to collaborate between programs.”

For example, students studying health sciences take management and human resources courses alongside business students, while health and public safety programs work together through simulations that mirror workplace scenarios.

“We have a great team of faculty and staff who strive to provide our students with real-world experiences as part of the educational experience,” she says. 

In the Driver’s Seat 

For Molly, Seminole State’s role extends well beyond the classroom. She describes the college as “a driver of progress for the community,” closely connected to industry partners through advisory committees, internships, and work-based learning opportunities. Faculty and staff also serve on boards throughout the region, strengthening ties between the college and the broader community while opening doors for students.

“I want to be sure we can meet students where they are and help them get to their goals,” she says. 

Molly is also excited about the college’s expanded accelerated learning opportunities, including credit for prior experience and industry credentials.

“Seminole State’s purpose is to be Your Learning Partner for Career Success,” she says. “To accomplish this, we need to value the skills and experience our students bring with them when they come to us.”

Molly also notes her own full-circle journey, working in the same community where her academic life began. 

“Seminole State gave me a great start,” she says, “and I want to see others have an opportunity for that same experience.”