In May 2025, Everglades University had the privilege of sponsoring and attending The Women’s Edge Top 100 Women-Led Businesses in Florida awards luncheon, hosted at Le Méridien Dania Beach. This annual event honors women who lead some of Florida’s most influential and high-performing organizations.
Everglades University proudly participated in support of President and CEO Kristi Mollis, who earned the #23 spot on the 2025 list. This recognition marks her 12th consecutive year being named among the Top 100 Women-Led Businesses in Florida—an exceptional milestone that showcases her leadership, strategic vision, and unwavering commitment to academic excellence and student achievement.
The Women’s Edge rankings evaluate women-led organizations using key indicators such as revenue growth, organizational impact, diversity, innovation, and community involvement. As an event sponsor, Everglades University was honored to help celebrate the strength and influence of women leaders across the state.
Everglades University continues to champion student success and leadership development, and we are proud that President Mollis’ dedication to purposeful leadership is reflected in this prestigious recognition.
Everglades University Earns 28 Distinctions in the 2026 Niche College Rankings
Everglades University continues to stand out as one of Florida’s leading institutions for career-focused education. In the newly released 2026 Niche College Rankings, the university earned an impressive 28 recognitions across multiple categories. Among the top highlights: Everglades ranked #2 Best Online College in Florida, #3 Best Private University in Florida, #4 Best Small College in Florida, and #7 Best Online College in America.
These achievements place Everglades University among the most respected online and campus-based institutions in the state.
A Strong Choice for Online and On-Campus Learners
Niche’s 2026 rankings reinforce what many students already know — Everglades University offers a supportive, flexible, and academically focused learning environment. Whether a student prefers the convenience of an online degree or the sense of community that comes with an in-person campus, Everglades provides both options with a strong commitment to:
Accessible and flexible degree formats
Small class sizes and individualized support
Practical, career-driven curriculum across fields like aviation, construction management, sustainability, and alternative medicine
Why Niche Rankings Are Important
For students exploring colleges in Florida or comparing online programs nationwide, Niche serves as one of the most widely used and trusted ranking platforms.
Niche’s evaluation process blends:
Academic and outcome data, such as retention rates, graduation rates, and faculty qualifications
Student reviews and first-hand feedback about campus life, safety, and overall experience
Comparative analysis at both the state and national levels
This mix of measurable data and real student input offers a comprehensive look at what attending Everglades University is truly like.
Everglades University: A Florida Leader With Statewide Reach
With five campuses located in Boca Raton, Miami, Tampa, Sarasota, and Orlando — along with a well-established online division — Everglades University supports students across Florida and around the country. The university’s programs are designed for modern learners, including working adults seeking advancement or students looking for a more personalized college experience.
Everglades is honored to receive so many recognitions for 2026. Prospective students are encouraged to review the full list and explore the opportunities available.
Everglades University was honored to take part in the 75th Annual Recognition Dinner hosted by the Construction Association of South Florida (CASF). This milestone event brought together leaders from across the construction industry to celebrate professional achievements and recognize future talent. During the evening, scholarships were presented to two exceptional students from Everglades University’s Boca Raton and Miami campuses—an inspiring moment highlighting the promising future of construction leadership.
Students interested in building a meaningful career in construction can explore Everglades University’s Construction Management programs to learn how the university prepares graduates for real-world industry success.
Celebrating a Historic CASF Event
The 75th Annual CASF Recognition Dinner gathered industry professionals, educators, and community partners to acknowledge significant accomplishments within South Florida’s commercial construction sector. The event also highlighted CASF’s long-standing commitment to fostering growth, professional development, and collaboration among contractors throughout the region.
CASF’s Impact on Florida’s Construction Community
For decades, CASF has played an essential role in strengthening Florida’s construction workforce. Through initiatives focused on education, training, safety, and mentorship, the organization continues to support contractors and industry professionals as they navigate evolving demands. CASF’s steady leadership remains a cornerstone of South Florida’s construction community.
Everglades University’s President and CEO, Kristi Mollis, attended the event and expressed gratitude for CASF’s ongoing support of the university’s Construction Management program. She emphasized how this partnership expands opportunities for students, offering them valuable resources, networking channels, and pathways to long-term career growth.
Building the Future Together
By participating in CASF’s milestone celebration, Everglades University reaffirmed its dedication to empowering tomorrow’s construction leaders. The collaboration between CASF and the university continues to foster a strong, skilled, and forward-thinking workforce for Florida’s construction industry.
Spotlight on the 2025 CASF Scholarship Recipients
Honoring Student Achievement
At this year’s ceremony, President Mollis awarded the 2025 CASF scholarships to two impressive Everglades University students:
Donald S. – Boca Raton Campus
Briana A. – Miami Campus
Both students were recognized for their academic excellence and their commitment to advancing in the construction field.
Expanding Opportunities Through Education
The scholarships presented at the event demonstrate a shared vision between CASF and Everglades University: to nurture and support students pursuing careers in construction. From financial assistance to workforce training and apprenticeship programs, these initiatives help equip students with the skills and hands-on experience needed to succeed in a competitive industry. These efforts closely align with CASF’s mission to enhance vocational education and promote essential safety training throughout the region.
A Partnership Focused on Community, Education, and Growth
Everglades University’s involvement in the CASF Recognition Dinner highlights the importance of partnerships that bring together students, professionals, and community leaders. These events celebrate academic and industry success while reinforcing the deep collaboration between CASF and Everglades University.
Through scholarships, mentorship opportunities, and ongoing initiatives, both organizations are actively shaping the next generation of leaders in commercial construction. Their shared commitment to education ensures that students receive the guidance and training needed to thrive in this dynamic industry.
Students interested in pursuing a future in construction can explore Everglades University’s Construction Management degree programs to learn how the university supports aspiring industry professionals.
On May 8, 2025, Everglades University proudly sponsored and attended The Women’s Edge Top 100 Women‑Led Businesses in Florida awards luncheon, held at Le Méridien Dania Beach. The prestigious event celebrates the accomplishments of women who lead some of Florida’s most successful organizations.
Everglades University was honored to represent our institution in support of our President and CEO, Kristi Mollis, who was recognized as #23 on the 2025 list. This year marks her 12th consecutive year being named to the Top 100 Women‑Led Businesses in Florida, an extraordinary achievement that reflects her enduring leadership, vision, and commitment to student success.
The Women’s Edge awards highlight organizations led by women based on revenue, diversity, innovation, and community influence. As a proud sponsor, EU was thrilled to support this celebration of female leadership and represent our university at such an impactful event.
Everglades University remains dedicated to empowering students and leading with purpose, and we’re proud to have that commitment reflected in the recognition of our President.
Congratulations, President Mollis, on your 12th consecutive year of excellence!
Everglades University recently welcomed the internationally respected Guy Harvey Foundation for an inspiring five-part speaker series focused on ocean conservation, marine science, and environmental education. This collaborative event provided students and community members with a rare opportunity to hear directly from world-leading experts and gain insight into meaningful careers in marine resources management and sustainability.
Meet Guy Harvey: A Leader in Marine Conservation
The series officially began on July 21 at 6:30 p.m. with a special presentation from renowned marine artist, scientist, and conservation advocate Guy Harvey. Recognized globally for both his artwork and his decades-long commitment to protecting ocean ecosystems, Harvey delivered an engaging discussion on ocean science, climate challenges, and the urgent need to safeguard marine species. Attendees also learned how Harvey’s conservation principles are now woven into Everglades University’s Marine and Green degree programs.
A Five-Part Exclusive Speaker Series
As part of EU’s partnership with the Guy Harvey Foundation (GHF), students were given exclusive access to a five-part speaker series featuring recorded presentations and live engagement opportunities with some of the leading voices in conservation, including:
Guy Harvey – Marine artist and conservation icon
Jessica Harvey – CEO of the Guy Harvey Foundation
Steve Roden
Greg Jacoski
Dr. Tonya Shearer
Topics explored throughout the series included:
Protecting marine biodiversity and ocean habitats
Climate adaptation strategies to support ocean health
Entrepreneurship in the conservation space
Environmental policy, legislation, and responsible stewardship
Each session concluded with a live Q&A held through Microsoft Teams, giving students the chance to interact directly with the experts and gain practical perspectives related to their studies.
Everglades University President and CEO Kristi Mollis also represented the university as a featured panelist during the Conservation Summit, speaking to more than 250 educators about the importance of integrating environmental stewardship into higher education. Other prominent voices included Jessica Harvey, Chris Dold of United Parks & Resorts, and Candice Wade of the Suncoast Youth Conservation Center.
Connecting Science and Education
Throughout the series, students explored how the Guy Harvey Foundation’s research and educational approach is being incorporated into EU’s academic programs—particularly within the Marine Resources Management and Sustainability degrees.
In addition, Everglades University and GHF collaborated on an educational video series for middle and high school students. These videos were designed to introduce younger learners to marine and coastal management careers while encouraging early engagement in conservation activities such as ocean cleanup and policy advocacy.
Highlights of the youth-focused content included:
Interactive and engaging science activities
Career pathways within marine and conservation industries
Early awareness of environmental protection and stewardship
Access to Exclusive Conservation Resources
As part of the partnership, Everglades University students gained access to specialized conservation materials produced by the Guy Harvey Foundation. These resources enhanced classroom learning with real-world research, case studies, and practical insights into marine ecology and conservation policy.
A Shared Commitment to Ocean Conservation
This special event series strengthened Everglades University’s long-standing commitment to sustainability and environmental leadership. By hosting the Guy Harvey Foundation and bringing world-class conservation experts to campus, EU continues to support the next generation of professionals dedicated to protecting marine ecosystems.
Everglades University remains proud of this impactful partnership and the educational opportunities it created for students, educators, and the surrounding community.
Online education is more popular than ever, offering students the flexibility to earn a degree while balancing work and personal commitments. Among the many institutions providing online programs, some stand out for their academic excellence, student support, and career-focused curriculum. One such institution is Everglades University, which has earned an impressive ranking of 10 out of 229 “Best Online Colleges in America” by Niche.com
The university offers a variety of online degree programs in fields such as aviation/aerospace, alternative medicine, business, construction management, healthcare administration, sustainability, and many more.
What sets Everglades University apart is its small class sizes and personalized learning approach. Unlike traditional large-scale online programs, students receive individualized attention and can take one class at a time which provides flexibility for working adults. Additionally, the university’s emphasis on career readiness helps prepare graduates for transition into the workforce.
Another factor contributing to its top ranking is its strong support for military students. Everglades University is recognized as a military-friendly school, offering benefits and flexible learning options for active-duty service members and veterans.
With its commitment to excellence and student success, Everglades University continues to be a top choice for those seeking a high-quality online education.
On October 27, 2021 Everglades University representatives; President Kristi Mollis, Vice President of Academic Affairs -Jared Bezet, Vice President- Joseph Dalto, and Director of Student Services- Rubeena Barrat attended the CASF 71st Annual Installation And Awards Banquet.
President Kristi Mollis was a speaker for the event discussing the recent partnership between Everglades University and the Construction Association of South Florida to establish a permanent scholarship endowment for the EU Construction Management department. She also discussed future plans to develop externships with CASF members to allow EU Construction students the ability to gain experience in the industry with the CASF member companies while completing their degrees.
In July 2021 Everglades University was gifted $60,000 to establish the scholarship endowment. President Mollis also presented the first EU/ CASF scholarship recipient- Mr. Geansli Joseph.
Mr. Joseph was in attendance at the event and accepted the scholarship with his wife on stage. Mr. Joseph is currently pursuing his bachelors in Construction Management. He has experience in design, drafting, BIM technology, and construction.
President Mollis’ speech included the following statement, ”We believe we are aligned with CASF in that our goal is to support the South Florida Construction Industry by training and educating your future employees. Everglades University is a home grown Florida based regionally accredited not for profit University with 6 campuses in Florida. Our Main campus is located in Boca Raton and our branch campuses are located in Miami, Tampa, Sarasota and Orlando. This scholarship will annually support students attending our south Florida campuses for years to come. And for that we thank all of you for your support.”
“Everglades University was ranked #10 in the nation for Social Mobility in 2022 by the US News and World Report Best Colleges Ranking. So we are just as committed to education as we are to ensuring our graduates gain employment in their fields of study. So again thank you very much for establishing the CASF scholarship. We look forward to expanding this relationship to better support the CASF membership,” stated President Mollis.
In the dynamic realm of higher education, where institutions vie for prominence and relevance, Everglades University stands out as a beacon of leadership and growth. Guided by President Kristi Mollis for over two decades, this institution has continually pushed boundaries, achieving remarkable milestones that have solidified its position as a premier educational entity in South Florida and beyond.
In a recent article published by Florida’s Palm Beach Post, the successful journey of the university is unveiled.
A Legacy of Growth and Excellence
Since its inception in 1990, Everglades University has undergone a transformative journey under the visionary stewardship of Kristi Mollis, according to the latest news and media coverage. What began as a single campus has burgeoned into a network of six thriving locations across Florida, including Boca Raton, Sarasota, Tampa, Orlando, Miami, and an Online Division. This expansion has been paralleled by a remarkable surge in enrollment, catapulting from under 100 students to an impressive cohort of 2,200 learners.
The university’s transition to regional accreditation, now holding a level III SACS Accreditation, underscores its unwavering commitment to academic excellence and institutional advancement.
National Recognition and Acclaim
The Everglades University commitment to excellence has not gone unnoticed on the national stage. The institution’s stellar performance earned it notable accolades, including a #23 ranking in Top Performers on Social Mobility and #94 in Regional Universities South, in the 2023 US News and World Report. Recent recognitions by Forbes and Money Magazine further attest to the university’s academic prowess, solidifying its status as one of the country’s preeminent higher education institutions.
A Commitment to Student Success
The leadership philosophy of Mollis is rooted in a deep-seated commitment to student success. By prioritizing flexible schedules and a personalized, one-class-at-a-time approach, the university ensures that working adults can seamlessly integrate education into their busy lives. As President Mollis aptly puts it, “Our students’ success is what motivates me and our team,” highlighting the institution’s unwavering dedication to empowering its learners.
Elevating South Florida’s Educational Landscape
Beyond its institutional achievements, Everglades University plays a pivotal role in elevating South Florida’s educational landscape. The university’s expansion not only underscores its commitment to providing accessible and high-quality education but also reflects the region’s aspirations to emerge as a vibrant educational hub. By nurturing intellectual growth and fostering economic development, Everglades University embodies the spirit of progress and innovation that defines South Florida’s educational ecosystem.
Everglades University’s journey of growth and excellence under President Kristi Mollis’s leadership serves as a testament to the transformative power of visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to student success. As the institution continues to chart new territories and redefine the boundaries of higher education, its impact on South Florida’s educational landscape is poised to resonate far into the future. Read the news article at the Palm Beach Post online here.
Congratulations to the Everglades University Sarasota Campus Masters of Public Health Capstone class on four amazing presentations. Students Ryan Clapham, Lida Gonzalez Santiago, Marcie Novis Levine, and Riki Perdue presented to a group of Everglades University administrators, faculty and students, including EU President, Kristi Mollis. The MPH students provide a wealth of information on topics including: Transgenderism, and Transgender Healthcare with Advocacy for the Transgender Community, Microbiome Healthy Gut/Brain Rejuvenation, and HIV/AIDS Prevention and the PrEP Program.
Tables of literature and topic related flags, pins, buttons,
brochures, and a catered buffet of macrobiotic fare were provided by the
MPH students for the audience to experience. Not only are these
students researching their topics, they are putting them into practice
as their careers.
Ryan Clapham has started her own business and is writing a grant to
provide quality educational programs for the ethical treatment of
Transgender patients.
Riki Perdue is currently working for Manatee County’s new PrEP
program. Lida Gonzalez Santiago and Marcie Novis Levine are
collaborating on patents for their health food products for resale. As
Dr.
Jennifer Bencie, EU Sarasota MPH faculty and County Health Officer for the Florida Department of Health in Manatee County, said, “These
capstone presentations are the culmination of years of research and
knowledge gained during their MPH program at EU, and it is exciting to
see them put it into practice for their future careers.”
