Norris: Given the demands of the global economy, a basic skills education is no longer sufficient. Sarasota County has emphasized the integration of critical thinking skills and technology and has funded a technology teacher for every school and a three-to-one ratio of computers to students. In addition, hands-on science labs will be built in every elementary school.

What trends do you see in funding, student demographics and program demand?

Stryker: We project more than 3,000 students this year, a 50-percent increase over the past three years.

Pappas: Government support will continue to decrease, and collaboration with employers will need to increase. Future programs will be more health and education and information technology. Demand for more online courses will increase. We are seeing more full-time, younger, Hispanic students at MCC.

Michalson: If the recent Scripps initiative is a harbinger, we may well see additional degree programs in biotechnology fields as well as in aging studies, gerontology and community mental health. Imagine what Florida will look like in the year 2050. Critical thinking and ethical awareness will be increasingly important, as advances in science and technology create ethical dilemmas.

Thompson: Ringling School serves primarily traditionally aged students (19 - 25), 50 percent from Florida; 50 percent from 46 states and 40 some foreign countries. We see more demand for visual communications majors-digital video, gaming, etc. I am not hopeful about educational funding for the future of Florida given the current tax base and constraints on the budget.

Dearing: The trend has been to fund alternatives to public education instead of funding public education. The McKay Scholarship takes $2.2 million from Manatee County schools. Another alternative, Corporate Income Tax scholarships, takes $600,000 from Manatee County Schools. Early graduation and Florida Virtual high school are poor substitutes for full-time attendance at a public high school.

What's been your biggest challenge in the last year?

Stryker: Getting legislative funding for enrollment growth and construction of the Crosley Campus Center.

Pappas: The state funding shortage. Because of MCC's growth and tight state funds, we actually were funded $518 less per student in 2003 than in 2000.

Michalson: Without question, completing the administrative separation from the University of South Florida. The difficulties USF Sarasota-Manatee is experiencing in realizing its relocation plan are affecting two institutions, not just one.

Thompson: Because we have such limited financial aid we lose some of the best students to schools like Rhode Island School of Design, Parsons and Pratt. And we're becoming land-locked at our current location while needing to build additional facilities as we grow.

Dearing: Unprecedented growth. We will have more than 40,000 students next year, and we are growing by more than 1,200 students per year.

How difficult is it to attract high-tech companies without a local research institution?

Stryker: We offer a full information systems program, masters in engineering and are starting an information technology program that links computer science with information systems. USF has a major technology transfer program fully available to the South Tampa Bay region.

Michalson: Very difficult. The technology developed by research institutions is the most powerful leverage available in attracting high-tech companies. Just as important is whether local leaders and the community are willing to support the kind of culture-varied music, late-night restaurants, cyber cafes-that supports high tech. Tolerance for a diversity of lifestyles is also a part of this bigger picture.

Norris: My personal experience tells me that high-tech companies, i.e., biotechnology, are equally concerned about employees who are reliable, have a strong work ethic and demonstrate skills in reading and mathematics.

We have New College, Ringling, USF and MCC in our two-county area. Could education become its own powerful economic sector?

Stryker: We already are one. Businesses and chambers recognize the asset and work with us to align our courses with their needs and to support us in the political arena.

Pappas: I think this area rightfully can claim to be "a college town" now. In MCC's nearly 50-year history, 27,000 people have graduated, and the vast majority stay here. They work in our hospitals, teach in our schools, run our offices, and design our Web sites.

Michalson: Tough to say, since Sarasota will always be a tourist destination and a destination for retirees, even if it develops more of the features of a college town.