NUC University Florida Technical College (NUC FTC) continues to expand its commitment to healthcare education and community impact through a new partnership with Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Florida (RMHCCF) as part of the organization’s Adopt-a-Room program.
The collaboration supports families staying at the Ronald McDonald House in Lake Nona, located on the campus of Nemours Children’s Health, where 24 private guest rooms provide a comfortable and nurturing environment for families with children receiving critical medical treatment. Through its Adopt-a-Room sponsorship, NUC FTC helps maintain one of these rooms for an entire year, ensuring it remains a welcoming, well-kept space that offers relief and stability during challenging times.
The partnership helps offset essential operational costs such as linens, housekeeping, utilities, and general maintenance — a vital contribution that allows RMHCCF to continue offering a true “home away from home” for families in need.
This effort builds on NUC FTC’s growing portfolio of healthcare community initiatives, following its recent partnership with the American Heart Association, the opening of the NUC University School of Nursing, and the launch of its Veterinary Assistant with Pet Grooming program earlier this year. Together, these milestones reflect the institution’s mission to blend academic excellence with compassion and service, reinforcing its role as an anchor of healthcare education and community engagement in Central Florida.
“Supporting Ronald McDonald House Charities allows us to extend our care beyond the classroom and into the community,” said Dr. James Michael Burkett, President of NUC University Florida Technical College. “As educators, we are responsible for shaping professionals prepared in their fields but also understand the value of empathy and service.”
During a recent visit to the Lake Nona facility, Dr. Burkett was joined by Maryann Sewell, Vice President of Business Development; Kelly Bicy, Vice President of Strategic Partnerships and Workforce Development; Jessica Shearer, Dean of Nursing; and Christopher Mercado, Director of Marketing. Representing Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Florida were Heather Brungardt, President & CEO; Angela Cohen, Chief Operations Officer; Vince PremDas, Director of Advancement & Engagement; and Kaycee Flora, Vice President of Community Partnerships and Programs. Together, both teams celebrated a shared vision of compassion, community service, and collective impact.
The inspiration for this partnership came after Dr. Burkett’s participation in Leadership Orlando Class 107, where a visit to the Lake Nona Ronald McDonald House deepened his connection to the organization’s mission. The initiative also aligns with NUC FTC’s employee volunteer program, which provides paid time off for staff to engage in community service.
Looking ahead, NUC FTC plans to expand its collaboration with RMHCCF by inviting nursing students and faculty to volunteer at the Lake Nona facility — a meaningful opportunity to strengthen connections between classroom learning and real-world care.
In addition to the School of Nursing, NUC University Florida Technical College offers healthcare programs. These include Medical Assistant Technician; Medical Assistant Technician Diploma – Dual Language; Medical Assistant Technician with Emphasis in Basic X-Ray; Medical Billing and Coding Specialist; Bachelor’s Degree in Allied Health Management; Pharmacy Technician; Veterinary Assistant with Pet Grooming; Associate of Science in Nursing; Practical Nursing Diploma; and Bachelor of Science in Nursing.
“For us, giving back is not just a seasonal effort — it’s part of who we are,” added Dr. Burkett. “Through partnerships like this, we reaffirm our commitment to helping families, advancing healthcare, and making a meaningful impact across the state of Florida.”
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