Manatee Tiger Bay Club to Explore the Changing Landscape of Education
The Manatee Tiger Bay Club will turn its attention to the future of learning with a special program titled “Past, Present, Future: A Deep Dive into the Changing Landscape of Education.” The luncheon event will be held on Thursday, August 28, 2025, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Manatee Performing Arts Center.
The discussion will explore how classrooms have evolved from chalkboards to Chromebooks and beyond, while also considering the innovations shaping the future. Panelists will bring perspectives from K–12, higher education, and workforce development, highlighting how local institutions are preparing the next generation.
The distinguished panel includes:
Dr. Brett Kemker, Interim Regional Chancellor of USF Sarasota-Manatee
Dr. Larry Thompson, President of Ringling College of Art and Design
Jamie Smith, Associate Vice President of Communications & Government Relations at State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota
Kevin Chapman, Interim Superintendent of the School District of Manatee County
Dr. Paul Gansemer, Executive Director of Adult, Career & Technical Education for the School District of Manatee County
Founded in 2001, the Manatee Tiger Bay Club is part of a statewide network of nonpartisan organizations dedicated to civic dialogue. Modeled after the original Tiger Bay Club in Miami, established in the 1960s, the Manatee chapter provides a public forum for informed debate on issues impacting the community. Monthly luncheons and panel discussions bring together leaders from government, education, and business, offering residents the opportunity to hear diverse perspectives and engage directly in the conversation.
Education has been a recurring focus for the club, and organizers emphasize the timeliness of this event as technology, workforce needs, and teaching strategies continue to rapidly evolve. By bridging perspectives from schools, colleges, and career training, the forum aims to shed light on how the community can best support student success in a changing world.
