Carol Jenkins Barnett Center for Early Childhood Learning and Health

Mission

To create a unique interdisciplinary academic center of collaboration between Florida Southern College’s School of Education and School of Nursing and Health Sciences that will contribute to and utilize scientific evidence in preparing future nurses and teachers to identify and intervene in health-related issues, and engage in community outreach, to improve childhood learning and health.

About the Center

The Carol Jenkins Barnett Center for Early Childhood Learning and Health brings together the resources of the School of Education and the Ann Blanton Edwards School of Nursing and Health Sciences for a unique interdisciplinary program to positively impact the academic experience of young children. The Center, which was created in 2020, is named in honor of Dr. Carol Jenkins Barnett ’79, daughter of Publix Super Markets founder George W. Jenkins. Barnett was a champion for children who dedicated her life to philanthropy, community and enriching the educational experience for all. Dr. Carol Jenkins Barnett passed away on December 7, 2021 at the age of 65. She leaves behind a legacy of leadership that positively transformed the Florida Southern community and will continue to influence future generations who learn in The Carol Jenkins Barnett Center for Early Childhood Learning and Health.

The Carol Jenkins Barnett Center will:

• Serve as a national model for educating teachers and nurses about the linkage between a child’s health and their learning.
• Become a national leader in developing evidence-based data-driven interventions to impact childhood learning and health.
• Provide services and educational training for Polk County’s families, teachers, and members of the healthcare community, to ensure successful early-learning outcomes for children in our community.