As Florida welcomes record-breaking tourism numbers, the hospitality industry faces a critical workforce shortage. In this episode of RiverTalk, host Kathleen Walter sits down with Indian River State College's Hospitality and Culinary Management department chair Professor Deborah Midkiff, along with students Megan Dipietro and Emily Day, to explore how The River is preparing the next generation of hospitality professionals. From hands-on culinary training to real-world experience in hotels and bakeries, discover what it takes to build a career in Florida's booming tourism industry. The conversation covers program offerings, industry trends, career opportunities on the Treasure Coast, and Professor Midkiff's holiday menu recommendations. Whether you're considering a career change or exploring post-graduation options, this episode offers valuable insights into one of Florida's most in-demand fields.

In 1959, Indian River Junior College opened in a single building in Fort Pierce. Today, Indian River State College serves nearly 24,000 students across five campuses in four counties—and it's become a model of educational excellence and innovation.

What happens when college students get access to real cold case files? At Indian River State College’s Institute for Cold Case Investigations, they solve them. The only program of its kind in the country. New RiverTalk episode with Dr. Kimberlie Massnick and students working actual unsolved crimes.

Get ready for River Madness! Indian River State College Head Men's Basketball Coach TJ Jackson joins RiverTalk to announce an exciting basketball event coming to Fort Pierce—plus, he takes us inside the Falcons' locker room to reveal what it really takes to compete at the junior college level.From his own journey on the court to developing the next generation of student-athletes, Coach Jackson shares the grit, heart, and strategy behind building a championship program. He'll explain why junior college basketball is one of the most competitive—and most transformative—levels of the game, and how The River continues its tradition of sending players to Division I programs.Whether you're a die-hard basketball fan, a parent of a young athlete navigating the recruiting process, or simply curious about what's happening in that gym on campus, this conversation delivers insider perspective on the game, the grind, and the life lessons that extend far beyond the final buzzer.

Kathleen Walter explores how Indian River State College is helping students and alumni navigate through career choices with the Career Services Program at Indian River State College with Dr. Calvin Williams, Associate Vice President of Advising and Career Services and chief career officer at Indian River State College.

There are nearly 20 million veterans living in the United States today, and for many of them the transition from military service to civilian life includes a return to the classroom. Today we're looking at how Indian River State College is reshaping that educational journey. Known locally as the River, Indian River State College has developed programs specifically designed for veteran students and military families. Effort Kathleen Walter speaks with Cam Medina, coordinator at the Veteran Center of Excellence at Indian River State College, and Dr. Calvin Williams, associate vice president of advising and career services and chief career officer. Both are veterans.

Kathleen Walter speaks with Erin Ergle who serves as both head volleyball coach and assistant Athletics director here at Indian River State College.

Kathleen Walter explores the evolving landscape of student experience in higher education and how Indian River State College is reimagining what it means to create an inclusive engaging Campus Community with Gracia Buzziz, director of student experience at Indian River State College

As artificial intelligence reshapes workforce readiness, Indian River State College is at the forefront of preparing its graduates for success. Dr. Bruce Fraser speaks with Kathleen Walter about the College's Innovations through AI

On this edition of RiverTalk, meet Indian River State College Chief Retention Officer Becky Shearer and learn how students can take advantage of this transformative, meaningful program.