CFK Names Dr. Milan Hayward Executive Vice President of Academic Affairs

The College of the Florida Keys has appointed Dr. Milan Hayward as its new Executive Vice President of Academic Affairs, placing a veteran higher education leader at the helm of academic programs and workforce training that serve Monroe County residents. The move is intended to strengthen career pathways and student support as the college seeks to expand high-wage, high-demand training partnerships with local employers.

“Dr. Hayward is a battle-tested leader and a partner. Students and their success are always his priority,” said Dr. Jonathan Gueverra, CFK President and CEO. “We are fortunate to have him join the CFK team when we are poised to grow high-wage and high-demand workforce opportunities while increasing educational partnerships with our industry stakeholders.”

As CFK’s Chief Academic Officer and a member of the senior leadership team, Dr. Hayward will oversee all academic offerings, workforce training, non-credit programs, and student success services. That portfolio places him in direct charge of curriculum and training initiatives that translate into local hires and upskilling opportunities for workers across the Keys’ island economy.

Dr. Hayward brings 27 years of higher education experience spanning teaching, academic leadership, workforce development, accreditation, and community engagement. He began his academic career as faculty in the Automotive Technology program at Northern Virginia Community College. His academic credentials include degrees from Northern Virginia Community College, National Louis University, Virginia Tech, and a doctorate from Old Dominion University. According to CFK’s announcement, he joined the college earlier this month.

For Monroe County, the appointment signals an emphasis on aligning college courses with employer needs. CFK’s expanded focus on workforce and non-credit programs affects residents seeking career changes, certifications, or short-term training to enter or advance in sectors that sustain the local economy. By directing student success services, Dr. Hayward will also influence retention and completion outcomes that matter to both students and area employers looking for reliable local talent.

Local implications include potential growth in customized training for businesses, expanded pathways from short-term certificates to credit-bearing programs, and closer coordination between CFK and industry stakeholders. These shifts could help reduce skills gaps and smooth transitions for displaced workers or recent high school graduates aiming for in-demand jobs.

For readers, the immediate outcome is a leadership change designed to make CFK more responsive to career and community needs. Watch for upcoming program announcements and partnership initiatives from the college that could create new training slots and employer collaborations in the months ahead.