Latest news with #SaintLeoUniversity
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Saint Leo University's sees first graduates from nursing program four years later
The Brief The very first class of nursing graduates from Saint Leo University are done. They started the program in 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic when the world was very different. The hands-on experience the graduates received outside the classroom helped them out in a way they said they couldn't have imagined. SAINT LEO, Fla. - Four years of classes, stress and navigating a life post-covid paid off for nursing graduates of Saint Leo University's inaugural nursing program, and it's fitting during National Nurses Week this week. From scrubs to a cap and gown, the very first class of nursing graduates are done. They started the program in 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic when the world was very different. READ: WeightWatchers files for bankruptcy What they're saying "I feel like at that time we are all still kind of in a panic, and I really couldn't grasp how the world had changed with that," said Emily Edwards, who graduated on Wednesday from the nursing program at Saint Leo University. Edwards first spoke with FOX 13's Briona Arradondo four years ago as she began her journey. Now, she said she's a different person. "I honestly feel way more prepared than I ever thought I would," said Edwards. Follow FOX 13 on YouTube She learned from nursing instructors like Paige Porter, who teaches pharmacology, critical care, nursing transition and more. "COVID changed everything, for sure. And one reason that this program was launched was to address the nursing shortage," said Porter. Dig deeper Well-being and self-care became a priority as a response to nurses' burnout during the pandemic. "I always would tell them that you can't pour from an empty cup," said Porter. MORE: Hospital staff helps mother give birth to twins in lobby: 'A really special moment' She also taught them about the latest technology they'll come across in the field. "I like incorporating AI into familiarizing them with that, of course, using it ethically. But that's becoming more and more predominant in academia and in the healthcare field," said Porter. The hands-on experience the graduates received outside the classroom helped them out in a way they said they couldn't have imagined. Saint Leo University partnered with AdventHealth Zephyrhills as part of a Dedicated Education Unit program to pair working nurses with nursing students. "We had so many opportunities to be fully immersed into the clinical experience because I feel like what they teach you in nursing school is entirely different than the real world," said Edwards. "I was pretty much doing 99 percent of what I would be doing as a nurse. I just had someone watching over me." It has solidified what nursing means to her. READ: National Nurses Week 2025: Deals and discounts "It's not just giving meds and seeing patients, but it's also sitting there for patients when they're going through the hardest times of their life," said Edwards. What's next Now headed home up north, she said she hopes to take her board exams in June before returning to Florida as a licensed nurse, coming full circle. "I'm between a couple of hospitals in Tampa and Sarasota actually, but my dream job is actually to work in pediatrics," said Edwards. Future nurses like Edwards are needed in more ways than one. "It's not just a shortage of nurses in general, but people who really care about what they do. And I kind of hope I can at least fill my little part of the world with that care and compassion," said Edwards. The Source The information in this story was gathered by FOX 13's Briona Arradondo. WATCH FOX 13 NEWS: STAY CONNECTED WITH FOX 13 TAMPA: Download the FOX Local app for your smart TV Download FOX Local mobile app:Apple |Android Download the FOX 13 News app for breaking news alerts, latest headlines Download the SkyTower Radar app Sign up for FOX 13's daily newsletter
Yahoo
28-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Mayor Jane Castor says now is ‘Tampa's moment'
The city of Tampa is having its moment, the mayor said. During her State of the City address at the Tampa River Center Monday, Mayor Jane Castor touted the city's work in building back from last year's brutal storms, developing neighborhoods and addressing aging infrastructure. With this year's hurricane season beginning in just over a month, Castor emphasized the city's mission to become more resilient: The city has spent $94 million on waste water updates, which includes 28 pump stations, and $350 million in stormwater system maintenance. The city is also adding back-up generators to pump stations, which move residential wastewater to the city's sewer system. An audit earlier this year showed that some of Tampa's pumps haven't been maintained properly, and city officials have said the failure of infrastructure contributed to flooding in neighborhoods that did not expect any. Castor acknowledged neighborhoods that were hit especially hard, including Davis Islands, Forest Hills and Palmetto Beach. When asked after her address what residents in these neighborhoods can expect moving forward, she said the city is anticipating the results of Hillsborough County's report on how cities faired during the storms last year. 'There is no system in America, or the world, that could handle the amount of water that came into some of these neighborhoods,' she said. 'We're working to make our city as resilient as possible.' Castor said the city is working with state, federal and local partners to continue supporting residents in neighborhoods that are building back. She said the county is set to receive more than $700 million in disaster assistance, with a portion going toward the city. Under Castor, the Tampa City Council passed the Progressive Infrastructure Plan to Ensure Sustainability program in 2019 to invest in sewer and water systems. She has also focused on other infrastructure needs, such as roads, sidewalks and public transit. Castor thanked U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor, who represents the Tampa Bay and is not related to the mayor, for securing federal funding for the city. 'This is all disruptive,' she said. 'But temporary inconvenience in one block means long-term protection for the entire neighborhood.' Housing demand has also been a key issue affecting residents in Tampa. The city's director of housing, among other city leadership, resigned last year, and in 2023, the Tampa Bay Times reported the mayor had inflated progress on affordable housing. But Castor on Monday said the city has built 20,000 residential units, thousands of which are affordable, and rental rates are back to 2021 levels. 'While we welcome new neighbors to Tampa, we will not price our residents out of the city that they built,' she said, which was met with applause. Former Mayor Bob Buckhorn attended Monday's speech and addressed speculation he may run for mayor. He spoke to a class of students at Saint Leo University Thursday, and said he was making a bid for the seat, according to the school. But after Castor's address he said he couldn't confirm his decision yet because the race is still two years out and there are 'a lot of things to figure out.' 'I'm really, really looking hard at it,' said Buckhorn, who was Tampa mayor from 2011 to 2019. 'I think the chances are probably pretty good that I will.' Overall, Castor's message was that Tampa is 'strong,' and she gave nods to the communities integral to the city's history, and, of course, Grammy-winning rapper Doechii, who grew up in Tampa. 'This is Tampa's moment,' she said. 'We used to have to fight to get on the map. Now, we are shaping that map.'
Yahoo
25-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Former Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn says he's running again
The Brief Bob Buckhorn says he will run for a third term as Tampa's mayor in 2027. He previously held the office from 2011-19. Two other candidates have already filed to run for mayor in the 2027 race. TAMPA, Fla. - Former Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn announced on Thursday that he's planning to seek a return to the city's top office in 2027. Officials at Saint Leo University say Buckhorn spoke to two sessions of a Faith & Politics course, during which he revealed his plans. The backstory Buckhorn served as Tampa's 58th mayor from April 2011 until May 2019. Prior to his mayoral stint, Buckhorn first worked in the mayor's office as special assistant to then-Mayor Sandy Freedman in 1987. PREVIOUS: Tampa Mayor Buckhorn reminisces as he begins clearing his office He was elected to the Tampa City Council in 1995, serving two terms before leaving public office to join a public affairs company in 2003. During his eight years as mayor, Buckhorn oversaw several major projects throughout the city and received more than 100 awards. What's next Current Mayor Jane Castor has been in office since Buckhorn's departure in 2019 and was reelected in 2023. According to the Hillsborough County Supervisor of Elections office, Alan Henderson and Julie Magill have filed to run for mayor in 2027. Buckhorn has not officially filed the paperwork. Follow FOX 13 on YouTube The Source This story was written with information from Saint Leo University, the City of Tampa, the Hillsborough County Supervisor of Elections office and previous FOX 13 News reports. STAY CONNECTED WITH FOX 13 TAMPA: Download the FOX Local app for your smart TV Download FOX Local mobile app: Apple | Android Download the FOX 13 News app for breaking news alerts, latest headlines Download the SkyTower Radar app Sign up for FOX 13's daily newsletter
Mid East Info
20-03-2025
- Business
- Mid East Info
Zoom debuts new agentic AI skills and agents for Zoom AI Companion - Middle East Business News and Information
Zoom AI Companion expands agentic skills across the entire Zoom platform, using reasoning and memory to take action and orchestrate task execution, conversational self-service, custom agent creation, and more More than 45 new innovations announced, including AI enhancements for Zoom Meetings, Zoom Phone, Zoom Team Chat, Zoom Docs, and Zoom Contact Center, help users get more done, do their best work, and strengthen relationships. New Zoom customer experience (CX) innovations include next-generation enhancements to Zoom Virtual Agent chat and the introduction of Virtual Agent for voice, AI intent routing capabilities, and Advanced Quality Management.. Today Zoom Communications, Inc. (NASDAQ: ZM) unveiled agentic AI Companion capabilities, new Zoom AI Companion skills, and AI updates across its platform, including Zoom Meetings, Zoom Team Chat, Zoom Docs, Zoom Phone, Zoom Whiteboard, Zoom Contact Center, industry solutions, and more. 'AI Companion is evolving from a personal assistant to being truly agentic, which signals a major leap forward in how AI can enhance productivity and collaboration at work,' said Smita Hashim, chief product officer at Zoom. 'We're delivering value for our customers through AI agents and agentic skills that solve real customer problems, helping them connect, collaborate, and get more done, all within the Zoom platform our users trust and love.' 'We've been using Zoom AI Companion since it became available, and I've seen firsthand how it has transformed our academic and administrative operations,' said Steven Carroll, chief information officer at Saint Leo University. 'This technology isn't just about efficiency; it allows our employees to spend less time on manual tasks and more time on meaningful collaboration, and focus on what matters most: supporting our students' educational journey.' AI Companion takes action with AI skills and agents: Zoom is elevating AI Companion across its entire platform through AI agentic skills, agents, and models to deliver high-quality results, help users improve productivity, and strengthen relationships. AI Companion will help users get more done by executing on their behalf and managing multi-step actions with the knowledge of which agents and skills to tap into using reasoning and memory to make decisions, solve complex problems, and learn over time, along with task action and orchestration to execute and complete tasks. Additional new agentic skills include calendar management to help schedule meetings and find a time that works for everyone, clip generation for fast clip creation, writing assistance for advanced document creation, and more. AI Companion will also extend to specialized agents that power Zoom Business Services. For customer self-service, Zoom Virtual Agent leverages memory and reasoning skills to deliver empathetic and contextual conversations and task action to resolve complex issues from start to finish. With AI Studio, users can effortlessly create and deploy customizable virtual agents (available in beta later this spring). Zoom Revenue Accelerator users will also be able to benefit from a specialized agent for sales in the coming months to help increase revenue through automated insights, personalized outreach and enhanced prospecting. Coming soon, with Zoom's open platform, users will be able to interact with third-party agents such as ServiceNow AI Agents and create their own custom agents with specific skill sets to address unique needs, such as streamlining sales RFPs or IT and HR service requests. AI Companion will know when to work with third-party and custom agents to take action and complete tasks. Custom AI Companion add-on will allow organizations to customize AI Companion with AI Studio by tailoring it to address their unique needs and drive efficiency. Organizations will be able to create custom meeting templates and custom dictionaries with vocabulary unique to their business or industry, incorporate information from their own data sources, including compatible third-party applications, and use AI Studio to expand AI Companion's knowledge and skills to help drive decisions and actions and complete tasks. Users will have access to a digital personal AI coach and custom meeting summary templates that will allow users to structure meeting summaries for specific industry verticals or use cases, such as one-on-one meetings, customer intake, or brainstorming meetings. Users will also have access to Custom Avatars for Zoom Clips to help scale video clip creation and avoid multiple takes by using a personalized AI-generated avatar to create clips with a user-provided script. Custom Avatars will be included in the Custom AI Companion add-on and will also be available for purchase separately. The Custom AI Companion add-on is expected to be available for purchase in April for $12 per user per month (personal coach is expected to be available in June). As part of Zoom's federated approach to AI, the Custom AI Companion add-on will incorporate Small Language Models (SLMs) alongside Zoom's third-party LLMs to deliver industry-leading performance and cost-effectiveness for modern businesses. Zoom's new SLMs are trained with extensive multilingual data, optimized for specific tasks to perform complex actions, and well-positioned to facilitate multi-agent collaboration. Get more done with AI Companion: With new agentic skills, AI Companion can help users get more done, identify and execute tasks, manage meetings, and more. AI Companion's agentic skills work across the platform to help reduce manual work so users can focus on what matters most. Zoom Tasks with AI Companion will help users surface, complete, and manage tasks across Zoom Workplace by automatically detecting action items in meeting summaries, chats, and emails, and completing tasks like scheduling follow-up meetings or generating documents from meetings. Tasks will be available in a new tab within Zoom Workplace and can be embedded into a Zoom Doc, creating a central repository to track personal, team, and project tasks from creation to completion. Zoom Tasks is expected to launch at the end of March. Meeting agendas with AI Companion, expected to launch in May, will help users stay organized by using templates or recent agendas to provide recommended content. Hosts will be able to add an agenda timer to sections to keep meetings on track and receive AI-generated live notes during the meeting. After the meeting, hosts will be able to easily share the summary and action items. Live notes for Meetings and Phone, expected to launch in May, will provide real-time summaries during a meeting or phone call to help users catch up quickly, stay on track, focus on real-time topics connected to the agenda, and track updates live. AI Companion for Zoom Phone can now generate voicemail summaries and support the Zoom for Microsoft Teams app. Zoom Phone calls within Microsoft Teams can generate AI Companion call summaries, and prioritize and extract tasks from voicemails. A new voice recorder on the Zoom Workplace mobile app, expected to launch in late March, will transcribe, summarize, and capture action items with AI Companion and create high-quality recordings for in-person conversations, so users can connect without taking notes. AI Companion for Workspace Reservation will show in-office workers when colleagues are expected to be in the office, recommend which days to go into the office based on scheduled meetings and their teammates' scheduled in-office days, and have AI Companion proactively book a desk or a Zoom Room for them. These updates are expected to launch in May. AI Companion helps users do their best work and get better results: Zoom Docs helps workers create high-quality content more efficiently by providing AI Companion writing assistance, as well as internal and external information search capabilities to help maximize productivity and streamline workflows. Zoom Docs will have enhanced AI Companion capabilities with advanced references and queries that will be able to help a user create a writing plan based on the context, search internal and external information for references, and aggregate them into a high-quality business document based on user instructions. Advanced references and queries are expected to launch in June. Users can prompt AI Companion to automatically create data tables, including from meeting summaries, so that content may be more easily digested and organized in a table format. AI Companion will be able to automatically label the columns so users can quickly see highlights and automate information like categorization and summarization for each record. This feature is expected to be available in July. Zoom also announced Zoom Drive, a central repository for meeting and productivity assets such as Zoom Docs, that will make it easier to find and access assets across Zoom Workplace. Zoom Drive is expected to launch in May. Zoom AI Companion continues to be included at no additional cost for customers with the paid services in their Zoom user accounts. Specialized AI Companion capabilities, custom agent configurations, and third-party agents may cost an additional fee or be subject to separate pricing. Visit the Zoom newsroom for more information on Zoom's approach to agentic AI and Zoom Workplace enhancements. Strengthen relationships with Zoom Business Services The Zoom Business Services suite for marketing, customer care, and sales includes AI-first solutions that are tightly integrated with Zoom Workplace and designed to help customer-facing employees strengthen customer relationships and improve customer experiences. Zoom Customer Experience (CX) Zoom is bringing agentic skills to Zoom Contact Center with specialized AI agents to help revolutionize customer experiences, empower customer service agents, and enhance self-service interactions while maintaining the importance of human connections. New generative AI advancements with agentic AI skills will introduce the next evolution of self-service. Zoom Virtual Agent will offer more natural language skills, handle complex queries, and execute tasks on behalf of customers. To extend these capabilities, Zoom Virtual Agent will be available for voice and chat channels (planned for qualified customer beta later this spring), offering a seamless, always-on experience. AI-intent routing (expected to launch at the end of March), will intelligently route customers to the best-suited agent based on real-time intent detection. With Advanced Quality Management, contact center teams will have access to Auto Quality Management, which will use AI to automatically score up to 100% of customer interactions, and Ask Quality Management, which will deliver a conversational interface for supervisors to directly query transcripts and uncover valuable insights. Advanced Quality Management is expected to launch in May. Zoom delivers powerful industry-specific solutions: Zoom Workplace for Frontline, expected to launch in April, is a purpose-built, AI Companion-based, mobile solution that gives frontline workers the on-shift communications and work management tools needed to be more connected and efficient in their daily tasks. Zoom Workplace for Clinicians, expected to launch at the end of March, is designed to streamline clinical workflows. It enables doctors, nurses, and practitioners to dedicate more time to patient care and engagement rather than spending valuable time on documentation and administrative tasks. Zoom Workplace for Clinicians will be able to automatically generate clinical notes in the office or a virtual Zoom telehealth appointment so that physicians can focus on what matters most: their patients. Zoom Workplace for Education will provide AI Companion-generated lecture summaries with supporting material that teachers can use to generate assignments and students can use to create study materials (expected to be available in May). Later this year, a live notes feature will enable students to add comments, reactions, and highlights to the live transcripts to engage with lecture content during and post class to further learning. The Zoom hardware certification program is expanding solutions to support industry verticals beginning in April: For education customers, Zoom will add select document cameras, which are intended to capture documents or objects on a table that can be shared in a Zoom virtual meeting or class, to its certified hardware portfolio. For healthcare customers, Zoom will certify select cameras for use in patient rooms, enabling remote observation of patients. About Zoom: Zoom's mission is to provide an AI-first work platform for human connection. Reimagine teamwork with Zoom Workplace — Zoom's open collaboration platform with AI Companion that empowers teams to be more productive. Together with Zoom Workplace, Zoom's Business Services for sales, marketing, and customer experience teams, including Zoom Contact Center, strengthen customer relationships throughout the customer lifecycle. Founded in 2011, Zoom is publicly traded (NASDAQ:ZM) and headquartered in San Jose, California.
