[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 35 (Friday, February 21, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E146]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   HONORING DR. LANCELOT GOODEN AS A DISTINGUISHED LEADER IN CENTRAL 
                    FLORIDA FOR BLACK HISTORY MONTH

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. DARREN SOTO

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, February 21, 2025

  Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, Dr. Lancelot Gooden is an executive 
administrator and visionary leader with over two decades of experience 
in education. He holds a bachelor's degree in industrial mathematics, a 
master's degree in math education, and a Doctor of Education in adult 
and community college leadership. Since 2022, he has served as the 
provost for the Osceola and Poinciana campuses of Valencia College, 
where his leadership has profoundly impacted Osceola County, Florida. 
Dr. Gooden's tenure in Osceola County is marked by his commitment to 
academic excellence, student success, and community impact.
  He is a member of the boards of directors of Hope Partnership and the 
Osceola County Education Foundation. He also serves on the boards of 
the Osceola Chamber, HCA Poinciana Hospital, and the National Science 
Foundation Engine Broadening Participation and Regional Engagement 
Advisory Board. He is a champion of community engagement. He actively 
works to strengthen partnerships between Valencia College and local 
organizations. His leadership demonstrates a commitment to fostering 
educational opportunities and community impact in Osceola County. He 
also focuses on developing innovative STEM education and workforce 
training programs to support the region's economic growth and 
resilience.
  Dr. Gooden firmly believes in providing accessible, high-quality 
educational experiences for all learners, particularly students from 
low-income and economically disadvantaged backgrounds. He is the eighth 
of 12 siblings and the son of Clive Gooden and the late Candace Gooden. 
He is the proud father of two exceptional children, Matthaeus and 
Celine Gooden, and is married to his wonderful wife, Kutina Gooden. 
Through his visionary leadership and dedication to community 
engagement, Dr. Gooden continues to inspire positive change and 
transform lives in Osceola County, leaving a legacy of academic and 
civic excellence.

                          ____________________