The Padron Campus continues to grow and inspire with podcasts, scholarships, and community events
Miami Dade College’s Padron Campus wrapped up a year of growth and innovation in 2025. Campus President Oscar Loynaz highlighted achievements ranging from new programs and scholarships to partnerships that deepen the campus’s connection to Little Havana and Miami’s immigrant communities.
“We had a lot happen this year,” said Loynaz. “We launched a podcast and opened new labs and wellness facilities. 2025 has been filled with accomplishments that strengthened our campus community.”
2025 achievements
One of the initiatives Loynaz is especially proud of is the Campus Conversations podcast, which shines a spotlight on the achievements of students, faculty, and staff.
“Even though our audience is still growing, the podcast allows us to share the incredible work happening here and show students’ paths to success,” Loynaz explained.
Scholarship success has also been a major highlight for the campus. Several students earned prestigious awards, including the Jack Kent Cooke and Coca-Cola Leaders of Promise scholarships that fund undergraduate studies.
Undergraduate research also picked up momentum, as students presented their work at national conferences.
Furthermore, the campus opened a Wellness Center and a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) lab to offer more career pathways and support students’ health and well-being.
Oscar Loynaz on strengthening community connections
Padrón Campus has always had strong ties to Miami’s immigrant and multicultural communities, and 2025 saw this connection grow even stronger.
“Our partnership with Calle Ocho News has been wonderful,” said Loynaz. “It gives us a way to reach local families and show them how Miami Dade College can help if they want to change their lives through education.”
Campus leadership also focused on engaging the surrounding neighborhood through community cleanups and planning signature events. A major community-focused event is already being organized for next September.
“We want to welcome the community with open arms, understand their needs, and find ways the campus can help them grow,” Loynaz said.
Improving facilities and student experience
Since taking over as campus president last June, Loynaz and his team have focused on enhancing facilities and the student experience. Classrooms are being updated to create bright, comfortable spaces, especially for immigrant students learning English after long workdays.
“We want students to feel comfortable and supported, not just academically but personally and professionally,” Loynaz said.
The team is also working on a strategic enrollment management plan, exploring programs for high school students, adult learners, and even community members interested in one-night courses like cooking or cultural classes.
Adopting technology and career readiness
Miami Dade College continued to expand its flexible learning options in 2025. Students can choose from three main modalities:
- MDC Live. These are real-time virtual classes for students who cannot come to campus in person.
- Blended courses. They are a mix of in-person and online learning.
- Traditional face-to-face classes. They remain the most popular choice.
The campus is also helping students use AI responsibly, so that it can be used as a tool to support learning.
On the career front, the newly opened Certified Nursing Assistant lab allows students to earn an eight-week certificate in a high-demand field. According to Loynaz, these programs are streamlined with workforce needs to ensure students can secure jobs quickly.
“The focus is on programs that motivate students, challenge them, and prepare them for industry demands,” Loynaz explained.
Cultural connections and the arts
In 2025, the Padron campus strengthened its ties through the Artist-in-Residence program, in partnership with the Museum of Art and Design (MOAD).
The program hosts local artists for three months, and provides studio space, opportunities to collaborate with students, and public exhibitions. Visitors can attend gallery hours during lunchtime, and evening events are planned to make the arts accessible to more of the community.
Preparing students for the future workforce
The campus also prioritizes workforce readiness. Through guidance from deans, industry advisory boards, and workforce partners, the campus tailors courses and certifications to meet emerging job demands.
The School of Continuing Education offers short-term, non-credit programs in areas such as CNA training, tax preparation, and property management. Many programs are grant- or scholarship-funded, which enables students to enter the workforce quickly without committing to a full two-year degree.
“These programs are all about skills,” Loynaz said. “We want students to leave ready for the jobs that will define Miami’s future.”
Partnerships in 2026
Collaboration with local businesses, nonprofits, and local communities remains a top priority for Padron Campus in 2026.
“We’re working with environmental groups like Citizens for a Better South Florida and Fairchild Tropical Gardens to expand our Zen Garden to make it a space for both academics and community engagement,” Loynaz said.
Arts partnerships are also on the agenda, with the campus supporting the Koubek Center to ensure local residents have cultural opportunities without having to travel downtown.
Inspiration for the future
The greatest inspiration for Loynaz comes from the students, faculty, and staff at Padron Campus. He mentioned immigrant students who arrived in the U.S. just a few years ago, learning English and working toward degrees while overcoming the challenges.
“We’re launching a Spanish-language episode on our podcast to share their stories and motivate others,” he said. “If they can do it, so can others.”
He also praises the faculty and staff, describing the campus as a “family.” Their dedication to students keeps him motivated and committed to leading the campus forward.
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