Author Archives: Roxanne Lavelle

Longtime theater presence Lance Brannon now PSC Performing Arts Technical Director

When Pensacola State College’s longtime Performing Arts Technical Director Bob Gandrup died just a month before the annual PSC Summer High School Onstage Workshop, the theater department had to mourn the loss of a valued and respected colleague and friend.

Yet, as Gandrup himself knew, the show must go on.

Though grieving, PSC Theatre Director Rodney Whatley still needed to find a person to complete Gandrup’s stage design for the late July performance of the Elvis-inspired jukebox musical, “All Shook Up.”

Longtime Pensacola theater and performance persona Lance Brannon was brought in and stayed true to Gandrup’s design.

PSC announces ambitious athletics Game Plan athletics campaign at Pirate Experience

The biggest takeaway from the awesome and exciting 2022 Pirate Experience, Pensacola State College’s annual athletics showcase?

Future Pirate Experiences are going to be even more awesome and exciting.

PSC President Ed Meadows and PSC Athletics Hall of Fame member Doug Bates announced the first Athletics Campaign in modern PSC history at the Pirate Experience on Tuesday, Sept. 27, in the Hartsell Arena.

The “Game Plan” capital campaign will feature three “buckets” targeting various goals and initiatives:

General Support
Facilities and new construction
Endowments

PSC honors Student Ambassadors, Robinson Honors Scholars, Presidential Scholars

Cera Boyle arrived just moments before the ceremony was set to start – an event where she was one of the honorees.

But Boyle, a first-generation college student studying pre-med at Pensacola State College, has a lot on her plate.

The mother of three had to drop her oldest son off at choir practice before arriving at the event to recognize the College’s most-accomplished students – Presidential Scholars, Student Ambassadors and Robinson Honors Program officers.

The event was held Thursday, Sept. 30, in the Charles W. Lamar Studio in the Anna Lamar Switzer Center for Visual Arts.

PSC co-sponsors 2022 Salute to First Responders award luncheon

Pensacola State College along with Harvesters Credit Union and HCA Florida Healthcare were sponsors of the 2022 Salute to First Responders luncheon held Sept. 21 at the Pensacola Bay Center.

PSC President Ed Meadows, Dr. Mark Stavros with HCA Florida West Hospital and Keith Golden of Harvesters Credit Union saluted the 13 award recipients at the event.

Carla E. Williams inducted into 2022 PSC Athletics Hall of Fame

Pensacola State College Athletic Director Bryan Lewallyn said Carla E. Williams might be “the best ever Pirate to come through our halls.”

Now, the late Carla E. Williams is permanently enshrined in the College’s Athletics Hall of Fame. A gifted basketball player, coach, scholar, educator and mentor, Williams was the only Pirate inducted in the 2022 Hall of Fame class during a ceremony held following the Pirate Experience on Tuesday, Sept. 27, in Hartsell Arena where she enjoyed some of her greatest athletic moments.

Tra Bouscaren’s ‘Test Pattern’ exhibit opens in Charles W. Lamar Studio

Tra Bouscaren’s “Test Pattern” art exhibition will look different the next time you see it. How could it not?

Though crafted from the remnants of the “waste culture” society has created as well as the tools of the ever-growing and maturing surveillance world, “Test Pattern” seems organic, and, in a sense it is.

The site-responsive multimedia installation fills all aspects of the spacious Charles W. Lamar Studio in the Anna Lamar Switzer Center for Visual Arts on the Pensacola State College Pensacola campus.

‘Talk Like a Pirate Day’ is Monday Remember, there’s more to Pirate lingo than “Arrr!”

You call yourselves Pirates? Over the last few days I’ve been hitting up numerous PSC Pirates – students, staff, administrators – and asking them to spit out some gruff Pirate talk for a video to promote “Talk Like a Pirate Day” on Monday, Sept. 19.

We need to step up our game, me mateys! Because though you’re all great Pirates and great Pirate ambassadors, your Pirate talk needs a bit of work.

Endowed scholarship helps Pace Center for Girls grads attend Pensacola State

Kayla was 16 years old when she dropped out of high school during her junior year. 

“I was dealing with family issues at the time,’’ she said. “I didn’t have the best role models for parents. I had to guide myself.”

Kayla and her older brother hit the road – South Dakota, Arizona, Oklahoma – and the siblings tried to make it on their own.

Ascend donates $50,000 to PSC endowed scholarship originally established by Monsanto, Solutia retirees

Ascend Performance Materials’ Cantonment site presented Pensacola State College a $50,000 check for student scholarships on Monday, Sept. 12, at the company’s plant on Old Chemstrand Road.
The donation matches the $50,000 given by retired employees of Monsanto and Solutia in 2019 to establish an endowed scholarship. It also brings the endowment principal to $100,000.

Composers from Ukraine and Georgia (the country, not the state) are featured alongside PSC musicians at Pensacola ComposerFest XVII

Student composers will present original musical compositions alongside works from established regional and even European composers at Pensacola ComposerFest XVII.
Set for 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 25, in the Ashmore Auditorium on Pensacola State College’s Pensacola campus, the event is free to attend.

RSVP for the Sept. 27 PSC Athletics Hall of Fame ceremony, Pirate Experience

Two things will happen at the Pensacola State College Hartsell Arena on Sept. 27. First, the newest Pirate student-athletes will be introduced and celebrated at the annual Pirate Experience event. Then, Carla Williams, one of PSC’s greatest student-athletes and coaches, will be inducted into the Pensacola State College Athletics Hall of Fame. Williams’ is the…

New PLI class will learn all aspects of PSC, Florida College System

Twenty-five Pensacola State administrative, faculty and staff members are on a nine-month journey to learn about the College and postsecondary education in Florida.

The 2022-2023 President’s Leadership Institute (PLI) class began in August with an organizational meeting, introductions and presentations on the history of community colleges in the United States, especially Florida.

Volleyball and cross-country seasons begin, as do softball, baseball exhibition seasons

The Pensacola State College volleyball team already has a handful of wins under its belt, but it won’t be the only Pirates team bringing home the victories this fall.

You’ll get plenty of opportunities to support your fall teams – volleyball, softball, baseball and cross-county – throughout the year.

The PSC cross-country team begins its fourth season on Friday, Sept. 2, while the Pirate baseball team kicks off its exhibition season at home with two games on Sept. 9 – at 10 a.m. against Northwest Florida State College and a 5:30 p.m. match-up against Gulf Coast State College.

Upcoming PSC art exhibition will be an immersive, subversive, visually compelling multimedia experience

If you’ve recently walked by the Charles W. Lamar Studio in the Anna Lamar Switzer Center for Visual Arts, you’ve probably noticed the doors to the studio gallery are shuttered and lights are usually off, though every once in a while you might see a dim flicker and realize that something is going on inside. 

Something hidden for now. But something that will captivate and stimulate once it is revealed on Monday, Sept. 12.

PSC observes Suicide Prevention Month with walk, panel discussions, mental health screenings, more

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention puts it bluntly:
“Suicide is a serious public health problem …and is a leading cause of death” in the United States.
How bad is it? There is a suicide in the United States every 11 minutes according to the CDC. For military veterans, the statistics are grimmer – veterans have an adjusted suicide rate that is 52 percent greater than the civilian population.

Sue Havens shares inspirations, processes for ‘Cull+’ art exhibit

Pensacola State first-year photography student Davan Royster moved slowly through the College’s Switzer Gallery, taking in every bit of the compelling artwork of Sue Havens, whose “Cull+” exhibition is now on display.
And there was a lot to take in, especially as Royster studied a large “Brick & Mortar” design, a city-grid inspired piece of art that can be deceiving, depending on one’s perspective – almost a “forest for the trees” situation.

Sparkie Harrison becomes new director of College’s Century Center

Administrator was Career Pathways Counselor for PSC Adult Education Department
Sparkie Harrison is the new director of the Pensacola State College Century Center in the most northern part of Escambia County.

Pensacola State-built mini house is ready, should last 200 years

Some first-time homeowner is going to get an awesome home. So awesome that it could be the only home they’ll ever need to buy.

“This is a 200-year house with the proper maintenance and care,’’ said Tony Grahame, Pensacola State College Carpentry Program Coordinator, as he stood on the covered porch of the 600-square-foot mini-home on Tarragona Street. “It’s an exceptional example of good building-science practices and the students’ amazing work.”

Pensacola State International Festival set for April 15

Performers, vendors, volunteers, sponsors are needed for April 15, 2023 event.
How many cultures are represented at Pensacola State College? In Northwest Florida? The Gulf Coast and the American South?

Eagle Scout and PSC freshman Nicolas Salazar already makes community a better place

Nicolas Salazar just graduated from Pace High School a few months back, but he’s already made an impact in making Northwest Florida a better place.

Salazar, an incoming Pensacola State College freshman, was named by WEAR-TV Channel 3 as a community “Angel in Our Midst” in November 2021 for his work to help needy animals in the community.

PSC Foundation welcomes Gulnaz Okumus to team

Gulnaz Okumus speaks Turkish, English, Russian and Tatar. If numbers are a language, she speaks that too.

Okumus, a native of Turkey, is an accounting specialist for the Pensacola State College Foundation, joining the Foundation team in June. She only arrived in the United States a year ago, but said she feels that her new hometown is “a piece of heaven.”

PSC game room on the way, as is College’s inaugural esports team

Pensacola State College is bringing a little old-school fun and a little new-school pizazz to the Pensacola campus this fall.

The inaugural PSC Pirates esports team will start competition in October and has already signed two student players with more expected to join in the coming weeks.

Also coming this fall is the PSC game room, which will have a pool table, air hockey, arcade games and foosball. The game room will be in the PSC Delaino Student Center – Building 5 and located in the large room that was formerly Academic Advising. A rear portion of the room is being remodeled to be the PSC esports arena where the esports team will compete.

PSC pins 65 new nurses at Summer Pinning Ceremony

Pensacola firefighter Blane Coomer has already delivered a baby this year after responding to a call. That’s even before he received his nursing pin.
On Aug. 5, Coomer made it official. He was one of 65 Pensacola State College Associate of Science in Nursing students who received their nursing pins during a Pinning Ceremony at First Pentecostal Church in Pensacola.

Sue Havens’ ‘Cull+’ exhibit opens Aug. 15 at Anna Lamar Switzer Center for Visual Arts

The work of artist Sue Havens has been exhibited in New York City, Germany and Sweden, and featured in the pages of Andy Warhol’s Interview magazine and the New American Painting magazine.

Beginning Aug. 15, Havens’ work will be on display in the Switzer Gallery in the Anna Lamar Switzer Center for Visual Arts on Pensacola State College’s Pensacola campus. The exhibition titled, “Cull+,” showcases Havens’ work in a variety of media from painting to sculpture and collage.

The exhibition runs through Sept. 23. An Opening Reception is set for 5:30 p.m. Aug. 25, preceded by an Artist Lecture at 3 p.m.

PSC welcomes (back) Officer Kim Cooper to police force

A lot of the faces are different. There’s new construction and some buildings are long gone.
Still, Pensacola State College’s Pensacola campus feels familiar to Kim Cooper, who joined the police force in late June. Actually, she rejoined the College police force.

Mini-home built by PSC students will go to first-time homebuyer

There was no ribbon.  Instead, Pensacola State College Carpentry Program Coordinator Tony Grahame cut a yellow stretch of construction site tape to mark the completion of a mini-home built by the program’s students.

“The students have built a high-performance home,’’ said Grahame, a Certified Master Builder, during the small ceremony held Thursday, July 21. “It’s energy efficient and built to last. It’s very resistant to storms and even hurricanes.”

Located on Tarragona Street in Pensacola, the 600-square-foot home was built in collaboration with the Escambia County Housing Finance Authority and its Urban Infill program, which targets development of vacant urban properties and construction of affordable homes to first-time homebuyers.

Pirate Path New Student Orientation sessions attract big crowds

Scott Brumfeld isn’t a runway model by trade. But there he was on stage at a July 26 Pirate Path New Student Orientation in the Hagler Auditorium, performing a catwalk full turn to show off all angles of the flashy new Pensacola State College esports jerseys.

These orientation sessions aren’t just about making sure students are registered for classes and getting their schedules in hand – though that’s surely a big part of the sessions. No, they’re also about introducing new and prospective students to all aspects of the College and its culture, from clubs and organizations to athletics and intramurals and much more.

PSC welcomes 2022-2023 Student Ambassadors – public face of the student body

Julie Olmedo had the club cart – oversized golf cart – in reverse and was ready to go.

The cart wasn’t ready to go though.

That’s when PSC student Connor Wooden reached inside and turned the ignition all the way to the start position. Olmedo didn’t have it turned all the way.

But Olmedo is an incoming Pensacola State College Student Ambassador. Wooden is a second-year Ambassador, so he knows the ropes. Olmedo is going to learn them too.

PSC celebrates friends, donors at Garde Manger celebration showcasing food created by the Culinary Program

April Huffman has been a Pensacola State College Culinary Program student for three years. She’s received scholarships since her second semester. If she didn’t, Huffman admits she probably wouldn’t still be a student.

Huffman was one the talented PSC students who prepared scrumptious and elegantly designed small dishes for friends and supporters of the College at the annual Garde Manger Celebration held Wednesday, July 20, in the Pensacola campus Delaino Student Center.

Garde Manger is an annual celebration when the College gives thanks to those who help fund scholarships, support faculty professional development and contribute financial support and services for infrastructure.

SouthState Bank gives $2,500 to PSC Foundation’s Nonprofit Center for Excellence and Philanthropy

SouthState Bank strives to help and support the residents and the communities it serves.

Furthering that commitment, SouthState Bank’s donated $2,500 to Pensacola State College Foundation’s Nonprofit Center for Excellence and Philanthropy on Thursday, July 14.

PSC instructor Michael Coleman finishes 1st in keyboard category at world competition

Pensacola State College adjunct music instructor Michael Coleman wowed judges in Vienna with his piano composition “Room 857.”

But he might have put a little scare into a PSC public safety officer or two back in the day when he was composing the moody, sometimes jarring piece in Room 857 of Building 8 – Ashmore Fine Arts Center, a building which has a reputation of being a little spooky. There have been reports of apparitions. There have been eerie sounds heard late at night on occasion. (We don’t want to scare away potential students. It’s just stories. But…)

PSC receives financial gifts that will fund scholarship, training and conference center

Pensacola State College celebrated the generosity of two donors – the family of Sharen Siefert and the Highpointe Hotel Corp. ─ who contributed significantly to student scholarships and institutional growth at a press conference on Tuesday, July 19, in the Dona and Milton Usry Board Room on the Pensacola campus.
Tuesday’s event was attended by numerous PSC officials as well as members of the Siefert Family and Highpointe Hotel Corp. CEO/President Darryl Lapointe.

PSC English and Communications Department has new Assistant Department Head – Christine O’Donnell

It’s almost as if Christine O’Donnell’s vocation was written for her. Of course, whatever was written, O’Donnell would have been happy to identify all the parts of speech and diagram the sentences.

“I was the student who enjoyed diagramming sentences,’’ she said, chuckling. “I’ve always been interested in English, even in high school.”

Today, O’Donnell is Assistant Department Head of the PSC English and Communications Department, a job she was promoted to in May. O’Donnell has been at PSC since January 2000, serving as adjunct instructor, Reading and Writing Lab supervisor and as Associate Professor.

PSC welcomes new Visual Arts Department director Brian Weaver

Brian Weaver considers himself fortunate that he found Pensacola State College.  He wasn’t really aware of PSC – he’s from Oil City, Pennsylvania after all – until applying for the position of Visual Arts Department head.

Now that he’s here in the Department head position, Weaver wants to help ensure that more people find out about PSC and particularly the Visual Arts Department, which, he said, is one of the finest he’s ever been affiliated with.

New Student Services Adviser Tyra Henderson is a PSC alumna who knows the challenges students face

Tyra Henderson started out at Pensacola State College as an EKG student, earning her certificate in the health care field in 2016.

She worked in health care for a few years, but when the pandemic hit, she said she just “couldn’t take it anymore.” 

“I was steered into health care because of the job market,’’ Henderson said. “But it wasn’t for me. I always wanted to be in academics.”

PSC receives $15,000 SkillsUSA/Lowe’s grant to enhance carpentry, construction technology programs

If it’s hard for companies to find employees in these trying days, it’s even harder to find good, dependable workers who are knowledgeable and well-trained in their crafts.
It’s no different when it comes to the construction industry.

James Reeves named a PSC Foundation Fellow for his unwavering support of the College

James Reeves was named a Pensacola State College Foundation Fellow on Monday in honor and appreciation of his significant and steadfast support of the College.

There have only been nine Foundation Fellows named since the College’s inception in 1948.  A portrait of Reeves was unveiled and is now enshrined along with portraits of the other Foundation Fellows in the PSC Hall of Honor outside the Milton and Dona Usry Board Room in Building 7. The Usrys were named Foundation Fellows in 2019.

A PSC Foundation Fellow is an honorary title bestowed on individuals and families who have worked to strengthen PSC through their influence and significant financial contributions.

Summer Youth Leadership Program Camp

John Solet, a Pensacola State College recruiter, made a presentation to youth attending the Poarch Creek Tribe’s Summer Youth Leadership Program Camp on Monday, June 13.
The three-week camp includes sessions on Job Skills, Leadership Skills, Teamwork, and Cultural Education. It was held in Atmore, Alabama.

Civil rights activist, renowned journalist to headline PSC Juneteenth celebration

Two civil rights pioneers ─ Lynda Blackmon Lowery, a Bloody Sunday marcher, and Jerry Mitchell, an investigative reporter ─ will headline Pensacola State College’s Juneteenth celebration this year.
Set for 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday, June 18, on the Pensacola campus, the event commemorating the emancipation of enslaved black Americans in Texas also will include music, storytelling, poetry, folk dances, food and more.
“This is our second year to hold a Juneteenth celebration at the College. Last year’s event started off with severe storms, but the day turned out to be beautiful with a great turnout from the College and Pensacola communities,” said Tonie Anderson-Steele, a PSC professor and event organizer.

‘Henry Box Brown: A Musical Journey’ comes to WSRE Amos Studio June 17-18

The critically-acclaimed musical, “Henry Box Brown: A Musical Journey,” is coming to the WSRE Jean and Paul Amos Performance Studio thanks to a grant awarded to Equity Project Alliance through The Hive social responsibility program of Innisfree Hotels.
Sponsored in part by WSRE PBS, performances are at 6:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, June 17–18. Tickets are $40 plus fee and for sale at henryboxbrownthemusical.com.

Attention gamers: PSC wants you for new esports team, club

OK gamers. Haven’t you been sitting in your bedroom playing “Call of Duty” long enough?

Maybe it’s time to come to Pensacola State College instead. Don’t worry, you can still play “Call of Duty” and maybe even compete on a true college team.

Pensacola State is launching a competitive esports team this fall, and the College is currently accepting applications for the PSC Pirates esports team. PSC also will launch an “Esports Club.”

College mourns death of Performing Arts Technical Director Robert ‘Bob’ Gandrup

Tragedy and heartbreak have come again to Pensacola State College.
Longtime PSC adjunct instructor and Performing Arts Technical Director Robert Gandrup died unexpectedly Monday, June 13, from cardiac arrest. He was 58 years old.
“For over 20 years, Bob designed, built, and painted sets, and designed lighting and sound, not only for the Performing Arts Department but also for special events at the College,’’ said PSC President Ed Meadows.

PSC remembers Carla Williams as a beloved professor, coach, mentor, friend to all

There were tears, laughter and sweet memories shared during a memorial service to honor Carla E. Williams on Wednesday in Hartsell Arena.            
“You raised someone who was very special and there is no one in this room who does not know that. And if there is anyone here who came because, you didn’t really know Carla but came because you wanted to celebrate her life, you know it now that she was a very special person,” Pensacola State College President Ed Meadows told Williams’ parents, James B. and Clara Mae Williams, and siblings, Ben Williams and Pam Williams, at the memorial service.                
Williams, a former PSC women’s basketball player, assistant basketball coach and math professor, died on May 24 due to domestic violence. Described as a leader, a friend, a teacher, a mentor, Williams’ death has left quite a void at the College and in the community.

Ground officially broken on PSC’s Bear, Jones, Moore and Reeves Center

Ground was broken Wednesday, June 8, on Phase II of Pensacola State College’s STEM facility ─ the Bear, Jones, Moore, and Reeves Center for Math and Advanced Technology.
Site work on the 46,133-square-foot facility ─ estimated to cost between $22 million to $25 million ─ began in January. The building is tentatively scheduled for completion by December 2023.
“The long-awaited groundbreaking for Phase II has finally arrived,’’ said PSC President Ed Meadows. “This facility will not only provide instructional space for our math department but will also allow us to expand our facilities for cybersecurity.”

Retired Marine is a Veterans Upward Bound success story – and now a Veterans Upward Bound recruiter

Retired Marine Corps 1st Sgt. Kent Helfert spent 20 years in the military, including three tours of Iraq and saw combat in Fallujah, where some of the deadliest fighting of the Iraq War took place.
Helfert, as a senior enlisted non-commissioned officer, trained Marines and led Marines to battle. Yet, when the disabled veteran went to the Veterans Administration for help in planning his future, he was told his military experience did match with one civilian profession.
“I was told I match up as a human resources type of guy,’’ Helfert said. “I said ‘Huh, I never thought about that’.”

Jon Stephenson brings track record and a commitment to students to new job as Associate Vice President of Student Affairs

Jon Stephenson is just a few days into his job as Pensacola State College Associate Vice President of Student Affairs, but he’s already admitted to being a few moments late for a meeting or two because he was helping students find where they needed to go.
He’s still learning the Pensacola campus, but Stephenson already has his priorities in order.
“I think everything depends on student services and having a student-first philosophy,’’ he said. “If you’re not displaying customer service and putting the student first, you’re not going to be successful.”

Former Warrington campus provost Marcia Williams remembered for ‘bubbly spirit’ and innovative ways

Just because you’re a serious worker doing serious work doesn’t mean that you have to be dry, boring or reserved.
Because Dr. Marcia Williams, former Provost of the Warrington campus, could be either the “life or the party,’’ as she was described in her obituary, or the lifeblood of a department, program or campus.
Williams passed away unexpectedly on May 25 after suffering a stroke. She was 71.

WSRE’s Jill Hubbs plants tree with President and First Lady on White House Lawn on Memorial Day

Just outside the White House Oval Office on Memorial Day, WSRE-TV General Manager Jill Hubbs joined President Joe Biden, First Lady Jill Biden and members of three other Gold Star families to plant a magnolia tree on the South Lawn.
The sapling ─ grown from a seed of a magnolia tree planted at the White House by President Andrew Jackson in 1835 ─ is a memorial to Gold Star families

New PSC art exhibition features work of instructor Jimmy Rhea – and a chance to win art pieces from machine

The artist statement for Pensacola State College sculpture instructor Jimmy Rhea’s upcoming art exhibition tells us “I am fascinated with finding the evidence of existence by drawing from the lines of our past. Objects that have absorbed a previous life or history visually attract me.”

11 students earn Veterinary Technology Vocational Pins

The Pensacola State College Veterinary Technology Program has sent another 11 graduates out into the workforce. They’ll help care for our pets and animals in communities for years to come.
The students earned their Veterinary Technology Vocational Pins at a ceremony on May 5 and graduated with Associate of Science in Veterinary Technology degrees during PSC’s commencement ceremony on May 8.

Workday Student hits stride in registration, financial aid process

Workday Student is doing just what its name suggests. The new enterprise resource planning system is making registration easier, streamlining financial aid processes and ensuring that every student gets an academic adviser before classes even begin.
More than 800 students have already used Workday Student to register for the fall semester, said Michael Johnston, PSC Associate Vice President Research and Management.

PSC’s Kids College kicks off 32nd summer camp season on June 6

On your mark, get set – paint! Or is it lights, camera – tumble?
OK, we’re getting our kids camp activities mixed up. It’s easy to do. Because there are plenty of great and varying camp sessions still available for the 32nd Pensacola State College Kids College, which begins Monday, June 6.

Sisters graduate from PSC’s dental hygiene program together

For most of their lives, sisters Brittany Burleson and Alicia Stephens have been best friends who did many things together.
On Sunday, May 8, the two graduated from Pensacola State College with their Associate of Science degrees in Dental Hygiene.

Lady Pirates Softball team wins 2, loses 2 at state tourney

The Pensacola State College softball team’s season ended Sunday, May 8, when it lost 3-2 to Florida Southwestern State College in the Division I FCSAA State/NJCAA South Atlantic District Tournament in Longwood.

Pensacola State won two games and lost two in the double-elimination tournament. The College of Central Florida, the team that would eventually win the state tournament, handed the Lady Pirates their first loss, beating PSC 6-1 on May 7.

The tournament was held May 6-9.

Faculty spotlight: Professor Michael Payne helps students master ‘The Business Strategy Game’

Pensacola State College business instructor Michael Payne’s Strategic Management capstone course is pretty much fun and games.
The fun comes from being successful in an endeavor that will bring students a step closer to earning a Dr. Marjan Mazza Bachelor of Applied Science degree in Business and Management.

PSC nursing pinning ceremony was bittersweet for one family

There were supposed to be 95 Pensacola State College students walking up to have their nursing pins pinned upon them at the Thursday, May 5, ceremony.
Yet in the seat where Jessica Cornelius should have been, there was only her framed portrait. When during his remarks, PSC President Ed Meadows told the students to look back toward their family and friends in the audience who had supported them during their academic journey, there was no sweet face that smiled and waved in gratitude to Jessica’s family.

Sixteen PSC student-athletes will continue studies, athletic careers at colleges and universities from South Florida to Massachusetts

This is the way it’s supposed to be. This is the grand plan fulfilled.
Sixteen Pensacola State College student-athletes signed National Letters of Intent on Friday, April 29, committing to play and study at colleges and universities that range from NAIA schools to Division 1 programs.
The signing ceremony was held in a packed Donn Peery Room at Hartsell Arena on the Pensacola campus, attended by teammates, family members, PSC coaches and coaches and representatives from the various schools the student-athletes will attend.

Pensacola State graduation set for May 8 at Bay Center

Nursing pinning ceremony to be held May 5
Pensacola State College will hold Spring 2022 nursing pinning and graduation on Thursday, May 5, and Sunday, May 8, respectively.
Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing and Associate of Science degree in Nursing graduates will be pinned during a 3 p.m. ceremony on Thursday at First Pentecostal Church, 6485 Pensacola Blvd., Pensacola.

Pensacola State piano student Jermel Kidd hopes to impress UWF faculty at audition

Jermel Kidd has been practicing his classical piano chops for hours each day preparing for an audition that will propel him forward.

On Friday, May 5, Kidd, a Pensacola State College piano student, will audition for faculty from the University of West Florida Dr. Grier Williams School of Music. Kidd, 38, is hoping to earn acceptance and a scholarship.

“I’ve been practicing for about eight hours a day,’’ said Kidd, a former police officer who is the music director for Transformation Church on Mobile Highway. “I play gospel and jazz. But (the audition) is all classical and it was a little out of my element. It’s been nonstop practice and study.”

Cantonment Rotary Club changes lives with $40,000 in scholarships to PSC students

More than 30 Pensacola State College stellar students received a share of $40,000 in Cantonment Rotary Club scholarships on Wednesday, April 27.
The total award was the largest the Cantonment Rotary Club has given to PSC students, said Ray Asherfeld, Cantonment Rotary Club Foundation chairman. Since 1991, the Rotary Club has provided $62,253.25 in scholarships to 150 to 200 PSC students.

Yes, we’re Pirates but why are students wielding swords behind Ashmore Auditorium?

It was a little jarring, for sure.
A small cadre of Pirates with what looked like fencing sabers in hand were following commands and lead of a fiery, auburn-haired commander.
En garde! Then an advance!

PSC Adult Ed graduates hope GED diploma leads to better opportunities

Ishan Kendall has neither a car nor a home.
But he does have a diploma.
Kendall, 35, is a current resident of the Waterfront Rescue Mission where he is in the Life Builder Recovery Program. He never received a high school diploma after his life was derailed by drugs and crime.

PSC wins 2 Gold, 8 Silver Awards at District 4 ADDY competition

Nursing is a noble and honorable profession ─ but it’s not for everyone. Even nurses will tell you that.
Danny Nguyen started at Pensacola State College as a nursing student, but it just wasn’t a good fit. Instead, he enrolled in the College’s Visual Arts Program and has blossomed as a graphic design artist.

PSC Visual Arts Students showcase best work at 2022 Art Student Honors Exhibition

Vogue magazine would be fortunate to have a cover as striking and visually compelling as the mock cover created by Pensacola State College graphic design student Aubrey Dean.
Dean’s three digital paintings that were then transformed into a mock cover and advertisements for Vogue won “Best in Show” at the 2022 PSC Art Student Honors Exhibition Award Ceremony.
The ceremony was held on April 14 in the Anna Lamar Switzer Center for Visual Arts. Twenty students won awards, all coming with some sort of cash, product prize or scholarship. Dean won $300 for Best in Show, which is voted on by PSC Visual Arts Department faculty.

PSC’s ambitious ‘Your Community-Your Legacy’ capital campaign raises $12.6M, surpassing $11M goal

It’s a staggering figure ─ $11 million. That was the goal of Pensacola State College’s second-in-history capital campaign. The final tally was more staggering, more tremendous ─ $12.6 million, $1.6 million over goal.
And it took 1,329 generous and visionary donors to bring that $12.6 million to PSC.
PSC President Ed Meadows toasted the donors to the College’s “Your Community-Your Legacy” Capital Campaign at a celebration on Thursday, April 20, in the Charles W. Lamar Studio Gallery.

PSC Charter Academy set to welcome high school students beginning Aug. 8

Principal Karen McCabe is eager to welcome up to 150 high school juniors and seniors to the new Pensacola State College Charter Academy on Aug. 8.
“There’s still a lot to do to get ready, but we’re excited,’’ said McCabe, who was selected to lead the new academy after nearly five years as director of the College’s South Santa Rosa Center.
“It’s going to be more technology-based and interactive than many other high schools and will allow these students to pursue their high school diploma and associate degree at the same time.”

Lisa Payne to leave PSC after 43 years of service, all on Warrington campus

Lisa Payne admits that sometimes she still slips up and says “PJC” instead of “PSC,’’ even though Pensacola Junior College became Pensacola State College in 2010. You can’t really blame her.

She has worked at the College for 43 years – and for more than 30 of those years, it was PJC, so it is understandable. And before she came to work at the College as a 19-year-old, she was already a student, earning a career certificate in stenography in 1979

Student Excellence Awards Ceremony honors PSC’s best and most dedicated students

More than 100 Pensacola State College students were honored for achievements in academics, leadership, service and volunteerism at the 2022 PSC Student Excellence Awards Ceremony on Wednesday, April 20, in the Jean and Paul Amos Performance Studio at WSRE-TV.

PSC Faculty Spotlight: Ceramics Instructor Micah Cain

The crumbs and remnants of Micah Cain’s work and toil are caked across his apron, and often, on his well-worn jeans and T-shirt.

Cain is Pensacola State College’s ceramics instructor, coming to the College in fall 2019.

Title III grant provides PSC with study pods, charging stations, video conference rooms, new advisers

They look a little like telephone booths. (Consult an elderly person or encyclopedia if you’re not sure what a phone booth is.)  But instead, they’re portable study pods – places of individual academic refuge where students can study alone and use personal computers for online classes.

From the Desk of the President

From the Desk of the President:
This message is to share information with everyone at the College about this year’s legislative session and to discuss enrollment trends.

It’s about to get fancy! “Over the top” PSC Cosmetology Department ‘Dream On Hair Show’ is April 21

There will be models sashaying and showing off spectacularly artistic and creative hair and makeup designs at the Pensacola State College “Dream On Hair Show” at 11 a.m. Thursday, April 21 at the Hagler Auditorium, Building 2A, on the Pensacola campus.

Registering for fall classes? Workday Student is where to enroll, receive financial aid awards and even be assigned an adviser

If you’re registering for summer classes at Pensacola State College, you’ll be going old school.
But students registering for fall classes will use – and are already using – Workday Student for everything from admissions and registration to financial aid and advising.
The Workday Student enterprise resource planning system replaces the legacy Spyglass system, which will be phased out. Students registering for summer classes will still use Spyglass, though all the information in that system is being transferred to the new Workday Student system.
The fall semester begins Aug. 15. Summer classes begin May 11.

PSC’s Women’s Basketball brings in postseason honors, including Assistant Coach of the Year

Pensacola State College Woman’s Basketball Assistant Coach Rachel Barnes has been named World Exposure Report’s NJCAA Assistant Coach of the Year.

Two of the team’s star players, Tai’Sheka Porchia and Kristin Williams also received post-season honors. Porchia was named a Woman Basketball Coaches Association All-American, while Williams received an All-American Honorable Mention honor.

PSC Educational Opportunity Center is named for alumnus Eldon L. Norman

Eldon Norman began his collegiate career at then-Pensacola Junior College in the early 1960s, earning an Associate of Arts degree in 1963.
Now, many Pensacola State College students – the College changed its name in 2010 – will start their own collegiate career at the Eldon L. Norman Educational Opportunity Center.
The Educational Opportunity Center (EOC) was renamed in Norman’s honor at a ceremony attended by relatives and PSC administrators and staff on Monday, April 11.

PSC, UWF sign “trend-setting” articulation agreement to help students transition seamlessly

It’s an easy trip from Pensacola State College to the University of West Florida – a few miles, a few minutes.  Now, the journey from PSC to UWF is even easier.

PSC honors 2022 Academy of Teaching Excellence inductees at dinner

Six of Pensacola State College’s best educators were treated like rock stars at a dinner in their honor on Tuesday, April 5.

They were feted and toasted, and their achievements celebrated at the Academy of Teaching Excellence dinner in the Molly McGuire Culinary Arts Dining Room on the Pensacola campus.

Five instructors were inducted into the 2022 PSC Academy of Teaching Excellence:

David Alexander – Adult Education
Dr. Stephen Gottschalk – Natural Sciences
Dr. Alex Ledgerwood – English and Communications
Lauren Rogers – Natural Sciences
Dr. Brian Ward – Business

Also, Humanities and Social Sciences instructor Robert Thead was named Outstanding New Faculty Member.