Author Archives: Roxanne Lavelle

Academy of Teaching Excellence inductee Dr. Brian Ward started PSC career amid cancer battle

Just three weeks into his teaching career at Pensacola State College – and his first face-to-face teaching gig anywhere – Dr. Brian Ward underwent emergency surgery for stage 3 colon cancer just a day after being diagnosed. The cancer had advanced to that extent.

The surgery was supposed to last four hours – it took eight. He was so bad off surgeons had to stop the procedure four times to regulate Ward’s blood pressure.

Eleven days later, Ward, PSC Lead Human Resources Professor and a retired U.S. Air Force veteran, was in front of his students teaching class.

That was five years ago. Today, Ward said his doctor considers his cancer “cured,’’ though it is not in remission.

Katelyn Powell graduates from PSC in May, then off to Florida State University for Interdisciplinary Medical Sciences program.

Pensacola State College student Katelyn Powell is taking seven classes this semester. Six are Math and Science-based classes – she plans on going to Medical School – and one is Music Appreciation.

“The Music Appreciation class is the hardest class for me,” Katelyn said. “I can’t hear something and just understand the difference between the noises. It’s been hard.”

Yikes, that’s going to hurt a stellar 3.9 grade point average, isn’t it?

Dr. Sueann L. Donahue Beginning Teaching Endowed Scholarship helps next generation of educators

Dr. Sueann L. Donahue is known as a teacher’s teacher. She’s retired now and in less-than-stellar health, but her passion for teaching remains.

An endowed scholarship in her name will now help the next generation of educators studying at Pensacola State College

The Dr. Sueann L. Donahue Beginning Teacher Endowed Scholarship was established in 2019. The first scholarships were awarded in spring 2021. The endowment total is $25,001.

“This was a lifetime goal for Sueann,’’ said her husband, Chuck Donahue, a former engineering technology instructor at Pensacola Junior College, which became Pensacola State College in 2010. He taught at the College from 1985 to 2002.

PSC Art Student Honors Exhibition reception, prize ceremony is April 14

The best pieces from Pensacola State College’s best art students are now on display at the Switzer Gallery in the Anna Lamar Switzer Center for Visual Arts on the Pensacola campus.
The Art Student Honors Exhibition showcases 96 artworks in a variety of media, including ceramics, drawing, painting, digital design, photography and sculpture. The exhibition opened April 4 and runs through April 22.
The reception and prize ceremony for the exhibition is set for 5-7:30 p.m. Thursday, April 14. The exhibition was open to all two-year visual arts students.

Student Excellence Awards 2022

CONGRATULATIONS 2022 RECIPIENTS! The annual Student Excellence Awards recognizes and honors some of Pensacola State College’s many outstanding students. Over 200 students are recognized this year for their achievements and reflect the theme of a Tradition of Excellence.  ALL FLORIDA ACADEMIC TEAM All-Florida Academic Team recipients are recognized by the Florida College System for their…

PSC to host Discover Pensacola State on Wednesday, Dec. 8

Pensacola State College will host Discover Pensacola State from 4-5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 8, in the Student Center, Building 5, on the Pensacola campus.

PSC instructor Jamey Jones’ stint as Poet Laureate ends soon

(But new books by Jones are on the way)

Pensacola State College English instructor Jamey Jones’ tenure as the seventh Poet Laureate of Northwest Florida ends in October after a two-term, six-year span as the region’s poetry ambassador.

But who knows? Maybe a future poet laureate is being taught by Jones right now. (The Poet Laureate of Northwest Florida is chosen by the West Florida Literary Federation.)

Jones, who teaches poetry, English composition and American and contemporary literature, has the teaching pedigree for sure. In 2019 Jones, who joined the College’s faculty in 2013, was inducted into the PSC Academy of Teaching Excellence.

But even though he “teaches” poetry, Jones admitted that art can be nurtured, but rarely properly “taught.”

PSC students win 27 gold, 29 silver Pensacola ADDYs gala

Pensacola State College visual arts students won 58 awards at the AAF Pensacola 2019 American Advertising Awards Gala held Feb. 16 at the Hilton Pensacola Beach.

Pensacola State students earned 27 gold and 29 silver ADDYs, a Student Judges Choice and a Best of Show awards.

In the professional division, Pensacola State Marketing Department graphic designers won three silver ADDYs.

Award-winning guitarist Tengyue Zhang to perform at PSC on April 12

The Pensacola State College Guitar Association will present Tengyue Zhang, grand prize winner of the 2017 Guitar Foundation of America’s International Concert Artist Competition, in concert on Friday, April 12.

The concert is set for 7:30 p.m. in Ashmore Auditorium, Building 8, on the Pensacola campus at 1000 College Blvd.

Pensacola State invites public to ‘An Evening in Paris’ on April 5

The Pensacola State College Performing Arts Crew will host “An Evening in Paris” on Friday, April 5, at Pensacola State College.

The gala is set for 7:30-10 p.m. in the lobby of Ashmore Auditorium, Building 8, on the Pensacola campus at 1000 College Blvd.

Alice Notley shares poetry on April 5 at Pensacola State

Alice Notley, one of America’s greatest living poets will speak on Friday, April 5, at Pensacola State College.

The event is set for 7:30 p.m. in the Anna Lamar Switzer Center for Visual Arts, Building 15, on the Pensacola campus. Admission is free and open to the public.

Pensacola State to host statewide SkillsUSA conference April 7-9

More than 1,600 student-members will compete in the 2019 SkillsUSA Florida State Leadership and Skills Conference set for April 7-9 in Pensacola.

Hosted by Pensacola State College, the conference along with the Worlds of Possibilities Career Expo will be held at the Pensacola Bay Center. The event ─ the largest in the SkillsUSA Florida program history ─ is expected to attract more than 6,000 visitors to the area and have a $4.5 million impact on the economy.

U.S. News ranks PSC online bachelor degree program among nation’s best

Pensacola State College’s online Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program has been ranked among the best in the state and country by U.S. News and World Report. In the “Best Online Bachelor’s Programs 2019 Edition” listing, Pensacola State ranked 10th in Florida and 114th nationwide for the online BSN program. To calculate the rankings,…

33 Pensacola State students selected Robinson Honors Program Scholars

February was a busy month for the Robinson Honors Program. Along with the selection of 33 new Robinson Scholars, the program also cut the ribbon on a new Learning Center in Chadbourne Library.

Pensacola Guitar Orchestra to perform spring recital on March 30 at PSC

Does a night of music by John Lennon and Paul McCartney, Johann Sebastian Bach, Jürg Kindle or even Pensacola State’s own Dr. Joe Stallings sound appealing? The Pensacola Guitar Orchestra 36th Annual Spring Recital promises that and so much more.

Patterson Hood of the Drive-By Truckers to perform at PSC on Nov. 30

The Drive-By Truckers’ Patterson Hood will perform a solo concert at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 30, at Pensacola State College.
The concert will be held in Ashmore Auditorium, Building 8, on the Pensacola campus at 1000 College Blvd.

Pathway USA expands to Pensacola State College

The University of South Alabama today announced that Pensacola State College has become part of “Pathway USA,” a collaborative program between the University of South Alabama and select community and state colleges that creates a seamless transition to USA for transfer students who earn their associate’s degree.

Florida College System Foundation to Present Check for Over $27,000 to Pensacola State College

Florida College System Foundation to Present Check for Over $27,000 to Pensacola State College

Who: Florida College System Chancellor and the Florida College System Foundation, along with Florida Blue, Helios Education First Generation scholars and Dream Makers First Generation scholars.

What: Pensacola State College will be presented a check for over $27,000, which private donors have matched with over $27,000 for a total of over $54,000 for student scholarships to be awarded at Pensacola State College.

When: Wednesday, August 29, 1:15 p.m.

Pensacola State to host three College Fairs in September

South Santa Rosa County Schools: 4-5:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 9, PSC South Santa Rosa Center, Building 51. The center is located at 5075 Gulf Breeze Pkwy., Gulf Breeze.
Escambia County Schools: 6-7:30 p.m. Monday, Sept. 10, PSC campus, Building 3, Hartsell Arena. The Pensacola campus is located at 1000 College Blvd.
North Santa Rosa County Schools: 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 11, PSC Milton campus, Building 4000, L.I.F.E. Fitness Center. The campus is located at 5988 Highway 98.

Fall Registration Continues at PSC

Registration continues for Pensacola State College Fall Semester. Fall Sessions A & B begin Monday, Aug. 20.

Students may register for Fall Sessions C & D online at www.pensacolastate.edu or visit any Pensacola State location.

Pensacola State’s Admissions, Advising, Cashier, Financial Aid, and Student Support Services offices are open 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday–Thursday the week of Aug. 13-16 and Aug. 20-23. The College resumes normal hours of 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 24.

Pensacola State Vet Tech students to hold Dog Wash on Sept. 8

Pamper Fido with a bath and a pedicure from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 8, at Pensacola State College’s Warrington campus, Building 3200, 5555 West Highway 98.

Sponsored by college’s Veterinary Technology students, the dog wash services include a bath, nail trim, ear cleaning and anal gland expression.

Cost is $10 per bath and $5 for each additional service, $20 for all of the services.

Pensacola Choral Society to host YOUNG VOICES 2018 singing contest

Competition is open to high school, college students

The Choral Society of Pensacola will host YOUNG VOICES 2018 singing competition this fall on the Pensacola State College campus.

Open to high school and college students, the four-state competition is set for 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 20, in Ashmore Auditorium, Building 8, on the Pensacola campus. The competition will be open free of charge to the public.

PSC Club enjoys primitive camping trip at Nantahala National Forest

welve members of Pensacola State College’s Outdoor Club experienced the adventure of a lifetime June 4 -9 during a leadership and skill-building primitive camping trip to North Carolina.

The students, who were all relative strangers before the outing, worked together to set up campsites, climb mountains, hike trails, identify foliage and natural formations, explore old homesteads and navigate whitewater rafting on Standing Indian Mountain in the Nantahala National Forest.

Pensacola State ranks among most affordable colleges in U.S.

The U.S. Department of Education lists Pensacola State College as a best value among public four-year colleges and universities for the seventh consecutive year.

Pensacola State is ranked 37th on the list of 71 institutions cited for lowest tuition in the U.S. Department of Education’s College Affordability and Transparency annual report. With annual tuition listed as $2,704, Pensacola State is eighth among the 25 Florida colleges to make the most affordable ranking.

Pensacola State, Pragda hosting 2018 Hispanic Film Festival

Illegal immigration, racism and homophobia are among the political and social issues to be addressed during this year’s Hispanic Film Festival at Pensacola State College.

Five Spanish-language films – “Carga Sellada,” “¿Quién es Dayani Cristal?,” “El Pelo Mado,” “El Aula Vacia” and “Neruda” – will be shown throughout April during the annual festival co-sponsored by Pensacola State and Pragda.

The free festival is open to the public and the movies have English subtitles. All shows begin at 6 p.m. in Hagler Auditorium, Building 2, on the Pensacola campus.

The dates and movies are:

Give Kids A Smile Day set for March 2, 3 on Pensacola State’s Warrington campus

Pensacola State College will provide free dental services on Give Kids A Smile Day set for Friday, March 2, and Saturday, March 3, on the Warrington campus.

Available to underserved children in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties, the college’s dental hygiene students and faculty along with Pensacola dentist, Dr. Neil Simmons, will provide preventive care ─ cleanings, sealants, fluoride treatments, and restorative services ─ fillings, extractions, crowns, etc.

Free VITA Tax Preparation and e-Filing service available to taxpayers

The Free VITA Tax Preparation and e-Filing services are now available on Pensacola State College campuses.
In existence for more than 10 years, the program provides free tax services to working families and individuals who earn less than $66,000 a year. Residents can receive quality service from IRS-trained tax preparers, and have two filing options – online or in-person.
At Pensacola State, hours vary according to site:

WSRE-TV to host ‘HealthCare Connect Live’ on Jan. 12

Are you confused about selecting the right health care coverage?  Do you have questions about qualifying for subsidies, paying medical bills, copays, premiums and deductibles? 

Next week, you can get answers to these questions and more.

WSRE-TV will host “HealthCare Connect Live!” from 7-9 p.m. Friday, Jan. 12, from the Jean and Paul Amos Performance Studio. The program will feature health insurance experts ─ Andrew Rubin, Allison Vogel and Matt Penziner ─ from New York University’s Langone Medical Center and hosts of Sirius XM’s Doctor Radio program, “HealthCare Connect.”

Pensacola State to be closed Dec. 20-Jan. 1 for holiday break

Registration ongoing for spring term classes

All Pensacola State College campuses and centers will be closed for the holidays Wednesday, Dec. 20, through Monday, Jan. 1.

The Pensacola, Milton and Warrington campuses, along with the South Santa Rosa Center, Century Center and Downtown Center will reopen at 7:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 2.

Spring term classes begin Monday, Jan. 8. However, students can still register online at www.pensacolastate.edu or after Jan. 2 at any Pensacola State locations.

PSC Book Talk addresses incarceration and its effects Nov. 15

The human toll of incarceration and its effects on families is addressed at Pensacola State College’s Book Talk at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 15, at the Edward M. Chadbourne Library, Building 20, on the Pensacola campus.

The public is welcome to this free, informal discussion followed by a question and answer session.

PSC Hosts Vet Tech Open House Nov. 9

Are you interested in a challenging and rewarding career in veterinary nursing? Do you want to learn more about local educational options?

Visit Pensacola State College’s Veterinary Technology program Open House from 3-7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 9, on the Warrington campus, 5555 W. Hwy. 98.

The public is invited to meet the program instructors and tour the college’s state-of-the-art facility in Building 3200. The free event also includes financial aid information and a student association exhibit.

Galactic Cowboy Orchestra performs at PSC Sept. 30

The Galactic Cowboy Orchestra performs an eclectic mix of art-rock and jazz fusion at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 30, at Pensacola State College’s Ashmore Fine Arts Auditorium, Building 8, on the Pensacola campus.

Nominated for Best ‘Beyond’ Band by Downbeat Magazine two years running, Galactic Cowboy Orchestra stretches musical limits with intensely energetic art-rock. This genre of rock often encompasses poetic lyrics and complex harmonic sounds derived from jazz and classical music.

‘Broadway’s Next H!T Musical’ onstage at PSC Sept. 28

The hilarious “Broadway’s Next H!T Musical” is presented at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 28, at Pensacola State College’s Ashmore Fine Arts Auditorium, Building 8, on the Pensacola campus.

“Broadway’s Next H!T Musical” is New York City’s only original, unscripted theatrical awards show. Master improvisers gather fabricated hit song suggestions from the audience and create a spontaneous evening of music and laughter.

‘Broadway’s Next H!T Musical,’ Galactic Cowboys to entertain at PSC

The last weekend of September will be a busy one for entertainment seekers.
The hilarious “Broadway’s Next H!T Musical” will be staged at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 28, at Pensacola State College’s Ashmore Fine Arts Auditorium, Building 8, on the Pensacola campus.
On Saturday, the Galactic Cowboy Orchestra will bring its eclectic mix of art-rock and jazz fusion to the college. The 7:30 p.m. concert also will be held in Ashmore Auditorium.

3 Pensacola State police officers promoted

Three Pensacola State College Public Safety Department officers have been promoted. Shane Brannock, Rick Steele and Rodney Rani …

PSC nursing students exceed state average on national licensure exam

Pensacola State College students in registered nursing (RN) and practical nursing (LPN) programs recently outscored their state counterparts on the National Council Licensure Examinations.

On the first attempt, PSC practical nursing students achieved a 91.7 percent pass rate and registered nursing students achieved an 85.3 percent pass rate on the NCLEX in comparison to statewide pass rates of 68.1 percent and 76.7 percent respectively.

AFC leaders visit Pensacola State College

Robert Flores, 2018 president of the Association of Florida Colleges, along with AFC Executive Director Michael Brawer visited Pensacola State College on Wednesday, Sept. 6. The two executives set in during the Pensacola AFC Chapter’s General Membership Meeting. They also spoke to members about the 2018 Legislative Outlook and other issues facing higher education in Florida. Flores and Brawer are pictured with some members of the college’s AFC chapter executive committee.

Safely view Solar Eclipse at two PSC locations

Pensacola State College is providing a safe opportunity for the public to view the highly anticipated solar eclipse at two locations Monday, Aug. 21.

Unconventional cellist Ben Sollee brings genre-bending concert to PSC Aug. 26

Innovative cellist and singer-songwriter Ben Sollee kicks off the 59th annual Lyceum Series at Pensacola State College with an unconventional twist at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 26, at the Ashmore Auditorium, Building 8, on the Pensacola campus, 1000 College Blvd.

Pensacola State College ranks 3rd among 28 Florida State Colleges

Pensacola State College is ranked third among Florida’s 28 public state colleges in the 2017 Top 10 list for Florida, according to Schools.com, an online nationwide resource with a database of more than 8,000 2-year and 4-year institutions

2 PSC students win silver medals at national advertising competition

Two Pensacola State College students won silver medals at the 2017 American Advertising Awards national conference held in June in New Orleans.
Current Pensacola State student Zack Blessing and Amber Sidner, who graduated in December 2016, were among the winners in the AAF Student American Advertising Awards competition.

PSC student-nurses hosting donation drive for Gulf Coast Kid’s House

The PSC Student Nurses Association is hosting a Gulf Coast Kid’s House Donation Drive beginning today, July 25-Aug. 25 on the Warrington, Pensacola and Milton campuses.

Donations may be dropped off at designated boxes around each campus.

Kids College 2017

Kids College is in full swing at Pensacola State College. Along with tie-dying T-shirts, mask-making and website building, campers are also learning the basics of fishing and other sports and activities. Sessions continue through Aug. 9, it’s not too late to enroll. Register and find out more at: http://ow.ly/MGns30bM5sa.

Get ready for the Solar Eclipse Aug. 21

The sky is slated for a spectacular show – a total solar eclipse on Monday, Aug. 21. And you can see it for the simple price of looking up. Telescopes will be set up outside the PSC Planetarium from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Aug. 21. The partial eclipse begins at 12:05 p.m. and reaches maximum coverage of 82 percent at 1:37 p.m. The eclipse ends at 3:03 p.m. locally. Draco Baader filters and eclipse glasses will be available for the public to use.

Local artists featured at PSC Switzer Gallery Exhibition May 15-July 20

From screen prints to sirens, a spectacular exhibition is on display May 15-July 20 at Pensacola State College’s Switzer Gallery, Building 15, at the corner of 9th Avenue and Airport Boulevard. This summer show represents a selection of works by local artists Richard Humphreys and Gregory B. Saunders. Humphreys’ stunning screen prints are hand crafted…

PSC Concert Chorale and Jazz Choir present free concert April 20

Pensacola State College’s Concert Chorale and Jazz Choir present a free concert at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, April 20, at the Ashmore Auditorium, Building 8, on the Pensacola campus.
The public is invited and no tickets are required. Seating begins at 7 p.m.

Discover the art of effective listening at PSC Book Talk April 19

Communication Professor Narla Zinermon addresses the art of effective listening at Pensacola State College’s Book Talk at 2 p.m. Wednesday, April 19, at the Chadbourne Library, Building 20, on the Pensacola campus, 1000 College Blvd. The public is welcome to this free, informal event.

Spicer receives 2017 Chair Academy’s leadership award

Dr. Erin Spicer, Pensacola State College’s vice president of academic and student affairs, has been honored for her outstanding leadership.

Three Free ‘Bach’s Lunch’ Concerts at PSC

Pensacola State College’s Performing Arts Department presents free “Bach’s Lunch” concerts from noon to 1 p.m. Thursdays, April 6, April 13 and April 20, at the Gazebo by the Delaino Student Center, Building 5, on the Pensacola campus.

Auditions for ‘How I Got That Story’ at PSC Ashmore Auditorium April 3-4

Pensacola State College invites area actors to audition for the black comedy, “How I Got That Story,” at 7 p.m. Monday and Tuesday, April 3-4, at the Ashmore Auditorium, Building 8, on the Pensacola campus.

Pensacola State College Ranks 17th Among Florida’s Top Colleges and Universities

Pensacola State College ranks 17th on the 2016 list of top colleges and universities in Florida, according to OnlineColleges.com. Using 2014 data from the National Center for Education Statistics, the ranking is based on 11 criteria including affordability, student services and the availability of online programs, says Ryan Tran, OnlineColleges.com site manager. The site ranked…

PSC Students Win at National SkillsUSA Competition

Pensacola State College students received team and chapter recognition at the 52nd Annual SkillsUSA National Leadership Conference recently in Louisville, Ky. The primary purpose of the conference is skills head-to-head competition among students who have been first-place winners from each state. National Gold Medal winners for Cyber Forensics Career Pathways Showcase were David Gardner, Timothy Clausell and Deborah Brosene.

Pensacola State hires new baseball coach

Pensacola State College and the Athletic Department is pleased to announce the hiring of Bryan Lewallyn as the Pirates’ new head baseball coach.
Lewallyn, a former Pirate, has most recently been the head coach at the University of South Carolina – Beaufort, leading the Sand Sharks to three NAIA Regionals in five years, four Sun Conference Tournament appearances, one Sun Conference Championship and a 2012 NAIA World Series appearance.

PSC Dental Hygiene Clinic Offers Low Cost Services at Warrington Campus

The Dental Hygiene Clinic at Pensacola State College’s Warrington campus offers low cost, preventive dental hygiene services to the public. Oral cancer screening, teeth cleaning, x-rays, fluoride treatments and sealants are some of the services offered. The clinic does not provide fillings, oral surgery, braces or dentures.

PSC Ranks 26th in List of Most Affordable Colleges in Nation

For the fifth consecutive year, the U.S. Department of Education lists Pensacola State College as a best value among public four-year colleges and universities. Pensacola State is ranked 26th on the list of 68 institutions cited for lowest tuition in the DOE College Affordability and Transparency annual report. With tuition listed as $2,704, PSC is seventh among the 24 Florida colleges to make the most affordable list.

PSC Receives 5-Year Federal Grant for Educational Talent Search Program

Pensacola State College has received a $342,720 per year grant from the U.S. Department of Education to renew its Educational Talent Search (ETS) program. The five-year grant totals more than $1.7 million. ETS identifies and assists middle school and high school students, encouraging them to graduate from high school and then successfully enroll and complete college or vocational training.

Pragda and Pensacola State College Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with Free Hispanic Film Festival

Pensacola State College is hosting a free Hispanic Film Festival in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month that runs Sept.15 to Oct. 15. The public is invited and no tickets or reservations are needed.