Pensacola State College’s Homecoming Week 2025 was filled with excitement, camaraderie and school spirit, culminating in the crowning of Gabriel Nees and Makayla Joleas as PSC’s Homecoming King and Queen.
The PSC Warrington campus was filled with magic on Saturday, Feb. 8, as tooth fairies roamed the halls and Disney music floated through the air. From 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., the PSC Dental Hygiene Clinic hosted its Give Kids a Smile Day, a heartwarming event dedicated to providing free dental care to children.
From the beginning of time, people have been fascinated with the stars, lying on the ground or looking through telescopes to gaze at the universe above. Pensacola State College allows astronomy fans of all levels to glimpse the Pensacola night sky from the PSC Planetarium.
Every February, the Career and Technical Education (CTE) community recognizes CTE Month to highlight its crucial role in preparing students for college and career success. Pensacola State College proudly participates in this nationwide initiative by offering students professional development opportunities that enhance their skills, experience and confidence for today’s workforce.
The Pensacola State College Guitar Association will present internationally acclaimed concert artist Jérémy Jouve in concert at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 22, 2025, at Ashmore Fine Arts Auditorium on the Pensacola campus.
Four new Pirate legends have cemented their place in Pensacola State College’s storied history, their swashbuckling tales of athletic triumph and unwavering support forever enshrined in the College’s rich legacy.
To celebrate the 20th Annual WoodStoke Festival of the Gulf Coast Kiln Walk, the Pensacola State College Switzer Gallery hosted a reception on Tuesday, Feb. 4, from 5 to 7:30 p.m., showcasing the PSC & Gulf Coast Kiln Walk: Connected exhibition featuring artworks by esteemed master ceramic artists from across the region, nation and world.
Just when attendees at Carol Carlan’s 3rd Annual AlltogetHer Conference 2025 thought it couldn’t get any better, it did – and in epic proportions. This year’s conference theme, Hope, set the stage for influential women in all sectors of the Greater Pensacola community to share their stories and meaningful conversations.
“Homecoming at Pensacola State College is an important tradition that brings together current students, faculty, staff, and alumni to celebrate the spirit and history of the institution. It fosters a sense of community and pride, reinforcing the connection between past and present generations,” reflected Dr. Jon Stephenson, Associate Vice President of Student Affairs.
Every February, the Career and Technical Education (CTE) community celebrates CTE Month to raise awareness of CTE’s vital role in preparing students for college and career success.
Pensacola State College’s The Kilgore Review, an annual student-run literary and arts magazine, is accepting submissions of poetry, prose, and artwork until Feb. 7, 2025. This publication showcases the creativity of PSC’s emerging artists and writers and is under the direction of Dr. Marisa Mills this year, the advisor for the Lit Club and The Kilgore Review: 2025.
We all knew it was coming, but no one expected just how much fun and entertainment the record-breaking snowfall would bring! According to Wikipedia, Pensacola recorded 8.9 inches of snow, shattering the city’s previous 24-hour snowfall record of 3 inches set in February 1985.
Now that students have weathered the historic snowstorm of Pen-snow-pocalypse 2025, they can focus on making their own history as they prepare for their professional careers with the help of Pensacola State College.
Anyone who has watched the iconic movie Dead Poets Society (starring the late Robin Williams, who portrays boarding school English teacher John Keating) knows what a powerful influence teachers (and staff) can have on us as we grow and evolve while attaining an education. In the movie, Professor Keating wants the boys to call him this because Whitman’s poem is about leading and taking a stand for one’s beliefs, even if it’s against the common thought.
The Anna Lamar Switzer Center for Visual Arts at PSC is in full swing for the spring semester 2025 with two exciting exhibitions, Brooke Shaden’s SAMSARA and the PSC & Gulf Coast Kiln Walk’s Connected.
Pirates, make your voices heard as you weigh in on who will be chosen to represent the Pensacola State College student body as your reigning Homecoming 2025 King and Queen. Nineteen self-nominated students have stepped up in confidence that they have what it takes to wear the crowns and earn the titles of Pirate royalty, with the top five votes in each category earning a place on the royal Court.
Pensacola State College’s online RN to BSN Program is ranked 2nd in Florida and 39th nationally by U.S. News & World Report for 2025. The program, recognized for its rigorous curriculum and expert faculty, is designed for working professionals, offering flexibility without compromising academic quality. Since 2011, 447 students have graduated from the program.
The much-awaited PSC Athletics Champions Club officially opened for use to Champions Club members on Saturday, Jan. 11, with the start of PSC’s 2025 Panhandle Conference basketball schedule.
State students returned to campus this week, many figuring out where to park and looking for their classrooms for this new semester. The PSC Student Engagement and Leadership team, led by Coordinator Chandler White, was out in full force to assist students with whatever they needed. Set up at Welcome Week tables at each campus, the team provided coffee and hot cocoa to warm them up on the chilly days of January.
Pirates, Homecoming season is here! The 2025 Pensacola State College Homecoming Court nomination period ends this Friday, Jan. 17 at 6 p.m. Students can self-nominate by scanning the QR code on fliers posted throughout campus. Court voting begins at 8 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 16; voters can only cast one ballot. The top five candidates will be members of the 2025 Homecoming Court.
The PSC Men’s and Women’s Basketball Panhandle Conference season kicked off on Jan. 11 against Chipola College with a bit of love and support of the Pirates CARE food pantry, offering free entry to spectators who donated non-perishable food items, canned goods, rice, pasta, snacks, or hygiene products.
Avast, Pirate mateys! Pirate Day is Saturday, Jan. 18, and the PSC men’s and women’s basketball teams need all hands on deck to batten down the hatches and pack the house at Hartsell Arena!
Welcome, new and returning Pirates! Arrr ye ready for Spring Semester 2025? Join Student Affairs and other members of the PSC Administration team for coffee and hot chocolate as we kick off “Welcome Back Week.”
Do you dream of royal lineage or believe someone you admire might have noble ancestry? Skip the genealogy search and take matters into your own hands—it’s time to nominate your future PSC Homecoming King and Queen!
Brooke Shaden, an acclaimed fine art photographer, mixed media artist, and writer, is celebrated for her conceptual imagery and self-portraiture. Inspired by the belief that embracing ephemera leads to a fuller life, Shaden creates darkly surreal compositions that merge themes of nature and grief, offering powerful messages of hope.
In honor of the 20th Annual WoodStoke Festival of the Gulf Coast Kiln Walk, Pensacola State College’s Switzer Gallery will host Connected, a visual arts exhibition showcasing the works of regional, national and international master ceramic artists.
Pensacola State College faculty, staff, graduates, their families and friends began to gather at the Pensacola Bay Center around 4 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 13, to celebrate one of the most important milestones of these graduates’ lives.
Bradley Tarter’s pathway to medicine began with his passion for giving back to the community in October 2019. A regular volunteer at the Health and Hope Clinic in Pensacola since that time, Brad has accumulated around 524 volunteer hours, loaning the charitable organization his time and talents, according to Executive Director Sally Bergosh.
The second annual Holiday Art Market, hosted by the Visual Arts Department at the Anna Lamar Switzer Center for Visual Arts, provided shoppers with the opportunity to purchase unique gifts for their loved ones (or for themselves!), crafted by Pensacola State College students, with 100 percent of the proceeds directly supporting the artists.
As the holiday season quickly approaches, the PTK Beta Beta Gamma Chapter at Pensacola State College has wrapped up another year of generosity, with their annual “Cards & Socks” Collection for Homeless Veterans proving to be a complete success.
In its eighth year since conception by the local Association of Florida Colleges (AFC) chapter in 2016, the competition just got a little more serious, as the Humanities and Social Sciences Department at the Pensacola Campus created an interactive display that not only won but earned 50 out of 40 possible points “because one of the judges couldn’t resist giving them extra credit,” claimed contest coordinator Erin Roush, Assistant Department Head, Applied Technology and Professional Services.
Nursing students excitedly gathered in the sanctuary of the Pentecostal Church on Dec. 12, 2024 to prepare for one of the most monumental moments of their lives, the Pensacola State College Nurse Pinning ceremony during which they cross from being nursing students to becoming nurses in the field.
Pensacola State College students participated in a reenactment of the Second Defenestration of Prague, throwing mannequins from a building to illustrate the historical event, underscoring the importance of interactive learning.
The Fall 2024 PSC Student Symposium, held on December 6, united PSC and UWF students to present research on topics ranging from cultural heritage to modern architecture. Supported by family, faculty, and community leaders including President Meadows and Grover Robinson IV, the event highlighted the students’ scholarly success.
On December 5, 2024, the Pensacola State College community celebrated the “I Am PSC” campaign’s triumph. The event, highlighted by student-prepared culinary delights, raised over $137,598, surpassing its goal to fund scholarships and support programs. This gathering reinforced the strong ties and commitment to student success within the PSC community.
Pensacola State College celebrated the groundbreaking of its new soccer complex, soon to be home to the women’s championship team. The facility, expected to enhance community and collegiate sports, is set to include a regulation-sized field and spectator amenities.
This fall at Pensacola State College, graduation serves as a testament to the hard work and achievements of our graduates. We’re excited to share their inspiring success stories, showcasing the dedication and perseverance that have brought their academic goals to fruition.
Nursing pinning ceremony is Dec. 12 at First Pentecostal Church in Pensacola.
Lumon May, member of the Escambia Board of County Commissioners, will be the keynote speaker at Pensacola State College’s fall graduation set for 5:00 p.m. Friday, Dec. 13, in the Pensacola Bay Center.
It all started with an idea… give generous individuals the chance to support students in honor of PSC’s 75-year legacy of supporting the community. When asked why “I am PSC” resonates with them, individuals responded with their belief in the power of education, shared their hope for the future and invested in scholarships for PSC students.
What a year it has been for the Pirate soccer team. Undefeated in conference play, they emerged as Region 8 Division 2 Champions and South Atlantic District Champions. They were one of twelve teams to make it to the national tournament, finishing the year ranked No. 10 in the country.
Photo credits: Dan Farley (Pensacola, FL) The Pensacola State College volleyball season came to a close on Friday, Nov. 22 as the Pirates fell to No. 2-seeded Parkland College from Champaign, Illinois 1-3 in a quarterfinal match. After losing their first match on Wednesday, Nov. 20 against No. 8-seeded Illinois Central College (23-25, 25-27, 17-25)…
Faculty, staff, students, community members, proud family members and friends gathered at the 2024 President’s Reception Nov. 21 on The Third Floor of The BEAR JONES MOORE REEVES CENTER for Math and Advanced Technology to celebrate the leadership, academic excellence, and character of outstanding students at Pensacola State College and to recognize their past academic…
PSC Fall 2024 Commencement is right around the corner, at 5:00 p.m. on Dec. 13 at the Pensacola Bay Center. Doors open to graduates and the public at 4:00 p.m. Graduates will earn their diplomas and certificates for the following degrees: Associate in Arts, Associate in Science, Career Certificate, Technical Certificate, Advanced Technical Certificate, Advanced Technical Diploma, Bachelor of Applied Science, and Bachelor of Science in Nursing.
As our world continues to become more digital, the demand for cybersecurity professionals is greater than ever. According to ISC2, Inc.’s 2024 Cybersecurity Workforce Study, there are an estimated 5.4 million individuals in the global cybersecurity workforce, highlighting the need for technologically-savvy graduates in communities of all sizes.
Once in a while, there is a teacher who sparks a passion within his or her students to make a mark on the world in some way – to excel, to create. Walter F. Spara, a Pensacola Junior College (now Pensacola State) English professor from 1966 to 2000, touched the lives of thousands of students.
For the fourth year in a row, Pensacola State College proudly earns prestigious recognition in the Military Times’ 2024 Best for Vets: College list. Pensacola State is ranked in the top 12 in Florida, among 304 nationally ranked four-year universities and colleges.
Pensacola is a thriving community filled with warm, gracious, and caring business professionals that contribute to the success of this place they call “home.”
Pensacola State College won its second straight FCSAA Division II Championship with a 3-1 win over top-seed Gulf Coast State College. Led by Coach Pati Gandolfo, awarded the Kim Whitney Award for District II Volleyball Coach of the Year.
When walking down the hall to the Pirates CARE main office in the PSC Student Center, one sees glass “storefront windows” on the left, housing the Campus Career Closet – or the “Pirates CARE Boutique,” as Jessica Johnson, Director of Wellness Services likes to call it.
There was a palpable feeling of pride and excitement in and around Delaino Student Center on Nov. 7 as students, faculty, staff, veterans and active-duty military personnel gathered to celebrate First-Generation Day, hosted by TRiO under the leadership of Dr. Debbie Douma, Dean of Grants and Federal Programs and Chandler White, Coordinator of Student Engagement and Leadership in Student Affairs.
Decades of support for Pensacola State College have been given by three sponsors who are continuing their commitment to our community, our students, our families, and our thriving workforce.
Veterans Day is set aside to honor and celebrate the service of Veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces. Originally celebrated as Armistice Day to mark the end of World War I, November 11th was later expanded to commemorate the service all who have served in the U.S. Military.
It doesn’t take a lot of time to recognize that the PSC Women’s Soccer team is a winning one: in only their second season of existence, the team secured their first-ever championship title in the NJCAA Division II South Atlantic District Championship.
The Alumni Association held its annual Quail Hunt & Pheasant Shoot on Oct. 25 and 26. The event was at Dennis Lake Wing Club in Bay Minette, Alabama, where it has been held for more than ten years.
There was some serious competition for this year’s Virtual Halloween Costume Competition, and our Pirate fans definitely weighed in, commenting and voting on their favorites as students, faculty and staff brought their best this Halloween! Please enjoy the photo submissions we received (and be inspired to participate next year)! We are pleased to announce the…
Hosted by the Visual Arts Department, Spanish artist Buly (Aurelio Jose Diaz Trillo) discussed his work, his son Pablo translating, at the PSC Lamar Lecture Hall.
The Pensacola State College Dental Hygiene program is a competitive and rigorous 88-credit hour one, accepting only 35 students each May, as determined by the program’s accrediting body, according to Dr. Mitzie Sowell.
PSC Pirates Volleyball secured their No. 2 spot in the Sun-Lakes Conference Tournament after they hosted their final three conference matches over the weekend against South Florida State, Palm Beach State and Indian River.
Mikenzie Francis-Opperman knows the importance of scholarships firsthand. Not only is she the Pensacola State College Director of Foundation Scholarships, but she also received scholarships while pursuing her own college education.
Time is running out for eligible employees to enroll for State benefits.
The “No Sleep Till Branded” student exhibition opening reception in the Active Project Space of the Switzer Gallery on Oct. 29 celebrated a collective of eight portfolios and displays from the Senior Studio Graphic Design course, required in the Dr. Marjan Mazza Bachelor of Applied Science in Business and Management, Graphic Design Management concentration degree.
The 35th annual Northwest Florida Forestry Conclave Lumberjack Festival was held on Saturday, Oct. 19 from 9:30 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. at the Milton campus and offered something for everyone, from competitions like Bow Sawing, Axe Throw, Pole Toss and Log Roll to food trucks from area restaurants and vendor stands selling merchandise.
Friends, family, student athletes, former and current faculty and staff members, alumni, and nonprofit organizations for mental health services gathered on the sunny afternoon of Oct. 24 to remember Pensacola State College legend Carla Williams and to create awareness of domestic violence issues.
The PSC Women’s Soccer team won its second straight NJCAA Region 8 Women’s Soccer Championship after defeating Pasco-Hernando State College in back-to-back triumphs on Oct. 17 and 18, winning 3-0 each match. In the Championship match, per the PSC Athletics website, the morning started off rocky for the Pirates, who struggled to find their rhythm…
The 11th Annual Foo Foo Festival is scheduled for Oct. 31 through Nov. 11, 2024, and this year, the Pensacola State College Visual Arts Department and Performing Arts Department will be participating in Foo Foo Festival with a collaborative project “Eclectic Fidelities.”
Those fortunate enough to have crossed paths with Margarette S. Berrisford fondly recall her genuine care for everyone. Whether they were old friends or new acquaintances, Berrisford never met a stranger; she remembered names, dates and details about each person she encountered.
This exciting exhibition showcases a collective of eight student portfolios from the Senior Studio Graphic Design course, required in the Dr. Marjan Mazza Bachelor of Applied Science in Business and Management, Graphic Design Management concentration degree.
JC Penney is ready to assist students, faculty, staff, administrators and alumni suit-up for success this Sunday, Oct. 27 from 3:00 until 6:00 p.m. at their store at University Town Plaza at 7171 N. Davis Highway in Pensacola during their “Suit-Up” event.
PSC staff are assisting employees and retirees with enrollment at the Pensacola Campus’ Chadbourne Library (Building 20, Room 2068). The schedule may be modified by October 25 if the need is no longer determined. An email announcement of a modified schedule will be sent by Human Resources.
Pensacola State College continues its inaugural “I am PSC” campaign to celebrate 75 years of academic achievement and community impact, running now through Dec. 5, 2024. This movement gives community members, faculty, staff and students the opportunity to support scholarships that uplift PSC students, and donors are well on their way of helping reach a campaign goal of raising $75,000 to open doors and empower students from diverse backgrounds and in a variety of fields to create a better future for themselves.
Those who knew Carla Williams feel the profound loss of this Pirate legend who lost her life to domestic violence in May 2022. A standout Pensacola State College basketball player for two years, she was selected to play on All-Academic, All-Conference, and All-Region teams before playing at Florida State University.
Are you ready to show your Pirate pride? We are excited to invite you to be part of the very first “I am PSC” campaign—an inspiring initiative to celebrate everything we love about Pensacola State College!
Pensacola State College’s Visual Arts Department in the Anna Lamar Switzer Center for Visual Arts opened the 2024 annual faculty and support staff exhibition “Show & Tell! [3]” on Oct. 15 at 5:00 p.m. in the Switzer Gallery. This year’s exhibition showcases the talents of artists who work for Pensacola State College, displaying an eclectic variety of mediums.
October 13 -19, 2024 is National Veterinary Technician Week (NVTW), a time that honors and recognizes the significant contributions and expertise these credentialed professionals make to their profession and to society every day.
One only needs to spend a few moments with Noah Desmangles to know that he is truly special. A student in Cybersecurity, this young man’s journey began in middle and high school.
PSC students on each campus had the opportunity to meet PSC President Ed Meadows in person while they enjoyed pizza provided by Student Affairs.
The Robinson Honors Program hosted this semester’s “hot topic” discussion on suicidal ideation on Oct. 9 at the Anna Lamar Switzer Center for Visual Arts.
Open enrollment for employees who are eligible for major and optional benefits started Oct. 14 and ends Nov. 1, 2024 at 5:00 p.m. CST. The Department of Management Services (DMS) both mailed and e-mailed employees with guidance to enroll for benefits options.
Pensacola State College announced proposed lab fee changes for students enrolled in Workforce Education and Professional Services courses.
This exhibition showcases a collective of eight student portfolios from the Senior Studio Graphic Design course, required in the Dr. Marjan Mazza Bachelor of Applied Science in Business and Management, Graphic Design Management concentration degree.
Anyone who has received medical assistance or supported a loved one through a medical experience, whether in a clinic or at a hospital, understands the importance of knowledgeable and compassionate care. As a devoted nurse practitioner, Elaine Ann Akunevich Trushel provided the highest level of care while serving our country in the U.S. Navy.
While Ms. Shauna Gough may be new to the position of Coordinator of Marketing and College information, she is certainly not new to the world of academia. Moving to the area in 2020, “one week before the world shut down,” according to Gough, the new coordinator has been immersed in education her entire life.
Pensacola State College is announcing proposed lab fee changes for students enrolled in the Mathematics and Computer Science programs.
Pensacola State College launched its inaugural “I am PSC Campaign” on October 1st. The campaign will run through December 5th and will be an opportunity to support scholarships that uplift PSC students.
For many, taking tests can create anxiety, causing physical symptoms like excessive sweating, nausea, rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath or headaches; emotional symptoms can include feelings of self-doubt, fear, stress, inadequacy or anger, according to Healthline. Thankfully for students at Pensacola State College, the Humanities and Social Sciences department strives to reduce these anxieties by providing study support with their Showdown sessions.
Community members driving by the Pensacola State College track at 8:00 a.m. on Sept. 21 to grab a coffee to kick-start the weekend may have done a double take as they witnessed 16 teams in different company and organization T-shirts stretching and warming up. This was only the start of an Olympic-style, co-ed team competition that celebrates health and wellness in the workplace while emphasizing teamwork, communication, team building and fun.
Coaches, athletes, parents, Pirate Club members and interested community members gathered at Hartsell Arena on Thursday, Sept. 19 at 5:30 p.m. for the annual event that officially kicks off the year for the athletics program and introduces this year’s student athletes. Executive Director of Development for Alumni & Athletics Hailey Lotz beamed as she shared that this is “the best Pirate Club membership year yet” for the department, with so many reasons to celebrate.
Many people consider playing video games a fun, relaxing way to while away the time, but for Pensacola State College President Edward Meadows, athletic director Bryan Lewallyn, eSports head coach Jeremy Sommers and his competitive team, fun is serious business.
Avast, ye mateys! Pensacola State College is ready to embrace its inner buccaneer as it celebrates Talk Like a Pirate Day today, Sept. 19. In honor of its mascot Pete the Pirate, the college invites students, faculty and staff from all PSC campuses to join in the fun
In the PSC Benefits Committee meeting on Friday, September 13, Human Resources Director Tammy Henderson and team discussed state insurance for full-time employees, effective January 1, 2025. Employees from all campuses were invited to attend the 2:00 p.m. meeting at the Pensacola campus library to learn more about the upcoming changes to their benefits.
For those who call the United States of America “home,” certain traditions and celebrations of historical events are a part of their upbringing; however, many aren’t as familiar with Constitution Day, celebrated on September 17 each year
There is no real price tag for feeling self-confident and ready to shine, and JCPenney is ready to assist students, faculty, staff, administrators and alumni do just that on Sunday, Oct. 27 from 3-6 p.m. at their store at University Town Plaza at 7171 N. Davis Highway in Pensacola during their “Suit-Up” event.
Pensacola State College is teaming up with the school districts of Escambia and Santa Rosa counties to host College Fair 2024 on Monday and Tuesday, Sept. 9 and 10. Escambia County and Santa Rosa County high school juniors, seniors and their parents are invited to meet representatives to ask questions about admissions requirements, tuition, fees,…
Pensacola State College donors and supporters were treated to various hors d’oeuvres during the Garde Manger President’s Circle Appreciation Reception held July 24 in the Delaino Student Center on the Pensacola campus. Culinary and Hospitality Program students created appetizers and sweet treats for the “A Toast To Your Generosity”-themed event.
Danelle Shavers ─ an ABM Industries team member ─ is nothing short of amazing. Shavers embodies the spirit of dedication and perseverance, not just within the walls of Pensacola State College but also as a passionate participant in Special Olympics Florida. Known for her hard work and reliability at ABM, she brings a level of excellence that inspires everyone around her. Beyond her professional endeavors, Shavers channels her energy into sports with equal fervor.
Pensacola State College alumnae Shannon Hoffman is among several firefighters and support staff employees recognized at the 2024 Escambia County Fire Rescue Awards Ceremony at Marcus Pointe Baptist Church in June. A fire and rescue department photographer, Hoffman received a Service Recognition Medal. A double-PSC graduate, Hoffman has been with the fire and rescue department for over four years.
Ashmore Auditorium had a full house for the first Pirate Path New Student Orientation session on July 30 on the Pensacola campus. Bailee Petry won the prize for having traveled the farthest. She and her parents drove 14 hours from Clinton, Iowa.
Pensacola State College’s Charter Academy was among 14 Escambia County School District institutions to earn an “A” grade for the 2023-2024 academic year from the Florida Department of Education. The school district earned an overall “B” grade for the 2023-2024 school year.
When Andrew Puharic moved to Pensacola in March 2020, the former plumber planned to purchase investment property to develop and resell. However, COVID-19 had different plans. “The pandemic hit, and the global housing market went crazy,” recalled Puharic, a Pensacola State Math Lab tutor who instead enrolled in the College in fall 2020.
Three former Pirates competed with the Australian team in the 2024 WBSC Women’s World Cup Finals. Georgia Hood, Jenna Trim and Shaylan Whatman helped the Aussie Spirit to a seventh-place finish in the World Baseball Softball Confederation finals held July 15-21 in Castions di Strada, Italy.
PirateQ 