PirateQ 
Pensacola State College honored its own on April 23 during the annual Employee Service Awards ceremony at the Jean & Paul Amos Performance Studio, celebrating those who have dedicated five to 40 years of service to the College.
Hosted by the President’s Office and the Human Resources department, chaired by Donna Davidson, Human Resources Specialist, the event featured light refreshments and live piano music performed by adjunct faculty member Mike Coleman of the Performing Arts Department, creating a warm and festive atmosphere.
Director of Human Resources, Tammy Henderson welcomed those in attendance, saying, “Whether you have counseled and advised students, graded tests and papers, helped with recruiting and hiring new employees, maintained our facilities, coached our athletes, created spreadsheets and crunched numbers, or assisted a student, staff or community person in the library, this day is to show appreciation for your years of doing what you do for the College.”
Following Henderson’s welcome, President Ed Meadows addressed the crowd, expressing his deep gratitude: “This is a long-standing tradition that started many years ago – a recognition of people who show leadership, service and excellence every day. My motto is, ‘If we help one student at a time every time, then we end up helping all students.’ That is what has made Pensacola State a beloved college of Northwest Florida – because you all agree with that motto and take care of our students year after year.”
Adding humor and energy to the event, Tom Gilliam, Vice President of Administrative Services and General Counsel, kicked off the recognition portion with a grin: “Welcome to the 179th annual employee service awards,” he joked, dramatically ripping up his “notes” before calling honorees to the stage and keeping the audience chuckling throughout the presentation. When it came time for his own recognition, Gilliam briefly stepped aside, allowing Dr. Meadows to call his name, sparking more laughter and appreciation from the crowd.
Anita Kovacs, Vice President of Business Affairs, presented each honoree with a certificate before they shook hands with President Meadows and posed for photos to commemorate the occasion.
Closing the celebration, President Meadows thanked the assembled employees again: “All of you make Pensacola State what it is because it’s a ‘people place.’ Pensacola State is loved by our students and our community.”
The Employee Service Awards ceremony is a joyful reminder of the strong sense of community, dedication and Pirate pride that define the spirit of Pensacola State College.
2025 Employee Service Awards Honorees
5 Years
Sarah Addison
Michael Johnson
Patricia Agcaoili
Jan Mayhew
Maryam Ahmad
Heather Mclntyre
Cheri Bone
Kenneth Phillips
Tina Clapper
Julie Rettig
Hillary Claypoole
Ella Robles
Stephanie Denmark
Amanda Salter
Mikenzie Francis-Opperman
Lauren Sherrill
Neil Gonzales
Bre Smith
Arla Halbert
Sarah Sturges
Juanita Haros
Kayla Uram
Ty Hyacinthe
Stacy Young
Amber Johnson
10 Years
Lyndsey Angus
Mike Listau
Janice Bryson
Kimberly Markwick
Richard Carr
Sarah Meyer
Kate Cavanaugh
Melonie Miner
Anita Cormier
Bipin Pandey
Ingrid Davis
Jimmy Rhea
Jamey Jones
Steve Whiting
Roxanne Lavelle
Debbie Woods
Lynsey Listau
15 Years
Diane Bracken
Jamie Russell
Tom Gilliam
Chela Smith
20 Years
Jennifer Brahier
Juanita Scott
Jen Ehrhardt
Rodney Whatley
Kathie Geyer
25 Years
Nan Jackson
Pete Peña
Zina Johnson
Robert Seay
Todd Neuman
Monica Williams
35 Years
Greg Ledet
Jeff Wooters
40 Years
Darene Harris