Grant to help expand education
Pasco-Hernando State College (PHSC) was granted $1,630,000 in funding through the Florida Workforce Development Capitalization Incentive Grant (CAP Grant). The funds come from the more than $35 million allocated to Florida school districts and state colleges for the creation or expansion of semiconductor-related instructional programs for students, according to a news release.
The grant will be used to purchase equipment for the PHSC manufacturing lab currently being constructed at the Wilton Simpson Technical College and to update PHSC’s welding lab with a state-of-the-art filtration system.
The state college offers a wide array of Workforce and Career and Technical Education programs including information technology, welding, digital media and more.
For information, visit PHSC.edu/academics/job-training.
Pasco Schools receives grant
Pasco County Schools has received a $57,500 grant from the Suncoast Credit Union Foundation, according to a news release.
The contribution will bolster Pasco Schools’ ongoing Magnet Schools Recruitment, Retention, and Community Engagement efforts, showcasing the diverse and innovative programs available to its students, the release said.
The magnet schools offer a wide array of programs, including Cambridge, International Baccalaureate (IB), STEM/STEAM, Fire Science, Aerospace Engineering, and Fine Arts.
Many of Pasco’s magnet programs are situated in communities that face economic challenges, and while those schools have been successfully funded, there is an ongoing need to enhance the student experience.
The Suncoast grant will support initiatives impacting students, including student recruitment, retention, field trips and celebratory events.
Student achievements
- Emersen Angel, Lutz: Dean’s List, The University of Alabama
- Colin Anna, Odessa: Dean’s List, State University of New York-Cortland
- Anthony Rocco Becht, Wesley Chapel: Dean’s List, Iowa State University
- Jackson Behuniak, Lutz: Dean’s Honor Roll, University of Mississippi
- Michael Clifford, Lutz: Dean’s List, Anderson University
- Aidan Edward Bitter, Lutz: Dean’s List, Iowa State University
- Landon Carter, Lutz: Bachelor of Business Administration-Marketing, Valdosta State University
- Evan Cuervo, Lutz: Dean’s List, Presbyterian College
- Caitlyn Culpepper, Odessa: Chancellor’s Honor Roll, University of Mississippi
- Lamama Delphine, Land O’ Lakes: Associate in Arts-Liberal Arts & Sciences, Minnesota State Community and Technical College
- Jaelyn Evans, Odessa: President’s List, Mississippi College
- Madeline Griggs, Odessa: Dean’s List, The University of Alabama
- Logan Hinsberg, Odessa: Dean’s List, The University of Alabama
- Graydon Horn, Odessa: Dean’s List, The University of Alabama
- Olivia Jablonski, Odessa: Dean’s List, Samford University
- Danielle Kanas, Lutz: President’s List, The University of Alabama
- Katherine Kirkwood: Dean’s List, Saint Leo University
- Mykayla Christine King, Lutz: Dean’s List, Mars Hill University
- Alexandria Nabors, Lutz: Dean’s List, The University of Alabama
- Jackson Preacher, Lutz: cadet Gold Star, Dean’s List, The Citadel
- Joshua Stephens, Lutz: Dean’s List, Anderson University
• Christiana Till, Odessa: Dean’s List, The University of Alabama - Allison Trask, Lutz: Dean’s List, Harding University
- Sydney Turpin, Lutz: Dean’s List, The University of Alabama
New general counsel
Hillsborough Community College (HCC) has announced the hiring of Jonathan Squires as general counsel for the college. He joined HCC on Jan. 29 from Seminole State College of Florida where he served as associate general counsel.
Squires brings 15 years of experience to the position, including extensive knowledge in the state college system, according to a news release.
He is recognized by the Florida Bar as a board certified specialist in education law — a designation currently held by less than 50 lawyers in the state.
“I am excited to have this opportunity to serve HCC, its faculty, staff and students. The Florida College System has the power to change lives, and I look forward to joining the college’s leadership team and help HCC continue to transform lives by providing open access to exceptional teaching and learning environments,” said Squires in the release.
The community college serves more than 43,000 students annually at its five campuses throughout Tampa Bay. For more information, visit HCCfl.edu.
Staff changes at PHSC
Jesse Pisors, Ed.D., began his presidency at Pasco-Hernando State College (PHSC) on Feb. 1, serving as the fifth president in the school’s 51-year history.
After nearly 17 years at PHSC, Timothy L. Beard, Ph.D., retired on Jan. 31. Beard also served as the institution’s president since 2015.
During Beard’s tenure as president, PHSC added 25 new academic programs and three sports; received the Florida Governor’s Award for Top College for Performance Based Funding increase; awarded the college’s first bachelor’s degree in business supervision and management and nursing, with annually top-performing License Nursing (LPN) and Bachelor of Nursing (BSN) programs; was selected by WalletHub as the No. 1 college in the country for Return on Education Investment (ROEI); received more than $200 million in funding and grant opportunities; and received numerous other accolades and accomplishments.
Pisors’ first major task will be to set the institution’s new strategic plan.
“I’ve had the opportunity during the past month working alongside Dr. Beard to observe PHSC’s operations and meet with the incredible students, faculty, staff and community members who have provided valuable feedback, which I will incorporate during the development of the institution’s strategic plan and vision for the institution through the upcoming years,” said Pisors in a news release.
Also retiring is Stanley M. Giannet, Ph.D., PHSC executive vice president, chief academic officer (CAO) and college provost, after serving at PHSC for 31 years in numerous faculty and administrative capacities.
Giannet was instrumental in establishing PHSC’s Porter Campus at Wiregrass Ranch, where he served as founding provost.
Gerene Thompson, Ph.D., assistant vice president and dean of arts and sciences, will serve as interim CAO while the search for Giannet’s successor is underway.
Victory High enrollment
Victory High School in Pasco County is now enrolling for the 2024-2025 year. The nonprofit, private school is for teens in recovery from substance-use disorders or co-occurring disorders.
Students can earn their diploma away from the pressures and temptations of traditional high school. Academics are delivered in a safe, healing-centered environment, and all staff and volunteers are trained in trauma responsive services and mental health first aid, according to Victory’s website. Scholarships are accepted at the school.
To refer a student, visit www.refertovictory.com.
For information, visit https://www.floridarecoveryschoolsoftampabay.com/schools/, call 813-444-7766, or email .
Spectrum Scholars
Charter Communications Inc., has opened applications for Spectrum Scholars, the company’s annual scholarship program for underrepresented college students with financial need. Each of the rising college juniors selected for the 2024-2025 program will receive a $20,000 scholarship, a Charter mentor and the opportunity for a paid internship with the company.
In its fourth year, Charter has awarded more than $1 million in scholarships through Spectrum Scholars, but the benefits for students of participating in the program extend far beyond financial assistance.
The selected students for the new class of scholars will have the opportunity to complete the two-year professional development program, designed to introduce them to new career paths and expand their networks, with the potential for full-time employment with Charter post-graduation. Students also get unique access to networking and professional development opportunities including the Scholars Summit, a three-day event hosted at Charter’s corporate headquarters in Stamford.
Fifteen students will be selected for the 2024-2025 Spectrum Scholars class.
For more information on how to apply, as well as program eligibility and selection criteria, visit https://apply.mykaleidoscope.com/scholarships/SpectrumScholarsApp2024.
The deadline for applications is March 1. Winners will be announced in May and scholarships will be awarded in August.
Scholarship applications
Pasco County Supervisor of Elections Brian E. Corley is now accepting applications for the Florida Supervisor of Elections (FSE) Scholarship. The association will award four $1,200 scholarships statewide to a political science, public administration, business administration or journalism/mass communication major and be at least a junior in college.
Students must be enrolled or accepted as a full-time student in a senior college or university in Florida and have at least a C average or above for the previous year. Additional requirements, guidelines and eligibility information can be found at PascoVotes.gov, by selecting the 2024 FSE Scholarship Application under the Noteworthy tab on the homepage.
Applicants will be personally interviewed by Corley, who will then select one finalist from Pasco County for consideration. Applications are due by March 8.
Scholarship opportunity
Hillsborough County Supervisor of Elections Craig Latimer invites college students to apply for a scholarship provided by the Florida Supervisors of Elections (FSE). The FSE is offering three $1,200 scholarships to eligible Florida residents who are accepted or enrolled as full-time students in a senior college or university in Florida.
Students also must be at least a junior in college, or have enough credits for enrollment as a junior prior to the application date. Hillsborough County residents must apply through the Hillsborough County Supervisor of Elections Office. Students who apply must be either a political science, public/business administration, or journalism/mass communications major.
The application deadline is March 8. To learn about the full list of requirements and how to apply, visit VoteHillsborough.gov/Scholarship, or email .
