The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Chalk Talk (6/18/25): PHSC tools up for student retention

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PHSC using automation tools for student retention

NEW PORT RICHEY – Pasco-Hernando State College has launched a new vision focused on academic program expansion and student retention through collaboration, technology and automation. 

PHSC will use Banner Enterprise Resource Planning and Slate Customer Relationship Management systems to streamline communication, track student progress and promote new programs via targeted outreach. 

Strategies include personalized advising alerts, progress updates and interactive student engagement tools. 

 

Harrington rejoins PHSC board

NEW PORT RICHEY – Jeffrey Harrington rejoined Pasco-Hernando State College’s District Board of Trustees on May 20, after being reinstated to the board by Gov. Ron DeSantis. He represents Pasco County. 

Harrington initially departed from the board in May 2024 after serving the college since 2017. Harrington retired from being the chief deputy sheriff at the Pasco Sheriff’s Office in May 2024. 

Previously, he was the chief of police at the New Port Richey Police Department and served on the board of the Tampa Bay Area Chiefs of Police Association.

 

PHSC welcomes trustees

NEW PORT RICHEY – Pasco-Hernando State College recently welcomed two new Hernando County trustees to its District Board of Trustees. Gov. Ron DeSantis appointed Gene Bell and Kirk Wilson.

After an honorable discharge from the Vietnam War in August 1971, Bell joined his in-laws’ insurance business, Snow & Bell Inc., where he has served as the president since 1983. Bell was a member of the college’s first class to begin studies in 1972.

Wilson moved from Ohio to Brooksville in 1984, starting out in the Automotive Industry before establishing his first vending business across Pasco, Hernando, Citrus and Marion counties. After selling the vending business in 2001, he shifted to outdoor power equipment. Wilson serves as a managing partner at Green Acres Outdoor Power Equipment.

 

Shaw named chairman of education foundation

TAMPA – Sean Shaw has become chairman of the board of the Hillsborough Education Foundation.

Shaw is an attorney and a former state representative. He made history as the first African American nominee for Florida Attorney General. 

“Sean brings a strong and steady voice to our mission, rooted in integrity and a deep belief in the power of public education,” said Anna Corman, president and CEO of the Hillsborough Education Foundation. 

The foundation awarded over $1.4 million in scholarships in 2023-24 and continues expanding its student-focused programs.

“Public education shaped my life, and I believe every student deserves the same chance to succeed,” Shaw said. 

 

Saint Leo University hosting CSI Summer Camp

  1. LEO – Saint Leo University will host its CSI Summer Camp from June 23 to 26 for middle and high school students at its Pasco County campus. 

Campers will explore crime scene investigation with hands-on activities like lifting fingerprints, casting impressions, photographing evidence and learning about bugs tied to decomposition. 

Faculty and criminal justice experts will guide campers as they dig into mock crime scenes and forensic techniques. 

The camp runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and includes lunch. 

Register at https://csicamps.totalcamps.com/shop/EVENT.

 

Students earn degrees from University of Alabama

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – Over 6,000 degrees were awarded during The University of Alabama’s spring 2025 commencement ceremonies at Coleman Coliseum. 

Local students earning degrees include:

  • Abigail Elliott, of Lutz, earned a Bachelor of Science in Commerce & Business Administration.
  • Teresa Ford, of Lutz,  earned a Bachelor of Science in Education.
  • Madeline Griggs, of Odessa,  earned a Bachelor of Science.
  • Jensyn Nixon, of Odessa,  earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communication & Information Sciences.
  • Zoe Poulsen, of Lutz,  earned a Bachelor of Arts.

 

Student Achievements

  • Scott Brewer, of Lutz, made the spring provost’s list at Ohio University College of Health Sciences and Professions in Athens, Ohio for earning a GPA of 3.5 or higher. 
  • Keenan Cruz, of Lutz, made the spring dean’s list at The University of Mount Union in Alliance, Ohio for earning a GPA of 3.550 or higher with no letter grade below a B.
  • Ariana Freedman, of Lutz, made the spring dean’s and president’s lists at Shenandoah University at Winchester, Virginia for earning a GPA of 3.9 or higher. 
  • Blake Graham, of Odessa, made the spring dean’s list high honors at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College at Saint Mary Of The Woods, Indiana.
  • Tanya Hallowell, of Odessa, earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance at Georgia State University in Atlanta, Georgia. 
  • Anthony Iserino, of Wesley Chapel, made the spring dean’s list at Rockhurst University in Kansas City, Missouri for earning a GPA of 3.5 or higher. 
  • Zayne Jack, of Lutz, made the spring honors list at Milwaukee School of Engineering in Milwaukee, Wisconsin for earning a GPA of 3.2 or higher.
  • Kierra James, of Odessa, a Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies degree with a concentration in media entrepreneurship at Georgia State University in Atlanta, Georgia. 
  • Mark Lucas, of Lutz, graduated with a Master of Business Admin – General Business from Troy University in Troy, Alabama. 
  • Kaly Nguyen, of Wesley Chapel, earned a Bachelor of Arts at Bucknell University in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania. Nguyen made the spring dean’s list for earning a GPA of 3.5 or higher. 
  • Khushboo Patel, of Lutz, made the spring dean’s list at Lincoln Memorial University in Harrogate, Tennessee for earning a GPA of 3.5 or higher.
  • Destiny Sanchez, of Odessa, made the spring dean’s list at Norwich University in Northfield, Vermont for earning a GPA of 3.40 or higher. 
  • Vincent Michael VerPault, of Land O’ Lakes, made the dean’s list at Brewton-Parker College in Mount Vernon, Georgia for earning a GPA of 3.6 or higher.
  • Madelyn Watson, of Lutz, made the spring dean’s list at Shenandoah University at Winchester, Virginia for earning a GPA of 3.5 or higher. 
  • Harley White, of Dade City, earned spring semester high honors at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point in Stevens Point, Wisconsin for earning a GPA of 3.75 to 3.89.