Pasco-Hernando State College (PHSC) President Timothy L. Beard has announced his retirement, effective Jan. 31, 2024.
The college also has launched a national search for Beard’s successor.
Beard is stepping down from the post after a 17-year tenure at the college.
When he departs, he will have held the college’s top post for nearly nine years.
Before that, he was vice president of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management for eight years, according to a college news release.
The search for Beard’s successor is being led by Myers McRae Executive Search and Consulting, in collaboration with a committee made up of community stakeholders and PHSC faculty, staff and students, the news release says.
The new president will take over leadership of an educational institution that is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year.
In reflecting on the college’s history, during a previous interview with The Laker/Lutz News, Beard recounted PHSC’s humble origins.
“We were known as ‘College without Walls.’ We didn’t have a building. All we had, for the most part, was a dream and an idea.”
Classes would be held wherever the college could get space and recruiting for students was done everywhere, including back alleys, Beard said.
Over time, the college transitioned from Pasco-Hernando Community College to Pasco-Hernando State College.
It now has six locations, serving nearly 10,000 students each year.
It has a $69 million operating budget, and a workforce of roughly 1,000 employees — including nearly 550 full-time faculty and staff.
The college also has expanded its programs, now offering about 100 career program options. It has two bachelor’s programs and bestows associate’s diplomas and assorted certifications.
Under Beard’s leadership, the college’s operating budget has increased by nearly 40%, the release says.
At the same time, PHSC Foundation assets increased more than 60%. Beard personally has raised several hundred thousand dollars to establish and fund scholarships.
During his time at the helm. PHSC constructed the $18 million Instructional Performing Arts Center (IPAC), located in Wesley Chapel.
It also is currently collaborating with Pasco Fire/Rescue to construct a new $5 million Burn Center and Fire Academy training center at PHSC’s East Campus in Dade City.
That campus also houses the future STEM Student Success and Community Engagement Center.
Meanwhile, in Hernando County, PHSC is establishing a Corporate College at the Dr. Dennis Wilfong Center for Success, at the Brooksville-Tampa Bay Regional Airport, according to the release.
The Corporate College, in collaboration with industry partners, will provide career and technical training for in-demand, skilled, higher-paying positions within the region.
Beard is PHSC’s fourth president, following Katherine M. Johnson, who followed Robert W. Judson, who followed Milton O. Jones.
In the release announcing his retirement, Beard shared these sentiments: “Serving as PHSC’s president has been the crowning achievement of my career.
“The college has made exceptional progress, thanks to the guidance of our trustees and the dedication of our administrators, faculty and staff.
“I remain in awe of the transformative power of education. To greet students as they enter PHSC, often unsure of their potential, and watching them grow, graduate, pursue successful careers and join the college’s more than 60,000 alumni, is gratifying.
“Most of our graduates choose to work and reside within our district and contribute to our vibrant, growing communities.
“The decision to retire after nearly 40 years in higher education has been difficult, but the time is right to pass the baton to a new leader,” Beard said.
The college’s board of trustees also issued a statement regarding Beard’s performance, as he prepares to step away from the post.
“The board has been impressed by Dr. Beard’s steadfast dedication, his tireless service and student-centered leadership,” John Mitten, chair of the PHSC’s nine-member District Board of Trustees (DBOT), said, in the statement. “The sincerity, warmth and enthusiasm he brings to the presidency continuously forges strong stakeholder relationships, enhances the college’s image locally and throughout the state and garners support for the college and our programs.
“His leadership will be missed by the trustees, faculty, staff, students and the entire community,” Mitten said.
The college’s board of trustees expects to introduce the college’s fifth president to the community September 2023.
Information on PHSC’s presidential search, including details about the application and nomination process, is available at MyersMcrae.com.
Information about presidential search also is available at PHSC.edu/about/leadership.
Published March 08, 2023
