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PLI Class of 2023 – The 2023 Pensacola State College President’s Leadership Institute members were recognized on May 17 at Atlas Oyster House in Pensacola. PSC President Ed Meadows congratulated the graduates on completing the program, where administrators, faculty and staffers spend nine months learning about the College and postsecondary education in Florida.
Twenty-three Pensacola State College administrators, faculty and staff members were honored as 2023 President’s Leadership Institute graduates.
A commencement ceremony was held on May 17 at Atlas Oyster House in Pensacola.
PSC President Ed Meadows congratulated the graduates on completing the program, where participants spent nine months learning about the College, its history, the day-to-day operations and postsecondary education in Florida.
The 2023 PLI graduates are Tanya Brashers, Abe Clark, Ingrid Davis, Stephanie Denmark, Neil Gonzales, Domenick Grasso, Wayne Hagan, Veronica Jennings, Jessica Johnson, Mel Miner, Darlene Mosley, Michael Payne, Joseph Peterson, Ken Phillips, Lauren Rogers, Scott Schackmann, Tricia Sheridan, Sam Smith, Jon Stephenson, Kelby Thornton, Brian Weaver, Nichole Wilson and Stacy Young.
Juanita Scott, Thor Garber, Rafael Deliz and Rameca Vincent Leary served as PLI facilitators.
The PSC colleagues described the program as an enriching and incredible experience.
Smith, Workday Change Management coordinator, said she enjoyed the speakers’ enthusiasm and spending time with Dr. Meadows.
“It was fascinating going to Tallahassee and witnessing higher education legislation,” Smith said, adding the best part for her was meeting and building relationships with colleagues.
“I gained career-long support. I love the connections we’ve made with one another, and I am confident that if any of us needed help in our roles at the College, any of us would be more than willing to step up to the plate.
Davis, supervisor of TRIO Student Support Services/Veterans Student Support Services Tutoring Services, said participation in the President’s Leadership Institute has significantly impacted her career at Pensacola State and her academic journey as a doctoral student.
“Dr. Meadows and our facilitators are true examples of servant leadership. As a 2002 graduate of Pensacola Junior College, I can attest that this institution created a foundation that I continue to benefit from as an employee and graduate student,” Davis noted. “The College’s motto will always be true to my heart ‘Go Here. Get There.'”
Gonzales, director of Institutional Research at the College, said PLI exceeded his expectations.
“From our first meeting, I could sense the vibrant and welcoming atmosphere that characterized the President’s Leadership Institute,” he said. “The President’s Leadership Institute aimed to nurture and develop the leadership potential of its employees, preparing them to make a positive impact in their communities and beyond. The program was meticulously designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of leadership principles, foster critical thinking skills, and cultivate effective communication and collaboration abilities.
He said one of the highlights of the institute was the diverse range of speakers and facilitators who shared their expertise and real-life experiences.
“These individuals came from various backgrounds, including academia, business, politics, and nonprofit organizations. Each speaker brought a unique perspective, challenging us to think outside the box and consider different approaches to leadership,” Gonzales added.
Veronica Jennings, director of Student Conduct in the Office of Institutional Equity and Student Conduct, said PLI afforded her the opportunity to come from behind the desk and connect with colleagues.
“Many of them I had not met in person. It was great to put a face with a name and expand my professional network,” Jennings said. “Going to Tallahassee had the greatest impact on me. Sitting in on the legislative sessions and watching all the young people speak so passionately about issues that were important to them moved me to tears. It gives you hope for the future.”