PirateQ 
From left: Brittany, Kim, Dalton and Jerry LaFlamme during the Spring 2026 Student Awards Ceremony at Pensacola State College.
For Kim LaFlamme, academic administrative assistant in the Natural Sciences Department, being a Pensacola State College Pirate is a family affair, both personally and professionally.
She was first hired in 1988 as a clerk in the Purchasing Department and was later promoted to administrative assistant for Assistant Provost Dona Cotten. She moved to the Physical Sciences Department (now Natural Sciences) in 1991 and remained there.
Looking back on her early days at PJC, LaFlamme says, “I just wanted to work at a place that was family-oriented and do an excellent job!”
She found that family-oriented workplace at the college, and it could be said that her family at home became PSC-oriented over many years, as well.
Her mother, Jo Ann Bjorensen, also worked at PSC, starting in the library before spending 25 years in the Accounting Department. Her daughter, Brittany LaFlamme, graduated from the college’s first PALS program for students with special needs and worked at the college switchboard as an intern. Her son, Dalton LaFlamme, graduated last spring with an A.A. in Pre-Nursing.
“PSC is my second family. I love all of the people I work with and am so thankful that Dr. Ed Stout hired me to work in the Physical Sciences Department. He was a wonderful supervisor, taught me a lot, and he helped me become a great administrative assistant,” LaFlamme said. “All of my supervisors have been a pleasure to work with, and I have been truly blessed with a wonderful group of colleagues.”
Over her 38 years at the college, LaFlamme has seen many changes, particularly advancements in technology, and recalls employee organizations that helped build camaraderie among employees.
“We used to have Career Service Activities and Career Service Council,” she said. “These committees helped us network with our colleagues. Now it’s harder to get to know many people who work at the college, and people don’t stay long in jobs like they used to.”
LaFlamme says that PSC is a special place for both work and gaining an education.
“I work in a great department. My job is close to home, and there are great hours and benefits,” she said. “College-wise, more one-on-one contact with instructors and the cost make PSC a great choice.”
With her retirement only days away, she reflects on what the college family has meant to her and what the college has meant to her family.
Her most memorable experience was receiving the Employee of the Year award at the same time President Tom Delaino was named Supervisor of the Year. “The event was very memorable, and he was my favorite.”
LaFlamme says that Pensacola Beach is her happy place, and she looks forward to going more frequently and having more time for family and traveling in retirement.