PirateQ 
Pensacola State College Planetarium Specialist Allison Spradlin has been recognized by Inweekly as one of Pensacola’s Rising Stars. Since 2007, the weekly publication has celebrated young leaders who have chosen to build their futures in Pensacola and demonstrate dedication to making the area a better place to live and work.
Spradlin has lived in Pensacola most of her life, except in early years when her father had military assignments elsewhere. Growing up, she wanted to be an astronaut. “I learned on one of my family’s Disney trips that I can’t handle the G-forces that astronauts experience, so I changed course for a while,” said Spradlin. “When I got this job (at the PSC Planetarium), I was reminded how much I enjoy learning about space, and I’ve come to realize that I quite enjoy teaching and inspiring others to do what I couldn’t.”
Spradlin took over planetarium operations at PSC in January 2024.
“My first job ever was actually running projectors for a movie theater in town. When the planetarium job was advertised, I realized I had the technical background that was required for the projector, sound and lighting equipment, plus plenty of customer service and public speaking experience,” she said. “The pieces fell into place, and I was able to join PSC!”
“Allison has done a tremendous job with the PSC Planetarium since she joined our team. She has increased attendance, revenue and the number of shows by over 30%,” said PSC Baccalaureate Studies and Academic Support Dean Kirk Bradley, Ed.D. “Allison has also added new shows, which have been very popular with students and the public. We are so glad to have Allison, and she certainly is a rising star!”
Beyond the planetarium and with an M.A. in history from the University of West Florida, Spradlin will also be teaching American History at PSC this summer.
When asked by Inweekly about what makes work “click” for her, Spradlin said she sees running the PSC Planetarium as the next best thing to her childhood dream of being an astronaut, adding, “I get to educate and hopefully inspire young minds to pursue their dreams.”
“I love that we are doing public shows again and really enjoy seeing people of all ages be blown away when they first come into the planetarium,” she said. “Getting to educate and talk to students and adults is fun, as well, but seeing their eyes widen and their jaws drop when they come in has always been amazing!”
Spradlin is one of 64 young professionals to receive the Inweekly Rising Star designation this year.