A new partnership with American Magic becomes a success story, and a new one-stop shop center makes a positive change for military veterans. Plus, tears of joy highlight two PSC graduations, a reenactment brings history to life on campus, and the College’s top Cybersecurity expert shares tips to stay safe online.
Pensacola State College honored its own on April 23 during the annual Employee Service Awards ceremony at the Jean & Paul Amos Performance Studio, celebrating those who have dedicated five to 40 years of service to the College.
On Friday, May 9, 2025, the Pensacola Bay Center was filled with celebration as it hosted Pensacola State College’s Commencement Ceremony. The stands overflowed with cheering parents, grandparents, spouses, children, and supporters—each one sharing in the joy of the graduates’ accomplishments and the promise of their future.
Pensacola State College celebrated the close of another exciting year of Pirate Athletics on April 25 at Hartsell Arena. Hailey Lotz, Executive Director of Development for Alumni/Athletics, shared opening remarks before dinner was served, provided by Sonny’s BBQ. President Ed Meadows then welcomed teams, their families, and supporters of PSC Athletics before coaches reflected on their seasons and handed out team awards: Pirate Award, Most Outstanding, and Presidential Award.
Dr. Brian Rucker, Professor of Humanities and Social Sciences at Pensacola State College, once again brought history to life – this time, with a full-scale wooden guillotine and a touch of gallows humor. On May 1, outside of Building 14, Rucker and his European History 1001 class re-enacted a slice of the French Revolution during their lesson on the Reign of Terror. In partnership with PSC Carpentry Instructor Shaun Garner and his students, Rucker asked that a realistic wooden guillotine be constructed, modeled after those used in the late 1700s.
Pensacola State College Vice President for Business Affairs Anita Kovacs has been honored with the 2025 Daniel D. Robinson Accounting Award by the National Association of College and University Business Officers (NACUBO).
Dr. Troy Tippett, retired Neurosurgeon and past-chair of the District Board of Trustees, will be the keynote speaker at Pensacola State College’s spring graduation set for 5 p.m. Friday, May 9, in the Pensacola Bay Center. The ceremony’s Grand Marshal will be Chef Jimmie Langham, Associate Professor, Culinary and Hospitality Management.
We explore the success of a growing Commercial Driving Program and discuss why the Pirates CARE Student Resource Center is a one-stop shop for students in need. Plus, a historic groundbreaking highlights PSC’s pivotal role in Aviation Mechanics, Student Art Awards showcase extraordinary talent, and Coach Pete Pena reflects on a state championship run for men’s basketball.
For Natasha (Suggs) Johnson, the journey to becoming a nurse began with a dream – and a bus ticket. When she enrolled at Pensacola State College in 2014, Johnson didn’t have a car. Instead, she relied on public transportation, catching a 7 a.m. bus from Century every day and returning home by 7 p.m. – spending four hours commuting daily – to pursue her education.
Pensacola State College officially cut the ribbon on its new Veteran and Military Family Service Center (VMFSC) during a grand opening celebration held May 5 in Building 6 on the Pensacola Campus. Designed to serve as a central hub of resources, support and community, the VMFSC will offer vital services for PSC’s student veterans, active-duty personnel and their families.
The College’s District Board of Trustees will vote on the fee changes at the Tuesday, June 17, meeting set for 5:30 p.m. on the Pensacola campus. If approved by the Board of Trustees, the new fees will take effect for the Fall 2025 Semester.
Pensacola State College honored its finest during the 2025 Student Excellence Awards ceremony held April 17 in the Jean and Paul Amos Performance Studio. The annual event recognizes more than 100 exceptional students for their academic success, leadership and commitment to service.
Roxanne Rachel Lavelle, Associate Director of Marketing/Web, is driven by a deep love for co-creating with nature and shapes her life around participating in its natural rhythms. Every hobby she pursues, whether tending her garden, nurturing hives, or shepherding chickens, allows her to celebrate life.
Pensacola State College will host its inaugural Pirate Saturday, May 3, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the Pensacola campus, where activities will occur in Buildings 2, 4 and 6. The event offers a streamlined, student-focused experience to assist prospective and current students with essential academic services, ensuring a strong start to the upcoming semester.
Graduates will earn their diplomas and certificates for the following degrees: Associate in Arts, Associate in Science, Career Certificate, Technical Certificate, Advanced Technical Certificate, Advanced Technical Diploma, Bachelor of Applied Science, and Bachelor of Science in Nursing.
Avast, mateys! Pensacola State Pirates showed up for a great time on April 16 for Pirate Fest, an annual favorite hosted by PSC Student Activities. Rides, free student boxed lunches from Chick-fil-A, swag, and fun carnival games kept Pirates entertained on the Pensacola campus quad from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Until next year, fair winds to ye all!
Everything changed for Dr. Latiya Robinson in 2023 – in a heartbeat. Literally. After battling health issues for most of her life, beginning with childhood heart issues and undiagnosed Lupus, Robinson’s condition took a sharp turn. In her early 30s, she was diagnosed with heart failure, experiencing severe fatigue and joint pain. Within months, she was placed on a transplant list.
Three standout Pensacola State College Charter Academy High School students – Isaac Tindol, Victoria Raymond-Currier and McKenna Harrell – advanced to the Optimist International Club Level oratorical speech competition held Saturday, April 12, at the Gulf Breeze Rec Center. “My students performed very well in the competition this weekend. Their speech skills were on point, and I was surprised that at least one of them didn’t move on,” said English teacher Katrina Maurer. “We learned a lot going through the process, and in the future, we will better know how to plan our competition. A lot has changed in the speech world in the 30 years since I was in high school.”
Dr. Brian Ward wears many hats at Pensacola State College – and wears them well. A dedicated member of the Business Department, Ward teaches a full slate of courses in the Human Resources program, including the capstone course, Strategic Management, and is deeply engaged in College-wide service and leadership. He currently serves as President of the Faculty Senate, Chair of the Academy of Teaching Excellence, and Vice Chair of the Student Academic Appeals Committee. Additionally, he is a member of both the Scholarship Policy Committee and the Student Excellence Awards Committee, and he represents PSC on the Governor’s Statewide Articulation Coordination Committee.
Pensacola State College is proud to celebrate a new partnership with American Magic, the elite yacht racing team competing in the prestigious America’s Cup – and the magical opportunity it created for one exceptional PSC student. Braydon Sult, who will graduate in May with an Associate of Science degree in Mechanical Design & Fabrication, has accepted a full-time position with the American Magic team after impressing leadership during his six-week internship. His technical skill set, positive attitude and eagerness to learn earned him high praise – and a place on the internationally renowned racing team.
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A Mardi Gras themed celebration with a meaningful payoff, how the Humanities and Social Sciences Department goes above and beyond to impact students and faculty, plus the remarkable success story of a later-in-life college student who made the most of extraordinary mentorship. Hosted by Rameca Vincent Leary and Steve Nissim.
Dr. Alexander Crist may be a full-time instructor in PSC’s Humanities and Social Sciences Department, but he’s quick to share the credit when it comes to his teaching.
Ahoy, mateys! Get ready for some swashbuckling fun on Thursday, April 17, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. outside of Buildings 5 and 7 on the Pensacola campus!
PirateQ 