PirateQ 
College outlines campus restoration, community partnerships and student assistance as new president begins tenure
Pensacola State College leaders updated the District Board of Trustees Tuesday on the College’s recovery from Hurricane Isaias, including campus damage, restoration efforts and assistance for students and the surrounding community. Trustees also approved an employment agreement for President J. Alex Kelly, who began his tenure Monday.
The hurricane caused damage across PSC’s campuses, including water intrusion, roof damage, fallen trees and disruptions to building systems. The Milton Campus sustained particularly significant damage, including to its library, while facilities at the Pensacola, Warrington, Downtown and South Santa Rosa locations were also affected.
PSC resumed classes Monday, Oct. 19, following a coordinated recovery effort involving facilities personnel, contractors and employees across the College. Crews worked to clear debris, address water and roof damage, and restore essential services, including a fiber connection disrupted by the storm.
“Our faculty and staff have done extraordinary work to get our campuses ready to welcome students back,” Kelly said. “We also recognize that many of our students, employees and neighbors are still dealing with the storm’s effects. Our priority is making sure they have the support and flexibility they need to move forward.”
Supporting Students and the Community
Even as PSC worked to restore its own facilities, the College helped support recovery efforts across Escambia and Santa Rosa counties.
The Milton Campus hosted a Multi-Agency Resource Center coordinated by the Florida Division of Emergency Management, providing a location where residents could connect with disaster assistance and recovery resources. At the Pensacola Campus, PSC provided space for Florida Power & Light to stage crews supporting power restoration and for telecommunications providers to establish cellphone charging stations for the community.
The Walmart Foundation provided $5,000 in gift cards to the Pensacola State College Foundation to purchase food and essential supplies for students and employees affected by the hurricane. Through Pirates CARE, the College plans to distribute Hurricane Relief Kits to approximately 250 students and staff. The Florida College System Foundation is also contributing $2,500 to support hurricane recovery assistance through Pirates CARE.
The College also organized meals for students returning to campus. On Monday, Oct. 19, more than 150 students received breakfast at the Warrington Campus, while more than 250 students were served a hot lunch at the Pensacola Campus.
On Wednesday, Oct. 21, Pirates CARE plans to serve a hot lunch and distribute Hurricane Relief Kits at the Milton Campus beginning at 11:30 a.m.
PSC students have also contributed directly to the region’s recovery. Members of the College’s baseball team traded their bats and gloves for shovels and rakes, helping clear hurricane debris in the community.
“Pensacola State College is deeply connected to the communities we serve,” Kelly said. “It’s encouraging to see our students, employees and community partners working together to help our neighbors recover. That’s the kind of commitment that makes this institution special.”
Students experiencing financial or personal hardship can seek assistance through Pirates CARE, which provides access to food, emergency financial assistance and other support services. Information about the program is available at pensacolastate.edu/piratescare.
Board Approves Presidential Employment Agreement
In other business, trustees approved a four-year employment agreement for Kelly, who became Pensacola State College’s seventh president Oct. 19.
The agreement provides an annual base salary of $330,000, which is less than his predecessor, and includes a performance-based compensation component.
Board Chair Zack Smith said the agreement reflects the Board’s expectations for leadership, accountability and measurable institutional progress.
“We are excited about the experience and perspective Alex brings to Pensacola State College,” Smith said. “The Board wanted an agreement that establishes clear expectations and rewards performance. We believe this approach supports our commitment to strong leadership, responsible stewardship of public resources and meaningful results for our students and the communities we serve.”
Before becoming PSC president, Kelly served as Florida’s Secretary of Commerce, overseeing the state’s economic development, workforce and community development programs. His previous leadership positions included deputy chief of staff in the Governor’s Office and senior leadership roles in Florida’s education system.
“I’m grateful for the Board’s confidence and especially thankful to our students, faculty, staff and college leadership for their dedication to Pensacola State College and the surrounding communities during this challenging time,” Kelly said. “I’m excited to work alongside them and build on the college’s strong tradition of service.”