PirateQ 
Troy Moon, Pensacola State College
Several new faces and a familiar one have joined the Pensacola State College Foundation Board of Governors for the 2021-2023 term.
New board members are Jo-Ann Price, Fallon Kurpuis and Dick Dixon. Lisa McKenzie Dampier, who served on the Board of Governors in the 1990s, rejoined the board.
● A former educator, Price is a well-known and generous College supporter. She and her husband, Michael Price, founded the College’s Change Maker program in December 2020.
More than $175,000 was donated to help Pensacola State students and an inaugural “Change Maker ─ Expanding Possibilities” reception held Dec. 9.
The Prices contributed $100,000 to launch the program and offset losses when the College’s annual Holiday Experience fundraiser was canceled in 2020 because of COVID-19.
Also, Price is president and founder of the Price Family Private Foundation, which helps support education, military, senior citizens, childhood medical programs, and other groups and nonprofits in Northwest Florida.
“PSC does what is important and necessary in this community,” Price said at a recent board member orientation session. “This particular institution has changed the lives of so many people. This is where they start. I want to know what’s going on here and be a part of helping however I can. I want to help make the programs more relevant and let the community know what is here because it is a jewel. This facility provides opportunities that people don’t get other places.”
● A Pensacola State alumna and University of Florida graduate, Kurpuis said she is drawn to Pensacola State’s image and skill-based mission.
“I’m finally at a point in my career where it’s stable and consistent enough to where I feel I’m ready to give back to the community,” said Kurpuis, who is a licensed mortgage broker with DHI Mortgage.
“… Also, there’s the fact that PSC has the least student debt of any school. For me coming out of college with a lot of student debt, that’s a huge deal. I also think education is the cornerstone for anyone’s progress. It’s important to support that.”
● Dixon, a retired manufacturing representative and University of Virginia graduate, said he has come to appreciate what Pensacola State means to the community. He also lauded the College’s workforce programs.
“I have a real love for the Pensacola area, and I love the idea of Pensacola State College because it has such a diverse group of programs,” said the Virginia native who moved here five years ago.
“I think it’s the way of the future for colleges and universities. A college like this will give some of its graduates real jobs and real goals for a career, and a movement to a career. It’s the way to go, and I want to be part of it.”
● Dampier is an auto dealer with McKenzie Motors Buick GMC in Milton.
The incoming Board of Governors join other 27 other members of the College Foundation’s Board including: Doug Bates, Becca Boles, Pam Caddell, Candi Carroll, Jennifer Cole, Gerry Goldstein, Damaris Gonzalez, Lane Harper, Sharon Hess Herrick, Pam Hatt , Dr. Tom Lampone, Kramer Litvak, Scott Luth, Lumon May, Dr. Marjan Mazza, Mike Morette, Alan Nickelsen, Tom Owens, Trey Poirier, James Reeves, Betty Roberts, Mayor Grover Robinson IV, Kerry Anne Schultz, Chandra Smiley, Gordon “Flash” Sprague, Gene Valentino, and Bill Wein.