News

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…

Roxanne Rachel Lavelle serves as the College’s Associate Director of Marketing/Web, where she brings imagination, strategy, and heart to everything she touches. Supporting Executive Director of Marketing and College Communications, Sheila Nichols, she helps shape the creative direction of the department, guiding projects alongside graphic artists and leading the Web…

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.

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…

‘Jess Lee Smo’ captures 1st place in Avant Garde Makeup Artist category A former Pensacola State College student is one of the best makeup artists in the world. Jessica Smothers, known professionally as “Jess Lee Smo,” won first place in the Avant Garde Makeup Artist of the Year category at…

When Austin Pugh started courses at Pensacola State, he never imagined his name would one day grace the wall of a College classroom. However, Pugh knows you should “never say never!”

Michaela Rosales has a clear plan for her life. The Pensacola State College graduate earned an associate degree in August and re-enrolled in the College’s Electrocardiograph Technician Program this fall. The Sansing Scholars Endowed Scholarship helped make it possible.

Pensacola State College celebrated its 75th anniversary on Sept. 13 with a full day of events. The College opened on Sept. 13, 1948, with 136 students in Akins Boarding House in downtown Pensacola. PSC has grown to seven campuses and centers – Pensacola, Milton, Warrington, Downtown, Century, South Santa Rosa, and…

Louisiana native and Pensacola State College alumna Carolyn Lungaro has been cooking gumbo for decades. The Spring 2022 PSC culinary management grad recently showcased her skills in the Pensacola Gumbo Cookoff held April 22. Lungaro won first place in showmanship and second place in judges voting for her Mama C’s…

Khaliah Williams’ new job is an important one that will improve the lives of Escambia County’s most vulnerable and those in need. On March 20, Williams, a Pensacola State College alumna, started work as an office assistant for the UF/IFAS Extension Escambia County. She is assigned to the Extension’s Expanded…

A half million dollars is a bunch of money. And at Pensacola State College, one of the consistently affordable colleges in the nation, that $500,000 goes a long way. Pensacola business icon Sandy Sansing has donated over $500,000 in scholarships to more than 1,100 PSC students since starting a scholarship…

It was another reminder that their beloved Carla Williams was gone. Still, the family of the Pensacola State College Pirate legend knew they had to walk through the pain. After all, they and so many others were walking to raise awareness about the trauma and tragedy of domestic violence and…

Bill Davis’ brisket is so good he doesn’t fancy it up with much. “Just salt and pepper” and then cook low and slow for about 13 hours. Not everything that Davis serves in his Texan B’s BBQ food truck is so simple and minimalistic. His pork has a more involved…

PSC alumna Kristian Breeze During spring break 2018, Kristian Breeze and her partner took a road trip to New Mexico. One of the must-see stops for Breeze, a Pensacola State College graphic design student at the time, was the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum in Santa Fe. The museum celebrates one of…

The five honorees recognized at the Pensacola State College Distinguished Alumni Association Awards Gala on Saturday, June 11, have not only made the College better. They have improved their communities as well. “This event celebrated the achievement of outstanding individuals,” said Hailey Lotz, PSC Executive Director or Development, Alumni and…

When Zack Potts was a Pensacola State College student, he didn’t really know that much about all the financial aid opportunities available to students. Now it’s his job to let PSC students and prospective students know about the many ways to receive financial assistance to attend the College. Potts became…

Tyra Henderson started out at Pensacola State College as an EKG student, earning her certificate in the health care field in 2016. She worked in health care for a few years, but when the pandemic hit, she said she just “couldn’t take it anymore.” “I was steered into health care…

Dr. Sueann L. Donahue was known as a teacher’s teacher. She was the teacher that other teachers came to for advice. She was the teacher who helped instruct the teachers who would follow her. Donahue, a PSC alumna, died on Monday, April 4. She was 82 years old. An endowed…

Two new endowment scholarships at Pensacola State College have been created by longtime supporters of the College. Ret. Army Brig. Gen. John Adams and his wife, Dr. Laura Magan, along with friends Gerry and Mitzi Goldstein, have funded an endowment to provide scholarships for students in any field of study,…

Ryan Vann’s business is the fast-growing sport of disc golf. And Vann’s business education began at Pensacola State College. Today, Vann is the owner of Flight Factory, a disc golf store that operates both online and from its brick-and-mortar store on Tippin Avenue near the Pensacola campus. Vann is one of…

C arlita Williams has spent two decades trying to help those who are suffering ─ people in need.  She’s worked at a women’s shelter for domestic violence survivors, as a family assessment worker visiting homes to reduce the risk of child abuse and neglect, and as a behavioral health counselor…

Mike Ensley knows more famous people than you do. It’s a fact. But Ensley also has helped tens of thousands of Pensacola and Northwest Florida residents meet their pop culture heroes – from actors and musicians to professional wrestlers and authors. Ensley, a Pensacola State College alumnus, is the founder…

When the Orlando Magic’s roster was devastated by COVID-19 in December, the NBA team called on former Pensacola State College basketball star Hassani Gravett to help. The Magic signed Gravett, a player for the Magic’s G League affiliate the Lakeland Magic, to two 10-day contracts. The first was signed on…

See video highlights from the 2021 Pirate Experience and Hall of Fame induction.

Dozens of PSC fans, faculty, alumni, coaches and students, along with family members, took over a portion of the right field Winn-Dixie Party Deck on Tuesday for the PSC Alumni and Athletics Night event. It was the first PSC party at a Blue Wahoos game since 2013

Troy Moon, Pensacola State College Local builder Amir Fooladi didn’t put his or his company’s name on the endowed scholarship he established to help Pensacola State College students hoping to enter the construction field. The goal of the PSC Student Constructors Endowed Scholarship isn’t to build the Fooladi name. It’s…

Troy Moon, Pensacola State College Patrice Whitten has always been a leader at Pensacola State College, even before it was Pensacola State College. As a student at then-Pensacola Junior College in the 1970s, Patrice Whitten – then Patrice Shiver – was president of the Student Government Association, recipient of the…

Published: 08-04-2021 Troy Moon, Pensacola State College Like many young artists, Jason Pinckard was inspired by cartoons, comic books and video games. As a child, he would draw all the characters he liked to watch and play on video games, from “Mega Man” to “Looney Tunes” characters. His affinity with…

The Alumni Association Fishing Excursion took place the weekend of April 8th through the 11th. Seventeen guests joined the fun that raised more than $10,300 to benefit the Delta Kappa Alpha Fraternity Alumni Scholarship. The group, comprised of alumni members and supporters, spent their time in Lafitte Louisiana enjoying campsite…

Troy Moon, Pensacola State College Come Monday, Nov. 2, Rhonda Likely isn’t sure what she’s going to do. For 38 ½ years, she’s worked at Pensacola State College and has been assistant director of Human Resources for many of those years. But on Nov. 2? “I’m going to get up…

Members from the Pensacola State College Alumni Association Board celebrated PSC’s culinary programs by participating in a full-service dinner on November 12th. The dinner was to honor the board members for their dedication to the Alumni Association and give them the opportunity to enjoy the fine dining experience offered by the culinary and hospitality students. PSC instructor and chef Jimmie Langham, also an alum, came…

Pensacola State College Alumni Association held their Annual Quail Hunt and Pheasant Shoot on November 6th and 7th.  Thanks to great weather and the wonderful hosts at Dennis Lake Wing Club, participants spent two days enjoying the outdoors and each other’s company all while raising money.  Gerry Goldstein, a faithful supporter of the college, helped…

Troy Moon, Pensacola State College Sandy Sansing is a successful and accomplished man. The Pensacola businessman has built an automobile empire across the Gulf Coast, including seven car dealerships in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties. But Sansing knows he couldn’t do what Regina Young hopes to do – become a…

Mary Mabins, Pensacola State College Dr. Rasheda Likely always was interested in a career in science. A self-described curious child, she “asked why” and questioned just about everything. Today the Pensacola native and Pensacola State College alumna has reached her goals. This summer, Likely earned a doctorate in philosophy in…

Robert Goley is also retired U.S. Army colonel, long-time law enforcement officer. There’s a new lawman in town to keep the peace. OK, it’s not that dramatic. Pensacola State College isn’t a town, after all. But it is a community. And it’s a pretty peaceful community as it is. So…

PSC alumnus is new Performing Arts Director When Pensacola State guitar instructor Joe Stallings formed the College’s first guitar ensemble in 1983, Kenny Phillips was a member. Now, 37 years later, Kenneth Phillips is back at the College and though the surroundings are familiar, the job is brand new. Phillips…

There’s a new lawman in town to keep the peace. OK, it’s not that dramatic. Pensacola State College isn’t a town, after all. But it is a community. And it’s a pretty peaceful community as it is. So new PSC Chief of Police Robert Goley wasn’t hired so much to…

Troy Moon, Pensacola State College About 18 months ago, Caresse Galiza suffered a torn meniscus and a torn ACL in her right knee during a self-defense class. Well, she definitely works in the right place ─ the Pensacola State College Milton campus L.I.F.E. Fitness Center, where there’s plenty of exercise…

Nancy Layne took guitar lessons at Pensacola State College. She also took a poetry class while at PSC. And both skills have helped her establish a footing in Nashville, (Music City USA) Tennessee, where she is a burgeoning singer-songwriter. She recently released the single, “Understand It,” which is available on…

Walk the halls on any Pensacola State College campus, and you’ll see everyone masked up and keeping their distance. Walk into any office and you’ll find hand-sanitizer and more masks. And the disinfectant wipes for each office are on their way. Pensacola State’s Covid-19 Response Plan gives details on how…

A Pensacola State College alumna is making a difference in the community by helping to feed those in need. Kaitlin Santiago, a 2017 Pensacola State graduate, recently moved back home from Washington, D.C., because of the COVID-19 pandemic and, along with Andrea Dias – another former resident ─ started Snack…

Charlie Schuler seeks the beauty of the world, whether in art, language or the lonely sea. The Pensacola State College humanities professor teaches students the classics and educates them on Latin, the history of Greece and Rome, as well as philosophy, art and the elements of academics that provide a…

Pensacola State College President Ed Meadows was in his office on the Pensacola campus, where he has been during much of the COVID-19 pandemic, steadying the Pirate ship amid a sea of worldwide turmoil. The campus is closed – as are all PSC campuses and centers ─ to students and…

For decades, Craig Waters has credited his two years at then- Pensacola Junior College with giving him the start he needed for a career of more than 30 years now as a lawyer and communications director at the Florida Supreme Court. Waters especially mentions his studies in English, history and…

By Troy Moon, Pensacola State College There are five new Pirate legends whose swashbuckling tales of athletic success and glory, and stories of unwavering support for Pensacola State College, are now forever enshrined in the college’s rich history and lore. Inducted into the PSC Athletics Hall of Fame in a…

By Mike Suchcicki, Pensacola State College Kathleen “Katie” Hudon is almost apologetic as she pauses after a sentence to say, “I chase rabbits in conversations.” True, she bounces around a lot, subject-wise, as she describes her work as Director of Student Affairs for the Warrington campus, but it’s not from…

By Troy Moon, Pensacola State College Pensacola State College’s family tree has many branches. But only one branch has three Branches. And the three – Butch and Jeanne Branch, and daughter Michelle Branch – are all graduates of Pensacola State College/Pensacola Junior College, as well as college staff and faculty…

Patrick Rooney says he had some “amazing teachers” during his days at what was then Pensacola Junior College in the early ’70s. One of those teachers of whose memories he remains quite fond was a math instructor, Mary Pfeiffer. Pfeiffer knew Rooney was a star math student and was, in…

MICHAEL V. HARRELL SCHOLARSHIP TO BENEFIT CULINARY, HOSPITALITY, ENTREPRENEURSHIP MAJORS Gary A. DeLapp, recipient of the 2019 Pensacola State College Distinguished Alumni Life Achievement Award, has established a scholarship to honor his longtime mentor –the late Michael V. Harrell. Open to culinary and hospitality management, culinary arts and business entrepreneurship…

By Troy Moon Pensacola State College So, you’ve been out of school for a few years now, but you’re only a few credit hours away from graduating. Well, Pensacola State College wants you to come back to finish what you started. Heck, even Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis wants you to…

National average for passing rate is 70 percent Troy Moon   They studied together. They struggled together. And when it was time for 12 Pensacola State College veterinary technician students to take a national competency exam, they all passed together. It’s the first 100 percent passing rate for a class…

This 70th Anniversary Commemorative Edition publication celebrates the historical milestones of Pensacola State College and the accomplishments of eight distinguished alumni.  It also recognizes the supporters of our Distinguished Alumni Awards Gala, the Alumni Association Board of Directors and our Lifetime Charter members. As Pensacola State enters its 71st…

Louis Allen Ross, who, for 36 years, was a fixture at Pensacola State (Junior) College as a professor, assistant Registrar and Registrar, died Nov. 16 at the age of 98.

Former PSC Pirate basketball standout Glover Jackson was in the stands. For those who don’t remember, Jackson was a member of the College’s 1993 NJCAA Division 1 National Championship team coached by Bob Marlin. Jackson, a center, went on to play for the LSU Tigers and then spent three years…

Support for Scholarships… It was a hunt to remember! The setting was amazing, the weather was perfect and just chilly enough to get everyone in a fall frame of mind and ready to shoot for scholarships! After a Friday afternoon of quail hunting and evening dinner and camaraderie, Saturday 28…

Darlene Mosley, a beloved Pensacola State College Milton campus instructor, doesn’t remember Jennifer Hill Faron as a student. Which must mean one thing: “She must have been good and paid attention,” said Mosley, an associate professor in PSC’s History, Language and Social Sciences Department. “The students I remember most are…

Two notable Pensacola State College alumni are in the news with separate achievements.

More than 100 fans turned out Tuesday night to meet and greet a couple of Pensacola State greats as well as current student-athletes during this year’s Pirate Experience. The 2019 Athletics Hall of Fame inductees ─ Joel Anthony and Bob Marlin ─ were special guests at the annual event held…

More than forty DKA Brothers, including several of the Founders gathered with their Wives and DKA Sweethearts for the unveiling of the Delta Kappa Alpha Memorial Cabinet. Among the Brothers in attendance were 7 of the Founders: George Gaines, Ira Lee Jones, Steve Van Wezel, Al Shams, Roger Eaton, Raymond…

Explore the many worlds of Lyceum — concerts, comedy, drama, dance, exhibitions, and lectures featuring nationally and internationally recognized speakers and performers as well as local talent. Initiated in 1958 by Performing Arts Chair John T. Venettozzi, the PSC Lyceum Series is the oldest continuous cultural arts program in the…

Pensacola State College’s Pirate fans can now purchase athletic apparel and other items from the comfort of their home, office or anywhere with a Wi-Fi connection. Online retailer, Squad Locker, has an array of Pensacola State Athletics apparel including hoodies, T-shirts, polo shirts, caps, shorts, stadium seats, blankets, footwear and…

Retailer to offer 30 percent discount to College’s students, alumni, employees. WANT TO GO? The first Pensacola State College “Suit Up” event is set for 6-9 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 6, at J.C. Penney, 7171 N Davis Highway. The event is open to all PSC students, staff and alumni. The retailer…

The former player, under Coach Pena, not only had an outstanding career here at Pensacola State College but South Carolina as well. The long-range sharpshooter has now set his sights on a bigger stage. After graduating from South Carolina he has been in the spotlight playing in Las Vegas at the National 3X3U Championship…

“Dona and Milton Usry have been longtime friends and supporters of Pensacola State College,” said Pensacola State President Ed Meadows. “The PSC family thanks you for your generosity in endowing this scholarship that will help our students achieve their goals and dreams.” The Dona and Milton Usry Endowed Accounting Scholarship…

A recent Pensacola State College graduate will be the featured artist for this month’s Gallery Night set for Friday, July 17, in downtown Pensacola. Tracy Carpenter who earned her associate degree in photography in May 2019 will showcase some of her work during the event. Gallery Night is set for…

It has been a great experience to be a fellow of the American Physical Therapy Association Education Leadership Institute (ELI.) I have never imagined to be a part of this prestigious fellowship and be surrounded by the leaders in the profession. I would like to thank God, my family, friends,…

Pensacola State College Alum, Steve Olesky, Senior director of the digital creative department at Ralph Lauren Corp., inspired graphic design students at the Anna Lamar Switzer Center for Visual Arts. 

Summer Cool Down. Water Safety Tip for Dogs…

Sophomore pitcher Chad Bryant was chosen by the Atlanta Braves in the 25th round of the MLB Draft. Bryant, who signed with the University of Alabama, went 2-2 for the Pirates this season. For Bryant, it makes the third time his name has been called in the draft (39th rd Texas Rangers…

Freshman Pitcher Jake Sweeney was drafted in the 36th Round by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the MLB Draft. Sweeney went 2-5 on the mound while striking out 42 batters in 31 innings for the Pirates.

Eight highly-accomplished Pensacola State alumni were recognized at the College’s 2019 Distinguished Alumni Awards Gala held Saturday, May 4, in the Jean and Paul Amos Performance Studio on the Pensacola campus. “Building on Tradition – Investing in the Future” was the theme of the inaugural event where alumni were recognized…

Established by Pensacola State College President, Ed Meadows in May 2019, this endowed scholarship will benefit a full or part-time PSC student enrolled in an A.A., A.S. or B.A.S./B.S.N. field of study with preference given to those students majoring in STEM, health sciences or nursing. Criteria: The student must remain…

Delta Kappa Alpha Fraternity, in partnership with the Pensacola State College Alumni Association, has raised funds to establish a new endowed scholarship fund. This scholarship will benefit students at Pensacola State College who qualify. Delta Kappa Alpha Fraternity was active from the early 1960s until the early 1990s.  DKA (Deke)…

Established by Jarl J.T. and Deidre L. Young to provide opportunities for access to education and encourage and incentivize young African-Americans in Escambia County to reach higher and strive to do more. J.T. is the winner of 2019 PSC Distinguished Alumni Life Achievement Award and his wife Deidre served as a…

Gary’s Family and Friends established the Gary A. DeLapp Alumni Scholarship fund to honor Gary for his life of accomplishments. Gary was chosen as a recipient of the 2019 Pensacola State College Distinguished Alumni Life Achievement Award which was announced at the Awards Gala held on May 4, 2019, at…

15 fishermen participated in the Alumni Association Delta Kappa Alpha Fishing Excursion in Lafitte, Louisiana. Proceeds will benefit the Delta Kappa Alpha Scholarship Fund.

The Pensacola State College Alumni Association is seeking nominations for the 2019 Distinguished Alumni Awards. Awards will be presented at the inaugural Distinguished Alumni Awards Gala to be held on Saturday, May 4 at 6:00 p.m. in the Jean and Paul Amos Performance Studio on the Pensacola campus.

“I didn’t graduate from high school. I was 24 years old, and a friend of mine said, ‘You think you’re so smart. Why don’t you go take your GED and try to pass it?’” said Ronnie Rivera. Rivera suggested the “right mix” of social problems and family dynamics led to…

Paula Work believes that art is fundamental. “I feel it’s sort of a core thing that can help you learn about yourself – whether you become an acting artist or not,” Work shared. Work teaches drawing, painting and printmaking at Pensacola State College and strives to impart what she’s learned…

It was standing room only when Pensacola State and Pen Air Federal Credit Union employees gathered Tuesday, Sept. 19, for the naming ceremony of the Pen Air Federal Credit Union Classroom in the Edward M. Chadbourne Library. In November, Pen Air donated $100,000 to Pensacola State to coincide with the…

Pen Air makes $100,000.00 gift to PSC Alumni Association…