Adam Clayton Colby

The 2024-2027 Strategic Plan for St. Petersburg College outlines a three-year roadmap to continue its legacy of creating opportunity and driving progress. The plan focuses on increasing student achievement in high-value programs, boosting persistence and graduation rates, expanding clinicals, internships, and apprenticeships, and deepening partnerships with employers. Additionally, it aims to strengthen the community by investing in talented employees, re-engaging alumni, and connecting with residents to promote the value of higher education, with the vision of creating better jobs, better lives, and better communities.

The budgeting workshop included discussions and requests for funding related to several initiatives. These included the Cecil B. Keene Enrichment Program, the College Reach Out Program, the Summer of Success program, and the Student Support Services Program. There were also requests for additional financial aid counselors to serve various campuses and to lead in financial literacy and debt management efforts. Additionally, there was a discussion about reinstituting a face-to-face mandatory orientation for new students.

The meeting included a retirement resolution for Miss Virginia White, recognizing her contributions to the College of Veterinary Technology. SPC spotlights included graduation, donations from the Patrick Brett Foundation, a grant for apprenticeships, and a golf tournament. The board discussed the line worker program in partnership with Duke Energy. The board also discussed summer enrollment and face mask mandates. The board approved the minutes from the April 20th meeting. The board also discussed the sale of the college's district office and adjunct faculty union contract discussions. The board also discussed student affairs.

The meeting included discussions regarding the selection of a new president, with multiple speakers expressing their views on the process and the qualities desired in a candidate. Concerns were raised about the fairness and openness of the selection committee's procedures, with some suggesting a return to the original pool of eight candidates. Other topics included the importance of academic credentials, leadership qualities, and the need for a president who prioritizes the college's mission and the needs of its students.

The meeting included discussions on various topics such as a presentation of retirement, scholarship presentations, and the policy institute. There were discussions on the individualized student learning plan, its rollout pilots, and the next steps for its improvement. The board also discussed the American Community College Trustees Association and the University of South Florida St. Petersburg's new center opening.