Our Beginning, Our History, Our Excellence
The History of Gibbs Junior College and Its Connection to St. Petersburg College
1957
Jonathan Clarkson Gibbs
Source: Florida Memory
Gibbs Junior College was established in 1957 as one of Florida’s 12 Black junior colleges, created during the era of segregation to provide higher education opportunities for African American students. Located in St. Petersburg, Gibbs Junior College was named after Jonathan Clarkson Gibbs, Florida’s first African American Secretary of State and Superintendent of Public Instruction. The college was a vital institution for Black students in Pinellas County and surrounding areas, offering academic programs and workforce training that helped shape future community leaders.
Under the leadership of its founding president, John W. Rembert, Gibbs Junior College flourished, providing students with access to education in the face of systemic racial barriers. The institution cultivated a strong academic and cultural environment, with faculty and staff deeply committed to student success. However, as Florida’s higher education system began integrating in the mid-1960s, many historically Black junior colleges were merged with predominantly white institutions.
1965
Gibbs Junior College merged with St. Petersburg Junior College (now St. Petersburg College) in 1965. Many students transferred to SPC to continue their education, and several faculty and staff members from Gibbs also joined the institution. This transition marked an important moment in St. Petersburg College’s commitment to diversity and inclusion, as Gibbs Junior College’s legacy became woven into the fabric of SPC’s history.
2011
On June 30, 2011, more than 60 former administrators, teachers, coaches and athletes who were instrumental in the history of Gibbs Junior College were honored during the inaugural induction ceremony for the Hall of Fame. It was created by the Gibbs Junior College Alumni Association (GJCAA) to honor those who served the institution between 1958 and 1965.
Special recognition was offered to Robert Williams, a science instructor who overcame disabilities to earn a college degree and then teach at Gibbs. A special physical achievement recognition certificate has been created in Williams’ name and will be awarded in the future to Gibbs students who had to overcome physical disabilities.
“This event honors our inductees, recognizes our supporters and sponsors as well as promotes the efforts of the Gibbs Junior College Alumni Association to keep the legacy alive by raising funds to sustain our general scholarship program,” said W.H. “Bill” McCloud, a 1963 graduate of Gibbs Junior College and member of the Hall of Fame Committee.
Present Day
Today, St. Petersburg College honors the legacy of Gibbs Junior College by recognizing the achievements of its alumni and the important role the institution played in expanding educational opportunities. The integration of Gibbs Junior College into SPC represents a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to provide equitable access to higher education for all students. Through scholarships, historical recognition and alumni engagement, SPC continues to celebrate the impact of Gibbs Junior College and its contributions to the community.
