[{"Author":"","ImageCaption":"","CategoryIds":"2338|2210|2308","Content":"<p>St. Petersburg College and Western Governors University formalized a new partnership at SPC’s Clearwater Campus, expanding transfer and workforce pathways for Florida students, especially working adults and other nontraditional learners.</p><p>The agreement creates streamlined transfer options for SPC graduates who want to continue into WGU’s online, competency-based bachelor’s and graduate programs in business, technology, health and education. Leaders from both institutions say the collaboration reflects a shared commitment to flexibility, affordability and student success.</p><p>Through the agreement, SPC graduates and employees are eligible to apply for the $3,500 WGU Community College Partner Scholarship, receive a free WGU application and benefit from streamlined transcript services.</p><h2>Empowering Adult Learners</h2><p>WGU, a private, online university known for serving adult learners, enrolls students with an average age of 37. Its flat-rate, six-month tuition model allows students to complete as many courses as they can during a term, giving them greater control over both pace and cost. Many students who transfer with an associate degree complete their bachelor’s degree within a year.</p><p>Mary Hendrick, WGU’s Director of Transfer Partnerships, said her own educational journey shapes her commitment to students whose goals were delayed by life circumstances. After starting college in a traditional setting, Hendrick returned years later as a working mother to complete her degree. “There are so many students with big dreams who, for whatever reason, life derailed,” said Hendrick. “We are an institution of second chances. We exist to help students finish what they started.”</p><h2>Strengthening Access and Opportunities for SPC Students</h2><p>SPC leaders say the partnership strengthens the College’s long-standing focus on access and community connection while opening additional doors for graduates.</p><p>“This partnership creates another intentional pathway for our students to continue their education, particularly at the bachelor’s and graduate levels,” said Dr. Matthew Liao-Troth, SPC Vice President for Academic Affairs. “Together, we are expanding opportunity and making it easier for learners to advance their careers without barriers.”</p><p>The collaboration underscores both institutions' shared mission: providing flexible, affordable education that meets students where they are and empowers them to take the next step.</p>","Date":"2026-03-09T18:14:00","FeaturedImage":{"isValid":true,"src":"/Images/Newsroom/WGU-SPC-signing.jpg","w":"","h":"","alt":"group of SPC and WGU staffers celebrating signing a contract in the table in front of them"},"Headline":"Partnership with WGU Expands Flexible Degree Pathways for Working Adults","Link":{"isValid":true,"url":"spc-newsroom/partnership-with-wgu-expands-flexible-degree-pathways-for-working-adults","value":{},"title":"Partnership with WGU Expands Flexible Degree Pathways for Working Adults","target":"","isCurrent":false,"attributes":{}},"OpenGraphDescription":"SPC and Western Governors University formalized a new partnership that expands transfer and workforce pathways for Florida students, especially working adults and other nontraditional learners.","Teaser":"","ThumbnailImage":{"isValid":true,"src":"/Images/Newsroom/WGU-SPC-signing-sm.jpg","w":"","h":"","alt":"group of SPC and WGU staffers celebrating signing a contract in the table in front of them"},"Title":"Partnership with WGU Expands Flexible Degree Pathways for Working Adults"},{"Author":"","ImageCaption":"","CategoryIds":"1321|2115|2210|2433|2338","Content":"<p>St. Petersburg College will host the 2026 SPC Construction EXPO on March 10 at the SPC Douglas L. Jamerson Jr. Midtown Center, 1300 22nd St S., St. Petersburg, bringing together students, educators, industry professionals and community members to explore careers in <a href="/future-students/degrees-training/engineering-manufacturing-and-building-arts/building-arts" title="Building Arts website">construction</a> and <a href="/friends-partners/community-resources/university-partnership-center/engineering-technology" title="Engineering Technology website">engineering</a>.</p><p>The event is designed to inspire the next generation of skilled professionals by showcasing career opportunities, emerging technologies and real-world industry applications. Companies and organizations will have the opportunity to present their work, share career insights and connect directly with students and prospective workers.</p><p>Approximately 150 participants are expected, including current SPC students and alumni, local community members, St. Petersburg College STEM Collegiate High School students and Pinellas County middle and high school students.</p><ul><li><strong>Date</strong>: Tuesday, March 10</li><li><strong>Time</strong>: 9:30 a.m. to noon (Exhibits and activities)</li><li><strong>Location</strong>: SPC Douglas L. Jamerson Jr. <a href="https://maps.google.com/maps/dir//St.+Petersburg+College+(SPC)+-+Cecil+B.+Keene+Achievement+Center+1048+22nd+St+S+St.+Petersburg,+FL+33712/@27.7597699,-82.6627755,17z/data=!4m5!4m4!1m0!1m2!1m1!1s0x88c2e23b8a03bf13:0x542fa58eea3c9447" target="_blank" title="directions to Midtown Center" rel="noopener">Midtown Center</a>, 1300 22nd St. S., St. Petersburg</li></ul><h2>EXPO Activities</h2><ul><li style="list-style-type: none;"><ul><li>Company exhibits and industry displays (indoor lobby)</li><li>20-minute industry presentations (various rooms)</li><li>Live demonstrations and equipment showcases (parking lot)</li></ul></li></ul><p>“The SPC Construction EXPO creates a direct bridge between students and industry, giving learners the chance to see what today’s construction and engineering careers really look like and how they can prepare for them now,” said Djuan Fox, Associate Dean of Academic Services for SPC’s Downtown and Midtown Centers. “By bringing employers, educators and future professionals together in one place, we’re strengthening workforce pathways and helping build the next generation of talent for our region.”</p><p>The Construction EXPO supports SPC’s workforce development mission by strengthening connections between education and industry while helping students better understand high-demand, high-skill career pathways in the building and engineering sectors.</p><p>For information, contact Tracy Garrett at 727-341-3172 or <a href="mailto:garrett.tracy@spcollege.edu" target="_blank" title="email Tracy Garrett at garrett.tracy@spcollege.edu" rel="noopener">garrett.tracy@spcollege.edu</a>.</p>","Date":"2026-03-04T14:37:00","FeaturedImage":{"isValid":true,"src":"/Images/Newsroom/construction-expo-25.jpg","w":"","h":"","alt":"male student operating a heavy equipment excavator with a supervisor in a hard hat looking on"},"Headline":"SPC to Host 2026 Construction EXPO to Connect Students and Industry Leaders","Link":{"isValid":true,"url":"spc-newsroom/construction-expo-2026-connects-students-and-industry-leaders","value":{},"title":"Construction EXPO 2026 Connects Students and Industry Leaders","target":"","isCurrent":false,"attributes":{}},"OpenGraphDescription":"Discover the latest trends and innovations in construction and how SPC can prepare you for these jobs. The annual event highlights construction and engineering career pathways.","Teaser":"","ThumbnailImage":{"isValid":true,"src":"/Images/Newsroom/construction-expo-25-sm.jpg","w":"","h":"","alt":"male student operating a heavy equipment excavator with a supervisor in a hard hat looking on"},"Title":"Construction EXPO 2026 Connects Students and Industry Leaders"},{"Author":"","ImageCaption":"","CategoryIds":"2210|2308|2433|2338","Content":"<p>St. Petersburg College and Western Governors University will formalize a new partnership during a signing ceremony on March 2 from 1 to 2:30 p.m. at SPC’s Clearwater Campus in LI-109, 2465 Drew St. Leaders from both institutions will gather to mark the collaboration, which expands flexible, affordable and workforce-aligned degree pathways for Florida students.</p><p>The agreement creates clearer transfer and career pathways for SPC graduates who want to continue their education in WGU’s online, competency-based bachelor’s and graduate programs. The partnership supports working adults and place-bound learners, reflecting both institutions' shared commitment to access, affordability, and workforce readiness.</p><p>“For nearly 100 years, St. Petersburg College has been helping students achieve their education and career goals through impactful and low-cost degrees and professional certificates,” said Kimberly K. Estep, Ph.D., Southeast regional vice president for WGU. “Our missions align very well, and we look forward to a long and prosperous partnership that will help prepare Floridians for the workforce needs of today and tomorrow.”</p><p>WGU currently serves a large population in Florida, with 21,668 graduates statewide and 11,743 active Florida students as of December 2025. The new partnership is expected to expand further access to flexible degree options in business, technology, health and education.</p><p>“This partnership creates an additional pathway for our students in our nationally recognized academic and workforces programs to continue their education, especially at the graduate level,” said Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Matthew Liao-Troth. “Together, we are expanding opportunity and making it easier for learners to continue their education and advance their careers without barriers.”</p><h2>Event Agenda</h2><ul><li>12:45 p.m.: SPC and WGU representatives arrive</li><li>1 p.m.: Welcome remarks from Dr. Liao-Troth and Dr. Hendrick</li><li>1:15 p.m.: Signing and photos</li><li>1:30 p.m.: Event concludes</li></ul><h2>Partnership Benefits</h2><ul><li>Transfer-friendly pathways from SPC to WGU programs</li><li>SPC graduates and employees are eligible to apply for the $3,500 WGU Community College Partner Scholarship</li><li>Free WGU application for SPC graduates and staff</li><li>No-cost transcript retrieval through the National Student Clearinghouse with student permission</li></ul>","Date":"2026-02-26T14:21:00","FeaturedImage":{"isValid":true,"src":"/Images/Newsroom/Business-student3.jpg","w":"","h":"","alt":"female student with long blonde hair, in a black suit jacket, holding a laptopd"},"Headline":"Partnership Signing Ceremony Between SPC and WGU on March 2","Link":{"isValid":true,"url":"spc-newsroom/partnership-signing-ceremony-between-spc-and-wgu-on-march-2","value":{},"title":"Partnership Signing Ceremony Between SPC and WGU on March 2","target":"","isCurrent":false,"attributes":{}},"OpenGraphDescription":"Collaboration expands transfer and workforce pathways for Florida students","Teaser":"","ThumbnailImage":{"isValid":true,"src":"/Images/Newsroom/Business-student3-sm.jpg","w":"","h":"","alt":"female student with long blonde hair, in a black suit jacket, holding a laptop"},"Title":"Partnership Signing Ceremony Between SPC and WGU on March 2"},{"Author":"","ImageCaption":"","CategoryIds":"2210|2113|2338|1318","Content":"<p>When St. Petersburg College Professor Shelbey Rosengarten arrived in Nitra, Slovakia, in early September, she didn’t know anyone, didn’t know the language and had no idea what to expect. And that was exactly the point. Getting to know the people and culture of this small agricultural town was all part of the experience of being a Fulbright Scholar.</p><p><img src="Images/Newsroom/fulbright-group1.jpg" width="221" height="301" class="float-right" alt="Professor Shelbey Rosengarten taking a selfie with a group of students" />The Fulbright Program is the U.S. government’s flagship program of international educational and cultural exchange, offering students and scholars in more than 160 countries the opportunity to study, teach, conduct research and exchange ideas. Selected for the prestigious award for the 2025 Fall Term, Rosengarten joined a distinguished group that includes Nobel Laureates, Pulitzer Prize winners and heads of state. The award provided the opportunity to teach English and American Studies at Constantine the Philosopher University in Nitra.</p><p>“I’ve always been interested in how different countries teach writing,” said Rosengarten, who teaches English composition, literature and technical writing at SPC.</p><p>Rosengarten previously conducted virtual exchanges with professors in Northern Ireland, and she led SPC students on a Study Abroad trip to Ireland in 2024. She enjoys experimenting with different approaches to creative writing and is already brimming with ideas from her time in Nitra to bring back to her classes at SPC.</p><p>“Every semester I change things up,” she said. Focusing on academic, argumentative, analytical, professional and reflective writing, she also incorporates media literacy and creative thought into her classes, encouraging students to think critically and explore their potential. “Creative thinking is a big part of my classes. Being playful is important in everyone’s education, it’s how you come up with new ideas.”</p><p>Living in Nitra has allowed her to step outside of her comfort zone as she’s been making connections, learning some Slovakian (or trying), exploring the town and its castle, and joining an English conversation club at a local bookstore led by a retired teacher.</p><p>“I end up chatting with people at shops and restaurants because they hear an American accent and they have questions,” she said. “I tend to be shy, but I wanted to make the most of this, so I’ve been trying things and going places. That’s not something I would have been ready to do 10 or 20 years ago.”</p><p>She’s also been visiting other classes at the university just to chat, offering students a chance to hear an American accent and ask questions as they work on their English. “It’s surprising how many students have never met anyone from America.”</p><p>She hopes her story will inspire others to apply for Fulbright.</p><p>“The exposure to difference experiences and cultures brings intangible benefits,” she said. “We all face similar struggles, and there so much to learn from each other.”</p>","Date":"2026-02-19T16:12:00","FeaturedImage":{"isValid":true,"src":"/Images/Newsroom/Fulbright-Rosengarten.jpg","w":"","h":"","alt":"Professor Shelbey Rosengarten with a group of fellow scholars"},"Headline":"Across Cultures and Classrooms: A Scholar's Fulbright Journey in Slovakia","Link":{"isValid":true,"url":"spc-newsroom/across-cultures-and-classrooms","value":{},"title":"Across Cultures and Classrooms","target":"","isCurrent":false,"attributes":{}},"OpenGraphDescription":"St. Petersburg College Professor Shelbey Rosengarten took part in the Fulbright Program in Fall 2025","Teaser":"","ThumbnailImage":{"isValid":true,"src":"/Images/Newsroom/Fulbright-Rosengarten-sm.jpg","w":"","h":"","alt":"Professor Shelbey Rosengarten with a group of fellow scholars"},"Title":"Across Cultures and Classrooms"},{"Author":"","ImageCaption":"","CategoryIds":"2338|1318|2312","Content":"<p>SPC alumna-turned professor Arlenne Negron is helping students communicate, connect and celebrate Deaf culture</p><p>When American Sign Language (ASL) Professor Arlenne Negron first chose to attend St. Petersburg College as a student, she was looking for more than just an education. She wanted a community that valued acceptance and accessibility. She found exactly that at SPC. From the moment Negron arrived on campus, she felt a sense of belonging and knew she had made the right choice.</p><div class="float-right"><img src="Images/Newsroom/Arlene-Negron.jpg" alt="American Sign Language (ASL) Professor Arlenne Negron" /><span>Jose Heinert works with Carolyn Otero Torres</span></div><p>Negron was especially drawn to the College after learning that it had a strong Deaf program and a reputation for offering a welcoming environment. As a deaf student, she experienced firsthand the difference a truly supportive learning environment can make. Her teachers never treated her as “less capable” because of her deafness, a mindset that transformed how she viewed herself as a learner.</p><p>“Their belief in my abilities motivated me to push harder, take on challenges and never lower my own expectations,” Negron said. “It gave me the confidence to advocate for myself and to see my deaf identity as a strength rather than a barrier.”</p><h2>Returning home to teach</h2><p>After graduating from SPC in 2004 with her Associate in Arts degree, Negron transferred to the University of Florida to continue her education. She eventually began building a career that focused on Deaf culture, sign language and accessibility. She worked in a variety of settings dedicated to bridging the communication gap between deaf and hearing communities. Her passion for advocacy guided her professional journey, but her heart never strayed far from her alma mater, the place that had shaped her purpose.</p><p>“When the opportunity to teach ASL opened up at SPC, it felt like coming home,” Negron said. “It was the perfect way to give back to the community that once supported me.”</p><p>Since joining SPC as a faculty member in 2019, Negron has become an integral part of the College’s ASL program. She takes great pride in watching her students discover the beauty and expressiveness of sign language.</p><p>“It’s such a joy to see their eyes light up when they realize they’re truly communicating with their hands, faces and expressions,” she said. “I also love teaching them how to become advocates for the Deaf community — helping them understand not only the language but the culture and responsibility that come with it.”</p><p>Beyond teaching, Negron serves as the advisor for the SPC student ASL club, empowering student-leaders to plan events that celebrate Deaf culture and community. She finds it rewarding to watch her students make their own decisions, build strong bonds with each other and grow as leaders in the community.</p><p>Looking back, Negron credits the College with instilling the perseverance, empathy and confidence that continue to guide her today. She wants to encourage that same confidence in her own students, reminding them that they are stronger than they think, but it’s always okay to ask for help, too.</p><h2>Building connection</h2><p>SPC has a lot of amazing qualities, but Negron believes that what makes the College truly unique are its heart and how it creates a welcoming space for everyone.</p><p>Looking ahead, she hopes to someday lead a deaf awareness initiative at SPC to further that feeling of belonging at the College. It would include ASL workshops and cultural training as well as outreach events that bring deaf and hearing students and employees together. She wants people to understand that the Deaf community is vibrant, expressive and proud.</p><p>“Inclusion is about more than access. It’s about understanding and connection,” Negron said. “When people take the time to learn ASL or show patience and openness, it means the world. I hope more people take the time to connect, because when we truly communicate, we all grow together.”</p><blockquote>“Because my teachers believed in me, I wanted to be that same kind of support for my students,” Negron said. “I try to challenge them while also standing beside them, just like my teachers did for me.”</blockquote>","Date":"2026-02-16T16:12:00","FeaturedImage":{"isValid":true,"src":"/Images/Newsroom/Arlene-Negron-award.jpg","w":"","h":"","alt":"SPC President Dr. Tonjua Williams, Arlene Negron, Matthew Liao-Troth VP, Academic Affairs and Amber Estlund Associate Dean at Clearwater"},"Headline":"The Power of a Gesture","Link":{"isValid":true,"url":"spc-newsroom/the-power-of-a-gesture","value":{},"title":"The Power of a Gesture","target":"","isCurrent":false,"attributes":{}},"OpenGraphDescription":"SPC alumna-turned professor Arlenne Negron is helping students communicate, connect and celebrate Deaf culture.","Teaser":"","ThumbnailImage":{"isValid":true,"src":"/Images/Newsroom/Arlene-Negron-award-sm.jpg","w":"","h":"","alt":"SPC President Dr. Tonjua Williams, Arlene Negron, Matthew Liao-Troth VP, Academic Affairs and Amber Estlund Associate Dean at Clearwater"},"Title":"The Power of a Gesture"},{"Author":"","ImageCaption":"","CategoryIds":"2308|2338","Content":"<h2>ST. PETERSBURG COLLEGE (SPC) AND UNITED FACULTY OF FLORIDA (UFF)</h2><p>A public meeting of representatives of SPC and UFF to conduct collective bargaining negotiations pursuant to Article 22 of SPC-UFF’s 2024-2027 Collective Bargaining Agreement will be held on February 26, 2026 from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the EpiCenter, St. Petersburg College, 13805 58th Street North, Clearwater, Florida in room EPI BD2-304.</p><p>Pursuant to the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act, any persons with disabilities requiring reasonable accommodations or assistance to participate should contact the Board Clerk at <a href="tel:727-341-3241" target="_blank" title="727-341-3241" rel="noopener">727-341-3241</a> five (5) business days before the meeting date.</p>","Date":"2026-02-16T14:02:00","FeaturedImage":{"isValid":true,"src":"/Images/Newsroom/Titan-logo-placeholder-Image-950.jpg","w":"","h":"","alt":"graphic of a titan helmet on a blue gradient background"},"Headline":"Public Notice of Meeting - Collective Bargaining Feb. 26, 2026","Link":{"isValid":true,"url":"spc-newsroom/public-notice-of-meeting-and-collective-bargaining-feb-26-2026","value":{},"title":"Public Notice of Meeting - Collective Bargaining Feb. 26, 2026","target":"","isCurrent":false,"attributes":{}},"OpenGraphDescription":"A public meeting of representatives of SPC and UFF to conduct an impact bargaining session and reopener negotiations pursuant to Article 22 of SPC-UFF’s 2024-2027 Collective Bargaining Agreement will be held on Feb. 26, 2026 from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.. at the Epi Center, St. Petersburg College, 13805 58th Street North, Clearwater, Florida in room EPI 1-451 & 1-453.","Teaser":"","ThumbnailImage":{"isValid":true,"src":"/Images/Newsroom/Titan-logo-placeholder-Image-sm.jpg","w":"","h":"","alt":"graphic of a titan helmet on a blue gradient background"},"Title":"Public Notice of Meeting - Collective Bargaining Feb. 26, 2026"},{"Author":"","ImageCaption":"","CategoryIds":"2210|2308|2433|1320|2338","Content":"<p>SPC announces Raquel Hairston, Ed.D., as the new Dean of Dual Enrollment. She will assume the position on Feb. 16, 2026.</p><p>Hairston brings more than 20 years of experience in K–12 education and school administration to the role. As the founding and current principal of SPC’s STEM-focused collegiate high school, she expanded early-college pathways, industry certifications, and programming designed to prepare students for high-wage, high-demand careers.</p><p>Prior to joining SPC, Hairston served as a principal within Pinellas County Schools. With experience leading both middle and high school campuses, she built a reputation for strategic leadership and school transformation.</p><p>Hairston joined the College in 2019 as principal of St. Petersburg Collegiate High School at the St. Petersburg/Gibbs Campus. In 2022, she was appointed principal of the St. Petersburg Collegiate STEM High School at the Downtown Center. Throughout her tenure, she has launched initiatives to optimize productivity, elevate leadership performance and foster continuous improvement across the organization.</p><p>“As Dean of Dual Enrollment, I am excited to draw upon my experience to champion innovation and expand opportunities that empower students to step boldly into their futures,” said Hairston.</p><p>Hairston holds a bachelor’s degree in mass communications from Stillman College, a master’s degree in educational leadership from Argosy University and a doctorate in educational leadership and administration from Walden University.</p><p>A passionate advocate for student opportunity, Hairston’s leadership is grounded in the belief that all students deserve access to rigorous educational experiences. She continues to champion school-community partnerships and environments where every learner can thrive.</p>","Date":"2026-02-12T17:33:00","FeaturedImage":{"isValid":true,"src":"/Images/Newsroom/Raquel-Hairston-950.jpg","w":"","h":"","alt":"portrait of Raquel Hairston in a black suit and black shirt"},"Headline":"Raquel Hairston named Dean of Dual Enrollment","Link":{"isValid":true,"url":"spc-newsroom/raquel-hairston-named-dean-of-dual-enrollment","value":{},"title":"Raquel Hairston named Dean of Dual Enrollment","target":"","isCurrent":false,"attributes":{}},"OpenGraphDescription":"SPC announces Raquel Hairston, Ed.D., as the new Dean of Dual Enrollment.","Teaser":"","ThumbnailImage":{"isValid":true,"src":"/Images/Newsroom/Raquel-Hairston-sm.jpg","w":"","h":"","alt":"portrait of Raquel Hairston in a black suit and black shirt"},"Title":"Raquel Hairston named Dean of Dual Enrollment"},{"Author":"","ImageCaption":"","CategoryIds":"2210|2338","Content":"<p>For Carissa Roldan and Jason Nicholson, St. Petersburg College isn’t just a workplace — it’s where they fell in love. Roldan, a Career Readiness Navigator and Adjunct Professor, and Nicholson, a Student Life & Leadership Coordinator, both work at the Tarpon Springs Campus, but SPC has been part of their story long before their paths converged.</p><h2>A connection rooted in SPC</h2><div class="float-right"><img src="Images/Newsroom/jc-races.jpg" alt="SPC staffers Carissa Roldan and Jason Nicholson racing in go carts" title="Carissa Roldan and Jason Nicholson in go carts" align="right" hspace="10" /></div><p>Shortly before SPC got a name update in 2001, Roldan graduated from St. Petersburg Junior College. Unbeknownst to her, Nicholson was also taking classes at SPC and stayed in the area to earn his degree from the University of South Florida St. Petersburg. Their shared connection to SPC would later make it the perfect backdrop for their relationship and eventual wedding.</p><p>Roldan was the first to return to SPC as an employee, starting in December 2013. Nicholson joined the College less than a year later in August 2014. Another year passed before they finally met in August 2015 during a virtual advising rotation. They were drawn to each other immediately.</p><p>“He had nice eyes, and I loved hearing him present on the College Experience,” Roldan said. Nicholson remembered noticing her confidence during a presentation. “She caught my attention right away. At one point, we were reviewing group feedback, and I told her I had none just to have a chance to talk to her a bit,” he said.</p><p>Their professional connection soon blossomed into more. They began collaborating on College Experience calls about student support measures in June 2016. By October of that year, they were dating. Over the years, their shared workplace has become a source of support.</p><p>“He helps me get through the hard days,” Roldan said. “We work so well together.”</p><p>Nicholson agreed, noting that while their roles rarely overlap now, it’s a joy to share moments both big and small, from collaborating on projects to simply having lunch together. They both love SPC and feel a sense of pride when they help students succeed.</p><p>“I’m not sure I’ve ever had a job that’s more fulfilling, and I’ve dabbled in a lot of things in my time wandering the Earth,” Nicholson said.</p><h2>A wedding on familiar ground</h2><div class="float-right"><img src="Images/Newsroom/jc-wedding-lrma-cropped.jpg" alt="SPC staffers Carissa Roldan and Jason Nicholson getting married at the Leepa-Rattner Museum" align="right" hspace="10" /></div><p>In June 2022, Nicholson proposed at the Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory — a carefully orchestrated surprise captured via a live webcam for friends and loved ones, including Roldan’s son Ashton.</p><p>When it came time to plan the wedding, SPC felt like the right place to tie the knot. After the couple joked about getting married in the Chris Sprowls Workforce Innovation Hub at the Tarpon Springs Campus, Dr. Rodrigo Davis, Provost for Tarpon Springs, suggested the Leepa-Rattner Museum of Art (LRMA) as an alternative venue. The two agreed and set a date for March 8, 2025.</p><p>“The campus holds a special place in my heart, from being an alum to working here, and now marrying my husband here made it unforgettable,” Roldan said. Nicholson echoed her gratitude, praising museum staff, the facilities team and everyone who helped make their day feel magical. Several current and former SPC employees also participated in the ceremony in addition to attending.</p><p>“It felt like a movie,” Roldan said. “Who else gets to visit their wedding venue every day?” Nicholson said. Their wedding was also the first one ever hosted at LRMA, making the occasion even more special.</p><p>With their wedding behind them, both look forward to creating more memories together on and off campus. For them, SPC isn’t just a job — it’s a place where love, community and shared moments set the foundation for the next chapter of their lives.</p>","Date":"2026-02-10T05:00:00","FeaturedImage":{"isValid":true,"src":"/Images/Newsroom/Carissa-Jason-wedding.jpg","w":"","h":"","alt":"picture of Carissa Roldan in a wedding dress and Jason Nicholson in a suit getting married at the Leppa-Rattner Museum of Art"},"Headline":"From Colleagues to Soulmates, Two Titans Tie the Knot","Link":{"isValid":true,"url":"spc-newsroom/a-match-made-on-campus","value":{},"title":"A Match Made on Campus","target":"","isCurrent":false,"attributes":{}},"OpenGraphDescription":"From Colleagues to Soulmates, Two Longtime Titans Get Married","Teaser":"","ThumbnailImage":{"isValid":true,"src":"/Images/Newsroom/Carissa-Jason-wedding-sm.jpg","w":"","h":"","alt":"8833"},"Title":"A Match Made on Campus"},{"Author":"","ImageCaption":"","CategoryIds":"1316|2210|2308|1320|2338","Content":"<p>The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) named St. Petersburg College the most affordable — and best-value — baccalaureate college among its member institutions. SPC earned the inaugural SACSCOC Torch Award for Affordability.</p><p>The award, announced in January, recognizes institutions that demonstrate exceptional leadership in managing educational costs while expanding access and long-term value for students. It also reflects sustained, student-centered decision-making and measurable progress across multiple affordability indicators.</p><p>Specifically, SPC demonstrated strength in the following affordability indicators:</p><ul><li>Average net price for low-income students</li><li>10-year net price trends for low-income students</li><li>Five-year change in total cost of attendance</li><li>Overall cost of attendance</li></ul><p>Together, these indicators underscore SPC’s commitment to providing affordable educational pathways while supporting student success across associate and bachelor’s degree programs, workforce training, and transfer pathways.</p><p>“We are very proud to serve our community by providing an affordable pathway to high-value associate and bachelor's degrees, as well as articulated transfer pathways to a variety of institutions,” said Matthew Liao-Troth, Vice President of Academic Affairs at SPC. “This recognition reflects our commitment to our students: better jobs, better lives and better communities.”</p><p>Torch Awards do not represent institutional rankings. Instead, they recognize leadership and measurable progress across multiple affordability indicators, honoring excellence within the diverse missions and contexts of SACSCOC member institutions. For more information on tuition rates, visit SPC’s <a href="/financial-aid/tuition-and-fees" title="Tuition and Fees web page">tuition and fees webpage</a>.</p><p><strong>About SACSCOC</strong></p><p>The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges is an institutional accreditor for quality assurance in higher education. SACSCOC accredits institutions that award associate, baccalaureate, master’s, or doctoral degrees, including those offered via distance and correspondence education, and direct assessment within these institutions. It serves as the common denominator of shared values and practices among its members in the United States and international institutions of higher education approved by the SACSCOC Executive Council, Board of Trustees, and the Appeals Committee of the College Delegate Assembly.</p>","Date":"2026-02-06T15:49:00","FeaturedImage":{"isValid":true,"src":"/Images/Newsroom/award-torch.jpg","w":"","h":"","alt":"two female students with brown hair posing in their graduation gowns"},"Headline":"Accreditor Names SPC Most Affordable Baccalaureate College","Link":{"isValid":true,"url":"spc-newsroom/accreditor-names-spc-most-affordable-baccalaureate-college","value":{},"title":"Accreditor Names SPC Most Affordable Baccalaureate College","target":"","isCurrent":false,"attributes":{}},"OpenGraphDescription":"Accreditor Names SPC Most Affordable Baccalaureate College","Teaser":"","ThumbnailImage":{"isValid":true,"src":"/Images/Newsroom/award-torch-sm.jpg","w":"","h":"","alt":"two female students with brown hair posing in their graduation gowns"},"Title":"Accreditor Names SPC Most Affordable Baccalaureate College"},{"Author":"","ImageCaption":"","CategoryIds":"2310|2210|2338|2312","Content":"<p>St. Petersburg College is preparing for a giant leap this February. As part of its space themed Science Week, Feb. 16 through Feb. 20, SPC will host renowned University of Florida astrobiologist Amy Williams for a keynote lecture that promises to bring the Red Planet down to Earth.</p><div class="float-right"><img src="Images/Newsroom/Amy-Grand-Canyon-2023.jpg" class="blockImg" alt="Amy Williams visiting the Grand Canyon" /><span>Amy Williams visiting the Grand Canyon</span></div><p>In Williams’ lecture, “The <em>Curiosity</em> to Explore and the <em>Perseverance</em> to Rove: A Decade of Discoveries on Mars,” she’ll present an overview of NASA's ongoing search for life on the Red Planet, focusing on findings from the Curiosity and Perseverance rover missions.</p><p>These missions have shifted the understanding of Mars from a dead planet to a world that was once, and perhaps still is, a complex, habitable environment.</p><p>“Mars and Earth were very similar, early on,” Williams explains. “Mars is smaller than Earth, but we now know they both had water on the surface and rivers flowing into lakes. There might have even been an ocean on Mars.”</p><p>Williams has been a member of the NASA Curiosity rover science team since 2009 and currently works with her team to explore the distribution of organic molecules on the Martian surface. She is also a science team member on NASA’s Perseverance rover mission, which is collecting samples that can one day be returned to Earth.</p><p>For aspiring scientists at SPC, Williams emphasizes that the pathway to NASA is right in their backyard given the proximity to Kennedy Space Center.</p><p>“UF and other Florida institutions, such as SPC, want to train students in Florida and retain students in Florida,” Williams said.</p><p>Inspiring the next generation of explorers and scientists is part of her mission.</p><p>“I get a lot of joy from sharing my enthusiasm for science and exploration. My hope is to inspire the next generation to accomplish things I can only dream of,” she said.</p><h2>Explore Space Across Campuses</h2><p>Williams’ lecture kicks off Science Week on <strong>Monday, Feb. 16 at 11:30 a.m.</strong> at the St. Petersburg/Gibbs Campus. The week also includes activities focused on space exploration across four campuses, including experiments, a magic show, screenings of the film The Martian, and a look at the Student Spaceflight Experiments Program (SSEP), where SPC students are competing to have their experiments transported to and operated in space.</p><p>For fans of <em>The Martian</em>, Williams offered a bit of insider info.</p><p>"The premise of the movie is a windstorm that knocks the character over. On Mars, the atmospheric density is so low that the winds can basically never blow hard enough to knock a human over," she laughed. "Lucky for our future astronauts, that wouldn't be a concern!"</p><p>Learn more about Mars and space throughout the week with snacks and giveaways at most events. All events are free and open to the public.</p><p>For questions, contact Grace Moore, Assistant Dean of Natural Sciences, at <a href="mailto:Moore.Grace@spcollege.edu" title="mail to Moore.Grace@spcollege.edu">Moore.Grace@spcollege.edu.</a></p><h2>Science Week Schedule</h2><p><strong>Monday, Feb 16</strong></p><ul><li><strong>10 a.m.</strong> Coffee with Dr. Amy Williams & Telescope Observations, St. Petersburg/Gibbs Campus Quad</li><li><strong>10 a.m.</strong> Meteorite Impact Experiment, Clearwater Campus, NM 261</li><li><strong>11:30 a.m.</strong> Keynote Presentation by Dr. Amy Williams: “The <em>Curiosity</em> to Explore and the <em>Perseverance</em> to Rove: A Decade of Discoveries on Mars,” St Peterburg/Gibbs: SU 236 or <a href="https://spcollege.zoom.us/j/92612648186" target="_blank" title="Zoom link" rel="noopener">watch online via Zoom</a>.</li></ul><p><strong>Tuesday, Feb 17</strong></p><ul><li><strong>Noon</strong> Exploring Microscopic Life, Clearwater Campus, NM 265</li><li><strong>12 p.m. – 2 p.m.</strong> Space Bus, Seminole Campus</li><li><strong>12:30 p.m.</strong> <em>The Martian</em> movie screening, Tarpon Springs Campus, Chris Sprowls Workforce Innovation Hub</li><li><strong>6:30 p.m.</strong> Planetarium Show, St. Petersburg/Gibbs Campus Planetarium</li><li><strong>7:30 p.m.</strong> Night Sky Telescope Viewing, St. Petersburg/Gibbs Campus, SC Rooftop</li></ul><p><strong>Wednesday, Feb 18</strong></p><ul><li><strong>11 a.m.</strong> Strawberry DNA Extraction, Tarpon Springs Campus, FA Lobby</li><li><strong>12 p.m. – 4 p.m.</strong> Space Bus, Clearwater Campus</li><li><strong>3:30 p.m.</strong> Talk by SPC Alum NSF Graduate Research Fellow, Adam Robinson, “Life Beyond Earth, and SPC: Charting a Path from SPC to the Unknown” Clearwater Campus, NM 201</li><li><strong>4:30 p.m.</strong> Chemistry Magic Show, Clearwater Campus, NM 252</li></ul><p><strong>Thursday, Feb 19</strong></p><ul><li><strong>10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.,</strong> Space Bus, Tarpon Springs Campus, Chris Sprowls Workforce Innovation Hub</li><li><strong>12:30 p.m.</strong> SSEP Student Panel, Tarpon Springs Campus, Chris Sprowls Workforce Innovation Hub</li><li><strong>2 p.m. to 5 p.m.</strong>, Space Bus + Free Kona Ice, St. Petersburg/Gibbs Campus, SC North Lot</li><li><strong>2 p.m.</strong> <em>The Martian</em> Movie Screening, Seminole Campus, Digitorium</li><li><strong>5 p.m.</strong> Chemistry Magic Show, St. Petersburg/Gibbs Campus, SC 232</li><li><strong>5:30 p.m</strong>. SSEP Mission Patch Design Award Ceremony (K-12 & College), St. Petersburg/Gibbs Campus, SC 232</li></ul>","Date":"2026-02-05T20:51:00","FeaturedImage":{"isValid":true,"src":"/Images/Newsroom/gibbs-mural.jpg","w":"","h":"","alt":"mural of planets in our solar system on the side of a building on the Gibbs Campus"},"Headline":"The Search for Life: NASA Scientist Amy Williams Brings Mars Discoveries to SPC","Link":{"isValid":true,"url":"spc-newsroom/the-search-for-life-nasa-scientist-amy-williams-brings-mars-discoveries-to-spc","value":{},"title":"The Search for Life: NASA Scientist Amy Williams Brings Mars Discoveries to SPC","target":"","isCurrent":false,"attributes":{}},"OpenGraphDescription":"The Search for Life: NASA Scientist Amy Williams Brings Mars Discoveries to SPC","Teaser":"","ThumbnailImage":{"isValid":true,"src":"/Images/Newsroom/gibbs-mural-sm.jpg","w":"","h":"","alt":"mural of planets in our solar system on the side of a building on the Gibbs Campus"},"Title":"The Search for Life: NASA Scientist Amy Williams Brings Mars Discoveries to SPC"},{"Author":"147","ImageCaption":"","CategoryIds":"","Content":"","Date":"2023-10-30T13:28:00","FeaturedImage":{"isValid":false,"src":"","w":"","h":"","alt":""},"Headline":"","Link":{"isValid":false,"url":"","value":{},"title":"","target":"","isCurrent":false,"attributes":{}},"OpenGraphDescription":"","Teaser":"","ThumbnailImage":{"isValid":false,"src":"","w":"","h":"","alt":""},"Title":""}]