[{"Author":"","Blurb":"","CategoryIds":"2338|2210","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","ThumbnailImage":{"isValid":true,"src":"/Images/Newsroom/Carissa-Jason-wedding-sm.jpg","w":"","h":"","alt":"8833"},"Title":"A Match Made on Campus"},{"Author":"","Blurb":"","CategoryIds":"2338|2210|2308|1316","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","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":"","Blurb":"","CategoryIds":"2310|2312|2338|2210","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","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":"","Blurb":"","CategoryIds":"2433|2113|2312|2338|2210","Content":"<p>St. Petersburg College invites future students and returning learners to take the next step toward their academic and career goals at its <a href="https://now.spc.edu/discover-spc" target="_blank" title="Discover SPC events" rel="noopener"><strong>Discover SPC</strong></a> events to make applying, enrolling and planning for college easier than ever. From <strong>Feb. 23 through March 10</strong>, SPC is hosting a wide range of free events where students can explore programs, connect with staff and even apply to the college for FREE: <strong>waiving the $40 application fee</strong>.</p><p>Discover SPC events are tailored to make college approachable, exciting and achievable. Whether attending virtually or on one of SPC’s many campuses, students can get fast, friendly support to <strong>apply to SPC, explore career paths and learn about financial aid</strong>, all in one place.</p><p>“Discover SPC is all about giving students the support they need and meeting them where they are at in life,” said Jacob Wartock, SPC’s Director of Recruitment and Enrollment Service. “Whether they’re starting or coming back to continue their education, SPC is ready to help students apply and plan their academic path. We will connect them with all the services they need and be there every step of the way.”</p><p>Across the schedule, participants will find opportunities to learn about training and certificate programs, long-term degrees and career pathways that lead to high-demand jobs. The events also showcase available free funding sources, short-term training options and ways to earn credentials that enhance earning potential. Students attending any of these Discover SPC events, in person or online, will receive the $40 application fee waiver when they apply during that event.</p><h2>Discover SPC Online Events | Virtual sessions offer flexibility for busy schedules:</h2><ul><li>Feb. 24: Better Jobs, Better Lives Webinar: Featuring BayCare | <a href="https://spcollege.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_1o22VQMJTuGbwRqOBMWIfQ" target="_blank" title="rsvp for Feb 24" rel="noopener">6:30–7 p.m.</a></li><li>Feb. 26: Better Jobs, Better Lives Webinar: Featuring TD Synnex | <a href="https://spcollege.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_MAU5j0vtQ1qjcnaRKyRjtA" target="_blank" title="rsvp for Feb 26" rel="noopener">6:30–7 p.m.</a></li><li>March 3: Short-Term Training and Certificate Programs Info Session | <a href="https://spcollege.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_gudeWL9YTD2Tv1MD32fxmg" target="_blank" title="rsvp for March 3" rel="noopener">6:30–7 p.m.</a></li><li>March 6: Health Programs Showcase | <a href="https://spcollege.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_XzaEtraYRoeu0tbX-uGjOw" target="_blank" title="RSVP for March 6" rel="noopener">Noon–1 p.m.</a></li></ul><h2>Discover SPC Campus Events | Students can visit SPC campuses to connect with us:</h2><ul><li>Feb. 23: St. Petersburg/Gibbs Campus | 6605 Fifth Ave. N. | 6–8 p.m.</li><li>Feb. 25: Clearwater Campus | 2465 Drew St. | 6–8 p.m.</li><li>March 2: Seminole Campus | 9200 113th St. N. | 6–8 p.m.</li><li>March 4: Tarpon Springs Campus | 600 Klosterman Road | 6–8 p.m.</li><li>March 5: Downtown Center | 244 Second Ave. N. | 6–8 p.m.</li><li>March 10: Midtown Center | Midtown Construction Expo | 1300 22nd St. S. | 9–11:30 a.m.</li></ul><p>“St. Petersburg College is proud of our faculty and staff and the quality of education and support we provide for our students,” said Dr. Matthew Liao-Troth, SPC’s Vice President of Academic Affairs. “We strive to offer flexible pathways that meet diverse student needs. Whether through short-term training or advanced degrees, SPC is ready to equip lifelong learners with the skills needed to pursue better jobs and better lives.”</p><p>For more details, event schedules, and RSVP information, visit <a href="https://now.spc.edu/discover-spc" target="_blank" title="https://now.spc.edu/discover-spc" rel="noopener">Discover SPC</a>.</p>","Date":"2026-02-05T19:21:00","FeaturedImage":{"isValid":true,"src":"/Images/Newsroom/discover-spc-26.jpg","w":"","h":"","alt":"two SPC employees standing and smiling with Titus, the Titan mascot"},"Headline":"Apply for Free at Discover SPC Events","Link":{"isValid":true,"url":"spc-newsroom/apply-for-free-at-discover-spc-events","value":{},"title":"Apply for Free at Discover SPC Events","target":"","isCurrent":false,"attributes":{}},"OpenGraphDescription":"Free application and one-stop enrollment support available online and on campus","ThumbnailImage":{"isValid":true,"src":"/Images/Newsroom/discover-spc-26-sm.jpg","w":"","h":"","alt":"two SPC employees standing and smiling with Titus, the Titan mascot"},"Title":"Apply for Free at Discover SPC Events"},{"Author":"","Blurb":"","CategoryIds":"2113|2338|2210","Content":"<p>In recognition of Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month in February, St. Petersburg College highlights the significant impact of CTE on the region’s economy. SPC contributed $3.5 billion in total economic impact in the Tampa Bay area during fiscal year 2023–24, supporting 37,083 jobs, or roughly one in every 60 jobs in the region, according to a recent independent economic impact study.</p><p>“SPC’s economic impact goes far beyond our campuses,” said SPC President Dr. Tonjua Williams. “Every student we educate, every credential earned and every industry partnership with SPC strengthens Tampa Bay’s workforce and helps our communities thrive.”</p><p>The data from Lightcast, a global pioneer in the collection and big-data analysis of information in the labor market, showcases the long-term productivity of SPC alumni employed throughout Pinellas, Hillsborough, Pasco and Hernando counties.</p><h2>Fueling Workforce Pipelines and Talent Growth</h2><p>SPC’s economic influence is driven largely by its role as a workforce engine for Tampa Bay’s key industries, including health care, business, technology, public safety, and advanced manufacturing. Through more than 300 degrees, certificates and workforce training pathways, SPC equips students with job-ready skills that translate directly into higher earnings, increased productivity and sustained regional growth.</p><p>“Career and Technical Education programs like nursing at St. Petersburg College are preparing students like me to step directly into careers our community urgently needs,” said Kelsey Krebs, president of SPC’s Student Nurses Association. “SPC gives students hands-on training, real-world experience and the support we need to balance school, work and family. When the state invests in colleges like SPC, it’s investing in nurses who are ready to care for patients, strengthen our health care system and make a real impact in Tampa Bay.”</p><p>The economic data reflects SPC’s success in</p><ul><li>Strengthening workforce pipelines by aligning programs with employer needs</li><li>Boosting student employability through career-focused curricula and hands-on learning</li><li>Attracting out-of-region students whose spending contributes to the local economy</li><li>Supplying skilled talent that supports business expansion and innovation</li></ul><p>Alumni productivity accounts for a significant share of SPC’s economic contribution, as graduates earn higher wages, fill in-demand roles and help meet workforce shortages across the region.</p><h2>A Key Player in Statewide Economic Growth</h2><p>SPC’s impact mirrors broader findings across the Florida College System (FCS), which has been identified as a major driver of statewide economic growth. Florida’s 28 state colleges play a critical role in producing a skilled workforce that supports Florida’s continued population growth, business relocation and national competitiveness.</p><p>Proposed state investment in the FCS further underscores the importance of CTE at institutions like SPC.</p><p>Gov. Ron DeSantis’ recommended 2026–27 Floridians First Budget includes:</p><ul><li>$1.9 billion for the Florida College System</li><li>$800 million for workforce education programs</li></ul><p>The proposed funding builds on more than $12 billion invested in higher education and workforce development since 2019 and would support nursing education, career and technical programs and apprenticeship opportunities across the state.</p><p>“These investments recognize that state colleges are essential to Florida’s economic success,” said Dr. Williams. “They allow us to expand high-demand programs, respond quickly to workforce needs and ensure Floridians have access to affordable, high-quality education that leads to good jobs.”</p><h2>Sustaining Economic Momentum in Tampa Bay</h2><p>As Tampa Bay continues to grow, SPC remains a cornerstone of the region’s economic infrastructure. By providing accessible education, advancing workforce readiness and partnering closely with employers, SPC helps ensure the region has the skilled talent needed to compete, innovate and prosper.</p><p>The economic impact data affirms SPC’s mission in action: transforming lives through learning while generating measurable economic value for students, businesses and communities throughout Tampa Bay.</p>","Date":"2026-02-04T14:02:00","FeaturedImage":{"isValid":true,"src":"/Images/Newsroom/economic-impact-nursing.jpg","w":"","h":"","alt":"female, male and female nursing students wearing blue scurbs with their arms folded"},"Headline":"Economic Impact Data Shows SPC Generates $3.5 Billion for Tampa Bay Economy","Link":{"isValid":true,"url":"spc-newsroom/economic-impact-data-shows-spc-generates-35-billion-for-tampa-bay-economy","value":{},"title":"Economic Impact Data Shows SPC Generates $3.5 Billion for Tampa Bay Economy","target":"","isCurrent":false,"attributes":{}},"OpenGraphDescription":"Economic Impact Data Shows SPC Generates $3.5 Billion for Tampa Bay Economy","ThumbnailImage":{"isValid":true,"src":"/Images/Newsroom/economic-impact-nursing-sm.jpg","w":"","h":"","alt":"female, male and female nursing students wearing blue scurbs with their arms folded"},"Title":"Economic Impact Data Shows SPC Generates $3.5 Billion for Tampa Bay Economy"},{"Author":"","Blurb":"","CategoryIds":"2314|2338|2210","Content":"<div class="float-right"><img src="Images/Newsroom/brian-thomas-ceo-velocity-iq.jpg" alt="Velocity IQ CEO Brian Thomas" /><span>Brian Thomas</span></div><p>Not every small or medium-sized business has the budget for an in-house information technology department. That’s where the white-glove approach of Velocity IQ — powered in part by talent from St. Petersburg College — comes in.</p><p>Known as a managed service provider, Velocity IQ offers IT support for companies that need reliable technology services but don’t have the resources to build these operations from scratch. Based in St. Petersburg, Velocity IQ not only puts out fires, but manages all technology for a company, from user experience and cybersecurity to system maintenance and IT strategy.</p><p>“We step into the role of an internal IT specialist or department so you can focus on keeping your business running smoothly,” said Brian Thomas, who bought Velocity IQ in 2023. “We become part of your team — just without the office chair.”</p><p>That team includes SPC graduates Theo Varitimidis and Ian Crider, whose SPC education helped prepare them to support Velocity IQ’s hands-on, full-service approach to IT.</p><p>“There’s new challenges every day, which I love,” said Crider, who earned his Cybersecurity Certificate from SPC and has been with Velocity IQ for three years. "I really like solving problems, and that’s a big component of what I do. I get to be kind of a detective, and that part I really enjoy.”</p><p>Crider has been troubleshooting his own computers "forever" and is an avid computer gamer.</p><div class="float-left"><img src="Images/Newsroom/Ian-Crider.jpg" alt="Velocity IQ employee Ian Crider" /><span>Ian Crider</span></div><p>"I'm always focused on learning things that will make me good at my job, like technical understanding," Crider said. "I got a lot of those fundamental skills from SPC."</p><p>Varitimidis earned his bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity and is working on his Security+ certification. He found the training and connections at SPC invaluable.</p><p>“Earning my bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity gave me the confidence to pursue this opportunity," Varitimidis said. "With support from TitanSec, SPC’s cybersecurity club, I was able to position myself for success and land the job.”</p><p>For his part, Thomas said he seeks employees and interns who can jump right in and is excited that SPC students are such an excellent fit for his company.</p><p>“Our goal is for clients to not even know we’re here, but if not, we’re here for them on their worst days,” said Thomas, who sits on SPC’s President’s Advisory Council and provides strategic direction in IT collegewide. “We are a customer service company before anything else.”</p>","Date":"2026-02-02T05:00:00","FeaturedImage":{"isValid":true,"src":"/Images/Newsroom/Velocity-theo.jpg","w":"","h":"","alt":"Velocity IQ employee and SPC graduate Theo Varitimidis sits at his computer"},"Headline":"Velocity IQ and SPC Pave the Way to Good Jobs","Link":{"isValid":true,"url":"spc-newsroom/velocity-iq-and-spc-pave-the-way-to-good-jobs","value":{},"title":"Velocity IQ and SPC Pave the Way to Good Jobs","target":"","isCurrent":false,"attributes":{}},"OpenGraphDescription":"Together, Velocity IQ and SPC are paving the way for graduates to thrive in the technology industry.","ThumbnailImage":{"isValid":true,"src":"/Images/Newsroom/Velocity-theo-sm.jpg","w":"","h":"","alt":"Velocity IQ employee and SPC graduate Theo Varitimidis sits at his computer"},"Title":"Velocity IQ and SPC Pave the Way to Good Jobs"},{"Author":"","Blurb":"","CategoryIds":"2433|2113|2338|2210|1316","Content":"<p>St. Petersburg College continues to stand out in the latest U.S. News & World Report’s Best Online Programs rankings, earning top regional and statewide recognition and delivering its strongest national performance to date.</p><p>Among the Florida College System’s 28 state colleges, SPC earned the following distinctions in the 2026 rankings:</p><ul><li>Best in Tampa Bay – Online Bachelor’s Programs (Overall)</li><li>Best in Tampa Bay – Online Bachelor’s Programs in Business</li><li>Best in Tampa Bay – Online Bachelor’s Programs for Veterans</li></ul><p>These results mark the sixth consecutive year SPC has ranked No. 1 in Tampa Bay for both Online Bachelor’s Programs overall and for veterans. SPC’s College of Business ranked No. 1 across the Florida College System and the Tampa Bay area, reinforcing the College’s leadership in workforce-focused, career-aligned business education.</p><p>“This No. 1 ranking reflects our commitment to delivering business education that is practical, flexible and aligned with real-world employer needs,” said Dr. Emmanuel Hernandez-Agosto, dean of SPC’s College of Business. “Being recognized as the top program in both Tampa Bay and the Florida College System confirms our graduates are ready to lead and contribute from day one.”</p><p>Nationally, SPC placed among the top 100 public institutions for Best Online Bachelor’s Programs and among the top public colleges for Online Bachelor’s Programs for Veterans, underscoring its leadership in high-quality, career-aligned online education.</p><p>SPC’s national recognition mirrors its broader impact on the region. Updated economic data show the College generates $3.5 billion annual economic impact, representing approximately 1.4% of Tampa Bay’s gross regional product and supporting 37,083 jobs, or about one in every 60 jobs in the region. “This success reflects our students and the faculty and staff who support them,” said Dr. Matthew Liao-Troth, SPC vice president of Academic Affairs. “Our focus on high-wage, high-impact careers is why SPC delivers a $3.5 billion economic impact through our students, alumni, faculty and staff and why we’ve led in online education for more than 25 years.”</p><p>Through more than 300 degrees, certificates and workforce training pathways, SPC aligns education with employer needs in high-demand fields, including business, health care, technology and public service, helping students gain job-ready skills that drive career mobility and regional growth.</p><p>U.S. News & World Report has consistently ranked Florida as the No. 1 state for higher education, citing strong graduation rates, affordability and low student debt; distinctions reflected in SPC’s continued performance among the state’s top institutions.</p>","Date":"2026-01-28T17:41:00","FeaturedImage":{"isValid":true,"src":"/Images/Newsroom/Grad-02.jpg","w":"","h":"","alt":"Titus the TItan Mascot and a graduate in blue cap and gown"},"Headline":"SPC's Online Bachelor's Programs Named Best in Tampa Bay by U.S. News & World Report ","Link":{"isValid":true,"url":"spc-newsroom/spcs-online-bachelors-programs-name-best-in-tampa-bay-by-us-news-and-world-report","value":{},"title":"SPC's Online Bachelor's Programs Name Best in Tampa Bay by U.S. News & World Report","target":"","isCurrent":false,"attributes":{}},"OpenGraphDescription":"The College was recognized by U.S. News & World Report in three categories for 2026.","ThumbnailImage":{"isValid":true,"src":"/Images/Newsroom/Grad-02sm.jpg","w":"","h":"","alt":"Titus the TItan Mascot and a graduate in blue cap and gown"},"Title":"SPC's Online Bachelor's Programs Name Best in Tampa Bay by U.S. News & World Report"},{"Author":"","Blurb":"","CategoryIds":"2338|2210|2308","Content":"<p>St. Petersburg College President Dr. Tonjua Williams served as an alternate negotiator on the U.S. Department of Education’s Accountability in Higher Education and Access through Demand-Driven Workforce Pell (AHEAD) Committee. Dr. Williams represented all public institutions of higher education.</p><p>The committee met in early January to consider proposed regulatory changes to expand Pell Grant eligibility to short-term, workforce-aligned education programs.</p><p>The AHEAD Committee is a negotiated rulemaking body composed of representatives from multiple sectors, including students and veterans, employers, public and private institutions of higher education, workforce agencies, accreditors, consumer advocates and state and federal stakeholders. Its charge is to inform the development of a framework that expands access to Workforce Pell while maintaining accountability, alignment with state workforce needs and stewardship of federal financial aid.</p><div class="float-right"><img src="Images/Newsroom/williams-ahead-table.jpg" alt="SPC President Dr. Tonjua Williams working on the Department of Education AHEAD Committee" /></div><p>Dr. Williams participated in the committee’s initial negotiating sessions in Washington, D.C., where members discussed a proposed regulatory structure that would extend Pell eligibility to high-demand workforce programs. The framework ties eligibility to measurable outcomes such as program completion, job placement, earnings gains and cost-to-value thresholds and includes a role for governors and state workforce development boards in approving eligible programs</p><p>“This work is about expanding opportunity while maintaining accountability,” said Dr. Williams, highlighting the ongoing efforts of Florida’s colleges to build a skilled workforce and meet the evolving needs of employers.</p><p>Dr. Williams also stressed the importance of federal policy discussions reflecting how students transition into high-skill, high-wage careers. The AHEAD process plays a critical role in ensuring that the expansion of access to Workforce Pell is paired with clear expectations for quality, outcomes, and transparency.</p><p>Key regulations negotiated included:</p><ul><li>Expansion of Pell eligibility for short-term, workforce-aligned programs in in-demand fields</li><li>Governor-led program approval in consultation with state workforce development boards</li><li>Federal oversight tied to completion rates, job placement outcomes and tuition-to-earnings measures</li><li>Data transparency, consumer disclosures and appeals processes</li><li>Alignment across workforce, higher education and labor data systems</li></ul><p>The negotiated rule-making committee reached final consensus on Jan. 9 and are expected to go into effect on July 1. These updates were shared with Florida College System legislative teams to inform ongoing monitoring and coordination as federal Workforce Pell policy discussions continue.</p><p>Dr. Williams will continue representing community colleges as she helps shape new federal Pell Grant rules to expand access to affordable, short-term, job-focused training aligned with employer needs.</p>","Date":"2026-01-27T15:57:00","FeaturedImage":{"isValid":true,"src":"/Images/Newsroom/ahead-williams.jpg","w":"","h":"","alt":"group shot of Department of Education staffers and St. Petersburg College President Dr. Tonjua Williams"},"Headline":"SPC President Serves on Federal AHEAD Committee Shaping Workforce Pell Policy","Link":{"isValid":true,"url":"spc-newsroom/spc-president-serves-on-federal-ahead-committee-shaping-workforce-pell-policy","value":{},"title":"SPC President Serves on Federal AHEAD Committee Shaping Workforce Pell Policy","target":"","isCurrent":false,"attributes":{}},"OpenGraphDescription":"Leadership role helps shape national Workforce Pell policy focused on access, accountability and workforce alignment.","ThumbnailImage":{"isValid":true,"src":"/Images/Newsroom/ahead-williams-sm.jpg","w":"","h":"","alt":"group shot of Department of Education staffers and St. Petersburg College President Dr. Tonjua Williams"},"Title":"SPC President Serves on Federal AHEAD Committee Shaping Workforce Pell Policy"},{"Author":"","Blurb":"","CategoryIds":"2338|2210|2308","Content":"<p>St. Petersburg College is helping lead national efforts to improve student success through its role in the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program and Community College Research Center’s newly released <a href="https://highered.aspeninstitute.org/media/1060" target="_blank" title="Aspen Institute Unlocking Opportunity Practice Guide" rel="noopener">Unlocking Opportunity Practice Guide</a>.</p><p>SPC is among the first 10 colleges selected to participate in the Unlocking Opportunity network, serving as a model for institutions nationwide. The network provides colleges with coaching, data tools and peer learning opportunities to analyze outcomes and implement scalable reforms that strengthen student pathways.</p><p>Developed by the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program and the Community College Research Center (CCRC), the guide builds on the work of community colleges in the Unlocking Opportunity network, including SPC, to strengthen academic programs and advising systems so more students can graduate, secure well-paying jobs or successfully transfer to earn a bachelor’s degree.</p><p>“This guide reflects what happens when colleges use data, collaboration and intentional design to serve students better,” said Dr. Tonjua Williams, president of St. Petersburg College. “SPC is proud to contribute to national strategies that help students complete credentials that lead to meaningful careers and continued education.”</p><p>Based on lessons learned from the initial cohort, Aspen and CCRC produced research insights and actionable tools, including the practice guide, to support colleges across the country.</p><p>“Being part of the Unlocking Opportunity network allowed us to examine our programs and advising structures through a student-success lens,” said SPC’s Vice President of Academic Affairs Matthew Liao-Troth. “The practices outlined in this guide provide a roadmap for colleges looking to improve outcomes at scale.”</p><p>The guide is designed to help colleges:</p><ul><li><strong>Strengthen Programs and Advising</strong> by adopting proven strategies that improve student outcomes and post-graduation success</li><li><strong>Learn from Case Studies</strong> that highlight effective approaches implemented by pilot Unlocking Opportunity colleges</li><li><strong>Implement Actionable Reforms</strong> using step-by-step guidance to drive meaningful institutional change</li></ul><p>Learn more about the <a href="https://highered.aspeninstitute.org/media/1060" target="_blank" title="practice guide " rel="noopener">practice guide</a> and explore additional details about SPC’s work in the Unlocking Opportunity network.</p>","Date":"2026-01-23T13:57:00","FeaturedImage":{"isValid":true,"src":"/Images/Newsroom/titus-high-five-grads.jpg","w":"","h":"","alt":"Titus the Titan mascot gives a group of graduates high fives during Spring 2025 graduation ceremony"},"Headline":"SPC Helps Shape National Practice Guide to Strengthen Student Pathways","Link":{"isValid":true,"url":"spc-newsroom/spc-helps-shape-national-practice-guide-to-strengthen-student-pathways","value":{},"title":"SPC Helps Shape National Practice Guide to Strengthen Student Pathways","target":"","isCurrent":false,"attributes":{}},"OpenGraphDescription":"The College’s work with Aspen and CCRC informs national strategies for student success and workforce outcomes.","ThumbnailImage":{"isValid":true,"src":"/Images/Newsroom/titus-high-five-grads-sm.jpg","w":"","h":"","alt":"Titus the Titan mascot gives a group of graduates high fives during Spring 2025 graduation ceremony"},"Title":"SPC Helps Shape National Practice Guide to Strengthen Student Pathways"},{"Author":"","Blurb":"","CategoryIds":"1320|2312|2338|2210","Content":"<p>When retiree Jose Heinert noticed he was becoming forgetful, he worried about his mental acuity. In search of something to keep his mind active, he decided to sign up for courses at St. Petersburg College. What he found beyond academic enrichment was purpose. Now, at 82, he graduated with a <a href="/future-students/degrees-training/social-and-behavioral-sciences-and-human-services/human-services/human-services-bs-degree" title="Human Services B.S. Degree">Bachelor of Science in Human Services</a> in December, and a renewed commitment to use his time and talents to give back to the community.</p><p>Born in Ecuador and raised in New Orleans, Heinert’s college education in political science was interrupted when he joined the military during the Vietnam War. He served as a Navy corpsman and then as a medic with the U.S. Marines. The experience left deep marks, including years of undiagnosed PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder), but also instilled a profound sense of service.</p><p>Heinert earned a bachelor’s in nursing and spent a long career in public health, working with migrant farm workers in California and later managing clinics for Hispanic communities. His expertise in medical case management and rehabilitation counseling helped countless injured workers.</p><p>Retirement brought Heinert to Florida to be near his son and grandkids, but he faced new challenges, including concerns about aging. Taking online classes at SPC not only helped improve his memory, but he also gained computer skills and found unexpected camaraderie among classmates in all stages of life.</p><p>“Even though I’m usually the oldest guy in the room, I felt comfortable. We’re all in this together,” said Heinert, noting how the diversity of students expanded his compassion and humility. “At my age, I can still adapt and learn.”</p><h2>Bachelor's Degree Research Class Leads to Internship</h2><p>After starting in SPC’s <a href="/future-students/degrees-training/social-and-behavioral-sciences-and-human-services/human-services/community-health-worker-certificate" title="Community Health Worker Certificate">Community Health Worker Certificate</a> program, he quickly realized he wanted to do more and enrolled in the Human Services Bachelor’s of Science program. Through a research class, he helped facilitate a Spanish-speaking support group with the Alzheimer’s Association, which sparked an interest in providing more health education.</p><div class="float-right"><img src="Images/Newsroom/Jose-Heinert-intern.jpg" alt="Jose Heinert works with Carolyn Otero Torres" /><span>Jose Heinert works with Carolyn Otero Torres</span></div><p>He completed an internship with the Hispanic Outreach Center (HOC) in Clearwater, developing workshops on disease prevention, stress, anxiety and caregiver support.</p><p>“I had this idea to do a health prevention series, and then Jose showed up,” said Carolyn Otero Torres, Heinert’s internship supervisor at the center. “He’s given presentations and helped identify priorities for our clients. His initiative and insight have been invaluable.”</p><p>Amanda Markiewicz, Chief Executive Officer of HOC, says the internship is a shining example of the center’s long history of partnering with SPC, and hopes to expand on internship opportunities.</p><p>“Jose is very thorough in his research. He’s got a lot of knowledge and eagerness to share,” she said. “We’d love to see more of that.”</p><p>After graduation, Heinert plans to continue volunteering with the HOC and hopes to inspire others, especially older adults, to pursue education and service.</p><p>“Service is something I learned from my grandfather,” Heinert said. “There’s a lot of need in this world.” Heinert reminds us that it’s never too late to continue your education or to make a difference.</p><p>“If you have something to share, whether it’s knowledge or time, you should do it."</p>","Date":"2026-01-22T19:46:00","FeaturedImage":{"isValid":true,"src":"/Images/Newsroom/Jose-Heinert-with-HOC-staff.jpg","w":"","h":"","alt":"Jose Heinert, center, with Hispanic Outreach Center staff Carolyn Otero Torres, right, and Amanda Markiewicz, left"},"Headline":"Learning Never Retires: 82-Year-Old Finds New Passion and Purpose at SPC","Link":{"isValid":true,"url":"spc-newsroom/learning-never-retires","value":{},"title":"Learning Never Retires: 82-Year-Old Finds New Passion and Purpose at SPC","target":"","isCurrent":false,"attributes":{}},"OpenGraphDescription":"Learning never retires: 82-year-old finds new passion and purpose at SPC","ThumbnailImage":{"isValid":true,"src":"/Images/Newsroom/Jose-Heinert-with-HOC-staff-sm.jpg","w":"","h":"","alt":"Jose Heinert, center, with Hispanic Outreach Center staff Carolyn Otero Torres, right, and Amanda Markiewicz, left"},"Title":"Learning Never Retires: 82-Year-Old Finds New Passion and Purpose at SPC"},{"Author":"138","Blurb":"","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":"","ThumbnailImage":{"isValid":false,"src":"","w":"","h":"","alt":""},"Title":""}]