Dr. Thomas Furlong Honored by College With Renaming of Education Program

St. Petersburg College recently recognized longtime higher education leader Dr. Thomas Furlong for his decades of service and lasting impact on higher education. During a June 8 ceremony, the College announced the renaming of one of its education programs to the Dr. Thomas Furlong Bachelor of Science in Educational Studies and Community Leadership.

The action, approved by the SPC Board of Trustees, acknowledges Furlong's pivotal role in advancing community college baccalaureate degrees and expanding access to affordable, workforce-aligned higher education opportunities.

"It is fitting that we honor Dr. Furlong by naming this program in his honor," said SPC President Dr. Tonjua Williams. "His vision helped create opportunities for countless students to earn bachelor's degrees close to home, at an affordable cost and in fields aligned with workforce needs."

A Career-Shaping Florida Higher Education

Before joining SPC, Furlong held numerous leadership roles across the Florida College System (FCS) and statewide higher education organizations, including Deputy Executive Director of the State Board of Community Colleges, Executive Director of the Florida Postsecondary Education Planning Commission, and Executive Director of the Florida Association of Colleges and Universities.

He joined SPC in 2001 as Senior Vice President of Baccalaureate Programs and University Partnerships shortly after Florida authorized the College to offer bachelor's degrees, the first community college in the state to receive that distinction.

During his tenure, Furlong oversaw the creation of SPC's first baccalaureate degrees in education, nursing and technology management, and later supported the expansion of additional programs in response to workforce needs. He also served as Interim President in 2010 and Interim Vice President for Academic Affairs in 2019.

Building a Legacy of Access and Opportunity

Florida College System Chancellor Kathryn Hebda praised Furlong's role in shaping both the community college baccalaureate movement and higher education policy throughout the state.

"We would not have degree programs that are this powerful and effective if Dr. Furlong had not been there to guide the process of their design and development," said Hebda. "His knowledge of education policy, how it is created and how it is successfully implemented, has benefited generations of leaders across Florida. Of all the people to recognize in such an endeavor, Dr. Furlong is the best."

Hebda added that Furlong's influence extends far beyond the institutions he served.

"Each of us who has had the opportunity to learn from Furlong has benefited from a remarkable wealth of knowledge and experience," she said. "His legacy will continue through the students, educators and leaders whose lives and careers have been shaped by his work."

Honoring a Legacy of Service

Accepting the recognition, Furlong reflected on a career spanning more than 50 years in higher education.

"I have loved my 50-plus years working with our community colleges, either on campus or in state planning roles in Tallahassee," said Furlong. "It has been eventful and fun."

He recalled helping advance major higher education initiatives, including dual enrollment and Florida's Common Course Numbering System, before later helping lead efforts that made SPC the pilot institution for workforce bachelor's degrees.

"As Vice Chancellor in 2001, I was asked to support the bill that allowed SPC to become the pilot college for workforce bachelor's degrees," said Furlong. "We began with three workforce areas and demonstrated what these programs could do for students and communities."

Furlong said he remains proud of SPC's continued commitment to workforce education.

"It is great to see the College continuing to add bachelor's degrees in important areas and responding to workforce needs," he said. "That has always been at the heart of what makes SPC special."

The Board of Trustees resolution highlighted Furlong's lifelong commitment to student success, workforce development and expanding educational opportunity throughout Florida.

"By naming this program in Dr. Furlong's honor, we recognize his contributions not only to St. Petersburg College, but his lasting impact on higher education throughout Florida," said Dr. Heather Duncan, Dean of the College of Education.

The recognition serves as a lasting tribute to a leader whose vision helped transform educational opportunities for students across Florida and whose influence continues to shape the future of SPC and the FCS.