SPC Board of Trustees April 16 meeting recap

The St. Petersburg College Board of Trustees met Tuesday, April 16, at the EpiCenter.

The full agenda and meeting video, which is 1 hour, 54 minutes long, is available on the board’s website.

Meeting highlights included:

• The board began again on the process to choose a construction manager for the new Midtown Campus. In February, the board awarded the contract for the project but, following a protest by another company, discovered a flaw in the procedure. Rather than risk a protracted delay, the board will go through the selection process again with amended procedures.

“We find ourselves today where I think we can overcome our past difficulties, learn from some mistakes we made along the way, get the project back on track and move forward,” President Bill Law said.

Board chairman Deveron Gibbons called the new Midtown Campus “the biggest economic impact to hit this community in over 50 years…and we want to do it right.”

The board expects to have a new recommendation in about 60 days. Watch this portion of the meeting video starting at 0:28:39.

The Tampa Bay Times reported on the problem April 17.

• Approved the Classification and Compensation study as it relates to administrative and professional employees. Watch that portion of the meeting video starting at 0:47:40.
• Recognized:
  • Basketball player Lynae Richardson, winner of the Sandy Miller Scholar-Athlete Award
  • Women’s basketball coach Denisha Davidson, 2012-13 Southern Conference Coach of the Year
  • The Model United Nations students, faculty and staff who competed in New York City last month and placed among the top in the country
  • The team from the J.E. Hanger College of Orthotics and Prosthetics at SPC who participated in Wounded Warrior Kilimanjaro Research Expedition

Watch this part of the meeting beginning at the 0:02:32.

• Dr. Anne Cooper and Dr. Tonjua Williams presented information about the Survey of Entering Student Engagement, which shows how the college is doing in comparison to 245 other institutions. Watch this part of the meeting beginning at 0:48:48.
• Emergency Management Coordinator Bill Grey gave a presentation on the college’s Campus Safety and Security preparations. Watch this part of the meeting beginning at 1:02:36.
• Dr. Doug Duncan gave a preliminary look at the budget for 2013-14, which the board will discuss at its May meeting. Watch this part of the meeting at 1:24:11.

The next Board of Trustees meeting is at 8:30 a.m. May 21 at the Clearwater Campus.

Read Full Post »

Honors, awards for Downtown, Midtown students

SPC Midtown Student Awards Ceremony

St. Petersburg College’s Downtown and Midtown campuses highlighted student success this month at ceremonies that recognized more than 30 students for their involvement in various clubs and organizations.

Students received plaques and certificates at a ceremony at SPC Downtown on April 9. Two students also were presented with the Yvonne Ulmer Scholarship and received $250 each.

On April 16, college officials recognized three students at SPC Midtown for their involvement in the campus’ Student Government Association. Two students received $250 each and were presented the Dr. Hildegarde Shirley Scholarship.

Photo galleries from ceremonies are on the Downtown and Midtown campuses’ Facebook pages.

The following students received an award:

Plaques

• John McBennett, Persistence Award, Student Project 2012-2013, SPC Downtown
• Lekita Hamilton, Outstanding Leadership Award, Psychology Club 2012-2013, SPC Downtown
• Meeshalle Jackson, President, Student Government Association 2012-2013, SPC Downtown
• Pablo Gonzalez, Treasurer, Student Government Association 2012-2013, SPC Downtown
• Tait Sorenson, Historian, Student Government Association 2012-2013, SPC Downtown
• Adriano Luna, Vice President, Student Government Association 2012-2013, SPC Downtown
• Alfred Redick, Legislative Liaison, Student Government Association 2012-2013, SPC Downtown
• Petya Getsova, Secretary, Student Government Association 2012-2013, SPC Downtown
• Xing Han, Jurisprudence, Student Government Association 2012-2013, SPC Downtown
• Troy Phillips, President, Student Government Association 2012-2013, SPC Midtown
• Jesse Williams, Treasurer, Student Government Association 2012-2013, SPC Midtown
• Andrew Vilchez, MAX Man Award “Service is an Attitude” Outstanding Leadership under Fire 2012-2013, SPC Downtown

SPC Downtown Student Leadership Awards Ceremony

Certificates

• Dwayne McCray, Student Government Association 2012-2013, SPC Midtown
• Julia Haddad, Senator, Student Government Association 2012-2013, SPC Downtown
• Gregory Creft, Senator, Student Government Association 2012-2013, SPC Downtown
• Steven Klapach, Senator, Student Government Association 2012-2013, SPC Downtown
• Randy Hotaling, Senator, Student Government Association 2012-2013, SPC Downtown
• Barry Haugabook, Senator, Student Government Association 2012-2013, SPC Downtown
• Jeni Kennedy, Senator, Student Government Association 2012-2013, SPC Downtown
• Anthony Martinez, Representative, Student Government Association 2012-2013, SPC Downtown
• Kyle Orion Eaton, Senator, Student Government Association 2012-2013, SPC Downtown
• Zachary Nelson, Senator, Student Government Association 2012-2013, SPC Downtown
• Cynthia Hartley, Senator, Student Government Association 2012-2013, SPC Downtown
• Giovanni Donald, Senator, Student Government Association 2012-2013, SPC Downtown
• Meeshalle Jackson, Environmental Consulting Society 2012-2013, SPC Downtown
• Adriano Luna, Environmental Consulting Society 2012-2013, SPC Downtown
• Alfred Redick, Environmental Consulting Society 2012-2013, SPC Downtown
• Tait Sorenson, Environmental Consulting Society 2012-2013, SPC Downtown
• Randy Hotaling, MAX Club President 2012-2013, SPC Downtown
• Adriano Luna, MAX Club Treasurer 2012-2013, SPC Downtown
• Gregory Creft, MAX Club Secretary 2012-2013, SPC Downtown
• Christopher Wallace, MAX Club Historian 2012-2013, SPC Downtown
• Andrew Vilchez, Parliamentarian, Student Government Association 2012-2013, SPC Downtown
• Pablo Gonzalez, Soccer Club President 2012-2013, SPC Downtown
• Julius Gardner, Psychology Club 2012-2013, SPC Downtown
• Nelson Mercedes, Psychology Club 2012-2013, SPC Downtown
• Andrew Suslavich, Psychology Club 2012-2013, SPC Downtown
• Lekita Hamilton, Psychology Club 2012-2013, SPC Downtown
• Jasmine Pena, Psychology Club 2012-2013, SPC Downtown
• Latoya Scott, Psychology Club 2012-2013, SPC Downtown
• Megan Eli, Psychology Club 2012-2013, SPC Downtown
• Zach Nelson, Psychology Club 2012-2013, SPC Downtown

Scholarships

• Bingqing Fang, Yvonne Ulmer Scholarship, Math, SPC Downtown
• Devin Plant, Yvonne Ulmer Scholarship, Writing, SPC Downtown
• Dominique Bostic, Dr. Hildegarde Shirley Scholarship, Math, SPC Downtown
• Laquana Davis, Dr. Hildegarde Shirley Scholarship, Writing, SPC Downtown

Read Full Post »

In the news: Possible delay for new SPC Midtown project

The Tampa Bay Times reported that a protest over the selection of the builder for the new St. Petersburg College Midtown project could push back its upcoming groundbreaking.

Peter R. Brown Construction, Inc., filed a protest letter after it was not chosen to manage the project. The Board of Trustees will discuss the issue April 16.

Read Full Post »

In the news: Construction firm picked for new Midtown Center

Bay News 9 and the Tampa Bay Times reported earlier this month on St. Petersburg College’s selection of a construction firm for the new Midtown Center.

The center, which will be built at 22nd Street and 13th Avenue South, will be a three-story building with brick accents, have twice as many classrooms and cost about $14 million. It will allow students to complete two-year associate degrees, a role the current building is not equipped to handle. A groundbreaking is planned for May or June, the Times reported.

Read Full Post »

SPC Board of Trustees Feb. 19 meeting recap

The Board of Trustees met Tuesday, Feb. 19 at the Caruth Health Education Center.

The full agenda, including all presentations, is available on the board’s website. The full meeting video (which is 1 hour and 31 minutes long) also is linked on the site.

Meeting highlights included:

• The board approved the construction manager for the new Midtown Center, Gilbane Building Company. The company was chosen from among 17 applicants and, as part of the agreement, has committed to use local minority subcontractors for at least 30 percent of the work. Watch this portion of the meeting video starting at 0:27:03.
• The board approved the purchase of the current Midtown location and a property across the street from the St. Petersburg Housing Authority. The site will continue to house the college’s Midtown operations until the new Midtown Center is built, then will be converted for auxiliary use. Watch this portion of the meeting video starting at 0:47:48.
• The board approved the sale of a small piece of land at the Tarpon Springs Campus to a developer who intends to build a Wawa on adjacent property. The item was tabled at the last board meeting while the college clarified terms of the sale, including money that will go to site improvements. Watch this portion of the meeting video starting at 0:23:55.
• Anne Cooper, senior vice president for academic and student affairs, reported on efforts for excellence in teaching and learning, new faculty evaluations and presented continuing contract recommendations, including mini-profiles of some of the faculty.
• The board agreed with a recommendation to discontinue the college’s Parks and Leisure Services associate in science degree program. Patty Jones, vice president for human resources and public affairs, gave an update on marketing efforts since February 2012 and a preview of the continuing transition of the college’s marketing.
• Downtown/Midtown Provost Kevin Gordon reported on efforts to improve the student success rate.
• Dean Kim Hartman reported on achievements by the College of Education.
• Teresa Phoenix, chair of the Career Service Council, gave an update on professional development training efforts that begin this spring.

The Board of Trustees next meets at 8:30 a.m. on March 19 at the EpiCenter.

Read Full Post »

SPC Midtown walks for health and campus promotion

Cynthia Jolliff-Johnson, Midtown Associate Provost and Heather Disler, SPC Downtown/Midtown Wellness Advisory Board member, organized the 1st Walk with the Provost event at SPC Midtown on Dec. 7.

While in the surrounding Midtown neighborhood they dropped off door hang tags and talked with residents about the upcoming Midtown Open House planned for Dec. 13. Representatives from Enrollment Management, Advising, Financial Aid, Career Services, Learning Resources and Student Life & Leadership will be on hand to answer students’ questions and help them enroll at SPC!

Read more about the walk on the SPC Wellness blog.

Read Full Post »

SPC Downtown walks for wellness

About 20 people participated in the Walk with the Provost at SPC Downtown on Nov. 9.

The group walked from the main SPC Downtown building to the Palladium Theater at St. Petersburg College and down Beach Drive. The campus also recently reopened its employee wellness center.

Another walk, this time at SPC Midtown, is set for Dec. 7 at 12:30 p.m. This walk will also incorporate a walk through the community, and all SPC students, faculty and staff are encouraged to participate.

For more information about walks at both campuses and to see photos from the Downtown campus event, see the SPC Wellness blog.

Read Full Post »

Downtown Center to host Ask a Professional Day

Professionals from various industries will be on hand to share their professional experiences with SPC students on Nov. 15 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at SPC Downtown.

Students are invited to come and learn from those who have made a name for themselves in their respective industries. Guest speakers will share invaluable information pertaining to their career path, typical work day, skills education needed and advancement opportunities.

“The event will offer students an opportunity to engage in conversations with professionals and receive advice on the steps toward career success,” said Marta Przyborowski, an outreach specialist with SPC’s Career and Technical Education Programs.

The scheduled sessions will highlight the following industries and career resources:

• Social Services – Jennifer Stracick, Executive Director, Alpha House of Pinellas County
• Banking/Finance – Cynthia Brooks, Banking Center Manager, Bank of America
• Entrepreneurship – Jenn Greacen, Executive Director, The Clear Agency
• Career Planning – Jerry Cade, Counselor/Advisor, SPC-DT

The event will be held at the Downtown Campus in Room DC-210 with transportation provided from the Midtown Campus to the event. Students must sign up by Nov. 14 to take advantage of transportation.

Anyone with questions about the event can contact Marta Przyborowski at 727-341-7973.

Read Full Post »

SPC provost to be inducted into Gibbs High School sports Hall of Fame

Downtown and Midtown Provost Kevin Gordon will be inducted into the Gibbs High School Sports Hall of Fame on Dec. 18.

Gordon is being honored for his accomplishments in 1982 in track, where he set school records that are still standing in the 100-yard dash, 220 and 440. He earned an athletic scholarship to Florida State University where he was a four-year letterman in track. Gordon was principal of Gibbs High before joining SPC a year ago.

Read Full Post »

SPC Midtown Center construction expected to begin in May

The college’s Midtown Center will be growing and relocating after SPC’s Board of Trustees approved plans for a new facility in St. Petersburg on Tuesday and budgeted $14-million for the project.

Construction is scheduled to begin in May and will take about a year to complete.

“The area to be served is one of the richest for 15-35 year olds in the county,” President Bill Law said.

Kevin Gordon, Provost at the Downtown and Midtown sites, said Midtown enrollment is only 8 to 10 percent of the eligible students within a five-mile radius. At most of the college’s other locations it is 12 to 16 percent.

Headcount this fall at Midtown is 457 students.

“This new campus is a very visible sign of the college’s commitment to increasing educational opportunities for all those who need it, but with particular emphasis on reaching young, African-American males,” Gordon said.

Gordon said he was especially proud of the fact that the college “is doing what it always said it would do. It started with a Collaborative Lab last November and now we’re ready to go.”

The three-story, 45,000-square foot building will be built on land leased from the city at 22^nd Street and 13^th Avenue South and will quadruple the size of the campus.

Board member Terry Brett spoke about his longtime efforts to improve the economic opportunities in Midtown and he urged the college to look for local contractors and do everything it can within the law to use local general contractors and local, minority sub- contractors. At next month’s meeting, each board member will nominate a community person to serve in an advisory capacity on the committee that recommends contractors.

Board Chairman Deveron Gibbons, a strong supporter of this effort, was appreciative of the hard work that has gone into the project thus far. “Dr Law, Dr. Duncan (Doug, Senior Vice President Administrative/Business Services and Information Technology) and Dr. Gordon and their staffs all did a great job of getting this done,” Gibbons said.  “Thank you.”

This is the the video. The Midtown discussion begins at the 32:50 mark. Here is a link to the PowerPoint presentation

Read Full Post »