Uploaded May 2023 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
Spring 2023 St. Petersburg College Commencement Ceremony
Saturday, May 13, 2023, at Tropicana Field.
About St. Petersburg College:
In 1927, St. Petersburg College (then known as St. Petersburg Junior College) became Florida's first private, non-profit, two-year school of higher learning located in downtown St. Petersburg. Full accreditation followed in 1931 and in 1948 SPC became a public college.
In June 2001, SPJC officially became St. Petersburg College when Florida's governor signed legislation making it the first community college in Florida to offer four-year degrees. On Dec. 11, 2001, the college received the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools' accreditation to offer courses leading to bachelor's degrees.
In 2002, St. Petersburg College began offering courses leading to bachelor's degrees in Education, Nursing and Technology Management. The college's commitment to its two-year curriculum, which has earned it wide recognition and annually wins it high national rankings, remains as strong as ever.
Today, SPC has ten learning sites throughout Pinellas County and recently became the first college in Florida to offer a four-year degree in Dental Hygiene. This program's offerings augment its two-year program, which has been in operation since 1963. SPC added four-year degrees in Veterinary Technology, Public Safety Administration and Orthotics and Prosthetics in 2005.
College Accreditation
St. Petersburg College is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award associates degrees and to offer courses leading to bachelor's degrees in the following areas: Banking, Nursing, Business Administration, Orthotics & Prosthetics, Elementary/Secondary Education, Paralegal Studies. Educational Studies. Post-Baccalaureate Teacher Certification. Dental Hygiene. Public Safety Administration. Health Services Administration. Sustainability Management. International Business. Technology Management. Management & Organizational Leadership. Veterinary Technology.
SPC also offers access to junior and senior level courses for bachelors and graduate degrees at the University Partnership Center. The UPC partners with the University of South Florida, University of South Florida at St. Petersburg, Eckerd College, University of Florida, Florida State University, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, University of Central Florida, Florida International University, Florida A&M University, Saint Leo University, Florida Gulf Coast University, Florida Institute of Technology, Barry University, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland State University, Indiana University, and St. Petersburg College.
Spring 2023 St. Petersburg College Commencement Ceremony
Saturday, May 13, 2023, at Tropicana Field.
About St. Petersburg College:
In 1927, St. Petersburg College (then known as St. Petersburg Junior College) became Florida's first private, non-profit, two-year school of higher learning located in downtown St. Petersburg. Full accreditation followed in 1931 and in 1948 SPC became a public college.
In June 2001, SPJC officially became St. Petersburg College when Florida's governor signed legislation making it the first community college in Florida to offer four-year degrees. On Dec. 11, 2001, the college received the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools' accreditation to offer courses leading to bachelor's degrees.
In 2002, St. Petersburg College began offering courses leading to bachelor's degrees in Education, Nursing and Technology Management. The college's commitment to its two-year curriculum, which has earned it wide recognition and annually wins it high national rankings, remains as strong as ever.
Today, SPC has ten learning sites throughout Pinellas County and recently became the first college in Florida to offer a four-year degree in Dental Hygiene. This program's offerings augment its two-year program, which has been in operation since 1963. SPC added four-year degrees in Veterinary Technology, Public Safety Administration and Orthotics and Prosthetics in 2005.
College Accreditation
St. Petersburg College is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award associates degrees and to offer courses leading to bachelor's degrees in the following areas: Banking, Nursing, Business Administration, Orthotics & Prosthetics, Elementary/Secondary Education, Paralegal Studies. Educational Studies. Post-Baccalaureate Teacher Certification. Dental Hygiene. Public Safety Administration. Health Services Administration. Sustainability Management. International Business. Technology Management. Management & Organizational Leadership. Veterinary Technology.
SPC also offers access to junior and senior level courses for bachelors and graduate degrees at the University Partnership Center. The UPC partners with the University of South Florida, University of South Florida at St. Petersburg, Eckerd College, University of Florida, Florida State University, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, University of Central Florida, Florida International University, Florida A&M University, Saint Leo University, Florida Gulf Coast University, Florida Institute of Technology, Barry University, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland State University, Indiana University, and St. Petersburg College.







![Standing In The Gap, EP2: Kevin K. Hendrick
In this episode, Dr. Tonjua Williams sits down with Superintendent Kevin K. Hendrick, the visionary leader behind Pinellas County Schools.
Superintendent Hendrick is a true product of the Pinellas County education system. Having moved here in third grade and never left, his journey from student to superintendent is a testament to his dedication to education and the community. Under his leadership, Pinellas County Schools has achieved its highest graduation rates in history and witnessed consistent improvements in academic performance, particularly in English Language Arts and Mathematics.
Superintendent Hendrick shares his insights into the transformative journey of education in Pinellas County, including the innovative programs and initiatives implemented during his tenure such as the expansion of early learning, literacy instruction, and the establishment of College and Career Centers in every Pinellas County High School. He also discusses the recent launch of a pilot program aimed at reimagining the middle school curriculum to facilitate a smoother transition from elementary to high school. By prioritizing both student and employee experiences, Superintendent Hendrick has successfully cultivated a culture of excellence and collaboration within Pinellas County Schools.
Join Dr. Williams and Superintendent Hendrick as they explore the dynamic landscape of education and share valuable insights and inspiring perspectives on transforming the future of learning in Pinellas County.
KEY POINTS
[00:39] - Superintendent Hendricks journey in Pinellas County Schools
[04:32] - The challenges of public education and adapting to its changes
[06:07] - What communities can do to stand better in the gap and create an impact
[09:18] - Superintendent Hendrick’s tribe
[10:58] - How Superintendent Hendrick stands in the gap to help Pinellas County Schools
[12:23] - One of the things Hendrick changed when he became a Superintendent
[13:28] - The importance of giving recognition and appreciation to employees
[16:50] - The need for superintendents to connect with employees and students
[22:20] - How Supt. Hendrick handles when the expectations exceed the role of organization
[23:35] - The critical role of having partnerships
[26:01] - One of the challenges for higher education: AI
[26:28] - On navigating AI and other technologies to help students and employees
QUOTABLES
Partnerships are so important to being successful. And especially in todays world. — Superintendent Kevin K. Hendrick
When you invest in the lives of others, you have an opportunity to change the trajectory of their generation. — Dr. Tonjua Williams
Affirmation is so important to everyone. They want to know that they matter and that theyre not Hidden Figures, that theyre not invisible. — Dr. Tonjua Williams
RESOURCES:
Kevin K. Hendrick
X | @PinellasSuper
Pinellas County Schools
LinkedIn | @pinellascountyschools
St. Petersburg College
Facebook | @stpetecollege
IG | @stpetersburgcollege
YouTube | @SPC
LinkedIn | @st-petersburg-college
X | @spcnews
Standing In The Gap is produced by EPYC Media Network | Visit at https://www.epyc.co/
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St. Petersburg College was founded in 1927 as St. Petersburg Junior College, Floridas first two-year college. Our alumni rank first in the state for earning the highest entry wages among state community college graduates. Access, excellence, and student support are the hallmarks of SPC. Regionally accredited and nationally recognized, SPC was the first state college in Florida to offer bachelor’s degrees. We offer 200+ degree, certificate and transfer programs, as well as many high-demand, high-skill, industry-recognized workforce certifications. Our career-focused curriculum is created in conjunction with industry experts to ensure that SPC students are able to meet the needs of today’s employers.
To learn more about SPC, visit https://spcollege.edu. Standing In The Gap, EP2: Kevin K. Hendrick](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/i50AdE1FCvc/mqdefault.jpg)


![Standing In The Gap, EP20: Dr. Ernest McDonald
In this inspiring episode, Dr. Tonjua Williams sits down with SPC alum Dr. Ernest McDonald to explore the themes of leadership, decision-making, and overcoming fear and inadequacy. Dr. McDonald shares his remarkable journey from dropping out of school in sixth grade to earning a doctorate in pharmacy and becoming a Clinical Pharmacist at Largo Medical Center. Through honest reflections, he discusses the challenges he faced, including financial struggles, academic setbacks, and feelings of inadequacy, and how he found the courage to persevere.
With the support of programs like Brother to Brother and mentors who believed in him, Dr. McDonald emphasizes the transformative power of community, mentorship, and asking for help. He highlights the importance of continuous learning, leveraging technology for growth, and building a strong support network. His story is a testament to resilience and the power of education, offering hope and inspiration for anyone striving to overcome obstacles and achieve their dreams. Don’t miss this heartfelt conversation about breaking barriers and making an impact.
KEY POINTS:
[01:11] - Introduction to Dr. Ernest McDonald
[02:25] - Dr. McDonalds early experiences at St. Petersburg College
[06:42] - The pivotal role of the Brother to Brother program
[09:12] - Dr. McDonalds journey after SPC
[10:07] - The responsibilities and challenges of being a lead pharmacist
[16:11] - The inner drive and determination that kept going
[23:39] - Dr. McDonalds advice to his younger self and the importance of overcoming fears
[31:33] - Leadership style: The value of authenticity and willingness to learn
[36:36] - What’s next? Dr. McDonald’s vision the help the community
QUOTABLES:
Dont run from fear. Lean into it. Overcome it. – Dr. Ernest McDonald
Individuals do not rise to the level of their expectation, they fall to the level of their training. – Dr. Ernest McDonald
Your fear and your lack of knowing, of feeling inadequate, dont let it feed into that, because its an endless pit. – Dr. Ernest McDonald
RESOURCES:
Dr. Ernest McDonald
LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/ernest-mcdonald-pharmd-cph-bcps-944a1b45/
St. Petersburg College
Website | www.spcollege.edu
Facebook | facebook.com/stpetecollege
IG | instagram.com/stpetersburgcollege
YouTube | youtube.com/@SPC
LinkedIn | linkedin.com/company/st petersburg-college
X | x.com/spcnews
Standing In The Gap is produced by EPYC Media Network | Visit at https://www.epyc.co/
—————
St. Petersburg College was founded in 1927 as St. Petersburg Junior College, Floridas first two-year college. Our alumni rank first in the state for earning the highest entry wages among state community college graduates. Access, excellence, and student support are the hallmarks of SPC. Regionally accredited and nationally recognized, SPC was the first state college in Florida to offer bachelor’s degrees. We offer 200+ degree, certificate and transfer programs, as well as many high-demand, high-skill, industry-recognized workforce certifications. Our career-focused curriculum is created in conjunction with industry experts to ensure that SPC students are able to meet the needs of today’s employers.
To learn more about SPC, visit https://spcollege.edu. Standing In The Gap, EP20: Dr. Ernest McDonald](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/jDxROecvjc0/mqdefault.jpg)