Member Spotlight – St. Petersburg College
“St. Petersburg College faculty can trace many classroom successes to effectiveness training and learning experiences received through NISOD. Based on NISOD ideals, the College created CETL (Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning) in 2010, which over the years has enriched learning experiences for our students, provided workshops and other training opportunities for our faculty, and rewarded faculty and students for their efforts and achievements in and out of the classroom. We have come to count on NISOD for rewarding and challenging up-to-date teaching and learning strategies as we continue to strive toward our ultimate goal of a successful learning experience for each and every student who comes our way.”
–Dr. Tonjua Williams, President, St. Petersburg College
Dr. Tonjua Williams, President
Member Spotlight Question and Answer
When did St. Petersburg College become a NISOD Member?
The college first became a member in 1996.
Why is St. Petersburg College a NISOD Member?
St. Petersburg College has been using the ample resources provided by NISOD to support and enrich faculty development for many years due to its focus on student success, faculty leadership, and exemplary teaching practices.
Which NISOD benefits does St. Petersburg College use the most and how?
Access to webinars, Innovation Abstracts, and the annual conference provide ongoing opportunities for faculty to share pedagogical ideas with peers and reinvigorate their teaching practices. The Excellence Awards provide an opportunity for faculty to earn national acclaim for their research and teaching methodologies, as well as enhance their leadership through their commitment to student success.
Interesting News Happening at St. Petersburg College
Academic Excellence Through Guided Pathways
St. Petersburg College strives to provide a high-quality education for its students by creating an innovative and engaging learning environment with a supportive, collegial culture. Since 2010, St. Petersburg College has focused on building Guided Pathways for its students. It has become a recognized leader in its implementation of initiatives that drive student success, progression through its degree programs, and attainment of a credential that leads to a job with economic mobility. After participating in the American Association of Community College’s (AACU) first cohort of Guided Pathways institutions, the college was recognized by the American Association of Colleges and Universities (AAC&U) with a $30,000 grant to participate as one of 20 colleges across the nation to work collaboratively with AAC&U and the Center for Community College Student Engagement (CCCSE) at the University of Texas at Austin to beta test a research-based, scalable prototype to ensure students are learning.
Economic Mobility Through a Focus on Workforce Education
St. Petersburg College partners with local employers to ensure that its program offerings support local needs in an effort to improve the economic mobility of the county. By preparing students for high-wage, high-need careers and professional growth, the college not only helps improve the quality of life within its community, it assists in ending generational cycles of poverty. SPC’s enrollment is comprised predominantly of students from disadvantaged backgrounds including those identified as academically disadvantaged, low-income, first-generation, disabled, and/or marginalized in the community. Over the past several years, SPC has worked to build a collaborative educational ecosystem with clear routes through the county school district, Pinellas Technical College, SPC, and our university partners that builds skills and stacks credentials from each institution, alleviating wasted time or money. SPC is ranked first in the state for highest entry-level wages for graduates among state community colleges in Florida, with an average entry-level wage of $51,248.
Community Engagement Through A Community of Care
A large part of St. Petersburg College’s (SPC) mission is to be a Community of Care, which means that the college wants to make sure that the entire SPC family – students and employees – as well as the surrounding communities, have what they need to lead healthy and productive lives. This includes celebrating volunteerism and civic engagement, but supports broader issues such as community health, environmental efforts, food and housing needs, insecurity, clothing and transportation needs, as well as special needs incurred by local veterans. By partnering with local support organizations, SPC seeks to improve the lives of those it serves.
Every month, NISOD turns the spotlight on the effective ways member colleges use NISOD benefits. These member colleges exemplify NISOD’s mission of improving teaching, learning, and leadership, with the ultimate goal being to increase student success.