All posts by Jan Brandi

Dr. Lynn Grinnell: Inspiring Leaders, Changing Lives

College of Business, Featured

At St. Petersburg College (SPC), one professor stands out not just for her expertise, but for the way she transforms the lives of her students. Dr. Lynn Grinnell—a retired Air Force veteran, sustainability advocate, and a guiding force in the College of Business—is the embodiment of passion, grace, and dedication.

Dr. Grinnell doesn’t just teach—she empowers. She has a unique ability to make her students feel that no matter where they are in life, they can rise above challenges and create an impact.

Her belief in her students is unwavering, and her encouragement fuels their confidence to achieve their dreams and go beyond what they thought possible.

Light bulb lying in the dirt. A green sprout grows inside the sprout.

Leading the Charge in Sustainability and Net Impact

As the leader of SPC’s Bachelor’s in Sustainability program and the faculty advisor for Net Impact, Dr. Grinnell’s mission is clear: to inspire students to take actionable steps toward a better future.

Through her work with Net Impact, she encourages students to go above and beyond in sharing the message of what we can do to protect our environment, both locally here in Florida and on a global scale.

Whether tackling issues of environmental stewardship, corporate responsibility, or sustainable innovation, Dr. Grinnell is a champion of creating leaders who are prepared to make meaningful contributions to the world.

Her passion for sustainability is deeply rooted in helping students achieve certifications that make them stand out in their careers. Certifications like the prestigious LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) and the Green Innovations Certificate are transformative for students.

Dr. Grinnell is right there alongside them, offering guidance and support. Her dedication ensures that students are not just prepared to enter the workforce but are inspired to lead with purpose and innovation.

Line of wind turbines along a beach.

A Legacy of Service and Dedication

Her life is a testament to resilience and service. Dr. Grinnell’s military career not only shaped her disciplined work ethic but also brought her a love story—she met her husband while serving in the U.S. Air Force.

Today, she channels that same discipline and heart into shaping the next generation of leaders. Watching her work is awe-inspiring; her energy and dedication seem limitless. She pours herself into every task, ensuring that her students not only learn but also grow as individuals.

Fighter jet silhouetted against the setting sun.

Inspiring Women to Break Barriers

For women students, Dr. Grinnell is especially inspiring. Her journey from serving her country to leading a cutting-edge academic program shows that no dream is too big.

As one of the first women in an Operations career field, she controlled fighter planes and became the first woman Master of Air Defense—a prestigious skill rating achieved by only 100 pilots and controllers over 25 years. Her trailblazing career reminds women that they can overcome any barrier, break into male-dominated fields, and leave a lasting legacy.

Learn More and Get Involved

Dr. Grinnell’s legacy is clear: her students aren’t just earning degrees; they are changing the world. Through her tireless efforts, she has built programs that leave students not only prepared but also inspired to lead with integrity, compassion, and purpose.

To learn more about the Sustainability Bachelor’s program, the Green Innovations Certificate (available at a discounted rate for current active students), or becoming LEED-certified, contact Dr. Grinnell at lynngrinnell@spcollege.edu.

High rise building covered in lush green foliage.

From Entrepreneurial Roots to Inspiring Futures: Dr. Andy Rojas at SPC

College of Business, Entrepreneurship, Featured, International Business

Dr. Andy Rojas’ path to becoming a respected educator in business is anything but typical. From a young age in Colombia, Dr. Rojas discovered a knack for negotiation and an eye for opportunity that set the stage for a career in international banking. Today, he brings that experience to students at St. Petersburg College (SPC), guiding the next generation of business leaders.

“As an international student, I learned how education could open doors and connect people from diverse backgrounds. It became the foundation for my career and shaped my approach to teaching,” said Dr. Rojas.

Early Insights and a Passion for Business
Dr. Rojas’ first entrepreneurial venture started with an Atari video game console, gifted by his father. He turned it into a “timeshare” for neighborhood kids, charging a fee for playtime. This experience ignited his passion for business and shaped his entrepreneurial mindset.

From Banking to Teaching
After a successful career in international banking, Dr. Rojas felt called to share his expertise through teaching. “I realized prosperity is about helping others reach their goals. Teaching allows me to guide students toward meaningful prosperity—success that aligns with their values.”

At SPC, Dr. Rojas connects classroom learning with real-world practice. “We build relationships with employers, giving students a direct pathway to the job market,” he says.

Global Partnerships for Impact
Dr. Rojas spearheads SPC’s international collaborations with institutions in Japan, Colombia, Jordan, and Greece, building a global community of students and professionals. “We’ve created a network of aspiring professionals who are empowered to make an impact across cultures and continents,” he shares.

Core Lessons for Students
Dr. Rojas emphasizes three principles:

  • Be Different: Develop unique strengths into a personal brand.
  • Take the Balcony View: Step back to see the bigger picture.
  • Cultural Intelligence: Be curious about and respect other cultures in a globalized world.

A Lasting Legacy
Dr. Rojas views teaching as a calling, saying, “In business and life, it’s not just about what you achieve but how you impact others. I want to help students build lives they’re proud of.”

For students interested in learning more about the upcoming Greece trip, you can reach out to Dr. Rojas directly at rojas.andres@spcollege.edu.

Earth Day Celebration: A Community Triumph at SPC’s Clearwater Campus

College of Business, Sustainability Management,

St. Petersburg College had a fantastic Earth Day Celebration event at the Clearwater Campus. Thanks to everyone who joined, including Pinellas County, St. Petersburg Tesla, USF’s Patel College of Global Sustainability, Keep Pinellas Beautiful, Solar Source, and the LEED Lab. A big cheer for partners and volunteers, especially the Student Government Association, for making this day special. Check out our mascot with the Tesla and more fun moments in our album!

On April 18, the St. Petersburg College Clearwater Campus buzzed with excitement from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. as the college celebrated its inaugural “Earth Day Celebration.

The event was driven by the commitment of Dr. Lynn Grinnell and bolstered by the invaluable assistance of Stephanie Henningsen and Rose Mackey. This celebration showcased the power of collective effort.

Despite the academic pressures of term’s end, we saw an impressive turnout from local businesses, nonprofits, and environmental advocates. Noteworthy was Pinellas County’s engaging presentation on their innovative watershed and oyster recycling projects, which are revitalizing local oyster beds in collaboration with area restaurants. Tesla attracted crowds with a cutting-edge model, providing a unique photo op alongside our SPC Titans mascot.

Collaborative efforts were particularly strong with the University of South Florida’s Patel College of Global Sustainability, offering valuable insights into sustainable practices and educational opportunities.

Keep Pinellas Beautiful also highlighted their community initiatives and internship opportunities, encouraging direct engagement in local environmental stewardship.

Interactive experiences were abundant, featuring the Virtual LEED Lab’s VR demonstration and Solar Source’s display of residential solar solutions.

The Clearwater Garden Club contributed plants and promoted their upcoming Mother’s Day event, enhancing community engagement.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to the Student Government Association for their financial support and logistical organization, and to all volunteers whose dedication made this event a success.

Reflecting on this day, we are inspired by the community’s power and the impact of our collective environmental responsibility. We look forward to strengthening these connections and building on this success in our future initiatives.

Acknowledgements: Dr. Lynn Grinnell, Stephanie Henningsen, Rose Mackey, the Student Government Association, Clearwater Garden Club, and all our sponsors and volunteers!

Celebrating Dr. Louise Black and the TEDx Triumph at SPC

College of Business, Featured

St. Petersburg College (SPC) has always been a beacon of innovative educational initiatives, and the recent TEDx event is a shining example of this tradition. Dr. Louise Black, a key figure in organizing this monumental event, shared her journey and insights in a detailed discussion, shedding light on the intricacies and the teamwork involved in bringing such a significant event to life.

The Journey to TEDx

A year of meticulous planning under Dr. Black’s leadership culminated in an enriching TEDx event themed “Redefining Learning for the Next Generation.” The theme aimed to explore innovative educational practices to better serve upcoming generations in an evolving world. This initiative perfectly aligns with St. Petersburg College’s mission to adapt and innovate in education, ensuring it remains relevant and impactful.

Dr. Black, known for her pragmatic and thorough approach, spearheaded the TEDx initiative from securing the license to setting the final stage. Her commitment to the cause and her ability to mobilize a diverse team were instrumental in the event’s success. Over 100 speaker applications were received, indicating a high level of interest and enthusiasm within the community.

The Power of Teamwork

One of the most compelling aspects of the TEDx event, as highlighted by Dr. Black, was the dream team that made it possible. From logistics to speaker management, every team member brought a unique strength to the table, demonstrating the power of collaboration. This teamwork not only facilitated a smooth execution of the event but also fostered a sense of community and mutual support among the staff and volunteers. Special thanks to Nicolle Panuthos, Cynthia Grey, Chad Mairn, Paola Leon, and Jessica Sager, who did the heavy lifting to make this event a reality.

Impact and Insights

The aftermath of the TEDx event was as impactful as the presentations themselves. Attendees and speakers shared ideas and discussions that continued to resonate days after the event. Dr. Black noted the diversity of topics and the quality of discourse as particularly striking, fulfilling her vision of a platform where lesser-heard voices could share influential ideas.

A Lesson in Leadership

Dr. Black’s leadership during the TEDx event serves as an inspiring lesson for educators and students alike. Her ability to envision, execute, and elevate educational experiences highlights the importance of proactive leadership in learning institutions. It also underscores the significant impact that thoughtful educational events can have on community engagement and intellectual exchange.

Looking Forward

As St. Petersburg College continues to pioneer educational excellence, the success of the TEDx event paves the way for more innovative and community-driven initiatives. Dr. Black’s role in this event has not only left a lasting imprint on her colleagues and students but has also set a high standard for future endeavors.

Additional acknowledgments to Jeffrey Briggs, Amber Estlund, Lori Kelley, Emmanuel Hernandez-Agosto, Theresa Kontodiakos, Sidney Martin, and Marilyn Shaw for their contributions to this successful event.

Spotlight on Excellence: The SPC Bull’s Eye Award

A red dart hits dead center on a dart board.
College of Business, Featured,

Dive into the heart of St. Petersburg College (SPC), where the spirit of innovation and achievement isn’t just encouraged—it’s celebrated with fervor. At the forefront of this celebration stands the Bull’s Eye Award, a testament to the extraordinary strategic business acumen displayed by SPC students. But that’s just the beginning.

Have you ever imagined stepping into the shoes of a corporate titan? At SPC’s College of Business, students are catapulted into the corporate world through The Business Strategy Game (BSG), an integral component of their capstone course.

This isn’t your typical classroom experience. Students are thrust into the thick of strategic decision-making, tasked with interviewing, hiring, and leading their very own corporate management teams. Their mission? To master the art of strategy in marketing, operations, and finance, propelling their company ahead of the competition in a thrilling international market landscape.

Understanding the Bull’s Eye Award

The Bull’s Eye Award represents the pinnacle of student engagement and proficiency in applying business concepts. Awarded to the most adept teams in the Capstone Business Strategy Game, it benchmarks success in a way that resonates beyond the classroom, directly into the heart of industry standards.

A Unique Competitive Edge

What sets SPC apart is the real-world relevance of the Bull’s Eye Award. Unlike typical academic accolades, it is anchored in the practical application of business strategies, mirroring the complexities and competitive nature of the corporate world.

This real-time simulation and resultant recognition provide SPC students with a tangible edge in the job market.

The Architects of the Award

Initiated by forward-thinking faculty, the Bull’s Eye Award has evolved through the contributions of engaged alumni like Jeff Mowry. His involvement highlights the continuous loop between academic preparation and professional success that the award fosters.

“SPC gave me that extra edge in landing my job.”

Jeff Mowry, SPC alum & Data Analyst, Universal Financial Consultants

Titan alumni Jeff Mowry contacted the SPC College of Business about sponsoring a BSG prize for one team this past spring.

This fall semester, UFC has increased its Analysis Accuracy Award to $1,000. To learn more about Jeff, check out the below video that SPC originally created for a past business blog post.

A Proven Path to Excellence

Seven SPC alumni who work at UFC along with nine SPC fall capstone students and four faculty who attended the UFC Open House November 30, 2023.

At SPC, the Bull’s Eye Award is a symbol of our commitment to excellence and the practical preparedness of our students. It reflects the real-world value of our business education, positioning our graduates a step ahead in the professional realm.

Innovating Education with Passion

College of Business, Featured

The essence of the discussion with Professor Greta Kishbaugh, pictured above (middle) with her YearUp Business Students, highlights her innovative approach, her dedication to her students, the impactful projects she spearheads, and her innovation of education with passion. SPC’s College of Business dives into the mind of an educator who profoundly changed the game in academic and experiential learning.

A Journey of Passion and Purpose 

Professor Kishbaugh’s career is a testament to her commitment to making a difference through education. With a background in fundraising and a significant role in academia, Kishbaugh has seamlessly merged her professional experiences to enrich her teaching methods. Her story is one of passion, dedication, and a relentless pursuit of enhancing the learning experience for her students. 

Tackling Real-world Challenges through Innovation 

One of the most compelling aspects of our conversation was hearing about the Green Innovations summer camp, aimed at high school students, and encouraging the exploration of sustainable solutions to real-world problems. Professor Kishbaugh highlighted an initiative where students, initially focused on food hunger, pivoted to address a more pressing need for accessible showers among the homeless population in Saint Petersburg. This led to the development of a business plan for a portable shower unit, still in the prototyping phase. This example underscores the importance of direct community engagement and demonstrates how experiential learning fosters innovative thinking and empathy, showing the dynamic impact students can have when they apply their learning to real-world challenges. 

Empowering Students with Knowledge and Skills 

Throughout our chat, Professor Kishbaugh emphasized not only equipping students with theoretical knowledge but also imbuing them with practical skills for real-world application. Her educational approach is deeply holistic, designed to inspire and ready students for real-world complexities. By integrating elements of entrepreneurship, management, or introductory business into her curriculum, Kishbaugh ensures it is not only relevant and engaging but also distinctly inclusive. She actively works to include diverse perspectives and learning styles, ensuring accessibility, and understanding for all students, thereby preparing them comprehensively for future challenges. 

The Power of Personal Connection 

A significant theme in our discussion was Professor Kishbaugh’s emphasis on personal connections and understanding in education. Her commitment to student success is evident in her efforts to understand their challenges and adapt her teaching methods. A testament to her innovative and forward-thinking approach is her authorship of an online textbook, specifically tailored to meet her students’ needs. This initiative not only highlights her dedication to accessibility and inclusivity but also her role in actively shaping educational content to enhance learning outcomes. 

Looking Forward with Optimism and Innovation 

Reflecting on our conversation, it is evident that Professor Kishbaugh’s contributions, such as the Green Innovations summer camp and her development of online learning resources, represent a significant commitment within the realms of academia. These efforts underscore a dedication to creating a more dynamic, inclusive educational landscape, directly engaging with real-world challenges. Through her work, Professor Kishbaugh exemplifies the impact of integrating passion and innovation into educational practices, thereby nurturing a generation of leaders, thinkers, and change-makers prepared to navigate and shape the future.