St. Petersburg’s community leaders kicked off Community College Month by welcoming SPC President Dr. Tonjua Williams to the downtown family. The college hosted a ribbon cutting on April 5 to celebrate the relocation of its headquarters. It was previously in Clearwater and relocated to the SPC Downtown Center.
SPC is known as Pinellas County’s college and is excited to come back home to where it all started. President Williams is proud to continue to help students re-career, upskill, and change their lives.
“We’re proud to move our headquarters here,” Williams said. “This is where it all started in 1927. We’re focusing on building pride and unity to ensure all individuals gain economic mobility. The college’s priority is to close the achievement gap and help students get a job.”
SPC’s Board of Trustee Member Nathan Stonecipher considered the relocation special. He stated it symbolized two of his personal passions, the city of St. Pete and SPC.
“We strive as a Board, with President Williams as our leader, to focus on student success and economic mobility,” Stonecipher said. “Over 90 percent of our students stay within Pinellas County. Our students are investing their dollars right here in this community and we hope this is another step in making downtown St. Pete accessible to everyone and a foundational part for the next 100 years.”
The city’s mayor and chamber CEO expressed excitement to have such a valuable organization in the heart of St. Pete.
Chris Steinocher, President and CEO of St. Petersburg Chamber, highlighted the college’s new headquarters. Stating it is now nestled on the perfect street to innovate the future for the city and Pinellas County.
“This street now has all the resources to start, grow or create anything great in this community. Within two blocks, we just created the front door we have always been looking for to bring people together,” Steinocher said.
St. Petersburg’s Mayor Rick Kriseman thanked the college for its flexibility. HE stated it met the needs of the local workforce by creating programs to attract new businesses.
“On behalf of 270,000 residents, thank you for everything you do for this community and for bringing your institution’s home back home,” Kriseman said.