St. Petersburg College President Dr. Tonjua Williams is navigating three pandemics: COVID-19, an economic downturn and racial unrest. Recently, St. Petersburg City Council Member Deborah Figgs-Sanders invited Williams to present to the council about how the city can support higher education and retain talent within St. Petersburg.
“St. Pete College is our college,” Figgs-Sanders said.
In her presentation, Williams discussed SPC’s refined focus on building economic prosperity through the educational ecosystem in four specific areas:
- Closing the achievement gap through equity
- Reimagining the educational system
- Strengthening the college’s infrastructure to decrease the digital divide
- Aligning the workforce and education
Williams highlighted the college’s continued efforts to support first-time-in-college (FTIC) students, specifically within Pinellas County’s five most high-poverty areas. In 2017, the college zeroed in on closing the achievement gap by supporting FTIC students beyond the classroom. This included resources such as campus food pantries, PSTA bus passes, mental health services and more.
She also referenced SPC’s desire to reimagine higher education by positioning Pinellas County and the City of St. Petersburg as a prime destination for workforce leaders and preparing residents for high-paying careers.
“St. Pete is the only city in Pinellas County that has a technical, state and private university system within its city,” Williams said.
A strategy for academic success
Another focus for the college is to decrease the digital divide by providing students with the proper equipment and training to be successful in their academic pursuits. Williams noted the economic disparity within the city.
“St. Pete is the place where the sun shines on everyone, but there are some who aren’t feeling the warmth,” she said.
Since becoming the seventh president of SPC, Williams has committed to creating an educational system within Pinellas County to support residents by providing access to higher education. The ecosystem is a strategic partnership, made up of St. Petersburg College, USF St. Petersburg, Pinellas Technical College, Pinellas County Schools and local private institutions. The aim of the group is to:
- Increase educational attainment
- Eliminate the achievement gaps
- Provide better jobs and family-sustaining wages
- Reduce poverty and increase economic prosperity
- Create overall economic mobility and vitality
“The ecosystem will create on and off-ramps to increase the living wages of our citizens,” Williams said. “We’re leaving no worker behind!”
To watch President Williams’ presentation to the City Council, click here.