The digital magazine for faculty, staff, students and friends of Pensacola State College
February 9, 2022
Michael Johnston, PSC’s Associate Vice President of Research and Management Information Systems, poses with Samantha Smith, left, and Brooke Saquibal of the Workday Implementation Office.
Pensacola State College students who participated in the recent two-week Workday Student mock semester gave the new system high marks.

When given a choice of “Loved It," “Satisfied," “Neutral," “Unsatisfied” and “Disliked," 87.5 percent of the students who participated said they “Loved It” and the rest chose “Satisfied.” 

Workday Student officially launches on March 14 and it will be where students go on their desktop, laptop or smartphone to do everything from applying for admission, registration, financial aid to filling out scholarship applications. 

Workday Student replaces the PSC-built Spyglass system. 

The Workday Student Mock Semester was held Jan. 24-27 and Jan. 31-Feb. 3 on the Pensacola campus. There were 140 students who participated, working at computer stations with staff and administrators to use the Workday Student.

Students learned how to use Workday Student on desktop and mobile application formats and actually went through all the steps and processes to apply, register, request advising, apply for financial aid and more. 
PSC staff are now using the data from the mock semester to fix any bugs or address concerns with Workday Student.

“We had students from many different programs and various demographics participating," said Michael Johnston, PSC’s Associate Vice President of Research and Management Information Systems. “I think the diverse population for this event was crucial to its success.” 

During mock sessions, students at various stations – Advising, Financial Aid, Registration, etc. – worked with PSC staff to learn how to use the Workday Student functions. Others sat at tables and tried to navigate the Workday Student application on smartphones.

“I tried it on the desktop and now I’m trying it on the phone," said Danny Andzel, a middle infielder for the Pirates baseball team. “I worked on financial aid and registered for a class and then dropped it. It was no problem. It seems a lot easier than Spyglass, for sure.” 

Monique Collins, PSC Director of Advising, was one of the administrators who helped lead students through the Workday Student mock semester, guiding them through the advising process on the new system.

“They have varied information at their fingertips now, and that’s a good selling point," Collins said. “The ease of transaction and the mobile capability has been very helpful to students.”

— Troy Moon
Guided Particle Systems to hold Feb. 23 open house for engineering students – and are looking for an intern
Housed at the Pensacola State College Pensacola campus, Guided Particle Systems Inc. (GPSI) is a research and development company that specializes in Freeform Microfabrication and Edge (Mobile) Quantum Systems.

And if you know what any of that means, maybe you’re a perfect candidate for an intern position at GPSI.

GPSI will hold an open house for students enrolled in PSC Engineering Technology programs from 4:30-6 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 23, Building 11, Room 1154, on the Pensacola campus. GPSI leases space at PSC and as part of the lease agreement, the company must hire one PSC student for an intern position. 

“We do research and development and provide electronic packaging and manufacturing system design,’’ said GPSI COO Carolyn Fries, who founded the business with her husband, David Fries, who serves as CEO. “We’ve enjoyed partnering with PSC and are even looking to expand into another few rooms in the next few months.”
Currently, PSC engineering technology student Zach Gravitt, pictured, who served in the U.S. Marine Corps, is the PSC intern at GPSI. He’ll earn his associate of science degree from PSC in May.

“When he graduates, he’s going to stay on with us full time,’’ Carolyn Fries said. “He’s been a great addition to the team. But now we have to find another PSC student intern. That’s why we’re having the open house.” 

PSC Workforce Director Michael Listau called the GPSI/PSC partnership “a great relationship for the College.”

“They’re really the perfect collaborator,’’ Listau said. “David (Fries) is even teaching some of our engineering classes. So, they’re not only employing students, they’re sharing their knowledge and helping develop our program.”

Gravitt urged other PSC students enrolled in Engineering Technology programs to attend the open house and consider applying for the internship.

“GPSI has really helped me grow in my field,’’ Gravitt said. “The work philosophy here is unlike anything else I’ve seen. There are a lot of expectations, but there is so much freedom and opportunity for growth.”

If you’re still not sure whether to attend, consider that there will free pizza at the open house. 


— Troy Moon
Pensacola State College observes Career and Technical Education Month with job fairs, information sessions
Pensacola State has earned a reputation as a great College to earn an education or learn a trade to go directly into the workforce.

February is national Career and Technical Education Month, and PSC has already held two job fairs and scheduled two information sessions to showcase the College’s numerous CTE programs, which range from health programs to construction trade programs and many more.

CTE students are those working towards an Associate of Science degree, a vocational certificate or college credit certificates.

“Not all of our students want to transfer to a university after PSC,’’ said Deborah Hooks, the College’s CTE Student Resources Director. “Some want to get that A.S. degree or workforce certificate and go directly into the workforce. We have programs like welding, nursing, dental hygiene and so many others that will allow our students to immediately go to good paying jobs in a variety of fields.”

Other than the two job fairs held earlier this month, PSC will observe CTE Month with these two Zoom events:
 

For qualifying students and alumni, the College’s CTE Student Resources office provides these services:

  • Textbook loans
  • Scholarships
  • Career Advising
  • Resume Assistance
  • Professional Development
  • Computer lab access
  • Certificate Reimbursement

To learn if you qualify for services, fill out the CTE Application. Submit the completed forms along with a current copy of class schedule, and financial aid award letter to the CTE office located in Building 6, Room 641, on the Pensacola campus. Deadlines for services do apply. 

For more information, call 850-484-1654.
PSC Financial Aid Day is Feb. 13 – get help with financial aid, advising and registration from our experts
Pensacola State College offers more than 300 scholarships to eligible students and numerous financial aid opportunities.

Prospective, new and returning PSC students can get help in possibly securing some of those financial aid funds for themselves at the PSC Financial Aid Day event, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 13, at the Delanio Student Center, Building 5, on the Pensacola campus.

“We will have experts from various offices there to help and assist students and their parents,’’ said Joanne Rozborski, PSC Financial Aid Director. “We will have people from admissions, recruiting, financial aid, veterans’ services and other offices there to help and answer questions.” 

One of the most requested services during every PSC Financial Aid Day is assistance in filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which is the first step in receiving financial assistance, Rozborski said.

“That’s the busiest area each year,’’ she said. “We will have people there who can help you complete the application.”

To complete the FAFSA please bring: 

  • FSA ID – apply at https://fsaid.ed.gov/
  • 2020 IRS Tax Transcript and W-2 statements (or Form 1099)
  • Social Security Number
  • Driver’s License or another valid photo ID
  • Alien Registration card or Certificate of Naturalization
  • Untaxed income records for 2020 (if applicable)
  • Social Security benefits
  • Veterans non-education benefits (disability compensation)
  • Most recent Military LES (active duty)
  • DD214
  • Value of 2020 child support received and/or paid

Though registration is not required, it is suggested. To register go to PensacolaState.edu/fad-2022

Registration for the PSC 2022 summer term begins March 1. Registration for the fall term begins April 1.

Details: 850-484-1095 or FAVA@pensacolastate.edu. 

— Troy Moon
Pirate Preview Day: High School students and adults are invited to tour Pensacola State College campuses on Feb. 21
High School students interested in Pensacola State College students will get the chance to tour the Pensacola campus and the Milton campus during the “Pirate Preview Day” event on Monday, Feb. 21. 

The event is open to all in the community but is especially aimed toward high school students who are considering continuing their education after they graduate.

Pirate Preview Day at the Pensacola campus is at 10 a.m. in the Hagler Auditorium. The Milton campus event will begin at 2 p.m. in the Student Center. Feb. 21 is Presidents’ Day and schools in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties will be closed, though PSC will remain open. 

“When our recruiters go out and visit the high schools, students want to know when they can come visit and see the campuses,’’ said Amanda Turner, PSC Associate Dean of Enrollment Management. “The schools are out for Presidents’ Day and we thought it would be a great day for a concentrated campus tour, with all hands on deck.”

Turner said a similar tour of the Warrington campus will be scheduled at a later date.

“This is a good opportunity to share our story and our successes with prospective students,’’ Turner said. “They’ll be able to meet PSC students and hear about their experiences. We want them to know we’re here for them and ready to help them continue their education after high school.”

School officials, recruiters and student ambassadors will meet with those who attend the Pirate Preview Day.

Details: 850-484-2000

—Troy Moon
PSC kicks off United Way campaign with Balloon Pop event
The United Way of Northwest Florida has launched its annual workplace campaign and Pensacola State College is ready to meet the challenge.

The PSC campaign features a Balloon Pop Kick Off from 3 to 4 p.m. Friday, Feb. 11, in the District Conference Room, Building 7, Room 714 on the Pensacola campus. Everyone who attends the event will get the opportunity to pop a balloon. Inside the balloons are slips of paper noting the prize. 

Even if you don’t contribute to PSC’s United Way campaign, you still get the chance to pop a balloon and win a prize. There will also be a photo selfie station where PSC personnel can take photos of themselves and post them to social media with the hashtag #PSCUnitedWay2022

Of course, PSC officials would love it if you did contribute to United Way of West Florida. The campaign runs through Feb. 25. Though the Balloon Launch isn’t until Feb. 11, PSC employees can begin contributing to the campaign now.

In a kickoff letter to PSC employees, College President Ed Meadows wrote: “It takes the whole community working together to bring about lasting change. By focusing on the basic things we all need for a good life, we begin to create a better tomorrow for everyone, one where all children have the opportunity to learn and thrive, where families are more financially secure, and where people can live their lives to the fullest because they have the good health to do so.”

Melonie Minor and Anita Spicer are the PSC campaign coordinators.

Spicer said there will other fun events to promote the campaign that will be announced later. United Way of North Florida is also sweetening the giving pot. Anyone who donates $250 or more in unrestricted donations is eligible to win a car from Kia Autosport of Pensacola; remember, entries come from all workplaces in the United Way of Northwest Florida region, not just from PSC. Anyone who donates $200 or more in unrestricted funds will receive a discount card that can be used at a variety of businesses in Northwest Florida. 

There are two ways to give to the PSC United Way campaign:

  1. Online donations with a credit/debit card. The donation may be a one-time contribution or a recurring one – that’s up to you! https://igfn.us/form/DgDyrA
  2. Payroll deductions set up in Workday using the handy job aid, which is attached to an email Spicer sent to all PSC employees on Feb. 9. 
PSC New Employee Spotlight: Carlita Williams
Carlita Williams has spent two decades trying to help those who are suffering ─ people in need. 

She’s worked at a women’s shelter for domestic violence survivors, as a family assessment worker visiting homes to reduce the risk of child abuse and neglect, and as a behavioral health counselor and service coordinator for families in need.

Now, she’s bringing that compassion, concern and expertise to Pensacola State College where she is a new Mental Health Services Specialist ─ a position where she provides mental health counseling to students.

“I just want to help people,’’ Williams said. “I want to help people, help our students, get the confidence in themselves they need to accomplish their education and life goals. They need to know they have support at PSC.”

Williams began her new position at PSC in December 2021. But she’s very familiar with the College. After all, she’s an alumna, earning her Associate of Arts degree from PSC in 2018. In 2020, she earned a Bachelor of Social Work degree from the University of West Florida and a Master of Social Work degree in 2021.

Before coming to PSC, Williams was a Behavioral Health Coordinator for the Lakeview Center in Pensacola.

“We are so excited to have Carlita on our Wellness Services Team as she brings a wealth of experience in the community health and social work fields to her position as our mental health counselor,’’ said her supervisor, Lynsey Listau, Executive Director of Institutional Equity and Student Conduct. “Carlita is already making great connections with the students she is providing counseling sessions to and is looking forward to working with more of our PSC students from all over our campuses.”

Currently, Williams sees about 10 students regularly, but she said she expects her caseload to “possibly double.”

“There’s a lot of anxiety out there,’’ Williams said. “Students have anxiety about passing classes. They have other anxiety in their lives. There is depression and a lot of our students are grieving right now. There are students who have lost loved ones who are suffering.”

She said there are plans to start a grief support group and an anxiety support group in the fall.

A Minnesota native, Williams and her husband, Aaron Williams, moved to Pensacola in 2011 for the weather and to be closer to his family in Mississippi.

The couple has four adult children.

—Troy Moon
Interested in transferring
from PSC to UWF?

Stop by the Pensacola Campus Advising office in Room 508, Building 5, to meet with a PSC2UWF Transfer Adviser from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 10.