SPC names Raquel Hairston dean of dual enrollment
Dr. Raquel Hairston has been named the new Dean of Dual Enrollment at St. Petersburg College.
A veteran education leader with over 20 years of experience in K–12 instruction and school administration, Hairston will lead the college’s dual enrollment strategy and partnerships, expanding access to early college opportunities for high school students.
Hairston joined the college in 2019 as principal of St. Petersburg Collegiate High School at the St. Petersburg/Gibbs Campus. In 2022, she was appointed principal of the St. Petersburg Collegiate STEM High School at the Downtown Center. During her tenure, she launched initiatives to optimize productivity, elevate leadership performance and foster continuous improvement across programs and teams.
Before joining the college, Hairston served with Pinellas County Schools as a teacher, assistant principal and principal.
She holds a bachelor’s degree in mass communications from Stillman College, a master’s degree in educational leadership from Argosy University and a doctorate in educational leadership and administration from Walden University.
City to collect hazardous waste
ST. PETERSBURG — The city of St. Petersburg will host a household hazardous waste collection event on Saturday, March 7, from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at St. Petersburg College – Gibbs Campus, 6605 Fifth Ave. N.
Items will be collected that would pose a fire hazard or environmental concern if disposed of in regular household trash. Trained professionals will ensure the items are disposed of in a safe, environmentally-friendly manner.
Accepted items include:
• Antifreeze
• Gas
• Household chemicals
• Oil
• Lawn and garden chemicals
• Mercury-containing devices
• Paint products
• Pool/spa products
• Rechargeable batteries
• Signal flares.