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When we think about what makes a community thrive, we often point to new businesses, vibrant downtowns or economic growth.
I think about people.
The teacher who inspires a child to dream bigger. The nurse who comforts a family during life’s most difficult moments. The police chief who keeps our neighborhoods safe. The entrepreneur who creates jobs. The first responder who answers the call when someone needs help.
Behind many of those stories is St. Petersburg College (SPC).
For nearly a century, SPC has quietly helped shape the fabric of Tampa Bay, not simply by awarding degrees, but by preparing the people who serve our neighborhoods, businesses and families every day.
More than 161,000 SPC graduates have built careers across our region. They are classroom teachers, firefighters, physicians, nurses, artists, engineers, business owners, nonprofit leaders and elected officials. They include an astronaut who has explored beyond our planet, the director of Pinellas County’s Economic Development, who ensures we connect with new businesses, a Pinellas County Legislator who advocates for our residents, and first responders who protect us here at home. They are the backbone of Pinellas County and Tampa Bay, making a difference in countless ways.
SPC has been the starting point for so many who call Tampa Bay home, from those who grew up here to those who’ve joined us from across the globe.
Eno Mucaj, for example, immigrated to the United States from Albania with his family at age 12, speaking little English but carrying a dream of building a better future. He chose SPC because it offered an affordable pathway to higher education. After earning his Associate in Arts, he is now pursuing a bachelor’s degree in paralegal studies while completing an internship with Achieva Credit Union, an SPC partner.
Eno’s story illustrates what can happen when determination, education, and community partnerships come together. SPC enabled him to pursue his goals, and his internship with Achieva gave him meaningful professional experience while he continued his education. His journey is a reminder that investing in students doesn’t simply change one life; it creates a ripple effect that strengthens the Tampa Bay region.
Organizations like Achieva, Jabil, BayCare Health System, Duke Energy and so many others support SPC and our students because they recognize that strengthening education strengthens the entire region. For every $1 invested in the College, SPC generates $14.20 in economic and social returns.
Earlier this year, Achieva made a historic $1 million investment in SPC’s Pathway to Better Centennial Campaign, helping the campaign surpass its fundraising goal ahead of our 100th anniversary. Gifts like these expand scholarships, strengthen workforce programs, support student success and create opportunities for students who will become tomorrow’s healthcare professionals, educators, entrepreneurs and civic leaders.
These collaborations are about far more than financial support; they represent a shared commitment to the future of Tampa Bay.
SPC continues to adapt to meet the moment and meet students where they are.
Today’s community college students may be earning a bachelor’s degree, preparing to transfer to a university, completing a certificate or returning to school to begin a second career. Many are balancing work, family and education while pursuing new opportunities. Providing the support they need, from tutoring to laptop lending, is critical to their success.
Across Tampa Bay, employers need skilled workers in healthcare, advanced manufacturing, education, information technology, public safety and the skilled trades. As part of the Florida College System, SPC connects those workforce needs with the people eager to fill them.
On Saturday (Sept. 12), SPC will celebrate its 99th anniversary during SPC Day, our annual community celebration that brings together students, alumni, employees, donors, and community partners to recognize the College’s impact and invest in the next generation of Titans. It is both a celebration of how far we’ve come and a reminder of the work still ahead.
As we prepare to celebrate SPC’s centennial in 2027, we remain focused on the future. We’re modernizing our campuses, expanding workforce education and investing in new facilities.
But our greatest investment will always be people.
For nearly 100 years, SPC has opened doors for students from all walks of life. In return, those students have strengthened our schools, hospitals, neighborhoods and economy.
The story of SPC has never been just about a college.
It’s the story of our community, told through the people who continue to shape its future every day. Let’s Go Titans!
Dr. Tonjua Williams is president of St. Petersburg College. She leads the College’s efforts to expand access to higher education, strengthen workforce development and support student success.