The Torch 2021

The Magazine of Florida State University Panama City

CAMPUS LIFE Seminole Landing opens

2021

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WELCOME HOME: Maxwell Henneman, a first-year finance major at FSU PC, moves into Seminole Landing on Aug. 21, 2021, with help from his parents, Kelly Henneman and Kevin Henneman, of Kingsville, Maryland.

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TORCH The Magazine of Florida State University Panama City Fall 2021 | Vol. 29 FSU PANAMA CITY DEAN Randy Hanna, ’83 OFFICE OF ADVANCEMENT STAFF Becky Kelly, Director of Advancement Jan Waddy, Marketing & Publications Kyle Middlemass, Media Specialist, ’19 Cody Gray, Alumni & Development, ’11

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Helen Johnson, Web Manager ON THE COVER: Students, from left, Tyler Tice, Shakeefa Lyn, Mia Bennett, Lauren Beauchamp, Jayilah Edwards, Matt Stephenson, Lilli Garner and Jak Riley are shown in front of Seminole Landing.

Michelle Roberson, Program Associate EDITOR Jan Waddy DESIGNERS Erin Chaffin, ’13 Kyle Middlemass, ’19 CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Jan Waddy, Erin Chaffin, ’13, Becky Kelly, Cody Gray, ’11, Mia Bennett, ’20, Tony Mixon, Audrey Post CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Vy Nguyen, ’16, Andrew Wardlow, Helen Johnson, Michelle Roberson, Mike Fender

THE TORCH MAGAZINE is published by the Office of Advancement at Florida State University Panama City. To be included in the mailing list, or to submit a change of address, email us at torch@pc.fsu.edu. Please send alumni updates to outreach@pc.fsu.edu.

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FEATURES

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FACES OF FSU PC

PUBLIC HEALTH

THE PITCH

Meet our students

Dr. Tory Peek leads FSU PC’s new bachelor’s program

Best business ideas earn scholarships

IN THIS ISSUE 6 DEAN’S MESSAGE 22 STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

Morgan Olsen, '24

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GROWING GAINS

DEDICATED SERVICE

FSU PC welcomes largest first-year class

Applied Behavior Analysis program serves generations

36 COMMENCEMENT 40 ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT

Brittany Infinger, '10 52

SEMINOLE SIGHTINGS

Golf Invitational Let's Do Lunch Donor Appreciation 56 2020 NOTABLE ’NOLES

Albert Jesse “A.J.” Bacon Sr., ’12, ’14 Kevin Elliott, ’13 Janice Lucas, ’89

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DIVERSITY

FSU PC PROMISE

Kinsey Collection coming to campus in spring

Scholarship helps recipient Isabella Barbour

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2021 NOTABLE ’NOLES

Nancy Luther, ’91 Heather Kretzer, ’00 Brooke Powell, ’00, ’01 64

’NOLE NOTES

Updates from our alumni

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THE DEAN’S MESSAGE Despite the pandemic, this has been a great year for Florida State University Panama City. In August, we welcomed 140 first-time-in-college students, the largest cohort in the campus’ history, and opened Seminole Landing, our first on-campus residence hall. Now, students from Bay County to all over the U.S. can call FSU PC their home and live here too.

We all learned some valuable lessons during and after Hurricane Michael, when faculty quickly moved to online-only courses and remote learning models. These same techniques have been applied throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. FSU PC has been able to decrease in-person class sizes by offering hybrid classes and online coursework to meet student needs. While we still have safety precautions in place for the pandemic, FSU PC is fully back to campus and adding new programs. Two new academic programs, Public Health and the fully online master’s in Organizational Management and Communication, debuted this fall. A new, stand-alone Bachelor of Science program in Financial Planning in our College of Applied Studies is slated to start in fall 2022.

New programs also are being implemented through community partnerships.

In September, The Board of Triumph Gulf Coast, Inc., approved an $11.5 million grant to provide partial funding to FSU PC’s Advancing Science and Career Education in New Technologies (ASCENT) project. This partnership is exciting for the university and our regional workforce, as we work to meet the demand for professionals in emerging technologies. In October, FSU PC received a $1.3 million Talent Search grant to improve high school graduation and college enrollment rates for students at Title I schools in the Florida Panhandle. The funding will be used to launch a pre-college program.

With a growing student body and on-campus living comes additional student activities. October also saw FSU PC’s first family weekend event, which included a painting party, yoga, a concert on the bay, tailgating and football watching, and concluded with a Sunday brunch. This was followed by homecoming week and a memorable ‘Nole Fest evening. The increase in student clubs, activities and events further fosters a sense of community and Seminole spirit on campus.

It’s amazing what we can accomplish together. Let’s keep raising the bar!

Randy Hanna, Dean, FSU Panama City The College of Applied Studies

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f o s e c a F #

FSU PC by:

Mia Bennett, ’20, and Jan Waddy

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SU Panama City is a place where our students connect with friends and mentors that become part of their extended Seminole family for life. Whether exploring college options, finishing up a degree or graduating decades ago, our students will always feel welcome at our campus on the coast. Follow #facesof FSUPC to discover more student stories.

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ALEX MCCALL, '25 pyschology major Alex McCall is one of 140 first-year students at FSU Panama City this fall — referring to herself as a “Nole at Home.” McCall, who graduated third in her senior class at Arnold High School in Panama City Beach, likes being part of a major university while still living at home.

“For now, I’m living at home and happy with that decision," she said.

My home

Though McCall’s mother, Michelle McCall, had asked her daughter about living in Seminole Landing, she admits she’s happy she gets to keep her “best friend home for just a little longer.”

McCall is enjoying family time, as she follows in the footsteps of father Chris McCall, '98, alumnus of FSU PC and FSU in Tallahassee.

"I'd like to go to law school and wanted a major that's relevant to my future career.

I want to work in child advocacy," McCall said.

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We’re part of a big family, but we have those small family connections with faculty. Dean Hanna said he was going to mention the FSU PC Promise a lot, and he gave us his personal cell phone number. He’s shown a lot of respect for the students.

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We were presented with a lot of diverse challenges that made us more resilient students. Going through things like Hurricane Michael prepared us for the pandemic, and FSU PC gave us a lot of resources.

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CAMILLE DARLEY, ’21 social science interdisciplinary

Camille Darley transferred to FSU PC after graduating cum laude in spring 2020 from Gulf Coast State College (GCSC). A 28-year-old mother of two boys ages 1 and 7, Darley started college just before Hurricane Michael and has continued her educational journey through the pandemic.

After participating in the Model United Nations Club at GCSC, Darley helped initiate a joint Model UN program between GCSC and FSU PC, serving as assistant director for one of the committees at the Southern Regional Model UN.

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Darley graduated from FSU PC in summer 2021 with a bachelor’s degree in social science interdisciplinary, but has continued working with social science interdisciplinary professor Dr. Robert Cvornyek in field research on Covington Cemetery, a Black cemetery dating from 1917, in St. Andrews.

While taking forensic science classes, Darley discovered an interest in criminal justice.

She is now in a combined bachelor's/ master's program in criminal justice at the FSU College of Criminology and Criminal Justice.

TRAVAROUS "JAK" RILEY, ’21 professional communication One of the first recipients of the FSU PC Promise Scholarship, Travarous "Jak" Riley, transferred from Gulf Coast State College in 2020.

"I found out I received the FSU PC Promise Scholarship in January and it was a burden that was lifted off my shoulders," said Riley, who graduates in December. "I didn't know how I was going to pay for classes last spring because I had lost my job due to COVID." The scholarship also helps with Riley's commute from his home in Port St. Joe. Currently, Riley is a sales and marketing intern at VITAS Health Care, where he is able to use interpersonal and marketing skills he is learning in his classes.

"I like the small class sizes. It helps me have a good relationship with my professors, and all the professors want to help," he said.

"Professional communication is a really great program, and I love the campus atmosphere."

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I want to be a better writer and public speaker, so I feel professional communication is the right fit for me in order to grow and learn more.

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The FSU PC Promise Scholarship made it easier for me to be able to get my degree. It gave me a lot of motivation to finish strong in my academics, giving me encouragement.

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My vibe

TYLER TICE, ’23 commercial entrepreneurship Student Government Council Pro Tempore Tyler Tice transferred to FSU PC in fall 2020 after earning credits through dual enrollment in virtual high school and The Baptist College of Florida. FSU PC always was his destination.

The resilience of the FSU PC campus community after Hurricane Michael and commitment to student success inspired Tice and solidified his college decision.

The commercial entrepreneurship student makes the 1.5-hour drive from his home in Marianna every day, but he hopes to move into Seminole Landing in spring 2022.

Despite the drive, his education is proving to be a good investment.

He already has implemented business strategies and seen positive changes in his family-run business, Atlanta Bed Swings.

Tice serves as vice president of the company.

Tice also takes his role seriously with SGC and is excited to see FSU PC come back in an even bigger way after the pandemic.

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With the number of majors and programs offered here, it's easy to have 10 people around who aren't going for the same degree.

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My vibe

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The diversity of thought here is a big deal for me, and it's super easy to get to know one another.

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It's a good time to be a Seminole.

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I’m setting my agenda to what’s best for students: No. 1 is representing the student body; No. 2 is improving campus optics and the campus experience; and No. 3 is to have a good relationship and collaborate with faculty and staff.

LILLI GARNER, ’24 elementary education The 40th Student Government Council President Lilli Garner is committed to being the voice of the student body.

As a resident of Seminole Landing, she no longer has a commute and has greater access to on-campus resources.

Garner knew she wanted to be in the elementary education program at FSU PC since she talked to education faculty Dr. Dorothy Imperial her freshman year of high school.

"That is the exact moment I fell in love with the campus and that program," she said. "I met with the Admissions department and Dr. Imperial, and we came up with a plan to get me into this school and prepare me for a career in elementary education."

Garner was encouraged to get involved at FSU PC by a student ambassador.

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2021

N EW

ACAD E M IC

PRO G RAM

COLLEGE OF APPLIED STUDIES

Master's

ORGANIZATIONAL MANAGEMENT & COMMUNICATION

This fall, FSU Panama City debuted a fully online master's degree in Organizational Management and Communication (OMC).

Offered by the College of Applied Studies, the terminal master’s degree is designed for graduate students to learn and apply essential communication, leadership, and organizational behavior management skills to become a successful leader in any organization.

“This is a really unique program that can greatly enhance individual career advancement within any industry. This new program combines the fields of communication and behavior analysis to provide graduate students the essential, applied skills to be an effective and impactful manager or leader in any organization” — Amy Polick, PhD, BCBA-D, Associate Dean of Academic Affairs

The OMC program requires 33 credit hours of coursework, with 12 credit hours dedicated to applied behavior classes. To add to the graduate experience, weekly live Zoom meetings allow the instructor and students to interact.

The online OMC program was built with flexibility in mind to enable working professionals, military personnel and those employed in local industries to access specialized training for management and leadership.

For more information on the OMC program, visit pc.fsu.edu/omc-ms

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THE FACE OF

PUBLIC HEALTH DR. TORY PEEK LEADS FSU PC'S NEW PUBLIC HEALTH PROGRAM by:

Jan Waddy

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he COVID-19 pandemic brought public health into the forefront of daily conversations, and Tory Peek, DrPH aims to make those conversations more informed through Florida State University Panama City’s Public Health program.

“COVID-19 has provided an opportunity to help students understand that information must be collected using reliable evidence and news sources,” Peek said. “The gold standard is peer-reviewed research. My goal, throughout the program, is to make sure students understand how to find reliable and evidence-based information.”

FSU Panama City, in partnership with the College of Social Sciences and Public Policy, debuted its Bachelor of Science in Public Health program this fall. The program educates and prepares students in public health policy, practice, and methods focusing on epidemiology, environmental health, health policy and management, social and behavioral sciences, and biostatistics.

While Peek is a new faculty member at FSU PC, he began teaching Public Health in 2015 at the University of South Florida, where he also earned his doctoral degree in Public Health. Over the past two years, the pandemic has provided relevant research studies when it comes to diseases, asymptomatic carriers and vaccines.

THIS IS PUBLIC HEALTH: Dr. Tory Peek, the professor of FSU PC’s new Public Health program, wearing his iconic “This is Public Health” face mask.

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PU BL IC

H E ALT H

“I want to make disaster management or emergency preparedness a major component of the program. I hope the FSU PC campus may be known for disaster management programs in the future, given the community’s personal experience with such events.”

— Tory Peek, DrPH

“We don’t have to use stored examples of previous cases,” Peek explained. “Typically, I use ‘Typhoid Mary’ as an example of someone who can be sick and spread disease but not have any symptoms.

I no longer go through the explanation that a person who appears healthy can be asymptomatic. I don’t have to explain the resistance of not feeling sick but having to quarantine.

Many students have seen examples in real life.”

Irish-born cook Mary Mallon, known as “Typhoid Mary,” is believed to have unknowingly infected more than 50 people with typhoid fever in New York City between 1900 and 1915. She was the first person in the U.S. identified as an

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asymptomatic carrier of disease and was tried and sentenced to quarantine on North Brother Island.

According to Peek, the political climate plays a large role in health-related decisions.

“Some people think differently in public health practices based on their political beliefs,” Peek said. Public health viewpoints tied to politics are illustrated by Mary Mallon’s case. Peek explained that new political leadership thought Mary was treated unfairly and had her released. “She promised not to go back to being a cook, but she did and had to be sent to quarantine again.”

CRITICAL ISSUES IN PUBLIC HEALTH The pandemic is the most critical public-health issue facing the U.S. — and the world, but the field of public health encompasses the physical, mental, and social health of individuals within communities.

“In the U.S., a major issue is opioid abuse and racebased discrimination or violence,” Peek said. “The leading causes of deaths are still lifestyle behaviors.

In the past five or so years, the issue of heart disease has led to outright smoking bans on college campuses. There’s also the emergence of social issues. Mental health is not emerging but there is more of a leadership approach to remove stigma while assuring access to services and understanding that services are needed in a timely manner.”

PU BL IC

The public health program looks at factors such as economics, education and environment to evaluate the health of a community. These factors are used to guide policy decisions that address disease prevention, access to quality and preventive health care, global health, climate change and disaster preparedness.

Understanding communities and other cultures — in the U.S. and globally — is a necessity for public health professionals and agencies, including how a community approaches birth control and family planning.

Peek, whose study abroad in Panama included visiting an indigenous village, found the best way to understand other cultures and communities is to “just listen.”

“I was in the military before I finished my bachelor’s and spent time in Afghanistan. I had a lot of moral/ ethical dilemmas and questions and wanted to find answers,” said Peek, a veteran who served as an intelligence analyst in the U.S. Army. “To me, it was exhilarating to find the answers, but it would lead to more questions. I was constantly motivated, one of the things I love about public health.”

While obtaining his master’s degree, Peek concentrated on global health, disaster management, and humanitarian assistance.

“I am a Doctor of Public Health, a practical-based doctorate rather than research-based. I had fellow students working on infectious disease programs.

Mine was working on incoming public responses to human trafficking at the county level,” said Peek.

Prior to teaching, Peek worked as a program manager intern at Bridging Freedom Inc. in Tampa, which combatted sex-trafficking of minors by providing safe homes to rescued victims and through preventative measures.

“It is important to be aware of apps on social media platforms and of your surroundings, but a lot of times it is family or people the victims are familiar with,” Peek said. “Being aware of how that happens

H E ALT H

can help change the dynamic. Not very often is someone randomly snatched off the street; it’s often runaways and vulnerable children.”

PLANNING A CAREER IN PUBLIC HEALTH In addition to the core curriculum of 21 hours for the B.S. in Public Health, students will select 12 additional credit hours of public health electives from at least two academic departments that focus on specific aspects of population health and the healthcare system.

Graduates from the Public Health program will be ready to serve as public health professionals for nonprofit organizations, state and federal government agencies, private health care corporations and healthcare facilities. But Peek believes students should get involved with public health while pursuing their degree.

“Networking in public health is saying yes to going to a meeting or presentation, listening, and being there,” Peek said. “Once you’re able to contribute, follow through to do it. If you have an opportunity, speak on policy and regulations.”

His previous students have worked with COVID-19 tracking, nonprofit organizations, and food relief programs at the county level.

“There are a lot of ways to flex public health through research and policy development with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institutes of Health, and researchers in academia,” Peek said. “My focus for teaching overall is to make sure students are successful. I count success by students who leave the program and go do something great. So many students already are far beyond what I’ve done. This is an opportunity to help motivate them to change the world. I think anybody can and should have the opportunity to get a degree and be successful with the program.”

For more information about the public health program, visit pc.fsu.edu/public-health.

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EQUIPPING THE WORKFORCE TRIUMPH GULF COAST BOARD APPROVES $11.5M GRANT FOR FSU PC’S ASCENT PROJECT by:

Jan Waddy

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he Board of Triumph Gulf Coast, Inc., approved an $11.5 million grant on Sept.

13 to provide partial funding to Florida State University Panama City’s Advancing Science and Career Education in New Technologies (ASCENT) project.

“We are excited to partner with Triumph Gulf Coast to develop our regional workforce,” said Randy Hanna, dean of FSU Panama City. “Having professionals who can fill the demand for emerging technologies is a benefit to our community, region and state. Florida State looks forward to working with Triumph to develop a comprehensive approach to meet these critical needs in Northwest Florida.”

Funded over a six-year period, the ASCENT project is designed to meet Northwest Florida’s workforce needs through education and training opportunities, with a focus on cybersecurity. The grant is expected to result in at least 3,280 industry-recognized certifications and credentials, including Florida Department of Education identified Career and Professional Education certificates, for students in the region.

“With all of our military bases, with all the growth in engineering and manufacturing across the area, it’s going to be critical that we have a trained workforce across Northwest Florida,” Hanna said. “We’re looking at expanding programs here at FSU Panama City and at the Tallahassee campus.”

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FSU’s College of Communication and Information, College of Education and the College of Arts and Sciences, along with FAMU-FSU College of Engineering will participate in the project.

Larry Dennis, FSU iSchool professor and former dean of FSU’s College of Communication and Information, will play a leadership role in the project’s implementation.

“The ASCENT project will include training opportunities for students and teachers at the secondary and post-secondary levels in addition to training for the regional workforce," Dennis said. "Such ongoing training is necessary to build capacity in quickly growing and evolving areas such as cybersecurity.”

Through K-12 partnerships, the ASCENT project aims to grow interest in emerging technologies among the area’s youth by providing support to career academies and summer camp programs. An Interdisciplinary Cybersecurity Hub will be established to support an IT degree planned for FSU PC’s campus. It will be equipped with a modern Cyber Lab utilized to simulate and defend against cyberattacks. The Office for Professional Engagement and Learning (OPEL) will be established on FSU PC’s campus to offer customized training to meet the needs of local industries and the military by equipping non-degree-seeking students in the workforce.

“We’ll be looking at continuing education, especially transferring and retired military, and those who are looking to enhance their career or interested in a second career,” Hanna added.

BancorpSouth Bank, a division of Cadence Bank, Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender.

Achieving the

AMERICAN DREAM

U.S. COAST GUARD VETERAN EMBRACES PATH AS ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING STUDENT by: Jan Waddy

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hen classes resumed this fall, U.S. Coast Guard veteran Morgan Olsen, ’24, took time to take it all in — from Sandy Spear Bayside Dining’s location along St. Andrew Bay to the long journey that brought her to Florida State University Panama City.

“I was just looking at the view; it’s beautiful,” said Olsen, an electrical engineering student. “I’m excited for my new identity. I’m excited to be a student at FSU Panama City.”

Olsen served on active duty from 2008 to 2020 and was an Electrician’s Mate First Class at the time of her departure. She was attached to the U.S. Coast Guard Aids to Navigation Team at the Naval Support Activity Panama City and transferred to the area about a year ago.

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“I received my Journeyman Marine Electrician Certification from the U.S. Department of Labor before leaving the service,” Olsen said. “I was stationed on a U.S. Coast Guard cutter, and I performed electrical preventative and corrective maintenance on ships and small boats within the U.S. Coast Guard fleet to ensure mission readiness. I traveled to the Eastern Pacific and did drug interdiction and worked with fisheries. I’ve been to many South American countries — Panama, Guatemala, Mexico, Costa Rica and El Salvador.”

But an injury while stationed on a ship in 2013 changed her course.

“I fell through a scuttle, and I injured both of my shoulders,” said Olsen, who underwent surgeries for the injuries. “Being an electrician now is physically

painful; that’s why I’m going to school to be an electrical engineer. I can use my brain and still enjoy the theory of electricity in a design capacity.”

PATH TO FSU PC While Olsen always wanted to go to college, the military helped make it possible. Born and raised in Waukegan, Illinois, she was recruited out of the South Side of Chicago.

“I didn’t have the means to go to college initially, and now I get to come to this beautiful school on the GI Bill that I earned from my military service,” Olsen said. “This is the American dream, the opportunity. I used to dream about going to a university and never thought I could make it. I persevered and never gave up.”

Olsen had set her sights on FSU PC ever since there was an opportunity to relocate.

“Of all the places to be stationed, I wanted to be stationed here,” Olsen said. “FSU has such a great reputation.”

VETERAN BECOMES STUDENT: U.S. Coast Guard veteran Morgan Olsen uses her experience as an Electrician’s Mate First Class to become an engineer and promote STEM education.

Olsen received an associate degree in electrical engineering technology at Southern Maine Community College. Then, at Gulf Coast State College, she took the prerequisites needed for admission into FSU PC’s electrical engineering program. After finishing at Gulf Coast, she weighed her options.

only a barrier if you let it be. I’m so excited about

“I was accepted to the University of Southern Maine and the University of North Dakota, but I kept pushing for Florida State; I waited for it. I started this past spring, and I am almost finished with my first whole year,” Olsen said.

their dreams in the fields of science, technology,

She admitted it wasn’t easy to get into FSU Panama City, but her persistence paid off.

(SAME) in November. Olsen also is a member of

“I was determined to keep going. I love electricity. I love the theory behind it. If you really want something, you have to go after it,” said Olsen, 36. “My gift to myself before I turn 40 is to get my degree. Age is

the possibilities the FSU degree will afford me after I finish this program. I’m very excited to be at FSU PC and start my life as an electrical engineer in the civilian world. I have big dreams.”

Olsen hopes to mentor other young students to pursue engineering and math (STEM). Most recently, she volunteered to be a role model to inspire middle-school girls during a one-day camp, STEM Story, presented

by FSU PC and the Society of American Engineers SAME and the FSU PC SPEAR Robotics Team.

“Ever since I was a young girl, I loved science,” Olsen said. “Sometimes it just takes one person who believes in you to prove you’re capable.”

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DOLPHIN

TANK FSU PC SCHOLARSHIPS ON THE LINE FOR BEST BUSINESS IDEA by: Tony

Mixon / The News Herald

“Shark Tank” came to Mosley High School this spring, but as its own “Dolphin Tank.”

Mosley students got a chance to show off their entrepreneurship skills in front of a panel of student judges from Florida State University Panama City’s Entrepreneurship Program.

The Mosley students were tasked with creating a product or service that would help people — which would later be judged like those on the hit TV show “Shark Tank.” But instead of the judges investing actual money into the business proposals, FSU PC would invest in the students’ education.

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MIKE FENDER / The News Herald THE PITCH: Competing for scholarship money in Dolphin Tank, Mosley students, from left, Andrew Edmunson, Macy Thomas, Callie Yost, Cale Osborne and Jared Kavouras pitch their business idea that protects items from getting stuck in the couch to a panel of FSU PC entrepreneurship students.

Every student on the winning team received a $2,000 scholarship. Second-place finishers received $1,000 scholarships and members of the third-place team got $500 scholarships.

The team of Aubrey Robinette, Tyler Valdez, Alicia Collyer and Elijah Flatt grabbed the top award with a product called Soft Scent. It’s a plush item that, when squeezed, releases a comforting scent and can cool and heat through inserts. It’s designed to comfort neurodivergent individuals, which includes people on the autism spectrum.

Christopher Hodgson, who graduated from the FSU PC entrepreneurship program in spring 2021, said he

was excited to be a “Dolphin Tank” judge because “Shark Tank” is his favorite show.

“When I first told my parents about it, the initial thing that came to mind was ‘Oh my gosh, I’m actually going to be able to be just like Mr. Wonderful,’” Hodgson said. “Going into this (“Dolphin Tank”), and some of us are graduating, we’re poised to go into the workforce as young entrepreneurs or intrapreneurs.”

Hodgson said the main thing he looked for when judging the presentations from the Mosley students was their passion for the product or service they were pitching. Hodgson also said he understood that nerves came into play, but he also looked for teamwork.

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Christopher Hodgson questions Mosley students, from left, Madilyn Wilson, Tuan Nguyen, Chase Silvoy and Toniyah Evans on their idea to develop removable heels for women’s shoes.

PHOTOS BY MIKE FENDER / The News Herald

Mosley student Jared Kavouras makes his pitch with classmates for Sofa Saver, an invention that keeps items from getting stuck in your couch.

Mosley students, led by Mosley entrepreneurship teacher David Petrey, pitch business ideas to a panel of FSU PC students.

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“Many people have ideas that they want to create a business or they have an idea they want to create a product or service, but they are not sure how to put that together,” Baber said. “We show them through a systematic process (that) they are able to create a business.”

— Brian Baber, faculty member at FSU PC in The Jim Moran College of Entrepreneurship

that at the root of entrepreneurship is solving a problem for someone or some group.

MIKE FENDER / The News Herald THE INVESTMENT: Brian Baber, faculty member at FSU PC in The Jim Moran College of Entrepreneurship, speaks to Mosley students before the start of Dolphin Tank.

Brian Baber, an instructor in commercial entrepreneurship at FSU PC, said he believes the “Dolphin Tank” setup can show high school students what the process is truly like. It’s a step up from what students normally would get in a classroom setting with book work.

"Many people have ideas that they want to create a business or they have an idea they want to create a product or service, but they are not sure how to put that together," Baber said. "We show them through a systematic process (that) they are able to create a business."

Baber added that he wants the students to understand

Taylor Fant, a junior entrepreneurship student at FSU PC, said the students who judged “Dolphin Tank” didn’t know about the scholarship aspect until about 10 minutes before the event. She said it made her feel like an adult with some sway in the students’ futures.

Baber said he likes the idea of investing in the students’ education and that hopefully they can see their dreams come true in the world of entrepreneurship.

Mosley High School entrepreneurship teacher Jennifer Hall, who graduated from FSU PC in '95, started the entrepreneurship program at Mosley five years ago.

"Entrepreneurship brings so many aspects of business together," said Hall, who applies skills learned in her communications courses.

In fall 2021, Hall asked her students what they liked about the previous school year. One student explained how he and his group won "Dolphin Tank" and now he had a college scholarship.

"He said, 'I never thought about going to college before, but now I'm going to go,'" Hall wrote in her thank you to Baber and the FSU PC students. "As the first person in my family to go to college, I understand the opportunities that come with it."

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FSU PC CAMPUS GROWS WITH STUDENT ENROLLMENT 28

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GROWING GAINS by:

Jan Waddy

F

SU Panama City welcomed more first-timein-college students in August than ever before, wrapping up a monumental month that also featured the opening of Seminole Landing.

“This is a big year for FSU Panama City,” Dean Randy Hanna said. “We just opened our first on-campus residential housing and welcomed the largest firstyear student class to the Florida State family and the university experience.”

A total of 1200 undergraduate and graduate students are enrolled for fall 2021, including 137 first-time students, the largest cohort of first-year students at FSU Panama City to date.

Overall enrollment has been on an upward trend the past five years, with this year’s number of graduate students nearly doubling since 2017. A total of 35 international students are registered for fall, with the most students from the Philippines and the Ukraine, followed by Brazil, Columbia, Jamaica and Canada.

This year’s first-time-in-college students hail from 29 Florida counties, 18 states and the Bahamas, adding to campus diversity. Nearly all the new students attended the formal First-Year Student Convocation,

which marks the entrance into the life and traditions of Florida State University.

Originally from Jacksonville, first-year biomedical science student Kenniá Swinton chose FSU Panama City for its great reputation and smaller campus size.

“I feel a lot more connected,” she said. “If I have questions, I don’t feel scared to speak up. And that’s been good for my grades, which have been skyrocketing.”

For many students, this is not only the entrance into higher education, but also their first time to live away from home.

“They’re learning how to cook, get along with roommates and deal with homesickness. It’s the challenges any young adult faces,” said Psychology Professor Tyler Towne, PhD., who also is teaching the Florida State Experience at FSU PC. The freshman course further extends the support of the university community to its newest members by helping cultivate students’ practical “life management skills.”

“It’s really a first crash course into college,” said psychology major Isabella Barbour, ’22, one of four student mentors in the class. “It’s learning how to handle yourself as an adult.”

The Florida State Experience course addresses changes

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the students are experiencing with “how-to” exercises in managing time, stress and money, as well as teaching study habits and how to practice self-care with eating right and exercising.

“We go over research opportunities and engagement opportunities. Joining a registered student organization (RSO) is a big one for getting involved on campus,” Towne said. “A lot of prepping goes on here. Some students are going to Tallahassee, and we want them to be prepared.”

Towne has taught this course for three years but admits this year’s class size has more than tripled.

“We have a lot of freshmen from South Florida, a lot of Hispanic students and students from the Caribbean, just a wide variety of personalities, not just demographics. It’s a great energy to have on campus,” Towne said.

STUDENT SERVICES A growing campus brings greater need for student services, particularly with regards to transportation, health services and on-campus dining. Through community partnerships with Bay Town Trolley, Florida Department of Health Bay County and Shane's Rib Shack, FSU PC is able to meet those needs.

"We have partnered with Bay Town Trolley to provide students with free transportation all semester," said Irvin Clark, Associate Dean of Student & Strategic Initiatives, who has led transportation and health initiatives. "It's convenient. Just show your FSU PC student ID to board and then go anywhere in Bay County that the trolleys go."

The Bay Town Trolley has two bus stops on campus and nine routes in Bay County. Even if students have a car, transit allows them to ride to campus without worrying about finding parking for class or explore town without burning gas money.

Their student ID also allows them access to free health services

LARGEST CLASS: At top and center, New students attend the First-Year Student Convocation and reception.

At bottom, Kenniá Swinton plays Jenga at the Sandy

Spear during Family Weekend.

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WELCOME: First-year student Juliana Hernandez attends convocation with her family.

on campus from the Florida Department of Health Bay County.

“The Florida Department of Health in Bay County is extremely grateful to FSU Panama City leadership for their collaboration in initiating and implementing this Student Health Services Clinic,” said Sandon S. Speedling, MHS, CPM, CPH, Administrator and Health Officer, Florida Department of Health in Bay County. “Over the past year and a half, FSU PC and the Florida Department of Health in Bay County have worked diligently together to make this project a reality.”

Students can make appointments for general medical services, diagnostic testing, answers to general health education questions and receive free vaccinations.

“Both transportation and health services are critical services for our students,” Clark said. “Having the new on-campus housing, Seminole Landing, has been a game-changer, and we want to meet as many student needs as we can right here on campus.”

The Sandy Spear Bayside Dining, which opened in the Bland Conference Center in August, has been

providing on-campus dining services and hosting special events. The Sandy Spear was filled with students and parents watching football, enjoying burgers and playing Jenga during Family Weekend.

Operated by Chris and Dana Gerkin, who also own Shane’s Rib Shack in Panama City Beach, the dining hall is open daily and serves a breakfast, lunch and dinner menu, along with daily specials including Taco Tuesday, and plenty of grab-and-go options. Meal plans are currently being offered in the form of gift cards, and more options are being added with growing student demand. Students can enjoy meals or snacks, such as ice cream, while studying or watching TV at a table inside or outside along St. Andrew Bay. Positive changes continue on campus with the recent renovation of the Barron Commons into a beautiful collegiate gathering spot called Seminole Hall. The athletic themed area is filled with a large screen TV, gaming console, new lounging furniture, high-top tables, foosball and a pool table. The space has become another great space for student clubs and organizations to meet, hold events and make connections.

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A PLACE TO CALL HOME CELEBRATING FSU PC’S FIRST ON-CAMPUS HOUSING by:

Jan Waddy

I

n August 2021, full-time students from Florida State University Panama City and neighboring Gulf Coast State College moved into Seminole Landing, FSU PC’s first residential housing complex along St. Andrew Bay. “Being able to offer students a place to stay on campus makes getting a higher education even more accessible for many in our surrounding communities,” said Randy Hanna, dean of FSU PC. Seminole Landing is home to Bay County area students, as well as students who moved to Panama City from South Florida, out of state and even out of the country.

“I got my A.A. at Gulf Coast then transferred to FSU because they have more bachelor’s programs and it’s the perfect fit, right next door,” said elementary education student Tatiana Brown, ’23. “I wanted to experience what it was like to not live in my house anymore.”

Professional communication major Sha-keefa Lyn, ’23, is an international student from Jamaica who transferred from Virginia State University.

“I moved from Jamaica for different experiences,” said Lyn, who lived with family in Virginia before relocating to Panama City. “I always wanted to have the experience of living on campus. And when I saw the reasonable

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MOVING IN: The new residents of Seminole Landing moved into their apartments in August 2021.

prices at Seminole Landing, I thought now is my chance to do this.”

The record number of first-time-in-college students for the 2021-2022 academic year has been attributed to on-campus housing, which attracted a diverse group of students looking for a residential college experience.

Seminole Landing is owned by Zimmer Development Co. through a partnership with FSU, and Asset Living manages the property.

To be a resident, undergraduate or graduate students must be enrolled in at least six credit hours at FSU PC or GCSC. The four-story housing complex has one-, two-, and four-bedroom units that cost between $600 and $750 a month with utilities, WiFi and all amenities included. Units range in size from 552 square feet for the one bedroom, one bath to 1277 square feet for the four bedroom, two bath.

The lease is rented by the bedroom, so if a roommate moves out, the student is still only responsible for their portion of the rent.

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Seminole Landing was the deciding factor for political science major Jade Chambers of Broward County, who had only seen the apartments online before move-in weekend.

“It’s so nice here,” said Chambers, one of the many students in the Seminole Pathways Program who chose to start at FSU PC. Her mom, Michelle Chambers, said, “She chose to come here for a year and then go to Tallahassee, and we immediately learned about the housing facility. She loves it. We’ve been here a week now, eating and beaching.”

Chambers’ parents also were sold on the fact that the apartments are fully furnished with a sofa, lounge chair, coffee table, and flat screen TV, inunit washer and dryer and kitchen. The kitchen features an island, high-top chairs, stainless steel appliances and granite countertops. Each bedroom comes with a bed, desk, and an office chair. All amenities are included, but it is an extra $15 a month for a room with a bay view.

Amenities include a 24-hour fitness facility,

where students can walk on the treadmill while overlooking the bayside infinity edge pool.

“I’m so excited I get to live right on the bay,” said professional communication major Lauren Beauchamp, ’23, who transferred from Wallace Community College in Dothan, Alabama. “When I first got accepted and I was looking at housing, it was really expensive. When I saw Seminole Landing and these prices and talked to my dad, I said I’m definitely doing this.”

Beauchamp has been starting her day at the fitness center, taking advantage of the elliptical and free weights.

“They’ve recently added more equipment to the gym, so I can’t have my yoga mat in the middle of the floor anymore,” said Beauchamp, who lives on the fourth floor and does all exercising in the gym to be considerate of neighbors. “I have a big personality and it tends to come through my feet.”

But Seminole Landing has plenty of quiet study spaces — 10 study rooms in all, including private study rooms, conference rooms and open study areas.

“The academics at FSU PC remind me of how rigorous the education system is in Jamaica,” Lyn said. “In Jamaica, there is a lot of work, and you have to study and be focused all the time. It’s the same here with my professional communication program. My professors make sure I’m always busy.”

When students do get a chance to lounge, there are plenty of spaces to gather at Seminole Landing with TVs. A community room features a coffee bar and an arcade game overlooking the bay.

“I love it at Seminole Landing,” said first-year biomedical science student Kennia’ Swinton. “I like that it’s close to everything on campus. I have three other roommates, and we’ve made a lot of mutual friends. I’ve been really welcomed since my first day.”

For more information about Seminole Landing, visit seminolelandingfsu.com. For naming opportunities at Seminole Landing, please contact 850-770-2151 or outreach@pc.fsu.edu.

GETTING SETTLED: Students get comfortable at Seminole Landing during move-in weekend.

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MILESTONE OF A MOMENT FSU PC COMMENCEMENT RESUMES AFTER 2020 COVID-19 CANCELLATIONS by:

Erin Chaffin, ’13

A

fter a year of cancellations, FSU Panama City held its first in-person graduation since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic on Sunday, April 25.

“Commencement is both the celebration of a student’s achievement and the beginning of next steps in their lives,” said Rebecca Kelly, director of advancement. “A lot of hard work goes into earning a degree, and commencement recognizes and honors this effort.”

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CO M M E N C E M E N T

Held at Tommy Oliver Stadium, all graduates were socially distanced and wearing face masks in accordance to CDC guidelines.

“It’s a milestone moment for many of our students,” said Associate Dean of Student and Strategic Initiatives, Dr. Irvin Clark. “We could not do it last spring this time and so what a perfect opportunity to bring last year’s class back with this year’s class and have a grand ceremony.”

The ceremony combined students that graduated from fall 2019 to summer 2021, giving students who missed their graduation last year the opportunity to cross the stage.

“It’s bittersweet but I have a lot of support out here and there’s a lot of people who have overcome similar things so I feel like this class is going to be one that makes one of the biggest differences in years to come,” said FSU PC graduate Johnathon Alleman.

“It took a year to get him in a gown, but we couldn’t be more proud!” Gena Burgans exclaimed about her son Alex having the oppporunity to walk across the stage a year after his graduation. “Thanks Randy Hanna and FSU PC for recognizing these 2020 graduates in last night’s ceremony.”

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BELATED CEROMONY: A year after graduation, Alex Burgans finally gets to don ceremonial cap and gown in recognition of achievements, much to the excitement of parents, Gena and Greg Burgans.

his his his his

“Strengthening educational opportunities is a primary focus of the Foundation. We are very proud to support FSU’s PC Promise to provide students, that would not otherwise have the financial resources, to advance their education.”

—

April Wilkes, Executive Director of The St. Joe Community Foundation

www.joefoundation.com

FULL CIRCLE: Florida State University Panama City grad Brittany Infinger, ‘10, puts her business administration degree to work at her alma mater to welcome students for the fall.

TIME Wellspent FSU PC GRAD BRITTANY INFINGER, ‘10, IS IN THE BUSINESS OF MAKING MEMORIES

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ALU M N I

by:

Jan Waddy

W

ellspent Events owner Brittany Infinger set up custom balloon garland featuring garnet and gold in the Holley Academic Center to welcome students to campus for fall, as her experience at FSU Panama City came full circle.

“I loved going here,” said Brittany, who earned her Bachelor of Science in business administration in 2010. “I was a lifelong Florida State fan. My parents said I could have student loans and go to Tallahassee or stay here and get a part-time job and not have debt.

I decided to go for no student debt and still get the beach. I’m very much a water person.”

Brittany lived at her parents’ Lynn Haven home and pursued her degree, while working retail and restaurant jobs on the side.

“And I helped my parents with their business marketing,” said Brittany, whose parents own Coastal Emergency Restoration Team. “I met a lot of people here at FSU Panama City, and it’s neat to see how everyone I went to school with has grown their businesses and are doing different things now. With a business degree, you can literally do anything. We opened a restaurant.”

BUSINESS DEGREE LAYS FOUNDATION Brittany and her husband, Chris — a classically trained chef, opened Beau’s Meat & Two plus BBQ in Panama City Beach in October 2018, the same month Hurricane Michael hit. Since then, they’ve continued to adjust their business model throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

for food and a good time,” Brittany said. “I was doing balloons for my daughter’s birthday and others wanted that, too.”

Their daughter, Vivi, turned 5 this year.

“I began working for myself so I could see my child grow up,” said Brittany, who enjoys the flexibility that comes from owning her own business. “My business degree set the foundation for everything. You don’t know how much you need a degree till you’re sitting there with a business plan. Having a business background went hand in hand; I did my planning along the way. I knew how to set things up and what to avoid.”

Just as restaurant hours have been adjusted based on the staffing and customer demand, Brittany’s personal business plan has been flipped. After Beau’s opened, she initially sought to create a lifestyle brand.

“The business class taught me that you should do what you enjoy but also what is going to be successful.

Whenever you have a business take off, you listen to that. This balloon business used to be my side gig, but I flipped them, and now art is my side gig,” Brittany said. “Now I have my own daughter who gets to see my work ethic owning my own business. She’s so smart, and I want her to see she can do what she loves.”

For more about Wellspent Events, visit facebook.com/ wellspentevents.

“Chris always knew he wanted to be a chef and open a restaurant, but he didn’t know about the business side of things,” Brittany said. “I’m used to being behind the scenes.”

After years of decorating for parties, including hosting them at Beau’s, Brittany incorporated Wellspent Events into an “official business” this year.

“Chris would cook, and I would set the table. People are always so happy; it’s a way to bring people together

BIG CELEBRATIONS: Brittany Infinger’s balloon arches can last several days in the right temperature-controlled conditions.

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DEDICATED SERVICE BEHAVIOR ANALYSIS PROGRAM SERVES GENERATIONS FROM COAST TO COAST by:

Audrey Post

S

ometimes you just have to seize the moment. In the late 1990s, a movement in the field of psychology aimed to serve people with developmental disabilities and autism.

Around the same time, Florida State University’s Department of Psychology ended its Panama City-based graduate program in applied psychology.

Jon Bailey, FSU Tallahassee faculty since 1970, had served on the initial board certifying behavior analysts and wondered who was going to train practitioners to support these newly identified patients. He found his answer on the Panama City campus. The master’s program in Applied Behavior Analysis launched in 1999 — the first of its kind at a public university in Florida — with just under a dozen students and Bailey at the helm.

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TEAM EFFORT Through his research and certification board service, Bailey knew the coursework and field training needed for an ABA program. Ellen Berler, then psychology associate chair, provided feedback and shepherded the plan through necessary channels.

Their combined skills helped gain approval.

“I couldn’t have done it without her,” Bailey said.

As a clinical psychologist with a behavioral background, Berler, now retired, was intrigued by the proposal.

“He designed it based on students’ needs, and people saw how it would benefit the campus and community,” she said.

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“Dr. Bailey’s vision for establishing Tallahassee and the Panhandle as a hub for ABA training is something we have continued to strive toward,” said Amy Polick, FSU ABA alumna and current program faculty member. “Among our primary missions is to pay it forward by providing the same high-quality training we received from Doctor Bailey.”

CHART TOPPER Randy Hanna, FSU Panama City dean, said the program is vital, locally and nationally: More than 300 graduates practice evidence-based behavior analysis therapy across the U.S. “The best part,” Hanna said, “is our graduates are able to meet the needs of the children.”

Advertising generated interest locally, and Bailey touted the program to faculty from other universities during academic conferences, so they could then recommend FSU’s program to their graduates.

FSU’s ABA program was ranked No. 1 in the country twice in the past five years and three times in the past six years, which means that 100 percent of graduates passed the national certification test the first time.

ELEVATED EDUCATION

PERFECT PRACTICE

FSU’s ABA program was unique: It met all certification requirements, and every student could secure an assistantship and tuition waiver. Within five years, the program met academic accreditation and professional certification standards.

Co-located with the ABA program is FSU’s Early Childhood Autism Program, which serves as a practicum agency for ABA students. Since 2001, students working under the supervision of FSU ABA alumni have served autistic children ages 2 to 23 with behavior therapy through ECAP.

“What Doctor Bailey has delivered is aspirational,” said psychology chair Frank Johnson, who also described Bailey as a mentor. “It gives a new point of contact between the general public and the discipline of psychology.”

“ECAP functions like a training hospital for graduate students learning to conduct effective, evidencebased ABA therapy with children with autism,” said Polick, who also serves as ECAP development director.

The ABA program accepts 16-18 students a year and only in the fall because of the order classes must be taken. Practica are woven deeply into the curriculum, and the cohort is usually split between Panama City and Tallahassee. Classes are taught via live interactive television, and faculty commute to ensure personal contact with all students. Bailey, professor emeritus, teaches one class a semester.

In the beginning, ECAP provided home-based behavioral services to children with autism, but the addition of an on-campus clinic in 2012 and a Parent Resource Center in 2015 have been integral to serving more than 100 families over the past two decades. ABA program alumna and current ECAP Program Director Nikki Dickens attributes her success to outstanding preparation.

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EARLY CHILDHOOD: ABA grad student Leah Silver works with an ECAP client.

“When I graduated in 2005, I used skills from the ABA program to start my career with the State of Florida. It was my dream to return and serve the program that gave me so much,” Dickens said. “In 2013, I rejoined the ECAP team as program administrator. Now, we lead the country in training ABA graduate students and helping families affected by autism.”

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by:

Jan Waddy

T

he nationally recognized Kinsey Collection of African American Art & History shares stories of resilience, creativity and achievement spanning more than 400 years.

The traveling exhibit will be set up in the Holley Academic Center at FSU Panama City from Friday, April 15, through Sunday, July 3. In advance of the opening, the Kinseys plan to visit FSU PC on Feb. 1 to speak for Black History Month.

“The story is not a Black story; it’s an American story,” said Bernard Kinsey, who has cultivated the collection with his wife, Shirley, over more than 40 years. “We are really proud of our work and believe it’s the kind of work America needs right now.”

The Kinseys see themselves as “caretakers” of the art and artifacts that convey a significant part of the American story through African American paintings, sculptures, manuscripts, rare books, and documents — from a bronze bust of Frederick Douglass to letters

by Malcolm X and the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Primary source historical objects and artifacts date from 1595 to the present day, and artwork dates to 1865, painting a clearer picture of African American’s triumphs despite overwhelming obstacles.

The 1595 baptismal document is from the archives of the diocese of St. Augustine, Florida, “the oldest known existence of African Americans in the U.S. before Jamestown,” Bernard Kinsey said.

Rosa Parks’ 1998 book, “Quiet Strength,” was signed to Shirley Kinsey. Parks was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor in 1999 for refusing to move to the back of a city bus Dec. 1, 1955, in Montgomery, Alabama.

A SPECIAL COLLECTION: “Bernard and Shirley Kinsey, 2002” is an oil on canvas by Artis Lane.

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“People know about Rosa Parks, but 100 years before that there was Elizabeth Jennings Graham,” said Bernard Kinsey, referring to the teacher who insisted on her right to board a New York City horsecar.

Bernard Kinsey refers to the “myth of absence,” explaining that contributions by African Americans,

THE KINSEYS: Khalil Kinsey, left, is pictured with his parents, Shirley and Bernard Kinsey, whose historic collection of art and artifacts spans more than 40 years.

whether in science, industry, politics or art, were omitted from history books and the collection aims to provide the narrative.

reminds her of those Southern roots, such as Hughie LeeSmith’s Untitled 1951 oil painting that depicts a Black girl with pigtails jumping rope by a dirt road.

“What we’ve been trying to do all these years is give these names a voice,” Shirley Kinsey said.

Bernard Kinsey and his five siblings grew up in segregated public housing in West Palm Beach. His parents, Ulysses B. Kinsey and Christine Stiles Kinsey, taught him the importance of education and financial responsibility. His father, an elementary school principal, helped integrate schools in Palm Beach County and fought for equal pay and education for black teachers and students.

The Florida Department of Education has adopted the Kinsey Collection as the basis for instruction of 3.6 million students on African American History. The family published “The Kinsey Collection: Shared treasures of Bernard and Shirley Kinsey” that features items on display in the exhibit as well as other items of interest in their collection.

“We are always thrilled to work with educational institutions; it’s so great for fostering dialogue,” said son Khalil Kinsey, chief operating officer and curator of the collection.

As rich as the collection they have gathered is the personal story of the Kinsey family.

Shirley Kinsey was raised by her paternal grandmother, Susie Plummer Pooler, in St. Augustine, where she had a happy childhood grounded by extended family and basking in the Florida sun. She is drawn to artwork that

Shirley and Bernard Kinsey, who will celebrate their 55th wedding anniversary Feb. 11, met at Florida Agricultural & Mechanical (A&M) University in 1963 after a civil rights demonstration, where Shirley was arrested. Her activism was inspired by King, who had led protests in her hometown that summer.

“We received training from campus groups on how to respond during a demonstration, who to trust and how to dress. I had to dress up to go to jail,” said Shirley Kinsey, who said her grandmother did not want her to get involved in protests out of fear of what could happen to her. “Bernard was more diplomatic and helped me negotiate the channels on campus.”

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She described Florida A&M as “an oasis,” a “bubble” in the middle of a segregated city, where they had to fight for rights, such as going to the movies.

“Students on black college campuses led the civil rights movement,” Bernard Kinsey said. “Civil rights activist John Lewis catalyzed young people for marches, bus rides and voter registration.”

After the Kinseys married in 1967, they set a goal of traveling to 100 different countries during their lifetime.

Bernard Kinsey’s job as the first African American sales rep for an oil company brought them to Los Angeles, where Shirley Kinsey was hired as an elementary teacher.

They only lived on one paycheck, buying their first house in 1971 and saving money for their travels. They started close to home with National Parks, such as Yosemite.

“Once you start traveling and getting involved with other cultures, you see similarities and influences,” Shirley Kinsey said. “There were similarities with Native American sculptures that were connected to us. We were leaving our mark on other cultures and didn’t even know about our own.”

They traveled for 10 years before their son was born.

“We wanted to travel, see things, go places, learn languages, cultures and food,” Bernard Kinsey said. “It’s hard to carry prejudice when you deal with other cultures.”

Khalil Kinsey joined his parents on their journeys and grew up surrounded by vivid paintings and sculptures from around the world. In the Kinsey Collection book, he wrote, “It was through my parents’ passion that I discovered my own, but it was also through their passion that I discovered my heritage.”

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attention from the California African American Museum in Los Angeles, because of the balance of art and historic narrative. Other museums took notice. We share information in a unifying way.”

During the past 15 years, the Kinsey Collection has been seen by more than 15 million people at places such as the Smithsonian, Disney’s EPCOT, the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center in Cincinnati, the DuSable Museum of African American History in Chicago, and in Hong Kong.

“We have a saying: ‘God, grant me a gift to give to someone else who needs it more than me.’ The Kinsey Collection embodies it — how people who had so little did so much,” said Bernard Kinsey, who retired as a Xerox executive in 1991. “At the end of the day, it’s about a partnership and a dream.”

The Kinseys have built community partnerships along the way. The FSU PC exhibition is being sponsored in part by Panama City Toyota, Walborsky Bradley and Fleming, PLLC, and the St. Joe Community Foundation, which each provided a $25,000 gift to help bring the exhibit to the community. Individual sponsors include Dr. Carrie Baker.

Greg Finley, dealer principal of Panama City Toyota, said he sees this as an opportunity to stand against ambivalence in the tense racial climate of recent years. “I thought, ‘What can I do in the vast universe of problems?’ This collection served to answer that partially, if not fully.”

During his fourth-grade history assignment for school, he and his parents realized they could only trace their family tree back four generations. This led to their “rediscovering” of the African American story.

Brent Bradley, partner at Walborsky Bradley and Fleming, PLLC, expressed the firm's desire to be involved.

“Walborsky, Bradley and Fleming is proud to be a sponsor of the Kinsey Collection, a worldwide treasure of African American history and art. We believe that art has the power to transform hearts and minds and build unity."

“Really, we feel this is a human story on the human experience and connection, illuminating the story not known,” Khalil Kinsey said. “In 2005, the LA Times wrote an article, ‘The Walls Do Talk,’ that garnered

For sponsorship opportunities, contact Becky Kelly at rebecca.kelly@pc.fsu.edu or 850-770-2151. To get involved, organizations and schools can contact Dr. Irvin Clark at (850) 770-2101 or iclark2@pc.fsu.edu.

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SCHOLARSHIP CREATES STUDENT LIFELINE by:

Jan Waddy

I

sabella Barbour, ’22, has juggled jobs, caring for sick family members, and college courses through the aftermath of Hurricane Michael and the COVID-19 pandemic.

A first-generation college student who grew up in a one-income family of five in Bay County, Barbour has known she wanted to go into the field of psychology since she was 14 in order to help others, but didn’t know she would be able to afford Florida State University.

Today, Barbour is a Garnet & Gold Scholar, a member of the Mortar Board and Phi Sigma Theta national honor societies, and she is on track to graduate from FSU Panama City with a bachelor’s in psychology and a minor in social welfare.

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The FSU PC Promise Scholarship removed the financial barriers.

“I cannot express the amount of relief I felt when I received an email stating that I had been awarded the FSU PC Promise Scholarship,” Barbour said. “I had just transferred to FSU PC and had begun the process of wondering how I was going to be able to afford the cost of attendance, books, tuition and fees, as my federal financial aid would not cover the full amount.”

Barbour, who was homeschooled from kindergarten through 12th grade, transferred to FSU PC in fall 2020 to pursue her bachelor’s degree after receiving her A.A. from Gulf Coast State College. But reality soon hit when she wasn’t sure how she would balance school with working the jobs necessary to afford it.

“With the assistance of the scholarship, I have not only been able to continue my education, but also excel in my classes,” Barbour said. “Most importantly, I have proved to myself that I am worthy of a college education.”

The FSU PC Promise Scholarship, which took effect in spring 2021, was established as part of the FSU PC Promise to remove financial barriers so students can achieve educational goals. Through funds provided by generous area donors, free tuition and fees are provided to full-time undergraduate students from Northwest Florida counties of Bay, Gulf, Liberty, Gadsden, Jackson, Calhoun, Franklin, Washington, Holmes, Walton, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa and Escambia who have a combined family income of $60,000 or less — recently increased from $50,000 or less — and are pursuing a degree at FSU Panama City.

The Chapman Family Foundation provided the lead gift to establish the FSU PC Promise Scholarship, and in April 2021, The Chapman Family Foundation Center for Academic Advising and Student Success was named in the family’s honor.

Contributors also have included The St. Joe Community

PROMISE FULFILLED: Isabella Barbour, '23, is a recipient of the FSU PC Promise scholorship.

Foundation, Pam and Larry Perry, and an anonymous donor.

“Earning scholarships is more than just an accolade for hard work,” Barbour said. “It is sometimes the only thing that stands between someone and completing their dream of a college education.”

The FSU PC Scholarship is renewable every term if the recipient continues to meet the requirements, which also include taking 12 credit hours per semester, maintaining a 2.0 GPA, and completing 30 hours of community service per semester.

Barbour has exceeded requirements, taking as many as 15-18 credit hours, and she currently has a 3.7 GPA. She has volunteered in the community with a children’s ministry for the past eight years. In September, Barbour was elected treasurer for the Psychology Club for the 2021-2022 academic year. She also serves as one of four student mentors in the Florida State Experience class led by psychology professor Tyler Towne, PhD. "She’s just one of those people students want to be around, talk to and trust,” Towne said.

For more details, visit pc.fsu.edu/promise-scholarship.

CHAPMAN FAMILY FOUNDATION HONORED: At left, (from left) Randy Hanna, Pamm Chapman, Joey Chapman, Jeannette Chapman, Kristian Chapman, Anna-Lee Chapman, Isabella Barbour, Nathan Chapman, Si Clemo, and Elizabeth Chapman appear during the April 2021 naming ceremony.

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SEMINOLE SIGHTINGS

FSU PC GOLF INVITATIONAL BAY P O I N T G O L F C LU B O CT. 2 9, 202 1

1. Mark Wilson, Jason Barton, Larry Bailey, Kim Call 2. Scott Richter, Lou Ischo, Pat Kelly, Guy Turpen 3. Rick James, Kevin Paulk, Griff Ennis, David Harless 4. Calvin Potts, Buddy Wilkes, April Wilkes, Michael Wilkes 5. Cody Shields, Ricky Aguayo, Kaleigh Rafter, Zack Sanchez 6. Scott Campbell, Roberto Aguayo, Dustin Stokesbary, Joey Ginn, Brut Campbell-Work

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FSU PANAMA CITY GOLF INVITATIONAL

Thank you to our sponsors and supporters for your commitment to our students and community PRESENTED BY

interiors System Service & Engineering, Inc.

SEMINOLE SIGHTINGS

LET’S DO LUNCH H O L L E Y ACA D E M I C C E N T E R JUNE 2, 2021

Let’s Do Lunch featured a presentation by New York Times bestselling author Karen White, signing copies of her latest book, “The Last Night in London.” #W4FSU 1. Salie Cotton, Karen White, Kathie Bennett, and Jerri Hanna 2. Debbie Smalley and Nadia Smallwood. 3. Nancy Mills, Connie Leete and Julie Kitzerow 4. Mary Beth Lovingood, April Wilkes, Ruthie Parker and Karen Hurst 5.

Julie Dodge, Brandi DeRuiter, Lynn Cherry, Veronica Kemeny, Kathy Harris, Katelyn Parsons and Gina Armstrong.

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SEMINOLE SIGHTINGS

1. April Wilkes, Executive Director of the St. Joe Community Foundation 2. Pamm Chapman, Joey Chapman, Jeannette Chapman, Kristian Chapman, Anna-Lee Chapman, Elizabeth Chapman Nathan Chapman and Si Clemo 3. Outside the Cook Library & Learning Center 4. Dean Randy Hanna announces the naming of the Dr. and Mrs. James T. Cook Library and Learning Center in honor of Jim and Jan Cook

THANK YOU DONORS NAMING OPPORTUNITIES IN 2021

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NOTABLE

’NOLES HONORING OUR OUTSTANDING ALUMNI by:

Cody Gray, ’11, Erin Chaffin, ’13, and Jan Waddy

F

SU Panama City recognized six outstanding alumni for their continued commitment to education as part of a more than 20year campus homecoming tradition.

The 2020 Notable ’Noles include minister and nonprofit officer Albert Jesse “A.J.” Bacon Sr.; communication professional and FSU PC adjunct professor Kevin Elliot; and nonprofit director Janice Lucas. The 2021 Notable ’Noles include marketing consultant Nancy Luther, healthcare liaison Heather Kretzer and emergency services officer Brooke Powell.

The award is given to FSU Panama City alumni who demonstrated excellence as students and have made outstanding contributions to the community and within their careers. Since the award’s inception in 1996, FSU Panama City has recognized 80 Notable ’Noles, accounting for less than 1 percent of the campus’ alumni.

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ALBERT JESSE “A.J.” BACON SR., ’12, ’14 Five years after his retirement from the Air Force, Albert Jesse “A.J.” Bacon Sr. (’12, ’14) enrolled in the social work program at FSU Panama City to fulfill his calling to serve others.

While a student, Bacon served in the AmeriCorps, logging in 339 hours over the course of a year, while assisting clients in applying for jobs, developing employment skills, improving life skills and overcoming employment obstacles. As part of the FSU International Study Program in Durban, South Africa, Bacon spent 21 days studying international disaster relief and recovery as well as the dilemmas of assisting refugee populations consisting of mixed languages and cultures. In 2012, he received the FSU College of Social Work Humanitarian of the Year Award and the National Society of Student Social Workers (Emerald Coast Division) Student Social Worker of the Year.

After earning his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in social work from FSU Panama City, where he was a Garnet and Gold Scholar, Bacon became a dependency case manager for the Children’s Home Society of Florida Emerald Coast Division. He was named Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Northwest Florida Virginia Thomas Big Brother of the Year 2015-2016. He is now a minister at First Mt. Moriah Missionary Baptist Church in Springfield, Florida, as well as the chapter service officer for Disabled American Veterans (DAV). He continues to dedicate himself to mentoring youth, working to prevent youth alcohol and drug abuse, and advocating for veterans by volunteering at various local organizations.

In 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic when help was needed most, Bacon and his wife, Ivy, created the A.J. and Ivy Bacon Scholarship Fund to help students at FSU Panama City. Combining his passion for helping others and his military service, the scholarship gives preference to students pursuing a degree in social work or student veterans.

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KEVIN ELLIOTT, ’13 At 36 years old, Kevin Elliott (’13) embarked on a new journey. Tired of grueling in the Panama City summer heat for his property management company Service Meisters, Elliott decided to build on his bachelor’s degree in theology and enrolled in FSU Panama City’s master’s program in corporate and public communication.

Since then, Elliott has become a familiar face in Bay County as a senior marketing and communication manager for Applied Research Associates, adjunct public relations professor for FSU Panama City, and co-founder of Wewa Films, a video production company that creates everything from documentaries to corporate storytelling videos to web and TV series.

“Kevin Elliott is everything one could desire in a Notable ’Nole,” said Glen McDonald, vice president of strategic initiatives and economic development for Gulf Coast State College — and one of the nominators. “His FSU-PC degree has served him well…”

An award-winning video writer, producer, and national public speaker, Elliott’s accolades include American Advertising Federation, Telly, and Hermes Creative awards as well as having his writing featured in publications including The Washington Post, Business Energy, Power Engineering, Public Roads, Desktop Documentaries, and The Military Engineer.

“I met Kevin in 2014 as an adjunct professor and was so impressed, I asked if he wanted to be a ‘thinking partner,’” Jack Kerigan, owner of Kerigan Marketing Associates said in his nomination. “We met for a number of long talks to discuss marketing and business strategy, then I hired him as our first digital marketing director at KMA.” Elliott has lived in Panama City since 1988, when his father was stationed at Tyndall AFB. He and his wife, Kathy, have two daughters, Allison and Annie, as well as 15 chickens.

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JANICE LUCAS, ’89 Third generation Bay County resident Janice Lucas (’89) has dedicated herself to empowering others through education and activism. Her ability to connect with people has earned her many accolades as a journalist, middle and high school teacher, college professor and community leader.

Lucas holds a master’s degree in English education from FSU Panama City as well as a bachelor’s degree in broadcast journalism from Florida A&M University.

In 2014, after a string of murders driven by gang violence and drugs rocked the Bay County community, Lucas facilitated local leaders and community response that ultimately became the LEAD Coalition of Bay County. LEAD is an acronym for Leadership Empowerment Authentic Development. As the executive director for the organization, Lucas works with the community to build trust, increase safety and restore neighborhoods.

Demonstrating her commitment to the community through LEAD and service to other local organizations, Lucas continues to bring awareness, change and much-needed funding to our area’s most underserved children and families. In 2015, she obtained a $325,000 21st Century Learning Community Grant, which helped fund afterschool STEM enrichment programs for local underserved middle school students.

“She works hard, she has a vision of how things should be for her community, she is not afraid to stand up for what is right, and she remains dedicated to making Bay County a better place for all,” Ginger Littleton, former FSU Panama City STEM Institute director, wrote in her nomination. “To me, that is the definition of what we all expect when we bestow on someone the title of Notable ’Nole.”

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NANCY LUTHER, ’91 Since Nancy Luther made Bay County her home 35 years ago, she has been serving this community. She has worked in the marketing and media industry since 1997, including 18 years as a senior marketing consultant for iHeartMedia Inc. After six years as the branch manager of Adecco Staffing, Luther returned to iHeartMedia in summer 2021, bringing a fresh perspective to broadcast and digital media.

“Nancy represents the best of FSU PC and our community as a motivated, compassionate and enthusiastic alumna. Her heart is in her service and so many people in Bay County have benefited from it,” wrote Tanya Deal, HR director, Bay County Clerk of Court and 2016 Notable ’Nole.

Luther serves on the Innovations Federal Credit Union Board of Directors, United Way of Northwest Florida Executive Board, Gulf Coast Regional Medical Center’s Women’s Advisory Board and Bay County Chamber Governmental Affairs Committee. She's involved in the Emerald Coast Business Women's Association’s Death by Chocolate, raising funds for women to pursue higher education. Luther also has served on the boards of Bay Arts Alliance and the Bay County Society for Human Resource Management.

“She is someone you want on your team. She is achievement oriented to successfully accomplish the goal or objective of any project. Most importantly, she is a wonderful human being full of integrity with a heart full of compassion,” wrote Karen Hurst, senior VP/CMO Innovations FCU and 2018 Notable ’Nole.

Luther studied in FSU's School of Criminology, earning an Academic Leadership Award. She graduated from FSU PC in '91 with a bachelor's in criminology, then life redirected her path.

“I got into criminology because I wanted to make a difference, but working within the media industry allowed me to be able to do that, to get involved in so many different organizations,” Luther said.

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HEATHER KRETZER, ’00 When the first cases of the COVID-19 pandemic hit Bay County in 2020, Heather Kretzer was the liaison disseminating information from the Florida Department of Health Bay County to the public. As the public information officer, she remained the constant calming voice during the pandemic after helping the county navigate through Hurricane Michael.

“My education at FSU PC was the foundation that prepared me for the pandemic and Hurricane Michael.

I was better equipped when I took the FEMA course, Advanced Public Information Officer,” said Kretzer, who graduated in 2000 with a B.S. in communication.

The Wewahitchka native graduated from Gulf Coast State College, then transferred to FSU Tallahassee before coming home to FSU Panama City.

“There were more scholarship opportunities and the communication program at FSU PC had more options,” Kretzer said. “I think the program better prepared me to be able to work in the community.”

Kretzer enjoyed opportunities for hands-on learning at FSU PC, from advertising campaigns and copywriting to Photoshop, and still utilizes her communication skills. She served as producer, assignment editor and news director for WMBB News 13 before working for the health department. In April, she switched career paths to become a physician liaison at Northwest Florida Wound Care & Hyperbaric Centers, making patient referrals and potentially saving lives.

"As I grew as a person, my interest in communications became more of a passion to help the community," Kretzer said. “I think our community’s biggest asset is its people. Ever since Hurricane Michael, there is a shared experience we all have, and it has made for an even greater bond than before."

Her passion has led to chairing Breastfeeding Bay, Bay County's Breastfeeding Task Force; Early Education and Care’s Health Advisory Committee; and Bay County's Recovery Oriented System of Care Communications and Education Committee.

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BROOKE POWELL, ’00, ’01 Emergency Services Chief Administrative Officer and nationally-certified Public Information Officer for Bay County Emergency Services, Brooke Powell (’01) has more than 20 years of experience in training and safety. She also works with numerous local organizations, including Girls Inc. and Elevate Bay. Powell began her career as a public and government relations representative at Bay Solutions while attending FSU Panama City, where she received her B.S. in communication followed by her M.S. in communication in 2001. Powell continued her career at Progress Energy. She was office manager and staff safety coordinator at Gator Power at the University of Florida. She also was actively involved with the Gainesville Chamber and University Affairs, and she served as the regional safety representative.

Powell returned home to Panama City in 2006 and entered the public sector as training and development coordinator for the Bay County Board of Commissioners. During her time at human resources, she developed programs to further the education and careers of county employees. She also worked in risk management as administrator of the Wellness Program and coordinated the County Safety Committee until transferring to Emergency Services in 2010. Powell is an administrator for Bay County Emergency Services' social media platforms, and she started a campaign to showcase hometown heroes.

Powell served as one of the lead PIOs for Hurricane Michael response in Bay County and was invited to the Florida Association of PIOs to share lessons learned from the hurricane. She was awarded a Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition from Congressman Neal Dunn for her work with the hurricane response and recovery and is a twotime winner for the State Emergency Response Commission Thomas Yatabe Award.

She recently entered the Gulf Coast State College Fire Academy, obtaining her Florida Firefighter certification in July 2021.

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it’s all about the experience!

18 Hole Championship Course 9 Hole Par 3 Course Corporate Outings | Golf Lessons | Practice Facility | Bar & Grill

850.234.1800 | www.HolidayGolfClub.com 100 Fairway Blvd. | Panama City Beach, FL 32407 | be social:

’NOLE NOTES 'Nole Notes is your chance to tell other alumni what you have been doing since you left Florida State University Panama City. It can be a simple one-liner about your career, move, marriage or births, or something unusual that you have done. We love to hear about your achievements, send your story to alumni@pc.fsu.edu. Be sure to include your name, major and graduation year.

1990s

2010s

DAVID SOUTHALL, ’98 (B.S. communication) Innovations Federal Credit Union was named a 2021 Seminole 100 recipient for the fourth year in a row. The award recognizes the 100 fastest-growing FSU alumni-owned or alumni-led businesses.

2000s

KATHERINE MAPP, ‘15 (B.S. professional communication)

AARON RICH, ’03 (M.S. corporate and public

Rich Marketing was named a 2021 Seminole 100 recipient for the second year in a row, as well as Small Business of the Year by the Bay County Chamber of Commerce.

received her Master of Arts in Communication in 2021 from Liberty University. She recently

communication) Aaron

CASEY LATHEM-HEARN, ’12 (B.S. professional communication) wed Mark

Hearn on March 28, 2021, at Rosie Creek Farms. Casey is the owner of Sugar Bean Boutique.

was promoted to Public Affairs Officer and Director of Internal/External Communication & Community Relations at Naval Surface Warfare Center, Panama City Division.

ERIN CHAFFIN, ‘13 (M.S. corporate and public communication) celebrated

KRISTINA MIZELL WILLIAMS, ‘03, ‘08 (M.S. corporate and public communication), Notable 'Nole 2014,

now the Director of Marketing and PR for Life Management Center of Northwest Florida.

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the grand opening of the brick-and-mortar location of her gift boutique, Aubrey & Oliver, in Lyndell Shopping Plaza, Panama City Beach.

Named after her daughter and son, Aubrey & Oliver began three years ago as an online gift boutique with pop-up shops before growing into a vendor mall booth and now a 1,500 square-foot retail shop.

’NOLE NOTES

2010s cont.

LA’QUANA COOPER, ’19, ’21 (B.S. hospitality management,

JUSTINE (POWELL) PRESSLEY, ’17, ’19 (B.S. professional communication, M.S. corporate and public communication)

LL.M. business law), executive assistant to the general manager for Henderson Park Inn, received her juris master of law degree from Florida State University in spring 2021.

wed Alan Pressley on April 17, 2021, at St. Andrews Bay Yacht Club surrounded by family and friends and many of her FSU PC family.

KYLE MIDDLEMASS, ‘19 (B.S. professional communication)

is the media specialist for Florida State University Panama City.

GRAHAM NEVES, ‘19 (B.S. economics) is the new digital

marketing director for Neves Media. Graham previously was the Information Technology Manager for the City of Lynn Haven.

2020s MIA BENNETT, ‘20 (B.A. recreation tourism and events)

accepted a position as an admissions recruitment officer in Admissions & Records at Florida State University Panama City in August 2021.

MELISSA ADAMS, ‘20 (B.A. psychology) obtained her

ALYSSA (FISHER) BASINGER, ‘19 & ‘20 (BSW, MSW)

married her best friend and love of her life on March 21, 2021. The couple is expecting their first child in November.

RBT certification after graduation and has become a student analyst at Positive Behavior Supports. She uses her training in the ABA field to work with children with autism and other developmental disabilities.

Adams is applying to graduate schools and hopes to begin a doctoral program next fall.

CHANDRA COOPER, ’20, ’21 (B.S. crime scene investigation, LL.M. business law) executive

assistant to the general manager for Henderson Park Inn, received her juris master of law degree from Florida State University in spring 2021.

SAMUEL LAMB, ’21 (B.S. computer engineering) started as a software developer with local music tech startup, Chaos Audio.

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LAST LOOK: This fall, Florida State University Panama City welcomed 140 first-time-in-college students for the academic year. Newly-admitted students attend the First-Year Student Convocation, which marks their entrance into the life and traditions of Florida State University.

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Office of Advancement 4750 Collegiate Drive Panama City, FL 32405 pc.fsu.edu

IN MEMORY OF

BOBBY BOWDEN, 1929-2021

longtime supporter and friend of FSU PC