A national search is underway for a new Pasco-Hernando State College president to succeed retiring president Timothy L. Beard, Ph.D. A Presidential Search Committee, appointed by PHSC’s District Board of Trustees (DBOT), convened for an initial meeting on April 10 to review search process protocols. The search is being conducted with the assistance and guidance of Myers McRae, Inc., an executive search firm.
District Board of Trustees Chair, John Mitten, also chair of the Presidential Search Committee, said initial committee meetings are closed to the public to protect the privacy of candidates. The committee will begin reviewing applicants’ credentials on June 1. On July 25, the committee will meet to select approximately 12 candidates to interview in early August. Following the interviews, the committee will recommend four finalists and potential alternative candidates to the DBOT. The finalists will be introduced at town hall meetings open to the public in early September. The DBOT plans to announce PHSC’s fifth president at the September 19, 2023 board meeting and expects the new president to take office in January 2024.
“The Board is deeply appreciative of the committee’s investment of time and attention to this extensive process,” said Mitten. “PHSC has a legacy of strong leaders, from founding president Milton O. Jones, Ph.D., through our current president, Tim Beard. Each president contributed to the College’s amazing development throughout the college’s 50-year history. I am confident that the committee will recommend strong final candidates to the DBOT -- and within that slate of recommendations – the DBOT will select a new president to usher PHSC into a new era of possibilities.”
In addition to Chair Mitten, the Presidential Search Committee includes John Allocco, Chairman, Hernando Board of County Commissioners; Allen Altman, Manager, Farm Bureau Insurance; Imani Asukile, PHSC, retired; Luther Buie, PHSC Associate Dean, Education Access and Engagement; Bill Cronin, President and CEO, Pasco Economic Development Council; Ray Gadd, Deputy Superintendent, Pasco County Schools; Lois Henton, PHSC, retired; Brian Horn, PHSC Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer; David Gonzalez, WREC, West Hernando District Manager; Davina Jones, Ph.D., PHSC Porter Campus Provost; Seth Mann, Esquire, CPA, CFP, R. Seth Mann, P.A., Chair, PHSC Foundation; Dewey Mitchell, CEO, Berkshire Hathaway Florida Properties Group; Lauren Monbarron, University of South Florida Board of Trustees; Morris Porton, President, Greater Hernando County Chamber of Commerce, Inc. Misty Price, PHSC Professor/QEP Director, President, Faculty Senate; Christa Tanner, Brooksville City Council; James Walters, Chief of Police, Dade City Police Department; Sophia Watson, Director, Adult and Technical Education, Hernando County Schools.
Beard, whose contract ends on January 31, 2024, is pleased to assist in the transition of leadership. “Serving PHSC students and the community has been my passion for eight years,” said Beard, “but it is time for a new president to take the helm. I will do everything possible to support a smooth transition of leadership.” To facilitate the transition, Beard will be available to introduce the new president to constituents and to support the new leader’s first month in office.
Questions about the Presidential Search selection process may be addressed to Kenny Dougherty of Myers McRae at kennydougherty@MyersMcRae.com or 478-747-0528.
Information about the presidential search will appear at phsc.edu/about/leadership/presidential-search.