Jesse Pisors, Ed.D., started his presidency at Pasco-Hernando State College Feb. 1. Pisors is serving as the fifth president in the schools 51-year history.
Pisors is a seasoned leader in the field of higher education with a deep commitment to facilitating transformative change through education. He has driven growth, enhanced student experiences and strengthened community ties throughout his 25-year career in education across institutions in the U.S. and Mexico, most recently serving as a Vice President at Texas A&M University-San Antonio (TAMUSA) and the University of Houston-Victoria (UHV).
“My commitment is to continue PHSC’s excellent educational work while leading the college into the future through innovation, community engagement and growth,” said Pisors.
Pisors’ first major task will be to set the institution’s new strategic plan.
“I’ve had the opportunity during the past month working alongside Dr. Beard to observe PHSC’s operations and meet with the incredible students, faculty, staff, and community members who have provided valuable feedback, which I will incorporate during the development of the institution’s strategic plan and vision for the institution through the upcoming years,” said Pisors.
Timothy L. Beard, Ph.D., retired Jan. 31 after nearly 17 years at PHSC, including serving as the institution’s president since 2015. Beard’s legacy in education spans more than 40 years throughout the Florida and Alabama educational systems.
During Beard’s tenure as president PHSC: added 25 new academic programs and 3 sports, received the Florida Governor’s Award for Top College for Performance Based Funding increase, awarded the college’s first bachelor’s degree in business Supervision and Management and Nursing with annually top performing Licensed Nursing (LPN) and Bachelor of Nursing (BSN) programs, was selected by Wallet Hub as the number one college in the country for Return on Education Investment (ROEI), received more than $200 million in funding and grant opportunities, and received numerous other accolades and accomplishments.
"It has been a pleasure and an honor to serve this great institution and while I will miss PHSC and all my associates here I will always remain supportive of the college and will be available if any assistance is needed,” said Beard.
Beard says he plans to spend time with his family, relax and enjoy an occasional round of golf during retirement while watching PHSC continue to excel.
“I am confident that PHSC will do very well under the leadership of Jesse Pisors and I look forward to hearing about all the exciting progress PHSC will make in the coming years,” said Beard.
Stanley M. Giannet, Ph.D., PHSC Executive Vice President, Chief Academic Officer and College Provost, is also retiring after serving at PHSC for 31 years in numerous faculty and administrative capacities. Giannet started his journey at PHSC as a student then as an adjunct professor working his way to becoming the colleges’ executive vice president and CAO.
“Every role I have had at the College was rife with student interactions and experiences. The most meaningful experiences are those in which I have had personal involvement and impact helping to navigate a student toward success,” said Giannet.
Giannet was instrumental in establishing PHSC’s Porter Campus at Wiregrass Ranch where he served as its founding Provost. Giannet’s leadership throughout his numerous roles in the institution was integral in the implementation of PHSC’s robust academic and expanding workforce programs.
“Pasco-Hernando State College occupies a special place in my life, and I have valued being a member of an institutional family that has given much to the communities we serve,” said Giannet.
Gerene Thompson, Ph.D., Assistant Vice President and Dean of Arts and Sciences, will serve as interim CAO while the search for Giannet’s successor is underway.
For more information about PHSC visit: phsc.edu.