St. Petersburg College is Florida’s oldest community college, serving over 47,000 students each year at 11 learning sites across Pinellas County through 2-year and 4-year degrees, industry certifications and short-term high impact workforce training courses. The College boasts one of the largest online programs and international programs in the nation. SPC’s skilled graduates fill jobs that stimulate the Pinellas County economy by more than $855 million each year. In fact, SPC graduates rank 1st for highest entry-level wages among Florida state college graduates – topping out at an average annual entry-level salary of $51,248. SPC’s mission is to empower our students and community to achieve success and economic mobility through academic excellence and engagement.

Dr. Tonjua Williams, President

“By working together in a seamless educational system, we all will thrive – including our business community, which will undoubtedly benefit from a well-trained and competently educated talent pool.” – Dr. Tonjua Williams

Enhancing student access, success and the quality of their experience are the most treasured values of Dr. Tonjua Williams, St. Petersburg College’s 7th President. She has served SPC for more than 30 years, rising through the ranks in a variety of academic and administrative roles, including Senior Vice President for Student Services and Provost of the Tarpon Springs Campus.

Dr. Williams is nationally recognized as an expert in student development and strategic planning that transforms departments and institutions. She has received many awards and recognitions – most recently the National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development’s John E. Roueche International Leadership Award, the Tampa Bay Business Journal’s Businesswoman of the Year award, and as one of the top 25 women in higher education by Diverse Issues in Higher Education. Dr. Williams holds a Ph.D. from Barry University in Higher Education Administration with a specialization in Educational Leadership.

Through her leadership, educators, businesses, government and community agencies are working closer together than ever before. As part of the Educational Ecosystem movement, alignment between schools is being strengthened, on and off ramps are being built for working adults to advance in their careers, and active partnerships with industry are being fortified to provide quality talent locally – improving the economic mobility for our residents and growth of our region.