Coming up on Pensacola State today, we'll explore how the president's hunt is delivering pivotal funds for scholarships.

Share an inspirational success story made possible by veterans, Upward Bound and future high school thespians singing the praises of the theater's summer workshop.

All this, plus impressive baccalaureate degrees available to health care and business students.

Hello, and welcome to Pensacola State today.

I'm Steve Nissim, along with my co-host Rebecca Vincent.

Leary will learn about a veteran's inspirational success story.

Get all the details on baccalaureate degrees at Pensacola State College, delve into the upcoming volleyball and soccer seasons, and much more.

PSC Alumni Association is always on the hunt to fund scholarships.

And it's actual hunting trips that are making a huge impact.

That includes the president's hunt coming up this October in South Dakota.

17 PSC donors have signed up for the three day trip, and organizers recently held a dinner event to finalize plans and travel arrangements.

It's the second time they'll be taking a group to South Dakota, but PSC has been running hunting trips for 16 years, including annual quail and pheasant hunts and baymen at Alabama and a Louisiana fishing excursion.

These events raise funds that are primarily used to match contributions for $25,000 endowed scholarships.

There are currently 22 fully funded scholarships, with a total value of 1.4 million, and about 30% of it is directly linked to these hunting trips.

Beyond that, they often bring in new people to the PSC family, and that has resulted in even more support and benefits.

We have returning hunters that come from states away, and so they are connected to the college, and it doesn't even make sense.

Sometimes.

But they have fallen in love with our vision, our mission, what we're doing for our students.

They have fun, sure, but they know that they're making a difference in student life.

It's a huge eye opener, and what we've all become is a salesman for Pensacola State.

Once you get that bug of helping people that you don't know and, you turn into, you know, an evangelist of it.

And at the same time, we're having fun doing these type of events.

And so it's a it's a win win for everybody, raises a lot of money and sends a lot of kids to school.

But it also brings in the community of like minded people who want to support this facility.

They believe in what we're doing.

Every summer, the PSC theater department provides a game changing experience for area high school performers.

You may have heard the sounds of Oklahoma coming from the Ashmore Auditorium this summer.

The famed Broadway musical was this year's production for CS Summer High School.

On stage workshop.

Weeks of rehearsals culminated with six live performances.

The workshops have existed for 35 years, serving as all star events for local talent.

53 were part of this year's show, representing all high schools in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties.

It's a golden opportunity for them to level up their craft in a professional and engaging theater environment.

It's truly the best experience because we become like the best little family, and there's so much heart and soul and like, passion.

It's like kind of unbelievable.

Like how much we all love each other and how much we learn.

Like, I would not be the same performer that I am without this at all.

The encouragement that they provide here has definitely convinced me that I want to continue with the arts.

The staff specifically have truly influenced me.

It's so amazing to meet kids from the different high schools, because you go to your high school and there's 25 kids in our theater program, and that's all you know, and then you come to the summer show and you make 50 people.

And when you go to the District Theater Festival, you see them and you go support them and watch their pieces and really makes it feel like a community, not just individual schools.

I feel like it's an investment in the entire Pensacola community, because you come sit in this audience and you watch 55 kids up on this stage singing, knowing that all summer long that they have been here at 8:00 am every morning, rehearsing daily from eight to noon.

It's just the most wholesome thing you can think of.

It makes you feel good about the future and makes you feel great about Pensacola.

It really is just all the best students from all of the schools get together, and it's a love fest towards theater and each other, trying to make the community a better place.

And it continues the artistic tradition that Pensacola has that leads to things like Ashley Brown going to Broadway.

PSC is home to a program that is geared specifically to creating college ready veterans trio, veterans.

Upward bound is a difference maker for so many.

And Jason Boatright is a shining example of a success story to be proud of.

We're on the same road.

Jason Boatwright wanted to serve his country, so he joined the U.S. Air Force after graduating from Tait High School.

But while serving, he developed a serious eye condition.

His vision kept getting worse, and eventually he was given a medical discharge.

I did everything I could to stay in.

It was really bad.

I asked for an appeal.

I asked for a reclassification.

I asked for anything.

But they said there's nothing that I could do.

And that's when it was kind of hard for me because I was like, well, what am I going to do now?

Jason believed he should have been eligible for veteran benefits, but ran into rejection at the Veterans Affairs office.

He was devastated, but decided to explore possible college benefits for vets and visited the trio Veterans Upward Bound office at Pensacola State College.

I thought they were going to tell me no, just like they did at the VA, but it was different because they listened to me.

They had handouts with like, here, just do this, this, this, this.

Veterans.

Upward bound is a federally funded program that aims to eliminate barriers for veterans who are hoping to attend college.

When you have not been engaged with a formal school environment, you forget these things.

It's not that they don't know it.

What we do is we open the door so that they can remember those things that they've not used in five years or more.

Tutoring is our big thing.

That one on one that people look for is what they really come in for, because it really shows them that you you care.

It was the developmental classes over at the Veterans Upward Bound.

That if I didn't get those skills, there's no way I would have made it.

In addition to the tutoring, they helped Jason secure a Pell Grant and other scholarships that made going to college possible.

He enrolled at Pensacola State in 2010.

They come here and they get their developmental coursework ready.

But that's not when they're done with me, because I track them from the time they enter into college or a certificate program to graduation.

For Jason, that included talking with professors about his still worsening eye condition.

Diagnosed as Kara Deaconess, he found that his teachers at PSC were remarkably accommodating.

It took me five times longer than anybody else to do a paper, but I did it in a way that it got easier as time allowed.

I would have never made it if I didn't have them work with me.

Overcoming many obstacles.

Jason graduated with his A.A. degree in 2014.

I never thought in a million years that I would go to college.

You know, none of my family members have ever been to college.

I still have that frame that I still look at.

You know, most people don't really do much with their A.A. degrees, but I do, because I still remember everything.

It wasn't just the education, that catalyst.

It was everything in my life.

That's why I'm so passionate about the veterans that were bound programs because, like, if it can work for me, I know it can work with everybody else because it's set me up for success.

He would go on to earn a bachelor's degree at UW, f a masters from Troy, and a doctorate in social work from the University of Kentucky.

It all gave him the confidence to keep fighting for his veteran benefits, which he eventually received, and that paid for life changing eye transplant surgery.

When they took the bandage off.

I didn't recognize my mom, and I was looking at the arm that was looking at the the chart.

And I actually read it and they took me over to the, sorry.

They took me over to the mirror and I started crying because I had aged.

I didn't even recognize myself.

I had gray hair.

I had fine lines.

It was.

I mean, it was incredible.

Jason has made a successful career out of helping vets, including as a veteran liaison to the U.S. House of Representatives and a public affairs officer at the VA.

The Department of Education every year has a conference.

And they always ask us to provide names and what these students that have gone through our program have done.

He's one of our success stories.

His name is always there.

And not only from a local standpoint, but nationally.

Part of his work includes helping people that walk into the same PSC Upward Bound office.

That was such a difference maker for him.

I want to continue on with what they did for me.

If there was ever anybody that came through these doors that needed somebody or help with a VA disability, that's what I do.

And that's why Rob sends them to me.

I tell them, you focus on study.

You focus on getting that degree.

Let me take care of the reins on your VA disability.

Let me get you there.

And I love it.

I feel like I'm giving a portion back to what they did for me.

I don't think I can ever give them back what they've ever done for me, but I can.

I can try.

the start of a new school year comes with many questions, especially for first time students.

Pirate Saturday was established to provide the answers and much more.

The event, held a few weeks prior to the start of the fall semester, give students access to the help they need.

This includes assistance registering for classes, financial aid, counseling, connecting them with available resources, and taking a campus tour.

Roughly 40 staff members were on hand to encourage students and help them prepare for the upcoming school year.

Those students are pretty much coming in here.

Oh my gosh, I don't know where I've done where I'm at.

Where am I at in this process?

Can you please help me?

And they leave here happy.

They know that they've got this taken care of, most of them more prepared than they actually felt like they were when they walked in the door.

I'm a dual enrollment students.

I got a lot of my questions answered about right when registration starts and what programs I need to go through, and as an Ada student, I was able to get the proper accommodations figured out.

It's time for the president's perspective with Doctor Ed Meadows.

As always, thanks so much for letting us spend a little time with you.

Thanks, Dave.

I, Pensacola State for years, has been recognized as military friendly, and now it's really getting leveled up because you just got recognized as a Purple Heart College by the military order.

How significant is that?

Well, I think it is just one more indication of, the reputation of Pensacola State College being a military friendly institution.

And, we have, students, and, and others that have graduated from Pensacola State College and others that have worked at Pensacola State College, that have been recipients of the Purple Heart and wounded in battle.

It's quite an honor to to have this designation, in recognition of, what we do for our veterans and, veterans dependents.

Earlier in the show, we did a story on the hunting trips that are organized by the alumni association.

That raised a lot of money for scholarships.

I know you're all about that.

You're an avid hunter.

You go on these trips, how important.

How special are these trips?

Well, let's, let's go back a couple of years to, the resurgence of the interest and the alumni association.

And while we were, putting together a board for the alumni association, we, we started looking at, how the alumni association, could be a more integral part, of the future of the institution.

And one of the, ideas that was brought forward was, a way to provide scholarships, for, students so that they could become, alumni one day.

And, we came up with we actually stole the idea from University Alabama, to have a matching scholarship program.

And so these, these events, that, we have scheduled over the years, which includes, pheasant, a duck hunting this time, I think for the second time, we're going to South Dakota and, a good portion of the fee for those that want to participate in the duck and pheasant on in South Dakota will go toward the matching scholarship programs.

So how much are these hunts an opportunity for you to bond with these donors and really talk up and talk about what PSC does?

While I'm not in South Dakota doing the, the dishes and the cooking.

It's the opportunity for the president since it is the president's heart, to talk to the participants about the college.

About what?

Why were there, if they're interested and and they have been and, and doing the matching scholarship program or another scholarship program for, for some need at the college.

So all of these, opportunities, whether it's the hearts that we do, at Baymen out at a private shooting reserve or whether we are in South Dakota, it's always good to have the president there to to talk to the participants about what's going on.

At the college and what are the needs of the college in terms of, scholarships for native students that are in various fields.

As we sit here, we're coming up on the start of another school year.

So what's your message to the students?

To to staff, to faculty?

As we embark on a new school year.

Well, you make the most of, a good situation.

And Pensacola State is in the top 1% of affordability in the nation.

So, there's no reason of the world.

One half student.

Would not choose Pensacola State College.

And number one, because of the low cost.

Number two, because of the quality of the institution.

And, we have been cited by U.S. News and World Report, for various program Our retention rate, our, graduation rates are really high.

We have, national low recognize students and head to head competitions and skills USA and, also, different awards like or graphic design and photography area.

And also our theatrical productions and athletics.

I don't want to forget athletics on our nationally recognized athletic teams.

So it's a good place to be for student.

And my advice to all students is, make the most of it.

Make as many friends as you can and keep those friends after you leave Pensacola State College.

Now, you heard it from the president right there.

So, documentos.

Thanks, as always, for, your time and everything you do.

Well, I appreciate the opportunity I to.

All right.

That is your president's perspective.

Hello, everyone.

Academic excellence at Pensacola State College is thriving as students embrace baccalaureate degrees that can prepare them for careers in business or healthcare fields.

Now, these courses are offered in a variety of learning environments that accommodate both full time and part time students.

To discuss this further, I'm happy to welcome Doctor Dusty Schluter, Dean of Health Sciences, as she's joined by Doctor Kirk Bradley, Dean of Baccalaureate Studies and academic Support.

Welcome to both of you.

Thank you.

So glad to have you wearing our PSC colors, aren't we?

Yes.

Now that just started.

So let's start with you.

You have a history here at the college.

Why don't you take us back here?

Yes.

I am a proud alumnus from Pensacola State College with my practical Nursing certificate degree and my registered nursing.

My associate in Science in Nursing degree.

Completed both of those programs here with Pensacola State College and further in my education, earning my bachelors in science in nursing degree and and then earning my doctorate in nursing practice degree.

And here you are thriving in your current position, such an amazing story.

Definitely walking PSC Testament.

Now, Doctor Bradley, I know you've taught before, so tell us a little bit more about you and your role here.

Yeah, I started my career, in the Florida college system as a math instructor.

And then, I became a math department head and then a dean at the college in 2016.

Okay.

Doctor Schluter So we have to break down the Bachelor of Science in Nursing the R into B.S.

in program.

Why don't you start us off?

Does a person need an associate degree heading into a baccalaureate program?

Yes they do.

And the student would need to have a Florida R in license to be eligible for the program, along with meeting other admission criteria, and the program is a, program at 120 college credit that can be completed remotely.

It's an online program, and it can be completed within three semesters, up to five semesters.

So you heard me say baccalaureate or baccalaureate and bachelor's degrees.

Synonymous.

Yes.

All right.

And so a lot of people realize that they'll go to our website and see baccalaureate degrees, but definitely a bachelor's degree.

We're going to break down a little bit more momentarily.

But Doctor Bradley, the doctor Marshon Moore's a bachelor of applied science in business in management.

Tell us a little bit about Doctor Masa.

Doctor Masa as generously donated, to the college, which allows us to provide scholarships to students that are in the program.

So every year we interview students that are eligible, and we're able to award, a good amount of scholarships to students that are in the baccalaureate program.

Now, we understand that we have a lot of concentrations.

So I basically just want you to tell us there's a person need an associate degree first to segue into this program.

Sure.

For the business and management program, you can enter the program from any degree.

So you would need an associate degree or 60 credit hours and the general education requirements met.

And then any student can get into that program.

Wonderful.

So Doctor Schluter let's break down a day in the life of a BS in student.

So why don't you give us an overview of what they can expect?

We're about to start a brand new fall semester.

We are BSN student can expect to have very organized online courses.

We have highly credentialed faculty doctorate prepared faculty that teach the courses.

I, assisted with developing the program and and accepting our first cohort in 2011.

I'm very familiar with the BSN program.

Very proud of the program.

Again, it can be done remotely and online so students, can see a very organized course.

They work through that course weekly with their instructors and meeting those course objectives.

We know enrollment is up at Pensacola State College and there is a significant demand for nurses.

So do you have faculty a necessity for more?

Yes we do, yes we do.

There's a nursing shortage, national nursing shortage, Florida nursing shortage.

And that does impact the a number of nursing, educators as well.

Florida predicts, close to 60,000 nurses will be needed by the year 35.

And so it's definitely a field that we encourage people to apply to and continue their education.

That's phenomenal.

Doctor Bradley, with so many constant trainings, why don't you highlight a couple, if you will?

Yeah.

So yes, we have many students.

We have seven different concentrations within degree programs and all of them very popular.

But, two of the most popular are the organizational administration concentration and the Human Resources administration, which gives students a lot of different options from health care to business to various businesses, opportunities to work.

Talk about the advantages of pursuing an education in Pensacola State College.

And I know cybersecurity is another concentration as well.

Is that an in-demand area?

More so.

So we also have, a Bachelor of Applied science degree in cybersecurity.

Our college is recognized as a national center for academic excellence in cybersecurity.

Cybersecurity is certainly a degree that 100% of our students get a job when they when they finish.

And, very high demand.

Students also can earn up to 19 industry recognized certifications, such as security plus cybersecurity analyst whenever they finish the degree.

So a very good program.

And one thing I need to mention, Doctor Bradley, we have some amazing advice or just don't wait with an influx of students coming in, talk about that a little bit.

There are a lot of people who work behind the scenes really do we have, some amazing advisors in each of our programs, and each student is going to be assigned one of those advisors, and they're going to take them from the beginning all the way to the end and keep them on track to graduate.

Help them if they need help with all of our academic support resources.

And can't say enough good things about them.

Love it.

Doctor Schluter Tell us the importance of mentorship.

One nurse helping another cross that bridge.

Yeah, so it's a mentorship.

It's very important.

It does help the student, with peer mentorship, licensed nursing nurses that can mentor the students as well.

And again, it's it goes in aligns with their academic advisors.

It helps support the student in earning that degree and completing on time.

I can see the enthusiasm on both of your faces.

Thank you for everything that you do for the college.

We have students coming in the fall and I know that they're going to be excited again.

Many thanks.

Thank you.

A new athletic season at Pensacola State gets started with two programs coming off impressive runs to the national tournament.

The volleyball team, led by 50 year head coach Patricia Gandolfo, is firmly established as one of the nation's best programs with two consecutive regional championships and national tourney bids.

Lots of reasons to believe they can keep building on that.

A veteran roster sports nine sophomore returners, along with what coach calls six phenomenal freshmen a quality lineup of hitters is led by Katie Wolfe.

All conference last season in a group especially strong in ball control include standouts Lauren Chesler at setter and defensive specialist Olivia McDaniel.

They're playing a very ambitious schedule, and no.

A lot of teams will be targeting them, but that's how they want it.

I think we thrive under pressure.

This last year we had a target to come back from.

When in conference at year two.

And, I think we did really great under the pressure.

And I think we can do it again.

We're all very athletic and we all know we all are very competitive when we want to win, and we all have that skill level, and just learning how to combine all the skills together to really allow us to win.

We have really good ball control.

I keep talking about the volleyball is literally keeping the balloon off the floor.

That's that game.

And we can keep the balloon off the floor just fine.

And on top of that, we have phenomenal hitters there.

I think they can put the ball down in a hurry.

So now meshing those two, it's going to be a fun season.

The soccer team reaching nationals last year was a monumental achievement.

Considering it was just their second season of existence.

They came on strong late in the year.

Mastering coach Mark Jefferson's aggressive, high pressing style.

It's a younger roster this year with 18 incoming freshmen to go along with nine sophomores, but many reasons for optimism.

Mia Johnson, a versatile sophomore from Seattle, returns after earning region player of the year last season and Vivian Kenton hauls in a sophomore from Germany is back after leading the team in goals a year ago.

They're counting on new but talented faces stepping up on the backline, and it's a dynamic mix of skills on the attacking line that has confidence, high Up top the the speed Ines that we have.

The speed, we have some very, very quick players.

And then in the midfield we have some very good craters, people that they see the next level pass.

And so it's going to be very cool to see them kind of combining together and seeing what they can create.

Last season showed us what we can do.

And it really motivates us to like, become even further and like to get better and like to prove ourselves to.

We're really excited to have all these new players and come from all over the world and different places and different playing styles.

It's kind of like a restart from last year.

We had to start from nothing and get to where we were, you know?

So I think it's just going to be a repeat of that and we're really excited.

Good.

That does it for another jam packed episode.

But there are so many more stories to tell.

Look for a new episode of Pensacola State today every month.

Thanks for watching.