PBºN Episode - 13
Summary
This podcast episode features Ava Parker, the first female President of Palm Beach State College (PBSC) and Chair of the American Association of Community Colleges. The discussion covers her personal background, including growing up in Milton, FL, her parents' community advocacy, and her education at the University of Florida (undergrad and law school). She shares insights into her leadership philosophy, which emphasizes authenticity, collaboration, and courage in decision-making. Parker highlights the rewarding experience of graduations at PBSC and discusses the challenges facing higher education, particularly the perceived value of post-secondary credentials in the digital age. She emphasizes PBSC's role in community engagement and workforce development, noting their unique partnership with TGL (Tech Golf League). Finally, she shares her vision for PBSC and her legacy, focusing on providing high-quality academic engagement and being a responsive community partner.
Key Topics
Ava Parker's Background:
Grew up in Milton, FL; parents were strong community advocates.
Attended University of Florida for both undergraduate studies (journalism scholarship) and law school.
Moved to Palm Beach County to help establish Florida Polytechnic University, then applied for PBSC presidency on the recommendation of Wendy Link.
Married to Joe Gibbons, with 14-year-old twins, Parker and Bailey.
Daily routine includes early morning devotion/meditation and exercise, followed by a demanding schedule across PBSC's campuses.
Leadership Philosophy:
Authenticity: Emphasizes being true to oneself, understanding strengths and weaknesses, rather than imitating others.
Collaboration: Values diverse perspectives and seeks input from many people.
Courage: The ability to make tough decisions for the organization's best interest and to admit when a decision was not right.
Ownership: Taking responsibility for decisions and outcomes.
Example of Challenging Decision: Developing the Loxahatchee Groves campus, balancing community needs, political considerations, and the college's vision.
Palm Beach State College (PBSC):
Under Parker's leadership, achieved highest enrollment (36,000+ students) and has a $1 billion annual economic impact.
Fourth-largest public college in Florida.
Most Rewarding Aspect: Graduation ceremonies, witnessing students achieve goals and providing a foundation for their lives.
Public Perception: PBSC is the local community college, committed to helping individuals achieve their dreams and partnering with employers.
Challenges in Higher Education:
Perceived Value: Students question the necessity and value of post-high school credentials, often due to the availability of information online and the desire to avoid debt.
Misinformation: Influential figures (e.g., Elon Musk) contribute to skepticism about college.
Future Outlook: Parker believes the pendulum will swing back, with increasing recognition of the importance of post-secondary education for earning potential and career advancement, noting that not everyone has the skills or temperament to be a successful entrepreneur without training.
Community Engagement & Partnerships:
Palm Beach County has a strong spirit of collaboration, with organizations working together for collective improvement.
PBSC has a responsibility to provide accessible education (college within 20 minutes of everyone's home) and to produce a skilled workforce for businesses.
Role of Business Community: Businesses are encouraged to be forthright about workforce needs, collaborate on program development, and provide honest feedback on graduate preparedness.
National Perspective (AACC): Parker, as Chair, sees similar issues across community colleges nationwide, highlighting challenges in effectively marketing the diverse offerings (bachelor's degrees, associate's degrees, certificates, trades).
Comparison with Miami-Dade: Noted Miami-Dade's success in partnering with the county for a $3 million program supporting students, inspiring similar discussions for Palm Beach County.
TGL (Tech Golf League) Partnership:
A groundbreaking partnership with TGL (founded by Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy, Mike McCarley) to build a stadium on the Palm Beach Gardens campus.
Offers unique opportunities for PBSC students in areas like analytics, technology, and broadcasting due to the advanced technology deployed for the league.
Provides significant brand exposure for PBSC through national broadcasts.
Initiated by an email from attorney Philipe Jack.
Ava Parker's Legacy:
To be remembered as a caring leader for students, faculty, and staff.
To ensure students receive the best academic engagement, regardless of their chosen path (transfer to university or direct employment).
To foster an evolving, high-tech, and innovative institution that prepares students for long-term success.
Committed to PBSC until specific institutional goals are accomplished.