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History of the college

West Campus from the air The time was right for Pasco and Hernando counties to establish a new community college. In the mid 1960s, community and business leaders lobbied to bring publicly supported higher education to the region’s quickly growing population. In 1967, the Florida Legislature founded Pasco-Hernando Community College as the 28th and final link to the state’s system of community colleges.

At the time, Pasco County School Board officials favored New Port Richey as the location for the College’s first campus. However, the Florida Department of Education suggested Dade City to better accommodate eastern Pasco County residents. With a colorful debate raging in the press, the school board voted 3-2 for a Dade City location. Community members conducted fundraisers, purchased a 100 acre parcel on Blanton Road for $125,000 and donated the deed to the newly established PHCC Foundation.

In 1972, Dr. Milton O. Jones, a dean at St. Petersburg Junior College, was hired as PHCC’s first president. Vowing to serve the vast 1,200 square mile region, the young president and 11 dedicated employees worked around the clock to establish the fledgling institution, holding classes in schools, storefronts, churches, libraries and neighboring St. Leo University.

Bulldozers and buildings

In 1975, PHCC’s East Campus in Dade City was dedicated by Florida Governor Reuben Askew. Just two years later, the West Campus was established in New Port Richey after rancher and philanthropist Alric C.T. Pottberg donated 140 acres of pristine property. In 1977, PHCC secured 100 acres on US 98 in Brooksville for the first Hernando County location. The Spring Hill Center, established in 1979 on a small parcel of land, served central and western Hernando County. State funds supported the purchase of a larger, permanent campus on Route 19 in Spring Hill. The new Spring Hill Campus—a nine building education complex—is slated to open in the fall of 2010.

Three presidents

After 22 years of service, Dr. Jones retired in 1994. Dr. Robert W. Judson, Jr., a vice president with more than two decades of tenure at PHCC, accepted the presidency making history as the first African-American community college president in Florida. After his retirement in 2005, the District Board of Trustees hired Dr. Katherine M. Johnson, then president of Nash Community College in North Carolina, as PHCC’s third and current president.

Building community

Many local professionals are graduates of PHCC. Physicians, attorneys, teachers, nurses, law enforcement officers and countless other professionals began their education and training at PHCC. The college now ranks as one of the region’s largest employers, operating a $31 million budget with approximately 350 full-time employees and contributing to the livelihood of the local economy. In 2008 and 2009, Career Central, Pasco and Hernando counties state-funded workforce board, named PHCC as one of the region’s best places to work.

Today the PHCC Foundation, established in 1975 to support the College, boasts $33 million in assets. College advisory boards, appointed by the District Board of Trustees, offer guidance on curriculum and program improvements.

PHCC students are actively involved, with options to join more than 50 clubs and organizations, many that sponsor community-based projects and initiatives. Additionally, the college has a thriving intercollegiate athletic program featuring men’s baseball and basketball and women’s softball, volleyball, and cross-country. The college’s stellar growth demonstrates the community’s interest in higher education and training. For nearly 40 years, PHCC has provided outstanding academic programs and services to the residents of Pasco and Hernando counties. The college’s open door policy and reasonable tuition and fees promote an accessible and friendly environment.

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Accreditation Art gallery College mission College policies Construction news Diversity Foundation Graduation rate History of the college Performing Arts Center Publications Pasco-Hernando Community College is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award the Associate Degree. Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097 or call 404-679- 4500 for questions about the accreditation of Pasco-Hernando Community College. The Commission on Colleges should be contacted only if there is evidence that appears to support the College’s significant non-compliance with a requirement or standard. Please direct updates for and questions and comments about this page to the webmaster. Sign up for our e-mail newsletter	Home >> About PHCC >> History of the college History of the college The time was right for Pasco and Hernando counties to establish a new community college. In the mid 1960s, community and business leaders lobbied to bring publicly supported higher education to the region’s quickly growing population. In 1967, the Florida Legislature founded Pasco-Hernando Community College as the 28th and final link to the state’s system of community colleges. At the time, Pasco County School Board officials favored New Port Richey as the location for the College’s first campus. However, the Florida Department of Education suggested Dade City to better accommodate eastern Pasco County residents. With a colorful debate raging in the press, the school board voted 3-2 for a Dade City location. Community members conducted fundraisers, purchased a 100 acre parcel on Blanton Road for $125,000 and donated the deed to the newly established PHCC Foundation. In 1972, Dr. Milton O. Jones, a dean at St. Petersburg Junior College, was hired as PHCC’s first president. Vowing to serve the vast 1,200 square mile region, the young president and 11 dedicated employees worked around the clock to establish the fledgling institution, holding classes in schools, storefronts, churches, libraries and neighboring St. Leo University. Bulldozers and buildings In 1975, PHCC’s East Campus in Dade City was dedicated by Florida Governor Reuben Askew. Just two years later, the West Campus was established in New Port Richey after rancher and philanthropist Alric C.T. Pottberg donated 140 acres of pristine property. In 1977, PHCC secured 100 acres on US 98 in Brooksville for the first Hernando County location. The Spring Hill Center, established in 1979 on a small parcel of land, served central and western Hernando County. State funds supported the purchase of a larger, permanent campus on Route 19 in Spring Hill. The new Spring Hill Campus—a nine building education complex—is slated to open in the fall of 2010. Three presidents After 22 years of service, Dr. Jones retired in 1994. Dr. Robert W. Judson, Jr., a vice president with more than two decades of tenure at PHCC, accepted the presidency making history as the first African-American community college president in Florida. After his retirement in 2005, the District Board of Trustees hired Dr. Katherine M. Johnson, then president of Nash Community College in North Carolina, as PHCC’s third and current president. Building community Many local professionals are graduates of PHCC. Physicians, attorneys, teachers, nurses, law enforcement officers and countless other professionals began their education and training at PHCC. The college now ranks as one of the region’s largest employers, operating a $31 million budget with approximately 350 full-time employees and contributing to the livelihood of the local economy. In 2008 and 2009, Career Central, Pasco and Hernando counties state-funded workforce board, named PHCC as one of the region’s best places to work. Today the PHCC Foundation, established in 1975 to support the College, boasts $33 million in assets. College advisory boards, appointed by the District Board of Trustees, offer guidance on curriculum and program improvements. PHCC students are actively involved, with options to join more than 50 clubs and organizations, many that sponsor community-based projects and initiatives. Additionally, the college has a thriving intercollegiate athletic program featuring men’s baseball and basketball and women’s softball, volleyball, and cross-country. The college’s stellar growth demonstrates the community’s interest in higher education and training. For nearly 40 years, PHCC has provided outstanding academic programs and services to the residents of Pasco and Hernando counties. The college’s open door policy and reasonable tuition and fees promote an accessible and friendly environment. back to top