The investiture ceremony ushers in a new era at St. Petersburg College by officially welcoming Tonjua Williams, Ph.D., to the helm of the college. She is the college’s seventh president. She is the first woman and the first African American to be appointed.

ST. PETERSBURG – St. Petersburg College will host the Presidential Investiture of Dr. Tonjua Williams at 10 a.m. Friday (April 6) at the Palladium at St. Petersburg College, 253 5th Ave. N.

An investiture is a traditional ceremony that marks the transference of authority in a high office and is typically held within the first year of service in office. The ceremony holds a historical purpose, as it ushers in a new era at St. Petersburg College by officially welcoming SPC President Tonjua Williams, Ph.D., to the helm of the college. It is also an opportunity for the community and the college to celebrate together.

The ceremony will include an academic procession of St. Petersburg College faculty and staff, with marchers wearing their academic regalia. The ceremony will also include musical performances by SPC students and remarks from honored guests.

Speakers include Florida College System Chancellor Madeline Pumariega; Pinellas County Schools Superintendent Michael A. Grego; Florida State Sen. Darryl Rouson; St. Petersburg Mayor Rick Kriseman; Florida A&M University President Larry Robinson; and Palm Beach State College President Ava L. Parker.

No college funds are being used for the Investiture Ceremony, or any related activities. The Investiture has been funded entirely by donors and sponsors.

On July 3, 2017, Williams became St. Petersburg College’s seventh president, making history as the first woman and African American to lead the College. Williams began her tenure with the college in 1986 serving in various roles: senior vice president of student services, provost, associate provost, director of special programs, program coordinator, academic advisor, recruiter, senior accounting clerk, and adjunct faculty.

Williams earned a Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration from Barry Universityin Miami Shores, a master’s degree in Counselor Education from the University of South Florida, and bachelor’s degrees in Business Administration and Humanities from Clearwater Christian College.

For information, go to the Investiture website.

St. Petersburg College | SPC | Tonjua Williams | Investiture | Rick Kriseman | Michael Grego | Education | Tampabay News

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