Pasco-Hernando State College Volume XIV, Issue I Spring 2020 | Page 19

A
PHYLLIS WRENCH
FACULTY
PROFILE
AGENT OF EDUCATING STUDENTS
true Floridian, Phyllis Wrench was born in
Clearwater, grew up in the area, and attended
Hernando High School. She’s lived in different
parts of the state throughout her life and is proud to
call Brooskville ‘home.’ Wrench, Assistant Professor,
Information Technology Programs, attended Florida State
University earning a bachelor’s degree in Spanish with
a minor in Portuguese as well as a second bachelor’s
degree in Religion and minor in Hebrew studies. When
asked if she uses what she learned in those programs,
the answer was ‘yes,’ but maybe not in the traditional
sense of degree use. “The underlying value of a degree is
learning how to play the game and win,” said Wrench.
She planned to do missionary training in Spain for
two years through Southern Baptist Church to further
use her degrees, but left the program due to family
issues. Shortly afterward, she landed a position with
the Jobs and Education Partnership (JEP) Program
that was tasked with creating and maintaining a highly-
skilled workforce able to respond to rapidly changing
technology and market opportunities essential to a
competitive Florida economy. Wrench was involved in
grant writing and a job placement program, where 4,000
people with disabilities were placed in positions over the
course of three different governors.
Wrench started working for the College in 1997 as a case
manager for JEP at the Brooksville campus and that
sparked an interest in teaching. With a job placement
background, she went on to work as a provost’s
assistant followed by placement center coordinator, and
later assistant director of the Career and Testing Center.
After completing her master’s degree in management
from Hodges University (previously International College)
in 2007, she taught there part time while working full
time at PHSC. In 2008, Wrench transitioned to a full-time
faculty position at PHSC’s Brooksville campus. A second
master’s degree in information systems management
from Hodges in 2010 led her to shift from teaching office
systems to information technology.
career—even taking pictures of food,” Wrench stated.
“The best part is anyone from Brooksville or anywhere
can access these opportunities. With so many wonderful
options available today, part of our job is to inform
these students about the possibilities and guide them in
choosing a career path.”
This Florida girl holds a special place in her heart for
Brooksville and a passion for helping students along their
higher education journey and career pathway not only in
the classroom, but also in other ways. After her husband
passed away in 2013, Wrench established the Kenneth
W. Wrench Memorial STEM Scholarship to honor his
memory while helping students.
Students interested in science, technology, engineering
or math careers can apply for the scholarship that
eases some of the financial burdens of being a college
student to allow for better focus on academics. “This
scholarship is the best way to honor Ken’s memory and
his admiration for the opportunities that PHSC offers
to the community and those seeking a post-secondary
education,” said Wrench.
In addition to losing her husband, Wrench lost one of
her two sons last year to a brain tumor. This does not
get her down because she is excited to welcome her
third grandchild—her oldest son’s first—in early 2020.
Also, she recently adopted a border mix puppy that she
named PJ Coulson after the Marvel Cinematic Universe
character Phillip J. Coulson. A self-proclaimed ‘Marvel
geek,’ Wrench selected the name “because agent
Coulson is just a normal guy with a devotion to upholding
the legacy and duties of superheroes and the true
definition of a SHIELD agent.” And, perhaps Wrench is a
normal gal with a devotion to helping students succeed
academically, personally and professionally.
She currently teaches Microcomputer Applications,
Advanced Microcomputer Applications and Computer
Concepts. Wrench seeks to ensure students learn how to
use these tools to be successful in their careers. “I want
to make sure students get something they can use from
their experience at PHSC and my classes,” said Wrench.
Wrench remembers her senior year of high school
where employers held career day and told students they
could pursue careers in things like teaching, banking
or nursing. “Today, we tell students they can have any
Phyllis Wrench, a Marvel aficionado, with her
Tahoe that sports the SHIELD logo.
SPRING 2020
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