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 17