FEATURE STORY
From Student
to President: The Historic Homecoming of PHSC’ s New President
A
young man by the name of Eric sat attentively in the front row of a classroom at Pasco-Hernando Community College( PHCC), not imagining that 34 years later, he would return to that very same campus as the sixth president.
Eric Hall, Ed. D., started his higher education career at PHCC in 1991, working toward his Associate in Arts.“ As a student who grew up in Pasco County, from the age of 10 … my parents would bring me and my siblings to PHCC, where we would play racquetball and enjoy the outdoor recreational areas at the College,” said Hall.“ My fondest memories are of the faculty and staff. The friendly and supportive culture is what truly made my experience successful. The engaging classes, the ability to build strong relationships with the College community and the great environment on the campus itself.”
Hall recalls his educational success at PHCC:“ I had a strong interest in science throughout my academic journey, and Professor Templeton, who taught science, stands out in my memory. His class and teaching style helped solidify my path into science education. It makes me realize now that PHCC helped me get the foundation that I needed to not only complete my first degree, but it also helped me to eventually garner the confidence to go the distance, along with the incredible support of my parents, who are both retired educators, and my amazing wife of 23 years, Lissette.”
Over the years, both Hall and the College evolved. As PHCC grew into PHSC, it gained four-year degree programs, expanded its campuses and deepened its impact across Pasco and Hernando counties; Hall was growing, too. After transferring to the University of South Florida to complete his bachelor’ s degree, Hall went on to earn his master’ s and doctorate, eventually building a career dedicated to education, public safety
Eric Hall, Ed. D.
14 PHSC