Founding PHSC President Milton O . Jones , Ph . D ., Mourned
Milton O . Jones , Ph . D ., founding president of Pasco- Hernando State College , passed away on January 28 , 2024 , at the age of 90 . In 1972 , Jones , with the assistance of community leaders and a staff of 11 employees , worked tirelessly to establish the College – the 28th and final college established in the Florida College System . He boldly established the College ’ s first campus , before construction began , in Dade City . Known as the “ College without Walls ,” classes were held in empty storefronts , church halls and libraries . Among many other accomplishments during his 22-year tenure as president , Dr . Jones also established the Brooksville and New Port Richey campuses as well as the Law Enforcement Academy .
“ Our founding president had superhuman qualities ,” said PHSC President Emeritus , Timothy L . Beard . “ Without his tireless efforts to establish the college , PHSC , quite literally , might not exist today . His influence on PHSC and our district is immeasurable , and his incredible contributions to the college and community will never be forgotten .”
To view a 2022 interview with Dr . Jones and to learn about PHSC ’ s history , visit the award-winning Reflections on Gold video at https :// www . youtube . com /@ PhscEdu / playlists .
Milton O . Jones , Ph . D ., at retirement in 1994
Jones is survived by his wife , Alice , five children and many grandchildren . Donations for the Dr . Milton O . Jones Scholarship Fund can be made online at giving . phsc . edu or mailed to the PHSC Foundation at 10230 Ridge Road , New Port Richey , FL 34654 .
Milton O . Jones , Ph . D ., with Shirley Cherry , first PHSC student and now retired professor ; President Emeritus Timothy L . Beard , Ph . D ., and PHSC ’ s second president , the late Robert W . Judson , Ed . D .
The Milton O . Jones Hall , located at West Campus , preserves the legacy of the College ’ s founding president .
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