PHSC Earns Collegiate Purple Star Campus Designation
COLLEGE UPDATE
In October 2025, the Florida Department of Education( FLDOE) officially designated PHSC as a Florida Collegiate Purple Star Campus. The prestigious award recognizes the College for its outstanding support and commitment to military-connected students and their families. Established by the Florida Legislature in 2023, the program was signed into law by Governor Ron DeSantis to recognize Florida College System institutions and universities that provide dedicated commitment and specialized resources to support veterans, activeservice members and their families. Once awarded, the designation lasts for three academic years.
Among the selected group of institutions in Florida, PHSC was awarded for fostering a welcoming, supportive environment for military-connected students. As of October 2025, PHSC serves 587 veteran and militaryconnected students across all seven locations. In the previous academic year, 45 military-affiliated students graduated, including 18 who earned honor recognition. These individuals obtained credentials in various fields of study that align with their military experience and future career aspirations.
Shelly Bearden, Coordinator of Veteran Services, stated that“ since beginning her role three years ago, the team and I have been working together to create new ideas
Heather Fowlds, Veterans Advisor; Shelly Bearden, Coordinator of Veteran Services; and Dennis Feltwell, Ph. D., Vice President of Enrollment Management and Student Services, posing with veteran graduates at the spring 2025 commencement ceremony
and processes to strengthen and expand our services to military-connected students. We consider it an honor and a privilege to serve our nation’ s active-duty, reserve, National Guard members, veterans and their dependents, helping them navigate VA and tuition assistance education benefits and their academic journeys at PHSC.”
PHSC continues to foster an environment to better equip our veteran students for academic success and support their families during their college journey. To learn more information about PHSC’ s Veterans Services, visit advising. phsc. edu / resources / veterans.
Helping Veterans, One Dental Cleaning at a Time
At no cost to veterans in the community, PHSC’ s Dental Clinic collaborated with U. S. Representatives Gus Bilirakis and Laurel Lee alongside the Pasco Dental Association to host the 10th Annual Stars, Stripes and Smiles event. Held at the PHSC West Campus in New Port Richey, the community event provided urgent dental care to military veterans experiencing untreated dental pain and infection.
To help address the gap in dental services for veterans, the community-driven initiative provided the following dental services: professional cleanings, tooth extractions, dental fillings, root canal therapy and dental crowns. PHSC President Eric Hall, Ed. D., stated that“ our dental faculty and dental hygiene students are honored to volunteer their skills alongside local dentists to give back to those who have given so much for our country.”
Every year, PHSC is grateful for the opportunity to give back to our local veterans. With the help of dedicated volunteers and partners, the College is honored to offer free dental services to the brave men and women who have dedicated their lives to defend the nation.
PHSC dental students providing dental services at the West Campus Dental Clinic
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