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Campus and Community
Joe H. Pickens, J.D., of Putnam County became St. Johns River Community College's fourth president on November 1, 2008.
Congressman Mica visits SJRCC
Congressman John Mica stopped by the SJRCC campus during a routine visit to Palatka on Monday.
After meeting with city and county officials, Mica met with President Joe Pickens to follow up on a previous summer meeting when the two discussed improvements for the College, including growth and renovations for the Florida School of the Arts. The plan includes relocating FloArts’ fine arts program downtown. Mica agreed that some funding could be provided as a catalyst, calling the proposed project an “anchor” for future city and College plans.
Pickens praised Mica, whose district includes portions of Putnam and St. Johns counties, for being a reliable resource. “I am in awe of how conscientious and hard working he is. In a time when so many elected officials are correctly labeled “politicians,” John is a true statesman and public servant in every sense of the word.”
Educators ask: Are you College Ready?
For many freshmen, college is anticipated as a time to excel, where students eagerly prepare themselves for success, said St. Johns River Community College counselor Sally Myers. The last thing students want to hear during registration is that their collegiate journey will be delayed by a costly, remedial detour; however, approximately 60 - 70% of students entering community colleges statewide are not considered “college ready” in at least one of the three crucial subject areas – reading, writing and mathematics.
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Pickens accepts national board position
St. Johns River Community College President Joe Pickens was recently appointed as a national board member for the Learning for Life organization. >>
President Pickens helps promote “The Big Read”
SJRCC President Joe Pickens was recently selected by Communities in Schools to participate in “The Big Read,” an initiative of the National Endowment for the Arts designed to restore reading to the center of American culture. Pickens, along with Commissioner Nancy Harris, Crescent City Mayor Lee Kinsella, and Director of Libraries Steve Crowley, will be featured on posters to be distributed throughout the community beginning in October. The book selected for this year’s campaign is Mark Twain’s “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer.”
For more information regarding “The Big Read,” visit http://www.neabigread.org/
Josh Elder from Communities in Schools takes several shots of President Pickens for the upcoming promotion of “The Big Read.”
SJRCC President pursues progress
While the summer months may be synonymous with a slower, leisurely pace, SJRCC President Joe Pickens, J.D., has experienced what he calls his busiest summer to date. While crossing off accomplishments such as implementing plans for bachelor’s degrees and the “Call Me MISTER” minority incentive program, Pickens’ efforts to make the College district a better place to learn, live and work has added additional topics to his agenda.
“It’s all about student success and extending opportunities to the community,” Pickens said. “We’re looking at the big picture and what will have a direct beneficial impact on our district.” And while Pickens’ academic efforts remain local, one topic in general – college readiness - has prompted the need to reach beyond the College’s district.
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Athletics
President Joe Pickens welcomed approximately 100 student-athletes Wednesday during the athletic orientation at St. Johns River Community College. During his speech, Pickens shared his experiences as a former athlete and stressed the importance of success on and off the field and court.
Community members will have the opportunity to tour the athletic facilities and meet the Viking athletes during a “Meet the Viking” event from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, September 16. Free hot dogs and hamburgers will be provided. The event is free and open to the public.
Meet the MISTERS:
SJRCC introduces minority teacher incentive program to Florida
This semester, five students from St. Johns River Community College will be the first in the state to participate in a new scholarship program created to recruit, educate and place minority male teachers into elementary school classrooms.
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SJRCC welcomes its newest Board members
SJRCC welcomes its newest Board members, Rob Bradley and John Nelson Jr.
From left: Preston Sloan, Rob Bradley, Carl Beck, Bunky Roberts, Joe Pickens, Diane Leone, John Nelson and Larry Lancaster.
Students First
President Joe Pickens' first month as President included a guest presentation to Donna Stevenson's State and Local Government class where he shared the highlights of his eight years a legislator and his placement as the Chairman of the House Education Appropriations Committee. Pickens also lectured on the different roles the House and Senate play and how bills are passed, to lobbyists and the Governor.
Joe Pickens, Provost Glen Moore and the St. Augustine Campus Student Government Association joined community leaders for the Mayor's Holiday Lighting festivities. The event kicked-off the 2008 Nights of Lights and benefits the local homeless shelter.
Presidential Meet and Greet
PALATKA CAMPUS
Students on each campus were treated to lunch with their new president.
Student-athletes and members of student government presented Mr. Pickens with various gifts - from signed sports equipment to team jerseys.
ST. AUGUSTINE CAMPUS
Members of the St. Augustine Campus Phi Theta Kappa welcome President Pickens. Students also participated in a Q&A with the new president.
ORANGE PARK CAMPUS
Members of student government and Phi Theta Kappa welcome their new president to the Orange Park Campus before students were treated to lunch.
Five Points of Life
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