At Pasco-Hernando State College’s February Board of Trustees Meeting, leaders of the college recognized instructors Dr. Bob Bade and Joy Raulerson for their decades of excellent service to the school.
Jessica White, Associate Director of Retention and Student Life, stated that, “there is no one that I can think of that represents our core values more purely than Bob Bade.”
At the age of 25, Dr. Bade quit cleaning pools in the St. Petersburg area and applied for a position as an academic advisor with PHSC. He slowly worked his way up to becoming the senior vice president and chief student affairs officer, and the rest is history.
Over his 34 years with the college, Dr. Bade has been known for his integrity and his welcoming nature. White called it his “signature move.” When meeting new hires, the personable academic advisor would take them on meet-and-greets around campus to introduce them to faculty and students.
Ms. White added that his impact has been tangible on many throughout the staff, who felt at times that “he was their only ally for action, change, and communication.” He has served the community and school however was needed.
Whether it was running in races, providing commentary at games, or serving on Taco Tuesdays, he was there. What was most impactful to White was Dr. Bade’s profound compassion for not only those he worked with but for their families as well.
“He officiated and attended our weddings, celebrated the births of our children and grandchildren, and mourned when we experienced loss […] It is special when you know your boss cares about you, but it is a whole other thing when you know that he cares about your children and family.”
The director of retention and student life congratulated Dr. Bade for his incredible career. The senior academic advisor was given an official recognition to commemorate his service shortly afterward, and he thanked the board for the honor at Tuesday’s meeting.
“I just wanted to take an opportunity to say thanks,” Dr. Bade said. “For all the things that were mentioned, I really felt like we had the support of faculty, staff, and of course, the board of trustees. So, thank you for all the support over the years. It has been a great career.”
Ms. Raulerson has dedicated 33 hardworking years to the state college and was similarly recognized on Tuesday. Her most recent role has seen her operate out of the West Campus as an advisor in the Counseling/Advisement Department.
Though she was not in attendance for the board meeting, Raulerson was recognized by Chiquita Henderson, Assistant Vice President and Dean of Student Affairs, for her “hard work and commitment” in her role as an academic advisor.
Far more than an employee, Raulerson mentored many of those at PHSC – students and staff. She embodied the college’s core values of “excellence, integrity, success, welcoming, and community” while serving students of several disciplines.
Having officially retired on February 14, it is Henderson’s desire that Raulerson’s post-career schedule “be filled with everything she loves—lottery, cruising, spending time with family, or simply enjoying the well-earned peace that comes with this milestone.” From the volleyball team to dental students, she has left an indelible mark on the state college.
Both Raulerson and Dr. Bade built a legacy of service that hopes to inspire students past and present to go above and beyond in their respective fields.
Later in the meeting, PHSC President Jesse Pisors noted that Rebecca Schulkowski, the Vice Chair of PHSC’s District Board of Trustees, is resigning from her role after gaining employment elsewhere.
He added, “We are grateful for her service on the board,” and that they will be honoring her with a certificate and recognition soon as well.
With Schulkowski’s imminent resignation set for the last day of February, it was incumbent upon the board to vote for her replacement. Dr. Pisors nominated trustee Nicole Newlon for the “critical” position.
The board members quickly ratified her selection, and Newlon will assume the duties of her new role on March 1, 2025.
