The Early Days

In the mid-1960s, community leaders lobbied to bring publicly supported higher education to Pasco and Hernando counties. In 1967, the Florida Legislature founded Pasco-Hernando Community College-the 28th and final link to the state's system of community colleges. Shortly afterward, a 100-acre parcel of land on Blanton Road in Dade City was purchased for $125,000 to establish PHCC's first location, now known as the East Campus.

Dr. Milton O. Jones, a St. Petersburg Junior College dean, was named PHCC's first president in 1972. Charged with serving a diverse, 1,200-square-mile district, Dr. Jones and 11 dedicated employees worked around the clock to establish the new college-holding classes in schools, storefronts, churches, libraries and neighboring Saint Leo College (now, Saint Leo University).