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).