Congratulations Graduates!

Nicole Newlon, Esq., appointed by Gov. Desantis to the District Board of Trustees of Pasco-Hernando State College in July 2023, is a partner in the Tampa law firm of Johnson, Newlon & DeCort, P.A.  Newlon is a Dade City resident and graduate of Pasco high school. She was a dual enrollment student at PHSC in 1990-1991; followed by a bachelor’s degree in finance from the University of South Florida, a master’s degree in business administration from the University of South Florida and her juris doctorate from Stetson University. She is the Immediate Past Chair of the Federal Litigation Section of the Federal Bar Association and a former Dade City Commissioner.

Misty Renee Price, Ph.D., CPA, has a bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of South Florida, a master’s degree of accountancy from Auburn University, a Ph.D. in curriculum and instruction from the University of South Florida and is a licensed Certified Public Accountant in the state of Florida. She currently teaches accounting and finance courses and serves as a subject matter expert in developing online model courses in accounting and finance. In addition to her teaching responsibilities, Price also serves as the faculty senate president.

Prior to her career in academia, Price worked in industry for approximately 10 years performing internal operational audits, audits of internal controls and financial statements, preparing tax returns and managerial accounting. She is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, the Florida Institute of Certified Public Accountants and Teachers of Accounting at Two Year Colleges.  

David Secrest is an Air Force Veteran, the Student Representative on the PHSC District Board of Trustees and a math tutor for the Academic Success Center (ASC). Since transferring to the PHSC West Campus in Fall 2025, David has been active on campus by connecting with other student veterans and attending Veteran Services' bi-monthly Vet's Cup events, all while staying in contact with Shelly Bearden, Coordinator of Veteran Services. In Spring 2025, James was awarded the Corporal Timothy J. Read Veteran Student Exemplary Leadership Award during the 36th Annual Distinguished Alumni and Student Life and Leadership Awards Recognition.

Kaylee Smith, a homeschooled Dual Enrollment (DE) student at PHSC, graduates this spring with her Associate in Arts degree. PHSC provided a space for Smith to explore her interests through clubs and immersive events while building meaningful friendships and a sense of community through honor societies.

As the Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Honor Society collegewide president, Smith has had the opportunity to connect with the community and get involved in Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA). Her experiences taught her that anything is possible with dedication and support. Her advisors and fellow members have acted as catalysts for her growth, specifically Curtis Scaglione, Dean, School of Business Innovation & Technology and Laurie Harmon, Ed.D., Professor, Supervision and Management.

In the fall 2026 term, Smith will attend the University of South Florida to pursue a dual degree in Biomedical Sciences and Psychology. She plans to attend medical school to become a pediatric oncologist. Smith is grateful for her time at PHSC and the opportunity for her to experience college life while completing her high school education.