Q&A with Jack McPherson, Partner at McPherson & Thomas, P.A.
From early college credits to a legal career, Jack McPherson’s path to professional success has undergone a lot of academic development. With three separate enrollments at Pasco-Hernando State College, each for a different chapter of his life, his story is a true testament to the college’s flexibility and impact. Today, he’s a named partner and owner at McPherson & Thomas, P.A., a personal injury law firm rooted in community values. PHSC sat down with him to reflect on his time at the college and the role it played in shaping his academic and professional journey.
Q: What made you choose PHSC?
The first question is tough because I enrolled three separate times in my life. The first time I attended PHSC, it was still PHCC. I believe I was in 9th grade, and I wanted to get a head start on college credits. The second time was after I left FSU, after one year. I didn't do as well there as I would have liked, but I was also homesick. PHSC was a good option to save money at home while I finished up my AA degree. The classic "stepping stone."
I enrolled for a third time after I received my bachelor's because I became interested in actuarial science, which requires a ton of math. I took Calc I, II and III, and did extremely well. Ultimately, I decided to go into law, but I enjoyed those classes.
Q: What were some of your most meaningful experiences at PHSC?
I was probably most proud of my third enrollment there. I hadn't touched a math textbook in probably about 8 - 10 years, but was still able to excel in those difficult classes. My professor was awesome, and PHSC gave me the tools to thrive in a difficult situation.
Q: How did PHSC prepare you for your academic and professional career?
PHSC was great in preparing me for the next steps. The classes are not much different than those you would face at a university. After getting my AA at PHSC, I was well prepared to finish my degree at USF. I also learned many broad skills (e.g., research) at PHSC that I apply to the practice of law.
Q: How has your career progressed since graduating from PHSC?
It's been a long road. Even after graduating from PHSC and USF, I was still uncertain of what I wanted to do with my life. I worked at a law office for six years or so before finally deciding to go to law school. I am now a named partner and owner at McPherson & Thomas, P.A. An interesting thing about practicing law, and I think almost every attorney would agree with this, is that it requires learning on the fly until the day you retire. PHSC was integral in preparing me for that.
Q: What advice would you give to current PHSC students?
I think very few of us know exactly what we want to do at a young age. A lot of young people think they know (myself included), but perception is usually a far stretch from reality. Don't be afraid to take some chances. Take some classes you think you might not like. Challenge yourself. You don't need to commit to a career on your first day of college.
Q: If you had to describe PHSC in one word or phrase, what would it be?
Versatile! There is so much you can do at PHSC. My three separate enrollments there (for three different reasons) are evidence of that.
About McPherson and Thomas, P.A.
McPherson and Thomas, P.A. is a small personal injury firm that competes with big fish in one of the most competitive areas of law. McPherson and Thomas, P.A. outshine our competition by being aggressive, knowledgeable, and treating our clients like we would want our family to be treated, because we love the community we serve.