HIGHER EDUCATION FOR ALL PBSC’s Ava Parker On Educating The Workforce Of Tomorrow
PBSC President Ava L. Parker in front of a four-story, 83,500-square-foot building under construction at the Loxahatchee Groves campus that will be part of the Frank DiMino Center for Medical Innovation. It will include a fully equipped dental clinic, a surgical technology suite and science labs with cutting-edge technology.
BY JOSHUA MANNING
Palm Beach State College President Ava L. Parker leads the largest institution of higher education in Palm Beach County. Under her leadership, the college has hit record enrollment levels and opened a fifth location, the fast-growing Loxahatchee Groves campus just across Southern Blvd. from Wellington. “I am truly honored to serve as the fifth president of the college,” Parker said. “I chose Palm Beach State because of the difference that it has historically made in the lives of our students, their families and our community. We are a partnership institution and a critical part of the economic infrastructure.” A Wellington resident, Parker holds a bachelor’s degree and a law degree from the University of Florida. She came to PBSC nine years ago from Florida Polytechnic University in Lakeland, where
she served as executive vice president and chief operating officer. “PBSC has the distinction of being the state’s first public community college, a legacy that underscores our commitment to providing an accessible, affordable, high-quality education that opens pathways to careers right here in Palm Beach County,” Parker said. She is proud of the sense of community she sees in how the school’s faculty and staff work together to support more than 36,000 students. “Our focus on innovation, coupled with our wide range of programs and resources, empowers students to achieve their career and life goals and make a meaningful impact in the communities of Palm Beach County,” Parker explained. Looking for a centrally located home
with easy access to PBSC’s five campuses — Boca Raton, Belle Glade, Lake Worth, Loxahatchee Groves and Palm Beach Gardens — Parker quickly settled on Wellington as her home base. “I was looking for a family environment with good schools and friendly people and a place that was central to our college campuses,” Parker recalled, adding that people she spoke to often mentioned Wellington. “My husband Joe Gibbons and I were sold after our first visit. We rented here first just to be sure, and we eventually bought our home here in Wellington. It has been a great choice for us. My son Parker and daughter Bailey have enjoyed participating in recreational sports.” Wellington also provides her family with a rich variety of family-oriented activities. wellington the magazine | august 2024 23