Student Housing Named in Honor of PC's 18th President

The words “Staton Hall” are easy to see when you’re looking at PC’s newest student housing. The eye is drawn toward the large white letters that provide a clear contrast against the brick building that’s now on the site of Johnson Field at the old Bailey Stadium.

In November, PC Board of Trustees Chairman E.G. Lassiter ’69 announced the middle building of the residential complex would be named in honor of Bob Staton ’68 for his service to the College as PC’s 18th president. The announcement brought Staton to tears. “It was a surprise,” Staton said about the announcement. “And, quite honestly, it was something I don’t think was deserved.

“I didn’t do it. The people at PC did it. We did it together.

“It was the students and their families, the faculty, the staff, the coaches, the alumni, the board, the community, everybody. It took everybody to do it. So I don’t take any credit for doing it. We did it together. And I accepted it on behalf of everybody.”

While the humble Staton insists the naming of the building is an honor he doesn’t deserve, he did provide exceptional and dedicated leadership to the College over the last five years.

The new student housing that bears his name is only one of the many structural improvements that have taken place since 2015. Renovations to Neville Hall, Springs Student Center and Bailey Hall are only three of the many projects during Staton’s tenure.

The student body grew larger and more diverse while Staton served as president. Plus, two graduate programs, the Physician Assistant Studies program and the Doctor of Occupational Therapy program, highlight the additional course offerings that are now part of a PC education.

“Aspiring to become the president of PC was never what I had in mind,” Staton said. “It was never a job to me. It was more of a calling.

“Serving the College was based on my love and appreciation of the place, and the value of the place, and the impact that it has had, and will continue to have, on the lives of many people.

“It’s an impact that can make a difference in our communities, our state and our country.”

Mrs. Phyllis, as the former First Lady is known to PC students, shared Bob’s surprise and humility about the naming of Staton Hall.

“I was completely surprised and very emotional about it,” she said. “Being at PC while Bob served as president was a wonderful, incredible experience. It’s one that I never expected, dreamed of, or could have imagined.”

While he remains modest about the naming of Staton Hall, Bob does admit the residential complex itself was “much-needed.”

“It took an area of campus that could have used some freshening up and made it an attractive environment, a vibrant environment, and a real asset to the College.”