President Gregory’s Vision:
State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota (SCF) inaugurated only its seventh President in the college’s 68-year history on Friday, February 7, 2025. Former Florida House Representative and USAF Ret. Lt. Col. Tommy Gregory, who also holds a Juris Doctor degree, officially took the mace during an inauguration ceremony attended by more than 350 that included friends, family members, peers, colleagues and the SCF college community. It’s no wonder President Gregory, an avid reader, fan of history and someone who believes we should take “pride” in our work, chose “Honoring Excellence” and “Serving Proudly” as the proverb for the day. His inauguration address included many popular quotes from inspiring leaders throughout history. 70
SARASOTA SCENE | APRIL 2025
When speaking of excellence, President Gregory referenced General Daniel S. “Chappie” James, an Air Force fighter pilot who, in 1975, became the first African American to reach the rank of 4-star General, and who first demonstrated and then explained that “The power of excellence is overwhelming. It is always in demand, and nobody cares about its color.” He shared with the crowd that we should celebrate SCF excellence in all the ways its already achieved it and set the bar even higher. President Gregory said, “Setting the bar higher doesn’t just give people a target, it tells them that you believe they can achieve it!”