In May of 2019, Pensacola hosted visitors from the People’s Republic of China through the State Department’s International Visitors Leadership Program (IVLP). The group’s focus was on the role of community and vocational colleges in the U.S. to learn how they contribute to economic development and how they assist underserved student populations. Meridian International Center coordinated the group’s national program.
To begin their trip, they sat down for a community coffee to interact with community members. Joining them was Dr. Richard Hough, an instructor at the University of West Florida (UWF) & at George Stone Technical Center; Robert Robinson, educator & retired U.S. Air Force veteran; Director of International Programs at UWF Randolph Scott; and Trudy Walden, a retired educator.
To help the visitors visualize a technical education center, they took a site visit to George Stone Technical Center, where Adult Education Coordinator Jesse Wolfe provided insight into the valuable resources offered to adult students to equip them with skills to enter the workforce.
At Pensacola State College, they met with Dr. Deborah Douma, dean at the school. Here, they learned more about community college academics, technology, and funding as they took a tour of their vocational education facilities.
To discuss the importance of public-private partnerships, the group spent time with Jeffrey Dyer, Director of Workforce Innovation at the FloridaWest Economic Development Alliance. Dyer highlighted the Greater Pensacola Career Pathways initiative, which places students and job seekers with local colleges, vocational schools, and the Escambia County School District.
To commemorate their visit to the area, educator and City Council Member Dr. P.C. Wu welcomed the group to Pensacola City Hall.
Their last meeting in Northwest Florida was with retired educator Kent DeSantis. DeSantis discussed vocational education with the group and answered any remaining questions they had.
To end their visit with some southern hospitality, Joyce Black at Visit Pensacola Inc. presented them with a special memento.
As always, we are grateful for every member and organization in this community that took time out of their busy schedules to meet with our IVLP participants to provide a more well-rounded and positive experience for them in the U.S.
