Eric Hall, President, Pasco-Hernando State College (PHSC)

In an interview with Invest:, the new president of Pasco-Hernando State College (PHSC) highlighted the college’s focus on healthcare workforce training and community partnerships. With the launch of the Institute for Nursing and Allied Health Advancement, PHSC is preparing students to meet the growing demand for skilled professionals in Pasco and Hernando counties. “Our goal is to be the epicenter of healthcare training for the state and beyond,” the president said.

As you step into the presidency at PHSC, what are your immediate priorities to ensure a smooth transition and address any pressing challenges?

My immediate priority is to maintain the strong momentum PHSC has built—particularly in our healthcare programs. We are proud of our record of producing highly skilled nursing and allied health professionals, and I intend to ensure that this area continues to thrive. The launch of the Institute for Nursing and Allied Health Advancement is a significant milestone, and supporting its growth is a central focus during this transition. PHSC is rapidly emerging as the epicenter for healthcare workforce training, not only for our region, but as a model for the entire state and beyond. My goal is to ensure continued collaboration across departments and with our community partners, so that PHSC remains the region’s most trusted pipeline for talent, while ensuring a great return on investment for our students.

What key factors make this region a hub for educational excellence? And what are some of the biggest challenges facing higher education in Florida today? 

Pasco and Hernando counties are growing rapidly, with increasing demand for accessible, high-quality healthcare. PHSC’s ability to respond directly to that need—through top-ranked nursing and allied health programs—is what makes our region a hub for educational excellence. We offer real-world training, cutting-edge simulation labs, and strong clinical partnerships that prepare students to enter the workforce with confidence. What sets us apart is the collaborative spirit across public and private sectors, and a strong alignment between our college, local industry, and legislative priorities. That alignment has allowed us to expand high-demand programs in real time, especially in nursing and allied health.

Florida continues to be the No. 1 ranked college and university system in the nation, and while higher education may face challenges such as enrollment fluctuations and increased competition, the demand to evolve quickly alongside industry is one of our greatest strengths at PHSC, as well as the incredible value we offer our students. We meet challenges head-on by keeping healthcare education at the forefront and continuously adapting to the needs of both students and employers. PHSC is well-positioned to meet those challenges—thanks in large part to our experienced and dedicated faculty, as well as our nimbleness as a state college to quickly adapt programming and partnerships that deliver results.

What strategic initiatives are being prioritized to enhance student success and institutional performance in the coming academic year?

This year, our top strategic priority is to support student success in high-demand fields—none more urgent than healthcare. Through the Institute, we are expanding academic support, simulation-based training, and partnerships that provide seamless pathways from education to employment.

In nursing especially, we are increasing cohort sizes, strengthening advising, and providing flexible scheduling options to support working students. To improve retention and completion, we’re also investing in proactive academic coaching and mentorships, particularly in rigorous programs like RN and LPN. These efforts are about ensuring that more students not only start their programs but finish them—and enter the healthcare workforce fully prepared.

What measures are being considered to improve student retention and graduation rates in the near future?

Improving retention and graduation rates is one of our highest priorities—especially in our nursing and allied health programs, where student success directly impacts our regional healthcare system. At PHSC, we are implementing a multi-layered approach that supports students academically, emotionally, and professionally throughout their journey.

We are expanding our use of early-alert systems to identify students who may be at risk and connect them with tutoring, mentoring, or wraparound services. In our nursing programs, we’ve enhanced academic advising and peer support structures, while also creating clearer pathways from entry-level certificates to advanced degrees.

Additionally, we are integrating real-world experiences earlier in the curriculum—through simulation, clinicals, and employer engagement—which helps keep students engaged and motivated by showing them the tangible impact of their education. These efforts are already making a difference and will continue to strengthen outcomes in the near future.

How does PHSC plan to align its program offerings with the workforce needs of the rapidly growing Pasco and Hernando counties?

PHSC is strategically aligning its academic programs—particularly in nursing and allied health—with the workforce needs of our rapidly growing region. Healthcare continues to be one of the most critical sectors in Pasco and Hernando counties, and we are responding with intentionality and collaboration. Our goal is to be the epicenter of healthcare training for the state and beyond, preparing graduates who are fully equipped for today’s healthcare challenges.

Through the Institute for Nursing and Allied Health Advancement, we have formed formal alliance agreements with local hospitals and healthcare providers to ensure our program offerings are directly informed by the current and future needs of the industry. These partnerships allow us to co-develop curricula, expand clinical placement opportunities, and provide real-world training that aligns with workforce expectations. Our efforts are directly in line with the state’s strategic priorities, and we are fortunate to have the full support of our local legislators and state senators, who recognize the critical value of our healthcare programs.

This close alignment ensures that our graduates are not only academically prepared, but career-ready—equipped with the skills, certifications, and practical experience necessary to immediately contribute to the region’s healthcare workforce. As our communities grow, PHSC remains steadfast in our role as a talent development leader for the healthcare industry.

How is the college adapting its curriculum to prepare students for emerging industries and technologies in the region?

Healthcare remains one of the most critical workforce needs in our region—and PHSC has been proactive in aligning our curriculum accordingly. We are expanding our nursing programs, launching new allied health credentials, and integrating advanced clinical simulation technologies to reflect real-world environments.

Our Institute for Nursing and Allied Health Advancement is specifically designed to align educational pathways with workforce gaps. By working directly with hospitals, long-term care facilities, and health systems, we ensure that what we teach in the classroom mirrors what’s needed at the bedside and beyond. Whether it’s through telehealth training, electronic medical record simulations, or emerging public health coursework, we’re preparing our students for what’s next in healthcare. And with the guidance of our seasoned faculty and industry advisors, we are confident our students are graduating with both the credentials and confidence to succeed in modern workplaces.

How do you plan to strengthen partnerships with local businesses and organizations to support workforce development in Pasco and Hernando counties?

Our local healthcare partners are not just stakeholders—they’re co-creators of our programs. We are expanding these partnerships through our Institute, which serves as a collaborative hub for healthcare education and innovation. This includes joint clinical placements, advisory boards, and even shared training initiatives that keep our curriculum aligned with evolving industry needs.

We also recognize the importance of continuing education for current professionals. That’s why we’re working with hospitals and clinics to develop upskilling and reskilling options—ensuring that today’s healthcare workforce remains prepared for tomorrow’s challenges.

How is the college adapting its curriculum to prepare students for emerging industries and technologies in the region?

In healthcare, technologies evolve rapidly—and so must our approach to education. We’ve invested in state-of-the-art simulation labs and telehealth platforms to give students hands-on experience with the tools they’ll use in clinical practice.

We are also embedding soft skills—like critical thinking, empathy, and communication—into our curriculum, knowing that great care requires more than just technical proficiency. And as technology advances, we’re already exploring how to incorporate AI in diagnostics, virtual care delivery, and health informatics into our future offerings. PHSC is committed to preparing students for a future where healthcare is both high-tech and human-centered.

How do you foresee PHSC’ role evolving in Florida’s higher education landscape?

PHSC is uniquely positioned to lead in the next era of higher education in Florida. PHSC is emerging as a statewide leader in workforce-focused, community-responsive higher education. Nowhere is that more evident than in our healthcare programs. With the development of the Institute for Nursing and Allied Health Advancement, we are solidifying our role not only as an educational institution but as a key contributor to the health and wellbeing of our region.

As Florida faces a growing need for healthcare professionals, PHSC will continue to be a solution—offering high-quality, affordable programs that train students to meet that need. Our role is evolving from simply preparing students for jobs to shaping the very future of healthcare delivery in our state. We’re not just training students—we’re partnering to solve real problems, close gaps, and improve lives.