Timothy Beard has led Pasco-Hernando State College as president for seven years. He for 10 years has been the overseer and pastor of the Center for Love, Hope and Restoration, a Christian mission ministry in St. Petersburg. Beard serves on the Hernando-Pasco Career Source Board, Florida College System Council of Presidents, Hernando County Economic Development and Aviation Council, Pasco Economic Development Council, Bayonet Regional Medical Center Board and Bible Based Fellowship Impact Board.
Why Greater Tampa Bay?
I have lived in the beautiful and thriving Tampa Bay area for nearly 15 years, though, I grew up in the panhandle of Florida in Port St. Joe. After graduation from high school in 1980, I matriculated into Florida A&M University between 1980 and 1984, and then attended Florida State University between 1985 and 1987 and 1994 to 1998, where I obtained my undergraduate and graduate degrees.
I taught and worked as an instructor, assistant professor and administrator at FAMU and at FSU from 1985 to 2002. Additionally, I served as a dean and vice-president from 2003 to 2007 at the University of South Alabama, Mobile. After, I moved to the Tampa area to accept a position as vice president of student affairs and enrollment management at Pasco-Hernando State College.
While my career in education brought me here, the lovely people and the many life-changing relationships will keep me here. Tampa and the entire Tampa Bay have so much to offer as well, including great sports and culture events, its proximity to Orlando and other regional cities on the Florida coastline, all of which make it so very attractive. Additionally, the weather and the affordable cost of living in this dream paradise are invaluable.
Over the past 15 years in my position as a college president and vice-president, as well as an ordained minister for Jesus Christ, I have been blessed to give valuable services to our students, educational institutions and the Tampa Bay communities. Additionally, my career has afforded me the blessed opportunity to develop relationships that have resulted in philanthropic resources that will benefit students, Pasco-Hernando State College and the Greater Tampa Bay region for years to come.
All my contributions and success I have experienced over the past 15 years and beyond, I owe to my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Through His spirit and teachings, He afforded me the grace for my race. I have been able to run my life’s race with a degree of success because of the love He has spread in my heart for people and the commitment for their success.
Living in the Tampa Bay area allows me the opportunity to further maximize my calling and purpose given to me by my Savior. Additionally, Tampa opens her doors every day for me to fulfill this purpose, but more importantly, the city provides the necessary opportunities for me to do it with joy.
By Angela Underwood
