Florida State University Panama City is celebrating female role models and leaders with its annual WISE awards, recognizing “Women Inspiring Success and Excellence.”                                                         

The WISE award honors FSU PC students, faculty and staff members whose success and excellence in their personal and/or professional lives serve as an inspiration to the university and the community.

“FSU Panama City has many amazing female faculty, staff and students,” said Karen Works, Ph.D., a computer science assistant teaching professor who organized this year’s awards. “The WISE award highlights such individuals in the hopes of encouraging and inspiring other women in our community to live up to their full potential.”

The 2024 recipients are: faculty member Wendy Ritz, DBA, associate teaching professor; staff member Stacey Pelham, student accessibility coordinator in student affairs; and student Amy Brightbill, who is pursuing an undergraduate degree in computer science.

“Anyone can be empowered through education as it unlocks the potential within someone,” said Brightbill, who was surprised and honored by the recognition. “You can become who you want to be. It’s important to always seek knowledge and education.”

Ritz draws on more than 20 years of international sales and marketing experience to introduce her students to a more applied learning environment. She strives to use projects which promote community engagement to expose students to real world business dilemmas both domestically and abroad.

Pelham conducts intake interviews, advises and orients students on accessing appropriate support services. She supports students in resolving disability related issues that may be a barrier to academic success and serves as a campus-wide resource for disability related information, activities and planning.

“The FSU PC community is committed to creating an environment of success for all of our  students,” Pelham said, adding that she was very appreciative of the award. “I love to help people, and it inspires me to see students when they’re doing well and they’re excited to be here. “

Past awardees include:

• Faculty members Parmjeet Cobb, Ph.D., Mathematics Program coordinator; Charla Perdue, Ph.D., teaching faculty for the Crime Scene Investigation and Forensic Science programs and the undergraduate program coordinator for public safety and security; and Yvonne Traynham, Ph.D., mechanical engineering assistant teaching professor.
• •    Staff members Sirlena Andrews, office administrator in the Office of the Dean; Farron Collins, human resources generalist in finance and administration; and Senior Academic Advisor Ellen Truchon. 
• •    Students Lauren Beauchamp, public and corporate communication major; Irene Field, public and corporate communication major; and Justine Sowell, professional communication undergraduate.

Read more about the WISE Awards at PC.FSU.edu/wise. For more information about the nomination process, email Works at kworks@pc.fsu.edu.