Wendy Ritz

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Stacey Pelham: Guiding students towards success

Stacey Pelham is a beacon of support and guidance at Florida State University Panama City, from her role as a mentor and student accessibility coordinator, to her inspiring journey within the institution.

Pelham’s responsibilities at FSU PC are as diverse as they are crucial, ranging from guiding students with disabilities through the application process to providing mentorship and academic advising. Since assuming her full-time position last year, she has been instrumental in ensuring accessibility for students with disabilities, offering services such as proctored testing, extended time accommodations and alternative text formats.

Pelham said her biggest inspiration is helping people, whether that’s on campus or out in the rest of the world. Guiding students or extending a hand to those off-campus, she finds joy in witnessing others thrive. Her position at FSU PC has been the epitome of fulfillment through witnessing students' successes and their enthusiasm for learning. 

“I love to help people, and it inspires me to see other students when they’re doing well and they’re excited to be here,” she said. “I love this position. By far, this position has been the best experience working for FSU PC, very rewarding.”

Her journey at FSU PC began in 2011 as a student employee engaged in peer mentoring and course notetaking. Over the years, her dedication and passion led her to a full-time position in the dean's office in 2013. Pelham’s educational background further enriches her role, with a bachelor's degree in recreation tourism and events, a graduate certificate in event management, a master's in corporate and public communications, and a graduate certificate in project management.

Pelham’s message to the world is simple yet profound: kindness matters. She emphasizes the importance of extending kindness to everyone, as one never knows the battles others may be fighting. “Be kind to everybody,” she said. “A kind word or a gesture could make a difference in someone’s day or life.”

Through her work, Pelham not only facilitates accessibility for students but also fosters a culture of empathy and support within the campus community. Her journey at FSU PC is a testament to dedication, compassion, and kindness, and her impact will resonate far beyond the confines of this campus, leaving a lasting mark on all those she encounters.

Amy Brightbill

Amy Brightbill is a dedicated full-time student at Florida State University Panama City majoring in Computer Science. As a senior, she not only excels in her academic pursuits but also thrives in her part-time role at NAVSEA as a co-op student, where she delves into the intricacies of code development.

Brightbill’s academic journey at FSUPC is one of determination and passion. She is inspired by the endless possibilities her chosen field offers. Her role at NAVSEA, acquired through one of FSUPC's job fairs, has provided invaluable practical experience, supplementing her classroom education.

“Anyone can be empowered through education, as it unlocks the potential within someone, allowing someone a path to a brighter future,” she said. “You can become who you want to be. It’s important to always seek knowledge and education.”

For Brightbill, inspiration stems from the various parts of life. She draws motivation from witnessing the growth and evolution of her friends, each embarking on unique paths towards their passions. The boundless capabilities of computers and the challenges presented in her classes serve as constant sources of inspiration as well.

Brightbill attributes much of her inspiration to her family, particularly her father, whose influence has shaped her academic and personal journey. Education, she emphasizes, has been a transformative experience, opening her eyes to new horizons and unlocking her potential.

She also expressed her heartfelt gratitude for the educational experiences she has encountered, including her time in the Rutherford High School International Baccalaureate program. She encourages perseverance, curiosity and dedication. 

Parmjeet (PARMY) Cobb

Dr. Parmjeet Cobb is the Mathematics Program Coordinator at Florida State University Panama City. She graduated from Valdosta State University with a degree in Mathematics, and continued her education at Auburn University receiving her master’s in Mathematics as well. Today, Dr. Cobb has made it her mission to be a role model for women, especially those in STEM. Being a woman and a minority in STEM, Dr. Cobb embodies what it means to be a Women Inspiring Success and Excellence (WISE). In a male dominated field, Dr. Cobb recognizes the importance of seeing someone who looks like you. She also believes it is best to look for the good in people, and that patience is a virtue.

When asked about what she is most proud of Dr. Cobbs says, “I am proud that I set a goal and achieved my goal of obtaining a Ph.D. However, when it comes down to it, I am sincerely, most proud of being a part of my students' college journeys and watching them achieve their graduation goals. I know graduation is only one very important step in their lives, but I am honored to be a part of it.”

Her involvement on campus has been extensive. In 2021, Dr. Cobb was the co-coordinator for the Stem Story Outreach Event for middle school age girls. Dr. Cobb feels passionate about helping young girls explore math and find the fun in it. She aims to give them a voice when they feel silenced and help grow their confidence in STEM. That same year, she was also the presenter for the STEM on the Move “Art of Math”, another outreach program for middle school age children.

In response to receiving this award Dr. Cobb would like to say, “Thank you to all the sponsors and the committee for thinking of me. I feel very humbled by this award. I believe there are so many great people on this campus, and I was very shocked to be among those great people. I really hope I can continue to do great work here.”

Charla Perdue

Charla Perdue is part of the teaching faculty for the Crime Scene Investigation and Forensic Science programs and is the undergraduate program coordinator for Public Safety and Security at Florida State University Panama City. While her focus is on Crime Scene Investigation, she also assists in program coordination for the other two majors, Law Enforcement Intelligence and Law Enforcement Operations. Perdue says, “I like to encourage my students to appreciate the process of learning. In our field, it is important to understand that science and life are always changing. I want them to always be lifelong learners.

When asked what she is most proud of Perdue says, “I just love what I do. I am proud and excited to have a job that I love and enjoy and am passionate about.” She gets to experience hands-on learning and practice what she teaches her students. She gets to be in the field, rather than behind a desk. She says that the majority of an adult's life is spent at their job, so it is important to love what you do. If you do not, you are going to be miserable. She feels blessed that she has found a career in something she loves to do.

In response to receiving this award, Perdue says, “Thank you to the sponsors. I appreciate being nominated and even winning. It is always nice to be recognized for your efforts.” When asked what words Perdue has for other women she says, “It is never too late to make sure that tomorrow is a better day. Be positive, work hard, and people will see it.” It is important to stay true to yourself and continue being the best version of yourself that you can be.

Yvonne Traynham

Yvonne Traynham teaches mechanical engineering at FSU Panama City. She also tested space shuttle engines at the Stennis Space Center.

“When I went to school, it was really unusual to be a female engineer.”

Coming out of rural Pensacola as a young woman, Yvonne was not the prototypical choice to become a respected mechanical engineer in the field. Nonetheless, she persevered, trailblazing as the one of the first female engineering students at Pensacola Jr. College before transferring to UF and graduating in 1983.

Yvonne graduated from the University of New Orleans with a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering in 2000. She has taught at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, NY, Webb Institute, and Manhattan College in New York. She is also a licensed Professional Engineer in both Louisiana and Missouri, having helped test space shuttle engines at the NASA Stennis Space Center. Yvonne uses her wealth of experience to teach materials, mechanical design, mechanics, and engineering to students at FSU Panama City.

Mechanical engineering is a newer program at FSU, brought on by the demand by local employers like the Naval Center and Eastern Shipbuilding. As a professor in the program, Yvonne facilitates careers for her students by connecting them to these employers.

A recipient of the WISE Award, Yvonne has devoted herself to professional excellence and giving back through teaching. Yvonne hopes her example will lay the groundwork for upcoming engineers, especially for the women who want to break into STEM.

“I’d like to see continued development where young people get to do what they want and pursue what’s their best career without people trying to impose their judgment and opinions.

Sirlena Andrews

Sirlena Andrews is the Office Manager of the Dean’s office and Faculty Support at Florida State University Panama City. While she assists in making sure everything runs smoothly within the Dean’s office, she also lends a hand in helping the rest of the faculty on campus. She enjoys sharing her knowledge with her coworkers and helping in any way she can. She wants her team to know that if they need anything, she will always be there to help them.

When asked about what she is most proud of Andrews says she is proud of her coworkers. She has helped them grow and learn, and she knows she can trust them to do a good job. As the manager of the Dean’s office, she oversees others to make sure everything runs smoothly. She is proud that she can put so much trust in those around her, so she does not have to micromanage them. She also says that she is grateful for all that she has learned. Andrews has made a name for herself at FSUPC. She also says that she is proud of her son, who is on track to graduate from high school. She is proud of the young man he has become, in both academics and the real world.

Andrews has such an inviting personality. She is helpful, friendly, and outgoing. In every aspect of her life, she tries to be the best person she can be. She shares her knowledge of the world and her workplace, to better the environment around her. This is obvious in the way she speaks so fondly of the people she works with. You can tell she really values them as more than just coworkers.

When asked what words Andrews has for other women she says, “be positive and kind to people and you will get through life.” These are words Andrews tries to live by. She says, “most people are already kind, but you have to be kind to people and treat them the way you wish to be treated.

Farron Collins

Farron Collins is a Human Resources Generalist at Florida State University Panama City (FSU PC). Collins attended FSU PC in 2015 where she was active on campus as the Vice President of the Scuba Hyperbaric and Recreational Club (SHARC Club). The SHARC Club coordinates and facilitates SCUBA trainings and organizes diving related recreational activities. During her time as a student, Collins also received her certificate in Underwater Crime Scene Investigation. She currently is working towards her Master’s in Organizational Management in Communications. 

When asked what she is most proud of Farron Collins speaks of her Grandfather. She is currently her Grandfathers fulltime caretaker on top of her full time job. She also works part time as a reserve law enforcement officer. Collins’ one piece of advice she would like to share is, “Keep going and don’t look back. Whatever is in front of you that you’re aiming for, keep going. Don’t dwell on what could have been. Start now and keep going. Whatever it takes each day.”

Farron Collins exemplifies what it means to be a Women Inspiring Success and Excellence (WISE). Dedicated to her career, she is a detail-oriented individual with a bright and welcoming personality. She is someone who strives to do her best in everything she does. Farron Collins’ kind heart and commitment resonates and inspires women on campus every day.
In response to receiving this award Collins says, “Thank you to everyone who was involved in selecting me for this award. I feel very honored and appreciative to have been chosen as a recipient.”

Ellen Truchon

Senior Academic Advisor Ellen Truchon is a friendly and familiar face on campus, serving hundreds of students every semester. As an FSU alum (B.A. International Affairs, 2013, B.S. Marketing, 2013, M.S. Corporate Public Communication), Ellen has experienced firsthand what it means to be a Nole.

Ellen did not always envision herself becoming involved with higher education. Initially after graduating, she intended to commission in the Air Force as an intelligence officer, utilizing the experience she had gained over the course of her degrees. Her study of Mandarin would prove useful in the military. However, Ellen’s experience at FSU had a lasting impact on her. Witnessing the passion with which her advisors served her and fellow students and grateful of the opportunities she was afforded as a first-generation college student, she decided to apply for the open advisor position on the FSU Panama City campus 2017.

Ever since she was hired, Ellen has helped countless students on their academic and career journeys. As A WISE Award recipient, Ellen embodies what it means to be a selfless, community-centered individual in her role as an advisor. She is particularly proud of her contributions to the Chapman Family Foundation Center for Academic Advising & Student Success, which has made student-advisor meetings welcoming and seamless.

Speaking on the advising team of the Chapman Center, Ellen had this to say:

“I’m proud of the team for all the different challenges we’ve gone through as an office. We’re still growing and serving our students.”

For incoming students, Ellen recommends keeping an open mind and a willingness to learn and to take advantage of the many resources offered through FSU.

Lauren Beauchamp

Lauren Beauchamp is a proud student of Florida State University Panama City (FSU PC). Before attending the college, Beauchamp attended Wallace Community College in Dothan, Alabama on a musical theatre scholarship. Graduating with her AA, Lauren made her journey to FSU PC. Beauchamp currently works as the Social Media Coordinator for the College of Applied Studies at FSU PC. Beyond this, she is currently working towards her degree in Professional Communications as well as her Master’s in Public and Corporate Communication with the Combined BS/MS Professional Communication program. 

When asked what advice she would give to women out there Beauchamp says, “You have to learn how to say no, and I think that is something I myself am still learning how to do. But I think it’s very easy to be caught up in other people’s expectations of you, and setting firm boundaries is incredibly important. That being said, don’t let other people saying no stop you from accomplishing your goals. Just know you can always find a way even if it’s not when you first expected it. Put your wellbeing first.”

Lauren Beauchamp is quite active on campus. She is a founding member of the DevotionNOLES, a faith-based club on campus, and acts as the current President. She is also the President of the national honors society for communications, Lambda Pi Eta.

Lauren Beauchamp is lively spirit and wants to remind everyone that while education is important it is only a small portion of life. She believes it is important to spend this time living as much as studying, and that relationships are an essential part of life that should not be neglected.

In response to receiving this award Beauchamp says, “Thank you so much for this opportunity. I’m really humbled by this award. For all my fellow women out there if my words can reach even one person I hope you remember stereotypes do not define you. You are stronger than they believe. Being considered a WISE women is an incredible feeling.”

Irene Field

At 51, Irene Field has worn many hats and filled many roles. However, she feels there is still a world of opportunity ahead for her, currently seeking a Master’s in Corporate Communication at FSU Panama City. Irene’s work in the community reflects this attitude. Her efforts reflect a belief in ensuring others can follow the lead of her path to success.

Starting from humble origins, Irene faced obstacles coming out of high school. Her parents divorced, and no one in her family had graduated from university. She cited a high school softball coach as her inspiration. Her coach recruited her to play college softball in Minnesota, giving her structure and direction.

“That meant a great deal to me that someone took that extra effort.”

After moving to Panama City in 2009, Irene co-founded the non-profit Club 360, an organization which educates youth on career opportunities and scholarships. As of 2023, Club 360 has grown to raise over $50,000 and awarded a scholarship to encourage the professional development of all women interested in college. They are set to offer 3-month programs for female students to shadow local leaders and learn about career fields.

Apart from Club 360, Irene has focused efforts on young children as well. As Chief Development Officer of the Girl Scouts of the Florida Panhandle, Irene brought a national Girl Scouts program, Women of Distinction, to Bay County. This event recognizes women in the community, raises money for the local Girl Scouts, and provides girls with women role models. Irene has written a book, Growing with Delilah: Together We Can, to teach youths about the value of teamwork and community.

Irene is an accomplished FSU alum who currently serves as the VP of operations for VBA Design, an architecture firm, and President of LEVERAGE, a networking group. Her body of work makes her a much-deserved recipient of the WISE award. To young people aspiring to higher education and careers, Irene has these words: “Find your passion. Do what you love. Live life, don’t let life live you.

Justine Sowell

Justine Sowell is a junior in the Professional Communications undergraduate program at Florida State University Panama City. She also holds a leadership position in the Digital Design Studio on campus. Justine makes it her mission to inspire people because she understands that a single encouraging word can change someone’s day. Outside of school, she volunteers as a dance teacher at the Bobbie Massey School of Dance. Sowell says, “It is important for me to be the best role model that I can be for the kids I teach.

When asked about what she is most proud of Sowell says, “I am proud of the girls that I teach. Watching them grow into young women in and out of class has made a huge impact on me.” She finds it important to encourage them and provide a welcoming space for them to develop.

Her involvement on campus keeps her busy. Aside from being a student and a lead in the DDS, Sowell has a paid internship with the Office of Advancement at FSUPC. She learns strategic skills in multiple areas, such as marketing, advertising, event planning, and social media. She has also been given the role of curating a student art exhibit. She hopes this will turn into something great to encourage the creative talent of her fellow students.  
In response to receiving this award, Sowell says, “I am incredibly appreciative for being chosen for the WISE award. I would like to say to other women that they shouldn’t be afraid to be themselves. Do not be scared to face diversity head-on. The power we hold is unlimited and we need to remember that.”