NEW PORT RICHEY – On Tuesday, Pasco-Hernando State College’s District Board of Trustees named Eric Hall, Ed.D., to the role of interim president. The decision was reached at a board meeting at the school’s west campus on May 20 following interviews with a pair of candidates for the position.
This comes just 20 days after former President Jesse Pisors’ sudden resignation amid questions surrounding enrollment retention. As previously reported, Dr. Hall was one of four finalists for the role before Dr. Pisors ascended to the presidency in February of 2024.
After Dr. Pisors stepped down on May 1, PHSC’s district board of trustees held a pair of special meetings on May 2 and May 6 to glean more information about what happened and workshop a plan moving forward.
At the May 6 meeting, it was decided that PHSC’s acting president, Andrea Brvenik, would reach out to the three previous finalists and gauge their interest. Upon his contact, Dr. Hall and the other candidate confirmed their continued interest before interviews determined the interim president.
Raised in Pasco County, Florida, Dr. Hall has over two decades “of experience serving in executive leadership, with extensive expertise in the fields of education, public safety, and public policy,” according to information provided by Courtney Boettcher, PHSC Senior Director of Communications.
The lifelong educator earned a bachelor’s degree in secondary science education, a master’s degree in educational leadership, and a doctorate in educational leadership and policy studies from the University of South Florida.
His prior experience includes serving as the state’s first senior chancellor at the Florida Department of Education (FDOE). There, Hall oversaw the Florida College System among other divisions.
Before his time with the FDOE, the educator served as the deputy state superintendent at the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction. During his tenure, Dr. Hall “successfully led multiple divisions and initiatives within North Carolina’s education system,” the release continued.
Throughout his career, his roles have been many and varied. Dr. Hall also serves on multiple boards and councils, which include the Florida Children and Youth Cabinet, CareerSource Florida Board of Directors, and Special Olympics Florida, among others.
“Throughout his career, Hall has built strong partnerships and impactful relationships with state and local leaders in both the public and private sectors,” the college added.
The educator was also appointed to the role of Secretary of the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice by Governor Ron DeSantis in November of 2021. He currently serves in this position and is set to assume his new duties on Monday, June 9.
Pasco-Hernando’s new interim president also hails from a family of educators. The apple did not fall very far from the tree, as both of his parents instructed the nation’s youth as public school teachers. His wife, with whom he has two children, serves as a school social worker.
Dr. Hall’s selection is a critical step towards settling questions surrounding the college’s leadership as PHSC searches for Pisor’s replacement from within and outside the organization.
