Campus & Community

After five years on the job, Dr. Jean Wihbey, provost of the Palm Beach State College Palm Beach Gardens campus, is making a mark on the campus and the community, and the city council is taking notice.

In a rare move, the Palm Beach Gardens City Council issued a proclamation recognizing Wihbey for her work since taking the helm in 2009. Under her watch, the campus has developed even stronger relationships with the business community that have led to internships and job opportunities for students, more community participation on College advisory boards, and funding for various campus initiatives. She is actively involved in the community serving as chair of the Board of Directors of the PGA Corridor Association, a trustee of the Northern Palm Beach County Chamber of Commerce, chair of the board of the Max Fisher Boys and Girls Club in Riviera Beach and chair of the board of the Palm Beach Gardens Medical Center Governing Board, among others.

“I think it’s such an honor, and it’s so good for Palm Beach State College,’’ said Wihbey, who was presented the proclamation Oct. 2.  “I’m always a big cheerleader for the College presenting to different boards, meetings and groups. The city leaders, business leaders and the College are all tied together and they (the city council) recognize the integral connection between all of us.”

City Clerk Patricia Snider said Councilmember Marcie Tinsley proposed the idea of a proclamation honoring Wihbey. “Dr. Wihbey is such an active individual. She’s done so much for the College, the community and the students,’’ Snider said.

Typically, proclamations are presented to organizations to promote awareness of different events or initiatives, but Snider said occasionally the council issues proclamations honoring individuals for their contributions.