AFC recognizes Gallon at Region V Conference
Dr. Dennis P. Gallon, president of Palm Beach State College, was recognized Thursday for his contributions to the Florida College System and support of the Association of Florida Colleges.
“We’re going to miss Dr. Gallon,’’ said Michael Brawer, CEO and executive director of AFC, who presented Gallon with a proclamation during the opening reception for the AFC Region V Conference at the PBSC Palm Beach Gardens campus. “He has been a 24-hours, seven days a week president.’’
Gallon worked at Florida State College at Jacksonville (formerly Florida Community College at Jacksonville) for 25 years before becoming the fourth president of Palm Beach State in 1997. A former high school teacher, Gallon began his higher education career at Florida State College as an adjunct professor before becoming a tenured professor and then moving up the administrative ranks to become president of the Kent Campus.
Raymond Coulter, president of the PBSC chapter of AFC and Dr. Robert Van Der Velde, chapter vice president for the Palm Beach Gardens campus, joined Brawer when he read the proclamation. “You have been a great supporter of AFC, and we are very grateful for your support,’’ Van Der Velde said.
Gallon, who is retiring June 30, said he appreciates the recognition and called education a noble profession, likening it to missionary work because of the impact it has on the lives of individuals. “Thanks to all of you for helping to make my career end on a fantastic note.”
The AFC Region V Conference, which includes attendees from Miami Dade College, Broward College, PBSC and Indian River State College, ends today.
In addition to professional development opportunities, AFC’s key focuses are advocacy and government relations, awards and recognition and community service. It serves as the administrative entity for the Council of Presidents, which comprises the presidents of the state’s 28 state colleges. AFC, established in 1949, is headquartered in Tallahassee in an 18,000 square-foot building the association owns near the Florida state capital. Through 15 commissions, the 7,600 AFC members are able to also connect with their professional counterparts at other colleges in the Florida College System to share best practices and network.
Visit the www.palmbeachstate.edu/afc to learn more about AFC.
