Campus & Community

Rhonda L. Griffis, an instructor for Palm Beach State College’s Cosmetology program, has been appointed by Gov. Rick Scott to the state Board of Cosmetology.

A licensed cosmetologist, former salon executive and educator, Griffis will bring a South Florida perspective to the board, which is responsible for licensing and regulating the cosmetology profession in the state. The board is under the auspices of the Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation, Division of Professions.

“I’m in the perfect place to make a difference for future cosmetologists.” — Rhonda Griffis

Griffis applied to be on the state cosmetology board out of a desire to become involved at the highest level and was thrilled when she was appointed to the post, which runs through October 2018.

“It’s so exciting to be a part of the state board,” says Griffis. “I feel very fortunate that I can bring input to the table.”

Born and raised in West Palm Beach, Griffis started “behind the chair” in 1986 and went on to build a career as an educator for the Paul Mitchell line of hair products and as an award-winning manager of J.C. Penney salons. She worked as a part-time instructor at Palm Beach State for one year before becoming full-time in 2013. While Griffis has enjoyed every step of the way, she feels teaching at PBSC has been her best job yet.

“I just love coming to work every day,” she says. “I love having such an influence on the students. When the light goes on in their head, and they finally get it, there’s nothing more gratifying to me than that.”

Her students are glad that she’s at PBSC, too. “Professor Griffis is a great teacher—I like her teaching style,” says Cosmetology student Brooklynn Heath. “It’s also a unique opportunity to be taught by someone who’s been chosen to be on the state board. She’s a role model.”

As an educator, Griffis’ role on the state cosmetology board has special meaning for her: “I’m in the perfect place to make a difference for future cosmetologists.”