PBSC mourns passing of past president Ed Eissey
Last evening, Palm Beach State College lost an icon and a beloved friend. Edward M. Eissey, Ph.D., the third president of the College, passed away at the age of 89.
“We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Dr. Ed Eissey,” said Ava L. Parker, J.D., president of Palm Beach State College. “Palm Beach State would not be what it is today without the vision and dedication of Dr. Eissey. He pioneered the pathway we continue to build upon. That is to make higher education accessible to every citizen of Palm Beach County.”
Although Eissey served as president from 1978 to 1996, he was still well known at the College and in the wider community because of his continuous involvement and support of both. He even attended PBSC’s spring commencement this year.
During his tenure, Eissey was the driving force behind the College’s building boom, including the expansion of the Belle Glade campus and the establishment of the Palm Beach Gardens and Boca Raton campuses. As a Palm Beach Junior College alumnus, Dr. Eissey was passionate in his efforts to secure resources to help the College grow to meet the needs of an expanding county. Following Dr. Eissey’s recommendation, the Board of Trustees voted to rename PBJC to Palm Beach Community College in 1988 to more accurately reflect the College’s comprehensive mission. During a special ceremony in 1990, the Palm Beach Gardens campus was renamed the Edward M. Eissey Campus, in recognition of his years of service to the College. The theater on the campus also bears his name.
“This is a sad day for me,’’ said Dr. Dennis P. Gallon who served as president of the College from 1997 until his retirement in 2015. “Dr. Eissey’s legacy in higher education and the state of Florida in general and as president of Palm Beach State College in particular is well documented. His many contributions will serve as an inspiration for generations to come. It was my honor to succeed him as president of the College as it provided quality education and training opportunities to the residents of Palm Beach County.”
Dr. Eissey was featured in the College’s 2013 President’s Report that commemorated the 80th anniversary of the PBSC. Read more about him during his years at the College.
What a loss. Such a good and great man. A beautiful soul. Thank you Mr Eissey for your hard work and comment. You will be missed.
Cynthia Haslom Dinga
Mr. Eissey was president when i was a student nurse. He was so kind and genuine. I had the honor of taking care of him in the hospital as a student nurse.