People

After earning an Associate in Arts degree in business, Zach Ingram had initially started a bachelor’s program at another university but decided to transfer back to Palm Beach State College for his bachelor’s degree.

“Palm Beach State had just as good an educational program and was exactly what I needed,” says Ingram, who recently earned his Bachelor of Applied Science degree in Supervision and Management with an entrepreneurial focus.

While in school, Ingram had been working with his uncle’s business until he started his own – a Geico office – in Orlando. Opting for Palm Beach State College Online was a blessing for Ingram, allowing him flexibility to launch the Geico office.

Ingram fondly remembers Dr. Dwight Elliott’s Management Information Systems class. “He made it possible for you to participate from a couple hundred miles away. Yet his class still had a feeling of community.”

Other classes and professors also had significance for Ingram and his academic path. “Organization Theory taught me to build a strong business culture and how to work with people from different backgrounds.”

Professor Glenn Pate’s finance class helped Ingram understand how to manage his own business’s finances while also learning how to guide and lead people in his organization.

Several of Ingram’s family members have also attended Palm Beach State. “It’s been great, a tremendous experience for all of us. For the longest time, I had a hard time seeing how furthering my education had value. Now, I tell everyone how my degree enabled me to establish and run a successful business.”

While Ingram is “not normally a guy to share [his] story,” he is grateful for his degree and the College, eager to share his appreciation. “I would tell any student to really push forward because Palm Beach State will help you along the way.”

Today, Ingram owns and operates an office comprised of a stellar staff, all of whom are enjoying tremendous success under his tutelage. Future business goals include venturing into commercial real estate and development while Ingram is also considering pursuing an MBA.

From pitching business plans to learning how to navigate life, Ingram gained invaluable experience thanks to Palm Beach State professors and programs. And Ingram’s schooling isn’t limited to academics. He has just started lessons toward earning his pilot’s license – soon to be navigating the skies as well as the life that Palm Beach State helped him achieve.

In recognition of Palm Beach State College’s 90th anniversary, the weekly Alumni Spotlight Series showcases the College’s role in preparing generations of graduates to achieve success in myriad careers and give back to their local communities.