PANAMA CITY — John Holdnak’s first official duty as Gulf Coast State College’s new president was to don an apron and scoop ice cream to college employees that lined up to welcome him as their new president at an ice cream social meet-and-greet Tuesday.
“Welcome to my first event,” he joked, as he served a faculty member moving through the line. “I hope they’re all this good.”
Holdnak’s new position was secured on May 8 in a close 5-4 vote by trustees. He was narrowly selected by the board over fellow finalist William Kibler, after the two rose to the top of a very competitive pool of applicants. Holdnak is replacing the school’s newly-retired former president, Jim Kerley.
It was Holdnak’s prior experience in numerous positions at GCSC from 1982 to 2008 and sense of community that ultimately won over the board and staff that turned out to congratulate him.
“It’s fortunate when you can hire someone who’s been here before; you know what you’re getting,” said James Baxley, media services coordinator who has known and worked with Holdnak over the past 30 years.
Employees hope that Holdnak’s familiarity with GCSC’s past will help him shape a sharper vision for a progressive future.
“I think it was time for a new chapter,” said GCSC’s Corporate College Director Al McCambry. McCambry echoed the enthusiasm of others excited by the prospect of what Holdnak’s leadership will do for the school’s ability to serve Bay, Gulf, and
“The college is well-positioned to do great things for the community,” he said.
Holdnak said in an interview that he is excited about being a resource to help students discover their dreams and ensuring a better quality of life made possible by higher education.
“We give students the opportunity to hope,” he said, while describing the “rich dividends” to be obtained by taking advantage of the plethora of education and outreach programs at GCSC. Holdnak also intends to make sure area employers are getting the skilled workforce they need.
“We need to look at programs and make sure employers and students are being served,” he said.
This was Holdnak’s second try for the presidential position at GCSC. McCambry said the school staff and board are looking forward to the future under Holdnak.
“He’s a big community person, and he believes in creating a quality product as far as education goes,” McCambry said. “We’re very excited about where he’s going to take us.”