Smith objected to PSC collaborating with Achieve Escambia because its home page referenced diversity, equity and inclusion. The minutes state: “Mr. Smith expressed appreciation to Dr. Meadows, which resulted in the removal of the DEI language from the Achieve Escambia website.”
What was the language that was removed?
Equity & Collective Impact at the Center
We bring people together to advocate for significant improvements in key cradle-to-career outcomes. We support people in their efforts to close equity gaps by equipping them with the knowledge and mindsets to change systems and outcomes for their programs, services and organizations. Equity exists when race and income are no longer predictors of success, and when systems work to ensure individuals receive what they need when they need it, to develop to their fullest potential.
- The former home page also had a letter from Baptist Health Care President & CEO Mark Faulkner, who chaired the Leadership Council (2020-2022). Faulkner reflected on the theme of the 2020 Community Report. “Achieving Equity.”
Background: Achieve Escambia was founded in 2016 as Pensacola and Escambia County’s first cradle-to-career collective impact initiative, aiming to improve educational and workforce outcomes for all residents through a data-driven, community-wide strategy.
- The key founding organizations were Navy Federal Credit Union, Gulf Power, Baptist Health Care and the University of West Florida.
- Early guiding members included Stan Connally (then President and CEO of Gulf Power Co.), Debbie Calder (Executive Vice President at Navy Federal Credit Union), Bruce Watson (Executive Director of the Early Learning Coalition of Escambia County) and Rev. Lonnie Wesley (Greater Little Rock Baptist Church).
Zack Smith has wiped away 10 years of Achieve Escambia’s history and accomplishments in the seven months since his appointment on Feb. 14.
- Was the Achieve Escambia Leadership Council notified? Or was Ruthie Noel forced to do it to keep her job at PSC?
Ruthie Noel
The former executive director who displeased Smith is Ruthie Noel, PSC’s new Director of Corporate Training and Continuing Education.
- Noel’s appearance on WSRE upset Smith, who “expressed concerns that certain comments during the appearance, along with previous associated materials related to Achieve Escambia, are inconsistent with the College’s policies and values,” according to the minutes.
Background: Noel has served as president of the Pensacola Young Professionals. She is a member of the 2023 Inweekly Rising Star Class. She has served as the executive director of PYP, ReadyKids and Achieve Escambia.
Indoctrination Mandated
Smith wanted Noel and all new employees to receive “training and guidance to ensure they understand the College’s policies and expectations.”
- According to the minutes, “Dr. Meadows responded that the College would ensure training and oversight for staff.”
And none of the other trustees objected to Smith’s comments. His will and whims go unchallenged.
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