TAMPA, Fla. — As we continue our coverage of Black History Month, we highlight the story of one woman who made history in St. Petersburg.

What You Need To Know

  • Dr. Tonjua Williams is the first female black president of St. Petersburg College

  • The college has more than 50,000 students enrolled annually who are spread out between 11 learning sites

  • She has worked for the college more than 30 years in a variety of roles

  • Students said she inspires them every day

“Eric? I’m Tonjua, I’m the president of the college,” Dr. Tonjua Williams said as she shakes hands with staff at the Clearwater campus for St. Petersburg College.

For Williams, her office could be anywhere her staff is. “Well, thank you for everything that you do,” she said. Or wherever her students are. “Keep up that good work on leadership,” she said.

On this day, her “office hours” are at a welcome back celebration event for the start of the spring semester.

“Tell me what are we doing to get more kids to join?” she said as she talks with students. She’s worked for St. Petersburg College for over 30 years in a variety of roles.

When she was promoted five years ago, she became the first Black female president of the institution. 

“It’s an honor to be the president, but what I think is more important is it doesn’t matter where you start, it’s where you finish,” she said.

She comes from a low-income household, raised by a single mother. One thing her mom always told her and her siblings was the sky is the limit.

“I’m proud to have gone from poverty to prosperity, and that is what St. Petersburg College is all about," Williams said.

“It’s about helping students gain their full potential and get economically strong for their families,” she said.

She applies that same concept to her students, like Anthony Walker, who is a freshman majoring in education.

“The significance is profound to have not just a woman running the whole campus but an African-American woman. It lets us know that as far as our people are concerned, we can be in high places, and we can make decisions and we can work hard and meet our goals,” he said.

Students are what motivates Williams, and the thought of helping them achieve their dreams.

“We have the opportunity to impact and look at the people who are here to better themselves. You couldn’t ask for a better job, you just couldn’t. This is where it all happens, this is where the magic takes place,” she said.

She is beating the odds and rooting for all of her students to reach their full potential.