Germanna Community College is turning to an experienced Florida higher education leader, Tashika Griffith, to guide the school as its next president starting in January.

The Virginia Community College System announced her appointment Thursday, concluding a national search that drew 80 candidates. Griffith will become Germanna’s seventh permanent president when she begins her tenure Jan. 1. 

“I know that she will provide the kind of dynamic leadership that will continue to make Germanna a cultural center and economic driver in its region,” said Chancellor David Doré. 

Griffith currently serves as provost and chief campus officer for St. Petersburg College’s Clearwater Campus in Florida, a role she has held since February 2022. She joined St. Petersburg College in 2016 and has held several leadership positions, including interim dean of the College of Education and provost of the school’s Downtown and Midtown centers. 

“It is with deep humility and great enthusiasm that I assume the role of president of Germanna Community College,” Griffith said. “I look forward to building upon this remarkable foundation as we continue advancing the college’s mission and impact across the region.” 

Griffith previously worked in student affairs and leadership roles at the University of Tennessee, the University of Miami, the University of Scranton, Virginia Tech and Florida Atlantic University. She also has 16 years of experience as an adjunct instructor at several institutions and currently teaches in the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Education’s Department of Educational Leadership. 

“I have great admiration for Dr. Griffith’s commitment and extensive experience in higher education,” said Ann Marie Anderson, chair of Germanna’s local advisory board. “She is an experienced educational leader, and the local advisory board and I look forward to working with her.” 

Griffith earned a bachelor’s from Florida Atlantic University, a master’s from Virginia Tech, a professional certificate from Harvard University and a doctorate in education from Northeastern University. 

Her appointment follows the retirement of Janet Gullickson, who served as Germanna’s president for eight years.