President's Office

July 2026

One of the things I enjoy most as president of Germanna is the opportunity to have meaningful conversations with people across our community. Whether with students, faculty and staff, community partners, or those who want to learn more about our college, every conversation offers a chance to listen, learn, and build stronger connections.

This month, I joined Joey LoMonaco, editor of The Fredericksburg Free Press, for an episode of Coffee Shop Talk. We talked about my journey from growing up in the Bahamas to leading Germanna, the changing landscape of higher education, and the role community colleges play in transforming lives.

I also participated in the Free Exchange panel hosted by the Fredericksburg Free Press, where community leaders discussed the future of education and the opportunities and challenges ahead. These conversations bring together different perspectives while reinforcing our shared commitment to student success.

Our Open House welcomed nearly 300 prospective students and their families, giving them the opportunity to explore programs, ask questions, and connect with faculty and staff. Every conversation helped someone better understand what Germanna has to offer—and perhaps even imagine a future they hadn't considered before.

Meaningful conversations don't always happen in formal meetings or on stage. Sometimes they happen over a cup of coffee, in a classroom hallway, or during a campus visit. Each one helps us better understand the needs of our students and community while strengthening the relationships that move Germanna forward. Together, those conversations create greater opportunities and greater impact for our students and our region.

Dr. Tashika Griffith
President, Germanna Community College

Prior to being appointed as Germanna’s seventh permanent president, Dr. Griffith served as Provost and Chief Campus Officer, Clearwater Campus at St. Petersburg State College, St. Petersburg, Florida, a position she held since February 2022.

She has been affiliated with St. Petersburg College since 2016 and served as Interim Dean of the College of Education, Assistant Provost and Provost of the college’s Downtown and Midtown Centers. Dr. Griffith previously served as Associate Dean of Students at University of Tennessee in Knoxville, Assistant Dean of Students at the University of Miami, FL, Director of the office of Multicultural Affairs at University of Scranton, PA, and in the Career and Multicultural Center at Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA. In addition to 16 years in adjunct teaching positions at a number of colleges and universities, Dr. Griffith also taught public high school and served in the university police department at Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL. She currently serves as an adjunct faculty member for the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Education’s Department of Educational Leadership.

Dr. Griffith earned a Professional Certificate at Harvard University, a B.A. at Florida Atlantic University, a Master’s degree at Virginia Tech, and her Ed.D. at Northeastern University, Boston, MA.