President

SCF President Tommy Gregory

On Friday, April 5, 2024, SCF’s District Board of Trustees announced Tommy Gregory as the seventh President of the college after a six-month national search. Higher education executive search firm Myers McRae led the process. A committee of six members, including SCF faculty, staff, a trustee and two community members, interviewed candidates by video conference before recommending three finalists to proceed to the next phase. Open community forums were conducted in March at SCF’s Bradenton and Venice campuses and online, and in-person interviews with the trustees were held on Friday, April 5, 2024, with the three finalists.

For more information, visit https://www.scf.edu/news/2024/04/05/tommy-gregory-named-seventh-president-of-state-college-of-florida-manatee-sarasota/

On July 1, 2024, Tommy Gregory, J.D., began his term as the seventh President of State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota (SCF).

President Gregory is a native Floridian who served in the Air Force for 20 years and achieved the rank of Lieutenant Colonel before retiring in 2014. He is a senior executive with 30 years of experience leading teams, directing operations, and counseling fellow executives on legal matters. He is dedicated to public service and advocating for his community. He served in the Florida House of Representatives for three terms, lived and volunteered with his family in the Dominican Republic for a year, and has served on numerous local community boards.

President Gregory earned a bachelor’s degree in economics with distinction from the Air Force Academy and a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree with honors from the University of Texas School of Law.

He and his wife, Erica, also a retired Lieutenant Colonel, met as cadets at the Air Force Academy. Both served 20 years on active duty and were deployed several times around the world. They have been married for 28 years and have three sons. Two of their sons graduated from SCF and Florida State University, and their youngest was recently selected to attend the Air Force Academy. President Gregory is an avid outdoorsman and enjoys traveling.

Inauguration Ceremony

The Inauguration of the College’s seventh president, Tommy Gregory, J.D., will be held Friday, February 7, 2025, at SCF Bradenton. Join us for a commemorative day to celebrate the inauguration of President Tommy Gregory, J.D. as we honor his leadership, our shared vision for the future and recognize the dedication of our talented students.

Ceremony Agenda

2:00 PM
Welcome and Opening Remarks

2:15 PM
Processional, Mace Bearer

2:30 PM
Invocation

2:35 PM
Keynote Address

2:50 PM
Commencement of Official Installation and Oath-taking Ceremony

3:45 PM
Presidential Address

4:00-5:15 PM
Reception
You are cordially invited to greet President Gregory, offer congratulatory messages and enjoy light refreshments at the SCF Bradenton Courtyard in front of the SCF Neel Performing Arts Center.

RSVP Instructions

Register Online

Location and Directions

Bradenton Campus
SCF Neel Performing Arts Center

Address: 5840 26th St. West Building 11 East, Bradenton, FL 34207

Directions: I-75 to Exit 217 (SR 70/53rd Ave.), head west on SR 70 (becomes 53rd Ave.) to 26th St. W. Turn left (south) onto 26th St. W. SCF Bradenton is on the right between 57th Ave. W. and 60th Ave. W.

Get Directions Campus Map

Avenues to the Future Inauguration Dinner

Continue the celebration at the annual Avenues to the Future Dinner hosted by the SCF Foundation. Join us for an exclusive celebration marking the beginning of President Tommy Gregory’s leadership and a new era for State College of Florida. This unforgettable evening will feature chef-inspired dinner options, live music by the SCF Presidential Jazz Combo and the Trevor Bystrom Band, and unique touches highlighting SCF’s growth and impact in our community.

Dinner Agenda

5:30 PM
Cocktail hour outside the gymnasium

6:20 PM
Grand entrance into the gymnasium

6:30 PM
Dinner, remarks, and presentations

8:00 PM
Entertainment by the Trevor Bystrom Band

Inauguration Dinner Cost

Individual Ticket: $250

Table of Eight Purchase: $2000 with table host signage.

Visit SCF-Foundation.org/AvenuesToTheFuture

Contact Kenji Trujillo at TrujilT@SCF.edu, 941-752-5398

RSVP Instructions for Avenues to the Future

Visit SCF-Foundation.org/AvenuesToTheFuture

Cocktail attire.

Location and Directions

Bradenton Campus
SCF Gymnasium

Address: 5840 26th St. West Building 17, Bradenton, FL 34207

Directions: I-75 to Exit 217 (SR 70/53rd Ave.), head west on SR 70 (becomes 53rd Ave.) to 26th St. W. Turn left (south) onto 26th St. W. SCF Bradenton is on the right between 57th Ave. W. and 60th Ave. W.

Get Directions Campus Map

Dinner Event Sponsorship Opportunities

Sponsorships and underwriting opportunities are available for Avenues to the Future: The Inauguration. To learn about sponsorship benefits, contact Kenji Trujillo at TrujilK@SCF.edu or 941-752-5398.

Special thanks to our Inauguration Committee Members