From SPC to Space and Back Again: Nicole Stott returns to SPC as a Foundation board member

1/22/2025

Nicole Stott, an alumna of St. Petersburg College, has long been recognized for her stellar career as an engineer and astronaut, having completed five missions aboard NASA’s space shuttle and the International Space Station. But this accomplished spacefarer, known for her trailblazing contributions to human space exploration, has now added a new title to her impressive biography: board member of the St. Petersburg College Foundation.

Stott’s journey is one of curiosity, resilience and a desire to explore. Her love for engineering, combined with a drive to understand what lies beyond the atmosphere, took her off the planet. But for Stott, her story has always come back to where it all started — SPC.

During the 2023 SPC Day celebration, Stott reflected on the pivotal role that the College played in helping her launch her dreams into orbit. She shared how the education she received at SPC became the bedrock of her career, inspiring her to pursue a life of exploration, innovation and creative problem-solving — skills that would later become crucial in her work with NASA.

“SPC started me on a lifetime of exploration,” Stott said. “I’ve been able to explore our planetary home from the most remarkable places as a space shuttle astronaut. One of the lessons I learned from my time at SPC is that problem-solving requires both technical knowledge and creativity. At NASA, we knew that creativity was the key to finding solutions.”

The education Stott received at SPC set the stage for her groundbreaking contributions to space exploration. Her missions, which included intricate repairs on the International Space Station and awe-inspiring spacewalks, demanded the kind of technical and creative thinking that SPC had fostered in her. She learned that working in space wasn’t just about mastering engineering but also about approaching complex challenges with innovation. This mindset, she says, was cultivated during her time at SPC.

“SPC is where I discovered I belong. My time here led to a life of purpose and meaning,” she reflected, her words embodying the gratitude she holds for the institution that laid the foundation for her future successes.

A New Chapter at SPC

Stott has returned to SPC, this time as a member of the SPC Foundation Board of Directors. Stott formally joined the Board during its meeting on Aug. 16, 2024, marking a new phase in her relationship with the College that first set her on her path to the stars. The SPC Foundation Board, which comprises 20 dedicated members from across Pinellas County, exists solely to support the College and its mission of providing quality education and fostering student success.

For Jesse Turtle, Vice President for Institutional Advancement and Executive Director of the Foundation at SPC, Stott’s addition to the Board represents the culmination of a long and fruitful relationship between the astronaut and the College.

“We know she brings with her a powerful vision for the Foundation and the College, and I can’t wait to work with her to make it happen,” Turtle said. “Nicole represents the best of SPC. Like every student that arrives here, she had a dream of what her life could be, and the College provided her the opportunity and the skills to begin to make that dream a reality.”

Stott’s journey, from being a student at SPC to becoming a NASA astronaut and now a board member, is emblematic of the College’s commitment to fostering student success and giving its students the tools they need to achieve their dreams — no matter how large or far-reaching they may be.

A Life of Exploration and Service

Stott’s career with NASA saw her accomplish feats that few ever dream of. Her missions included the STS-128 and STS-133 space shuttle flights and a lengthy stay aboard the International Space Station. One of the highlights of her career was conducting a spacewalk, where she helped install new modules on the space station — a task that required a combination of precision, bravery and creative problem-solving.

As an astronaut, she contributed to cutting-edge research and repairs, often spending long hours working in zero gravity, troubleshooting technical problems that had no easy solutions. Her ability to think outside the box, a skill she attributes to her time at SPC, played a vital role in her success.

But Stott is more than just an astronaut. After retiring from NASA, she shifted her focus to advocating for sustainability on Earth, drawing from her unique perspective as someone who has viewed the planet from above. Her experiences in space reinforced her belief in the interconnectedness of humanity and the need to protect our shared home.

Now, as she steps into her new role at SPC, Stott plans to bring that same passion for exploration, creativity and problem-solving to help guide the College’s future. As part of the Foundation Board, Stott will work to ensure that SPC continues to provide the same opportunities and support to future generations that it did for her.

In many ways, her return to SPC is a full-circle moment — one in which she can give back to the institution that set her on her path to the stars. For SPC students, she stands as a beacon of what is possible when passion, education and opportunity intersect.

As Stott helps guide SPC into its next chapter, one thing is clear: her influence will be as profound here on Earth as it was in the outer reaches of space. The legacy she builds at SPC is sure to inspire future explorers, innovators
and dreamers — just as her own story continues to inspire today.