LaFlamme Ends 38 Years at College

Kim LaFlamme is stepping down from her position as an academic administrative assistant in the Natural Sciences Department at Pensacola State College. She is retiring after 38 years of employment, a tenure that began when she was hired as a clerk in the Purchasing Department in 1988.

LaFlamme’s career path shifted in 1991 when she moved to the Physical Sciences Department, which has since been renamed Natural Sciences. Before that transition, she served as an administrative assistant to Assistant Provost Dona Cotten. Her initial hire came under the supervision of Dr. Ed Stout, who brought her into the Physical Sciences Department.

The college has been a workplace for multiple generations of her family. Her mother, Jo Ann Bjorensen, started in the library and spent 25 years in the Accounting Department. LaFlamme’s daughter, Brittany, completed the college’s first PALS program for students with special needs and interned at the switchboard. Her son, Dalton, earned an A.A. in Pre-Nursing last spring.

LaFlamme attributes her longevity in the role to the supportive environment she experienced. She described her supervisors as a pleasure to work with and credited Dr. Stout with teaching her how to become an effective administrative assistant. She noted that she felt blessed to work with a wonderful group of colleagues throughout her career.

Technology advancements and shifts in workplace culture were the most visible changes she observed over nearly four decades. She recalled that employee organizations like the Career Service Activities and Career Service Council helped build camaraderie and networking opportunities among staff. She observed that it is now harder to know many colleagues and that staff retention has decreased compared to previous decades.

LaFlamme cited one-on-one instructor contact and lower costs as key advantages of the college for students. For her, the job offered proximity to home, favorable hours, and strong benefits. Her most memorable professional moment occurred when she received the Employee of the Year award during an event where President Tom Delaino was named Supervisor of the Year.

With retirement imminent, LaFlamme plans to spend more time on her family and travel. She identified Pensacola Beach as her preferred destination and looks forward to visiting it more frequently.