Dr. Chapin began his St. Petersburg College career in 1977 as a founding Science faculty member on the Tarpon Springs Campus leading the expansion of the Science laboratory on that campus and introducing biotechnology laboratory exercises to the Biology/Human Anatomy and Physiology curriculums collegewide.
He left St. Petersburg College in 1995 to serve in administrative roles at four other colleges but returned in 2012 to serve as Dean of Natural Sciences.
Upon his return, he led faculty teams that revised Science curriculums and developed two new Associate in Science programs – Biotechnology Laboratory Technology and Biomedical Engineering Technology. He also took the lead in development, planning, and construction oversite for the STEM Learning Center at Bay Pines. The Science laboratories on that site are named for him.
Dr. Chapin retired in September 2016. He died in February 2017.
We all miss John terribly every day and so appreciate all his valuable contributions to SPC, his students, his colleagues, and his many friends. I always looked forward to seeing and talking with him and so enjoyed his special sense of humor. He always made me laugh and knew exactly what to do in every situation. He had such a heart for his students and so many ideas to improve student success and processes. Most of all, he was a man who loved his beautiful wife, Marcia and adored his lovely daughter, Kristin. He told me once that he couldn’t believe that he had been so fortunate that Marcia had married him and called her his angel. I am deeply thankful to have known John and that I’ve had the opportunity to become close with his wonderful family. Few people have deserved the Faculty Emeritus honor as much as John Chapin. Rest In Peace my friend.
I miss John every day, but I am so grateful I had the chance to work for him and to get to know him as a person. I only knew John for a year but the profound impact he had on my career and me personally was invaluable. He was a true educator and always thought of the students first. He was kind, generous, and very funny and he would be extremely gracious and flattered by this honor.
I’m so grateful that John will be acknowledged with the Professor Emeritus status. I enjoyed getting to know John and was able to observe him at work close-up when I covered for his office specialist for three weeks, a couple of years ago, I saw just how full his work plate was as Dean and also with special projects. And yet, he was still accessible to everyone from adjuncts to full time faculty and staff. His sense of humor was infectious and his work ethic outstanding. He is sorely missed
I worked with John at the Tarpon Springs Campus for many years. He was an energetic and compassionate and innovative teacher and colleague. John loved science and new ideas and creating curricula to go with them. I loved his can – do attitude; he was a perfect fit for our campus where faculty taught and sometimes painted or made repairs!
I remember John from the first day I met him in August, 1987, on the Tarpon Springs Campus. He loved the classroom and finding new ways to teach science. His optimism, sense of humor, and love for his family were hallmarks of his personality. He lives on in the memories of so many who knew him and admired him. This award truly honors his legacy at SPC.
I cannot think of anyone more deserving of the Faculty Emeritus honor, a great southern gentleman with a calm demeanor that brought peace to those around him. His love of his family, Marsha his Angel and his beautiful Pensacola daughter Kristie. I don’t remember a time he wasn’t thinking about a new way to reach students or praise his staff. John always stopped to say, “Hello,” to people he knew and help those who might be looking a little lost. A good man, a good friend with a wonderful sense of humor. Will miss him forever!
Of all those I have worked for and with in business, healthcare, and education, Dr. Chapin was the very best! He was authentic, caring, supportive, insightful, engaging, collaborative and always full of encouragement. Never a harsh word emanated from him. His legacy will live on for years to come here at St. Petersburg College. I miss him immensely.
John was truly a remarkable man, who was deeply devoted to the SPC faculty, staff, and students. I could never quite understand how someone could approach everything with such devotion and enthusiasm and not get burnt out. He was always there whenever anyone needed him and was such a great mentor to me. I remember last year when his illness began to get the better of him, John would always apologize for not getting back to someone ASAP. Many he rest in eternal peace. And … Go Apple!
John will be remembered for his passion and leadership. I am looking forward to working with students at the John Chapin Science Labs at the new SPC Bay Pines STEM center in the Fall.
What a great legacy you have left for the college and community. We miss your smile and I’m thankful for the opportunity I had to work and learn from you.
It was a privilege to work with John – I will be forever grateful for his support and belief in me, especially during the first few years with SPC! He is well deserving of this honor, and is sorely missed.
I am at SPC because of Dr. Chapin. His kindness was limitless. He gave me all the academic freedom I could ever want and made sure I had the resources to enact change. His ability to mentor was beyond comprehension. We only had a short time together, but I learned more from you than most people I have known. I truly hope your memory lives on in how we conduct ourselves at SPC.
My first memory of John Chapin was at Seminole campus when he gave my daughter his pass to sit in the VIP section for President Obama’s visit. I will be forever grateful for his kind gesture.
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We very much miss you John. I appreciate all the support you gave to me over the past few years. It was a honor to have worked with you!
John was not only one of the best bosses that I have worked for but he has been an incredible mentor and I was Blessed to become good friends with he and his beautiful wife Marcia! John, you will always remain in my heart forever and I will miss you immensely my dear friend. Rest in peace my friend!
I remember working with Dr. Chaplin to discuss & design science courses that met the needs our our nursing students in preparation for accreditation visits! On of my fondest memories was when we were photographed for the cover of the new adjunct orientation video series! He was so missed when he left – and sadly I had retired by the time he returned! I am delighted that this honor was bestowed on him, but very sad it was posthumously.