Husband to my #1 + Dad | Kingdom Called | Polk State College Executive Vice President | Former Florida Senior Chancellor Higher Ed + Workforce | Jeremiah 33:3
Polk State holds Veterans Day event to recognize service with keynote speaker Maj. Gen. James S. “Hammer” Hartsell, Executive Director of the @FLVetsAffairs https://t.co/z5C0kY0fBJ
Join us @PolkState Winter Haven Campus on November 10 for a special event honoring our veterans with keynote speaker Maj. Gen. Hartsell, Executive Director of @FLVetsAffairs.
Our College is a proud Florida Collegiate Purple Star Campus. We are committed to supporting our veterans, service members, and their families as they pursue their educational goals — #WeArePolk!
I am incredibly grateful to @OGutierrezCuba, co-founder of the Cuban Democratic Directorate and my former @FIU professor, for his lecture @PolkState’s inaugural observance of Victims of Communism Day.
Hearing firsthand from an award-winning author and renowned subject matter expert on the totalitarian regime in Cuba allows our students to better understand the importance of thinking critically and protecting our nation’s freedoms.
I am incredibly grateful to @OGutierrezCuba, co-founder of the Cuban Democratic Directorate and my former @FIU professor, for his lecture @PolkState’s inaugural observance of Victims of Communism Day.
Hearing firsthand from an award-winning author and renowned subject matter expert on the totalitarian regime in Cuba allows our students to better understand the importance of thinking critically and protecting our nation’s freedoms.
It was a pleasure to welcome Practical Nursing (LPN) students from Traviss Technical College to Polk State’s Lakeland Campus, where they had the opportunity to meet Nursing students, faculty, and staff, including our AdventHealth Dean of Nursing Dr. Deleise Wilson.
They toured our fully simulated Intensive Care Unit (ICU), made possible by strategic investments from the state and local healthcare partners, and learned how they can build on their nursing education @PolkState.
Polk State’s Associate in Science in Nursing Program ranks among the top in Florida and has achieved a 100% licensure pass rate. Similarly, the Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program boasts 100% job placement rates year after year.
Thank you Lake Wales High School for stopping by the @PolkState Advanced Training Center. These students are exploring training options that will give them a great income, job security and critical skills. Polk State will get you there. Nice choice. 🦅💪🏻👊🏻
It was an honor to host @AGJamesUthmeier on our @PolkState Winter Haven Campus today as he announced the Safe Screens Act. The proposed legislation supports stronger safeguards for minors on app stores, social media platforms, and AI chatbots.
This is deeply personal to me as the father of four daughters and as President of Polk State, home to three collegiate high schools and youth programs year-round. Thank you to Presidential Ambassador Alana Coombs, @PolkCoSheriff Grady Judd, and Florida Representative @JennKJonsson for their support and commitment to the safety of our children.
When industry, education and government collaborate and work together, it creates incredible opportunities for students, businesses and communities. 🦅💪🏻👊🏻
Representative @JenniferCanady, @PolkState Executive Vice President @KevinOFarrell, and I toured the headquarters of national design-build multi-trade contractor @PowerDesignInc in St. Petersburg to learn more about their dynamic projects and workforce development.
We appreciated the discussion regarding apprenticeships and look forward to expanding opportunities for our students in Polk County.
Thank you to @RepFranklin for his continued support of Polk State College! He has remained steadfast in his dedication to students and continues to prioritize access to quality higher education and workforce training in Polk County.
I am honored to invite Dr. @OGutierrezCuba — award-winning author and co-founder of the Cuban Democratic Directorate — as our keynote speaker for @PolkState’s inaugural event in observance of Victims of Communism Day.
Join us on November 5 from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. on the Lakeland Campus in LTB 1100. Dr. Gutiérrez-Boronat will examine the historical record of communist regimes and the experiences of someone who lived under them. Opportunities like this are part of my commitment to fostering civic engagement and informed citizenship.
We enjoyed our first FallFest on the @PolkState Winter Haven Campus! This nearly four-decade tradition brings 100+ vendors and 1,000+ visitors to our campus each year.
FallFest is a Polk County staple and is one more way our College brings the community together because #WeArePolk!
Today marks my 90th day with @PolkState and the momentum is not stopping here.
We will continue to be intentional in our services and support of students. We will remain committed to helping them find their purpose and develop into well-informed citizens. We will be innovative in responding to workforce needs and prepare graduates who are ready to lead.
We are proud that Polk State College is a place Where Eagles Soar!
Thank you to the @SUS_Florida Board of Governors for recognizing me this morning @UF for my service on the Board of Governors. Florida has the most affordable and accessible higher education system in the country. I am proud of that legacy and the work the Board will continue to do to advance student success throughout Florida's university system.
As president of @PolkState, I look forward to advocating for our students and creating additional pathways for them to achieve their dreams. Today I made it clear in front of all the university presidents in Florida that it is my goal is to establish meaningful and seamless pathways for our students to ALL of Florida’s universities.
Congratulations to @Polk_Athletics goalkeeper Sofia Zapata, @TheFCSAA Goalkeeper of the Week! This is a well-deserved honor for Zapata.
My daughters and I were wowed at the September 23 match against second-ranked Falcons, who she held scoreless for more than 89 minutes. Polk State Soccer and our student-athletes continue to make me proud — #SoarEagles!
Thank you to @Metallica’s @AWMHFoundation for its continued support of @PolkState. Our College has benefited from more than $200,000 from their generosity and investment in workforce education.
Polk State remains committed to ensuring our students are prepared not only to earn credentials, but to enter the workforce with the skills and confidence needed to succeed.