President

PRESIDENT

POLK STATE COLLEGE

Polk State College, in Central Florida, seeks a dynamic and experienced leader to serve as President. The President serves as the institution’s chief executive officer and corporate secretary to the board of trustees, providing visionary, mission-driven leadership. The President guides strategic planning and institutional effectiveness while fostering a culture of student success, access, and academic excellence.

For more information, please see the full profile at the link below:

https://myersmcrae.com/api/admin/create-job/file/Files/PDF/Polk-Presidnt_April2026-FINAL-R1-1775232039515-212821739.pdf

ABOUT THE COLLEGE

Polk State College is Polk County’s largest serving institution of higher education and workforce development, providing access to affordable associate and baccalaureate degrees, career certificates and workforce training programs.

Established in 1964, Polk State College spans seven locations serving more than 14,000 degree-seeking students and 9,000 individuals in short-term workforce training programs annually. In addition to its main campuses in Winter Haven and Lakeland, and centers in Bartow, Lake Wales, and Winter Haven, Polk State College is currently constructing its eighth location in Haines City-Davenport.

An institution of the Florida College System, Polk State College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) and completed its decennial reaffirmation in 2021 with no findings, placing the College in an approximated 5% of higher education institutions in the southern region. Polk State College also boasts the highest continuing education and job placement rate out of the 28 Florida College System institutions for its associate in science graduates.

Polk State College Mission

Polk State College is a quality higher education institution that provides Polk County and beyond with access to affordable associate and baccalaureate degree programs, career certificates, and workforce employment programs that are delivered to students through various modalities and innovative technologies.

Our Vision

Polk State College is the leading choice for higher education in Polk County.

Our Values

Adaptability, Integrity, Knowledge, Leadership Innovation, Quality, Respect, and Service

THE OPPORTUNITY

The President serves as the institution’s chief executive officer and corporate secretary to the board of trustees, providing visionary, mission-driven leadership. The President guides strategic planning and institutional effectiveness while fostering a culture of student success, access, and academic excellence.

Working collaboratively with faculty, staff, students, trustees, and community partners, the President oversees financial stewardship, resource development, academic programs, enrollment management, and campus operations.

The role carries responsibility for policy implementation, regulatory compliance, and accountability to state performance goals.

As the institution’s principal ambassador, the President cultivates partnerships, advances workforce and transfer pathways, and ensures responsible governance aligned with state law and Board priorities.

Key Responsibilities

• Provides visionary leadership, reporting directly to the District Board of Trustees...
• Articulates and advances a compelling, mission-centered vision...

Required Minimum Qualifications

• An earned doctorate or other terminal degree is preferred.
• Candidates must have a combination of credentials and/or experience sufficient to guarantee the respect and confidence of a wide range of college constituents.
• Candidates with a variety of leadership experience are strongly encouraged to apply.