Corporate and Leadership Development
The Office of Corporate and Leadership Development (CLD) supports both internal and external professional learning at Polk State College. Training sessions are designed to promote advancement of both individuals and teams while benefitting the community. Topics include content-specific skills, soft skills, workplace communication, and technology integration. Additionally, custom training seminars can be developed to support other topics as required by the needs of constituents.
Corporate and Leadership Development produces the College’s annual Professional Development Day (PDD), and develops and facilitates the institution’s internal leadership programs: the President’s Leadership Institute and the Empowering Leaders Professional Series (ELPS). These programs emphasize the acquisition of new leadership skills and contribute to the College’s sustainability plans via targeted participant projects and coaching.
In addition to established professional development programs, the Office of Corporate and Leadership Development can develop a variety of customized training opportunities to meet the needs of both internal and external clients. Interested parties can contact LEAD@polk.edu to schedule a consultation to review training needs and request assistance.
Below is information related to the comprehensive programs offered by the Office of Corporate and Leadership Development.
President's Leadership Institute
This leadership development program is for Polk State faculty and staff and provides participants with the opportunity to expand their learning and experiential skills to develop a deeper understanding of how personal and professional decision-making can drive successful outcomes. Participants take part in site visits to statewide conferences and the Florida Legislature and engage in activities that foster the development of strong interpersonal relationships with classmates and mentors. The program provides participants with the requisite leadership skills and confidence to excel in the workplace and beyond. A key component of the program is the College Impact Project which requires participants to research, evaluate, and address specific needs within the Polk State College ecosystem by creating targeted solutions via carefully crafted proposals. Over the years, nearly 50 of these proposals have been accepted and implemented, all with the goal of improving the efficiency and dynamics of Polk State College.
APPLY HERE
Empowering Leaders Professional Series
The purpose of the Empowering Leaders Professional Series (ELPS) Program is to provide training opportunities and strengthen the skillsets of full-time Polk State employees who have an interest in upward mobility within higher education. The program is aligned with the College’s strategic goals and core values and aims to develop superb and diverse leaders focused on student success.
APPLY TODAY!
Professional Development Day (PDD)
Professional Development Day is an annual College-wide event that showcases exemplary practices, pedagogy, and innovation across all faculty and staff groups. The all-day event takes place on the Lakeland Campus and invites interested faculty, staff, and community leaders to present to the College community. A request for presentation proposals to be published in early spring.
PDD Committee 2022-23
Dr. Kim Thomas
Dr. Bert Rivera Marchand
Melisa LaRock
Nancy Lozell
Laura Mansfield
Kari Sabin
Tiffany Messerschmidt
J. Cody Moyer
Dr. Meesha Downing-Townsend
Mary Beth Shapiro
Dr. Larry Pakowski
Dr. Keith Bonney
Yulonda Bell
Chris Fullerton
Joanne Scharff
Howard Drake
Nicara Daniels
Jeannette Grullon
Katie Ragsdale
Carleigh Okwali
Traci Hamm
Madison FantozziCustomized Training
The Office of Corporate and Leadership Development offers “just-in-time” training to meet the growing needs of corporate partners and the community. Conflict resolution, teambuilding, human resources topics, and interdepartmental communication are just a few of the topics that can be customized to create a training program designed specifically to address the knowledge and skills gaps identified through deep-dive discussions and thoughtful communication with clients.
Please direct inquiries about training to LEAD@polk.edu. We look forward to serving you!
Leadership Development in Public Administration
The Leadership Development in Public Administration program was developed in partnership with the City of Winter Haven as the direct result of a deep dive 360-degree review. This 160-hour program prepares new leaders in municipal government to grow and lead within their departments and community, serving the organization and its citizens. Participants are exposed to a wide variety of topics, including DISC Assessment, conflict resolution, coaching and mentoring, critical thinking, generational leadership, setting goals, managing priorities, and more. At the conclusion of the program, participants are expected to present projects to city leaders identifying real-world challenges and opportunities and outlining solutions that will not only improve the organization’s efficiency and function, but also the lives of residents.
New Managers Leadership Program
This 56-hour management trainee program is a highly interactive experience that promotes teambuilding and leadership while providing opportunities for growth and learning through class activities and dialogue. Meeting weekly, participants from a wide cross-section of the county and state have the opportunity to engage with their counterparts to learn not only from their incredible facilitators but also from each another. Topics include leading without authority, personal branding, strategic project management, conflict resolution, and culture of continuous improvement
