
Polk State’s Fall Arts Schedule Includes “Something for Everyone”

Polk State College has a busy slate of arts and cultural events planned throughout the semester, including exhibits, concerts, theatrical performances, and even a jam session for local musicians. “We have an incredible variety of…

Polk State’s Halverson Participates in Public Health Leadership Seminar in Washington, D.C.

Polk State Professor Suzanne Ramjattan Halverson recently attended the Public Health Leadership Seminar (PHLS) in Washington, D.C., presented by HOSA-Future Health Professionals, formerly referred to as Health Occupations Students of America. The U.S. Department…

Polk State Aerospace Gets Good News from FAA, and It Will Save Students Time and Money

A recent approval from the Federal Aviation Administration will save Polk State Aerospace graduates hundreds of flight-training hours — and thousands of dollars. “What this means, essentially, is that our program is so good…

Nursing Alumnus Started Over at Polk State — And He’d Do It All Again

Like so many students do every semester, Thomas Stross came to Polk State College to start over, and like so many students find, doing so wasn’t easy. He had to let go of who he…

Polk State Offering Free Training Program for Entry-Level Manufacturing Jobs

Polk State College is offering free training for those seeking entry-level positions in the manufacturing industry. The next session of the College’s CNC Operator Training Program begins Aug. 15. Classes take place Monday-Friday from 8…

First Polk State Alumnus Accepted to Juilliard Will Now Study Composition in Finland

AJ Stillabower, Polk State’s first alumnus to study at the renowned Juilliard School, has received a Fulbright scholarship to study composition in Finland. “Not only is the Fulbright award a recognized accomplishment in many professional…

Two Years in a Row: Polk State Alumnus Named Manatee County EMS Rookie of the Year

For the second consecutive year, a Polk State alumnus has been named Manatee County Emergency Medical Services’ Rookie of the Year. Earl Kulpa completed his paramedic certification at Polk State in 2014. In May,…

The Man Outside the Cath Lab: Six things You Didn’t Know about Cardiovascular Program Director Kevin Ferrier

As director of Polk State’s Cardiovascular Technology (CVT) program, which prepares students to assist physicians in such highly complicated procedures as catheterizations and stenting, Kevin Ferrier is used to sharing his academic and professional credentials.…

Polk State and Partners Win Federal Grant to Train Inmates for Manufacturing Jobs

Polk State College has been selected to receive federal grant dollars to train inmates for high-skill, high-wage, high-demand jobs. The U.S. Department of Labor recently announced that the Polk Partnership for Industrial Employment, led by…

Polk’s Top Grads: Gateway Salutatorian Found Academic Footing and “Gained Confidence”

In two years’ time, Claudia Oppelt went from struggling student to salutatorian of Polk State Lakeland Gateway to College Collegiate High School. Oppelt, a resident of Lakeland, graduated June 6 as the second-highest student in…