Polk State graduate motivated by love of outdoors
As declared by the United Nations, March 3 is World Wildlife Day. For recent Polk State College graduate Wyatt Updike, a passion for conservation, the outdoors, and service were evident from a young age. Updike,…
POLKcast: Sheriff Grady Judd on getting his start at Polk State College
Sheriff Grady Judd joins POLKcast to share about his 50 years with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office and how it all started right here at Polk State College. Sheriff Judd is a Polk State Distinguished…
Polk State KCTIPS cadets sit in on “eye-opening” hearings
Students at the Kenneth C. Thompson Institute of Public Safety (KCTIPS) at Polk State College put in hundreds of hours of training to become certified as law enforcement, corrections, or probation officers. On Tuesday, Sept.…
Graduating Charlie hangs up his feathers so Alex can spread his wings
Alexander Gonzalez has idolized superheroes in comic books and video games since he was a child, as their stories of overcoming adversity and doing good for the world served as inspiration and motivation while growing…
Polk State student from Haiti graduating with Criminal Justice degree is inspired to help other immigrants
When Rooloph Rene emigrated from Haiti in 2018, he had four years of law school in his home country under his belt but thought he may have to change career paths in the United States.…
Polk County Sheriff’s deputy advances skills & career with Polk State degree
Many students begin their college journeys to gain knowledge and skills that will make them employable in their future careers; then there are students like Daniel Vasquez, who began his career in criminal justice straight…
Accomplished professional continues to grow through Polk State degree and internship
Autumn Fenton will be completing her Polk State Associate in Science in Criminal Justice in the fall of this year, and she is doing so while serving the Polk County community and taking care of…
Polk State student never gave up on education, reaches graduation with Complete Florida Scholarship
Mercedes Marshall’s nearly 10-year higher education journey marked with working full time and raising her family as a single mother will culminate this month with the achievement of her Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice…
Polk State Criminal Justice grad overcomes doubts, obstacles with support of professors
Amanda Rivera comes from a family of law enforcement officials and always aspired to a career in criminal justice, but her path was not always clear as she had to overcome personal doubts and challenges…
Polk State Criminal Justice grad with diverse experience finds success as investigator
John Traas comes from a family of law enforcement professionals, but it was through his own education, internships, and career that he learned the large diversity of opportunities that exist in the criminal justice field.…