Professor Tom Witek elevates Polk State Music with real-world expertise
Tom Witek has played thousands of jazz gigs, toured internationally and even appeared on American Horror Story. But his favorite audience these days? His students at Polk State College. After more than a decade as…
From classmates to soulmates: Couple gets engaged at exact coordinates where they met in Polk State Nursing Program
28.0336° N, 81.7138° W is more than just a set of coordinates — it’s the place where two Polk State College students found each other amidst the hustle of nursing school. The spot nestled on…
Polk State professor connects music to teaching in Polk Style magazine cover story
Laura Brimer’s ability to bridge the worlds of academia and music has shaped her into a uniquely creative force, one that she explores in depth in the latest cover story of Polk Style magazine. As…
Polk State professor and alum achieves doctorate
Professor of Education Joanne Scharff serves as an inspiration to her students as not only a Polk State College alum but also a recent Southeastern University graduate who achieved her Doctorate of Education. As a…
Education grad named Teacher of the Year thanks Polk State for “all they invested in me”
Heather Kunze says she wanted to be a teacher as long as she could remember, but it wasn’t until her thirties that she “finally decided to buckle down and do this for myself – for…
Polk State Education student named Employee of the Year at Carlton Palmore Elementary
Julia Barrett is wowing professionals in the field of education before she even has her degree in hand. She was named School-Related Employee of the Year at Carlton Palmore Elementary, where she serves as a…
Polk State graduate named Teacher of the Year driven by upbringing in foster care
Ashley Ray was inspired to become a teacher to give back to students like her and her siblings who grew up in foster care and became adopted brothers and sisters. Ray was named Teacher of…
Polk State high school senior overcomes brain surgery, receives National Cyber Award ahead of graduating with college degree
Taylor Alvarez is not defined by the brain tumor discovered her junior year of high school that resulted in brain surgery just a week later, so let’s get that part of her story out of…
Born in prison, Polk State Criminal Justice grad inspired to give back to students like her
For Destiny Fairless, life has been less than fair. Born in prison, she has been determined to overcome the impacts of her circumstances. Graduating from Polk State College with her Bachelor of Science in Criminal…
Polk State is a family affair for the Andersons, who will celebrate graduation on May 2
Most study groups meet in the library or at a local café, but the Andersons can study in the comfort of their own home because mom, dad, and daughter are all enrolled at Polk State…