Meet the Finalists for President of Polk State College
The next three weeks will significantly influence the future of Polk State College.
After a national search, the Presidential Search Screening Committee has recommended six finalists for the position of president of Polk State College. One of the finalists, Jay Allen, President/CEO of Hopkinsville Community College, withdrew from the process on Wednesday after accepting a position as president at another institution.
The five finalists will visit the College; meet students, faculty, staff, and community members; and interview with the Polk State College District Board of Trustees. One of these especially qualified individuals will be named the next president of Polk State College.
The finalists have risen through the ranks of higher education in different ways, but all have something in common – all are seasoned professionals with experience in the Florida College System. Polk State College students, faculty, staff, and members of the community are invited and encouraged to meet the finalists at a series of open forums which are listed below:
May 9, 2017 – Allen Witt, President SouthShore Campus, Hillsborough Community College
8:00 – 9:00 a.m., Polk State Lakeland, LAC 1133
1:00 – 2:00 p.m., Polk State Winter Haven, WLR 106
4:00 – 5:00 p.m., Polk State Center for Public Safety, CPS 267/269
May 10, 2017 – Angela M. Garcia Falconetti, Vice President, Institutional Advancement, Virginia Western Community College
8:00 – 9:00 a.m., Polk State Lakeland, LAC 1133
1:00 – 2:00 p.m., Polk State Winter Haven, WLR 106
4:00 – 5:00 p.m., Polk State Center for Public Safety, CPS 267/269
May 11, 2017 – Tonjua Williams, Senior Vice President Student Services, St. Petersburg College
8:00 – 9:00 a.m., Polk State Lakeland, LAC 1133
1:00 – 2:00 p.m., Polk State Winter Haven, WLR 106
4:00 – 5:00 p.m., Polk State Center for Public Safety, CPS 267/269
May 18, 2017 – Edward Bonahue, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, Santa Fe College
8:00 – 9:00 a.m., Polk State Lakeland, LAC 1133
1:00 – 2:00 p.m., Polk State Winter Haven, WLR 106
4:00 – 5:00 p.m., Polk State Center for Public Safety, CPS 267/269
May 24, 2017 – Jean Wihbey, Vice President – Workforce Development/Provost, Palm Beach State College
8:00 – 9:00 a.m., Polk State Lakeland, LAC 1133
1:00 – 2:00 p.m., Polk State Winter Haven, WLR 106
4:00 – 5:00 p.m., Polk State Center for Public Safety, CPS 267/269
Feedback about the candidates is strongly encouraged and will be shared with the Trustees before they make their decision on May 26. Please visit polk.edu/presidential-search to view each finalist’s application materials and to submit your comments.