New Polk State Provost brings 23 years of educational experience
Polk State College’s new Provost for Academic Affairs and Workforce Education won’t be going far, but it is still something of a homecoming.
Amy Bratten began her tenure at Polk State on Monday after 15 years at nearby Southeastern University in Lakeland, including the last six as associate provost. She brings 23 years of educational experience to the College.
“This position was the next step in my career, but at the heart of it, Polk County is my home,” Bratten said. “The only time I left was for undergrad at the University of Florida and I swore I’d never come back, but this is home to me. This is my community and I’m ready to help move our community forward.”
Born in Illinois, Bratten moved to the Winter Haven area when she was less than a year old. A 1995 graduate of Winter Haven High School, Bratten will be working primarily on the Winter Haven Campus, but noted that she will be available for everyone.
“I know that the faculty are really looking forward to having a visible leader,” she said. “I’m looking forward to working at my main office in Winter Haven, but I will be also working from Lakeland.”
After graduating from the University of Florida in 1999 with a bachelor’s degree in English language and literature, Bratten went on to earn her master’s in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) from the University of Central Florida. She also holds a Doctorate of Education from Nova Southeastern University.
“Dr. Bratten brings a wealth of knowledge and educational experience to our College,” Polk State President Angela Garcia Falconetti said. “With deep roots in Polk County and a strong track record of success within academic affairs, Dr. Bratten is an asset to our community’s largest-serving institution of higher education and workforce training.”
In her position, Bratten will oversee academic affairs and help ensure that the College meets its educational mission. Bratten will also be tasked with developing and maintaining an atmosphere that brings together all factions of the Polk State community including students, faculty, staff, and administrators.
“I feel like my biggest strength is relating to others,” Bratten noted. “I look forward to building relationships and working together toward a common goal.”
In an effort to give back to the community and support local nonprofits, Bratten often rides her Peloton for charity. She jokes that she can ride for miles without leaving her home. Bratten’s inspiration to give back to the community comes from her father Dr. Gary Newberry, chiropractor and the founder of Winter Haven-based Newberry Clinic.
“I’ve learned a lot from him on how to be a leader,” Bratten said. “He’s been a great role model in how to give back and how to be present in your community.”
In addition to riding her Peloton, Bratten enjoys spending time with her family and college football. While Bratten holds degrees from UCF and Nova Southeastern, she spends her Saturdays in the fall wearing orange and blue to cheer on the University of Florida.
Bratten and her husband Jake have two children, Regan and James, and a granddaughter named Jemma, but her family also includes four tailed, furry members. An admitted dog lover, Bratten has two Australian Cattle Dogs, a Rottweiler, and a Labrador mix.
“If I’m not Pelotoning or at a football game, I’m playing with the dogs,” she said.
In her transition to Polk State, Bratten will join an institution that prides itself on being the leading choice for higher education in Polk County. With more than 20,000 students, Polk State offers associate and baccalaureate degrees with flexible schedules and at affordable prices.
“I love the opportunity to help individuals further their education and ultimately see them reach their potential,” Bratten added. “To be able to play a small part in that is an honor.”