New VP of HR, Legal Affairs excited by Polk State’s tradition of local impact

With nearly eight years of experience in higher education and more than 30 practicing law, David Fugett saw the opportunity to join an institution that profoundly affects the immediate community as one he just couldn’t pass up.

Fugett joined Polk State College as its Executive Vice President for Human Resources and Legal Affairs earlier this month. He was previously General Counsel and Pre-Law Advisor for New College of Florida in Sarasota and Vice President and General Counsel at Florida Polytechnic University in Lakeland.

“Working in Polk County, there isn’t an institution that has a greater or more positive impact than Polk State,” Fugett exclaimed. “Polk State directly impacts the county’s workforce and creates leaders who give back and make a direct, positive impact right here in this community.”

“With 30 years of distinguished leadership and legal experience in higher education and public service, David brings a deep commitment to compliance and student success,” Polk State President Angela Garcia Falconetti said. “We value the expertise and integrity he will bring to our College community.”

Arriving at Polk State took Fugett back to Toccoa Falls College in Georgia where he earned his bachelor’s degree in mass communications and media studies. He later became the first graduate of Toccoa Falls to earn a law degree when he graduated from the University of Georgia School of Law, which lured Fugett with its 99% job placement rate and 98% Georgia Bar pass rate on the first attempt.

“Toccoa Falls provided a framework for me,” Fugett recalled. “I took advantage of all the opportunities it offered me, and Polk State has all those same opportunities. From Polk State, you can go anywhere. We’re working with students who will go out and do things we never will. We never know the full impact we make here.”

In his role, Fugett will oversee the College’s Human Resources Department, all Title IX Equal Opportunity Commission and civil rights matters and the public records process. He’ll also provide legal counsel, representation and research as appropriate.

“HR touches everything,” Fugett added. “Legal includes student activities issues to contracts to litigation – it all comes with it. I want us to provide a framework that will allow our faculty and staff to do their jobs as best as they can and help make sure our students are successful.”

Although New College of Florida has since added athletics and Florida Polytechnic soon will, one of the early joys for Fugett at Polk State is taking in the College’s sporting events. He recently invited his colleagues to join him at a Polk State Basketball game.

“My last two schools didn’t have sports, so I’ve been waiting to get off work, put on a ballcap and go to a baseball, basketball or soccer game and cheer on the Eagles,” Fugett said. “It’s the little things that excite me. I’m looking forward to working with all the people who are connected and involved in this county.”

A member of the Florida Bar, Fugett worked for the Florida Office of the Attorney General and the Department of State before his time in higher education. When not at work, Fugett enjoys traveling, backpacking, reading, learning new things and spending time with his family. He and his wife of 41 years, Wynelle, a retired music teacher, have three sons and are expecting their fifth grandchild in May. Two of his sons attended Florida College System institutions.

“They had great experiences in the Florida College System,” Fugett concluded. “There are so many exciting things happening here in Polk. Where our institution makes a difference is in the name – We are Polk!”