
Polk State alum brews success as owner of Swan Brewing

Dan Thumberg has become a well-known smiling face, serving up locally crafted and deservingly awarded brews at his premier taproom in Lakeland. His story, shaped by twists, turns, hops and ambition, includes a later-in-life stint…

Polk State alum’s appointment to FAA Administrator serves as inspiration for Aerospace Program

For graduates of Polk State College, the possibilities are limitless. That includes serving the highest levels of government. Over the summer, Polk State graduate Bryan Bedford was confirmed as the new Administrator of the Federal…

Polk State puts study abroad within reach for students

Imagine the dazzling tapestry of stars as you glamp in the Sahara Desert, the River Thames glistening under the summer sun as you stroll the ancient city of London, or wandering the cobblestone streets of…

Wheelchair activity is a lesson in humility for Polk State PTA students

Employees in the physical therapy industry work daily with people who have a myriad of ailments and disabilities. For one day, the Polk State College Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) Program made it a point to…

Polk State OTA Program awarded highest level of reaccreditation

For the Polk State College Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) Program, the proof is in the pudding. The most recent ingredient came in the form of maximum-length reaccreditation. For the second straight accreditation cycle, the OTA…

POLKcast: Learning in virtual reality

In this episode of POLKcast, host Jarrod Jones sits down with Brandon Amato, Simulation Lab Program Specialist at Polk State College, for a fun and insightful conversation about the growing role of virtual reality in…

Polk State to host three open house events during fall semester

Polk State College is slated to host open house events on both campuses and the JD Alexander Center during the Fall 2025 Semester. Prospective students and families are invited to tour campuses, meet faculty and…

The Arts at Polk State offers robust schedule of fall events for fall

The Arts at Polk State College has a newly enhanced venue with an upgraded theatre and gallery. For the Fall 2025 Semester, it will have a robust slate of events. Throughout the fall, Polk State…

Polk State Athletics releases third annual Digital Yearbook

The 2024-25 Academic Year was a prosperous one for Polk State Athletics. With the new athletics year underway, it’s not too late to relive the magic of last year with the release of the third…

Polk State graduate finds rewarding career, future options through PTA Program

Brianna Vallandingham already had a bachelor’s degree when she enrolled in Polk State College’s Physical Therapist Assistant Program. But it wasn’t until she graduated from the program that she found a rewarding career. A 2022…