Polk State College honors Dr. Anne Kerr for dedicated service as interim president

The Polk State College District Board of Trustees honored Dr. Anne Kerr during her final Board meeting on Monday, recognizing her outstanding leadership, service and many contributions as interim president.

Since her appointment in February 2026, Kerr has maintained momentum in academic programs, community partnerships and student support initiatives. Her service ensured continuity for students, faculty and staff, while advancing key initiatives to support Polk State’s incoming sixth president, Anastasios “Stasi” Kamoutsas.

“Dr. Kerr’s experience, wisdom and unwavering commitment have been invaluable to Polk State College during this transition,” Board Chair Ann Barnhart shared. “She has provided exceptional stability and laid a strong foundation with forward-looking initiatives. On behalf of the Board, we extend our deepest gratitude for her service.”

Notable accomplishments have included the establishment of the Presidential Ambassador Program, designed to prepare outstanding students to represent the College at presidential events, Board functions, donor engagements, community events and other signature College activities. She was also instrumental in the development of the Eagle Faculty Excellence Award celebrating faculty members who demonstrate exceptional teaching, student-centered leadership and meaningful contributions to the College and broader community.

Kerr has also been an enthusiastic supporter of America’s 250th birthday, helping to ensure that faculty and staff could join in the celebration through a collegiate Semiquincentennial Cookout hosted by the Polk State College Foundation on July 2. She also secured the Our Flag in American Art 1935 – 2026 exhibition which will be displayed in Polk State’s recently refurbished Winter Haven Fine Arts Gallery from September 1 to October. She believed that the exhibition would be a fitting backdrop commemorating the nation’s birthday and welcoming Kamoutsas to the Polk State presidency.

Kerr also advanced the College’s technology, cybersecurity, compliance and student success initiatives, strengthening institutional effectiveness and long-term stability during a period of transition. Faculty and staff alike have praised her for her kindness, humility, sense of humor and positive spirit, which were critical in helping the College navigate this period of change.

A longtime higher education leader, Kerr served as President of Florida Southern College for 20 years, earning recognition as President Emerita. During her tenure, she led transformative growth, retention increased and student quality soared, with Florida Southern recognized as a “Top Producer of Fulbright Scholars.”

The District Board of Trustees and Polk State community expressed their fullest appreciation for Kerr during Monday’s Board meeting.

“The success and dedication of our students, faculty and staff have been the highlight of my time here,” Kerr said. “Polk State College is a vital institution in Central Florida, serving as an engine of opportunity, economic growth and upward mobility for thousands of our neighbors. It has been an honor to serve, and I leave with complete confidence in the bright future ahead under President Kamoutsas’ leadership.”