Polk State College launches search for sixth president

Posted on by Polk Newsroom

Presidential Search

Polk State College began the search for its sixth president on Monday.

At the first meeting of the Polk State College Presidential Search Committee, District Board of Trustees (DBOT) Chair Ann Barnhart thanked the newly appointed members of the Presidential Search Committee and charged them with the critical task of reviewing applications and recommending a final group of applicants for consideration by the DBOT.

The presidential profile, or job description, is currently posted, and interested applicants may apply through Myers McRae’s website through April 29. The Presidential Search Committee is expected to meet three times in May to review applications and conduct two rounds of interviews before making its recommendation to the DBOT.

The search committee has been formed in accordance with state law and board rule and is chaired by District Board of Trustees member Steve Lester. It is comprised of the members of the District Board of Trustees; the President of the College’s Faculty Senate, Professor Anthony Cornett; and community members, Sheriff Grady Judd, former State Senator Denise Grimsley and former State Senator Kelli Stargel. Both Sheriff Judd and former Senator Grimsley are also Polk State College Distinguished Alumni.

Barnhart, along with Kenny Daugherty of the search firm Myers McRae and attorney Brande Smith of DownsAaron, provided an overview of the presidential search process and the applicable Florida laws governing the process, including the confidentiality requirements established by state statute.

Consistent with Florida law, all personal identifying information of applicants will remain confidential and exempt until the final group of applicants is established. Accordingly, meetings of the Presidential Search Committee will be closed to the public to the extent permitted by law. The Committee’s work will conclude with the selection of a final group of applicants, who will be invited to campus for a final interview and public forum in early June.

“The District Board of Trustees looks forward to a strong and competitive search process that will attract highly qualified candidates and lead to the selection of Polk State College’s next president,” Lester said. “The College remains committed to identifying a leader who will build on its tradition of excellence and serve its students and community.”