Polk State mourns loss of Carol Jenkins Barnett

Polk State College is mourning the loss of Carol Jenkins Barnett, former chair and past president of Publix Supermarkets Charities, and daughter of Publix founder, George W. Jenkins.

Jenkins Barnett and her husband, Barney, have been long-standing and generous supporters of Polk State College’s students and programs through donations to the Polk State Foundation individually and through Publix Supermarkets Charities and the GiveWell Community Foundation.

“I extend my sincerest condolences to the family of Carol Jenkins Barnett, especially our District Board of Trustees Chair Ashley Bell Barnett and volunteer Wesley Barnett,” Polk State President Angela Garcia Falconetti said. “The College community is saddened by Carol’s passing. She will be remembered for her philanthropic heart and steadfast commitment to the Polk County community. We are grateful to Ashley and Wesley for paying Carol’s kindness forward.”