Polk State mourns loss of longtime trustee and member of first graduating class Dan Dorrell

Dan Dorrell, a longtime Polk State District Board of Trustees member and Distinguished Alumnus of the College’s first graduating class, passed away on April 11, 2026, at the age of 79. He is remembered as a tireless community leader and dedicated advocate for higher education.

Dorrell was a member of Polk State’s inaugural graduating class in 1966, when the institution was known as Polk Junior College. He earned a bachelor’s degree in finance from Florida State University and built a distinguished career as a partner at the accounting firm Cross, Fernandez & Riley, LLP, where he specialized in serving agricultural, medical, manufacturing and legal clients.

In 2011, he was appointed to the Polk State District Board of Trustees and served continuously until his retirement in 2022, including terms as Board Chair and Vice Chair. During his tenure, he championed the College’s growth, fiscal responsibility and accessibility for Polk County residents. Colleagues described him as a steady voice for educational excellence and a bridge between the institution’s early days and its modern expansion.

“We relied on Dan not only for his institutional knowledge and expertise as a CPA, but also for his integrity, kindness and gentle humor,” Immediate Past Chair Cindy Hartley Ross said. “He had a remarkable way of guiding difficult discussions with both wisdom and compassion, earning deep respect from his colleagues. Dan will be remembered for his service and genuine friendship he and his beloved wife, Sue, shared with us all.”

His deep ties to Polk State defined much of his public service. Dorrell remained actively involved as a proud graduate and member of the Polk State Alumni Association. In 2020, the Polk State College Foundation honored him as a Distinguished Alumnus for his accounting achievements and lifelong commitment to the institution.

Dorrell frequently spoke about the transformative role the College played for local students who could not attend universities elsewhere.

“When I started at what was then Polk Junior College, it wasn’t only a great opportunity, it was the only opportunity for students like me who couldn’t afford to go off to college,” Dorrell shared during the College’s 60th anniversary celebration in 2024. “With Polk State, residents of Polk County know that they have a place to go and an opportunity that will set them up for success.”

Beyond Polk State, Dorrell was deeply engaged in the Highlands County community, where he served on the Sebring Utilities Commission and Sebring Chamber of Commerce. He was instrumental in the development of the Highlands County Family YMCA and the Highlands County Leadership Program and served on the boards of SunTrust Bank and the Florida Southern College accounting advisory committee. He was also a veteran of the Florida National Guard.

“Dan was a passionate trustee of the College for many years, and he genuinely cared about the College and its students,” Polk State District Board of Trustees Vice Chair Greg Littleton said. “Most of all, Dan was a fine person and lived his life as an example to others.  I was blessed to call him friend, and he will be greatly missed.”