President Anastasios ‘Stasi’ Kamoutsas joins Polk State College, Where Eagles Soar

Today marks the first official day for Polk State College’s sixth president, Anastasios “Stasi” Kamoutsas, who was unanimously selected to the role in early June by the District Board of Trustees.

Kamoutsas, however, has already spent the last month making connections with students, faculty and staff at various events and activities, including the establishment of the Presidential Ambassador Program with Dr. Anne Kerr, who served as interim president prior to Kamoutsas’ arrival.

“I am honored to begin this journey alongside our students, faculty, staff and community partners. Education transformed my life, and I know firsthand the opportunities it can create,” Kamoutsas shared in a message to the College and greater community on Monday. “It opens doors, creates possibilities and empowers individuals to achieve the American Dream. That belief will guide my service as President.”

He also announced that his first 90 days will focus on a vision titled Where Eagles Soar built on three pillars: strengthening workforce education through innovation and partnerships, ensuring students of all backgrounds can achieve greatness and developing responsible citizens by promoting civic engagement, leadership and community involvement. This aligns with the goals Kamoutsas shared with students, faculty, staff, community members and the District Board of Trustees in June.

In his first week, Kamoutsas is prioritizing direct engagement across the College community, with a schedule focused on meeting with students, faculty and staff. He will also participate in Friday’s media event and tour the Polk State Center for Public Safety.

A Miami native and grandson of victims of Communism who fled Cuba for America, Kamoutsas brings extensive experience in education policy and public service. He most recently served as Florida’s Commissioner of Education and has held key leadership positions in the Florida Department of Education, including Chief of Staff and General Counsel, as well as Deputy Chief of Staff for Governor Ron DeSantis. He earned a Juris Doctor from Regent University School of Law, a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Florida International University and an Associate of Arts from Florida State University.