Professor of Biology Anthony Cornett elected as President of Faculty Senate

Polk State College’s Faculty Senate recently elected Professor of Biology Anthony Cornett as its President. A faculty member in the Winter Haven Science Department since 2011, Cornett has served as a steadfast member of Faculty Senate throughout his tenure and is a well-known leader in the College community.

The Faculty Senate is a governance body that represents the faculty and serves as a platform for faculty to collaborate with administration on academic policies, curriculum development and matters impacting the educational environment.

Cornett served as Faculty Senate Vice President for the Winter Haven Campus for the past nine years. His thoughtful contributions have strengthened participatory governance, and his new role as Senate President positions him to further advance the College’s mission.

“Everything I do is faculty-oriented. Our faculty foster and shape Polk State College’s students, so serving them in any way possible is my primary focus,” Cornett said. “We will continue to promote improved adjunct pay, resolution of faculty concerns and to practice shared governance between the faculty and administration, as they update rules and procedures for the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges visit next year.”

Cornett’s influence extends beyond the Senate and the classroom. He was instrumental in the development of Polk State’s Study Abroad Program by pioneering the first science field study in 2013. He helped standardize the program, enabling students to explore new cultures and perspectives while earning college credits. The program has also enhanced students’ communication and adaptability skills, preparing them for the global workforce.

Perhaps most notable, however, is Cornett’s service as lead faculty advisor for the Xi Pi chapter of Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society since 2013. He has led the Winter Haven-based chapter to extraordinary success, earning more than 166 awards over the past 12 years. Under his leadership, for six of the past eight years,  Xi Pi has ranked No. 1 in Florida and been among the top 50 chapters worldwide out of over 1,250 chapters. Xi Pi has reached the top 10 in four of those years, peaking at No. 3 worldwide in 2024. Xi Pi has also maintained Five Star Chapter status and secured numerous Distinguished College Project and Distinguished Honors in Action awards. Cornett has received five Continued Excellence in Advising Awards, each of which placed him in the top 20 advisors in Phi Theta Kappa, and two Polk State Endowed Teaching Chair awards.

During the 2024-2025 Academic Year, Cornett spearheaded the production of POLKcast’s fifth season with student research. Titled Pathways to Success, the podcast explored a variety of topics from emotional and mental stress to the cost of attending college and preparing for classes. With a focus on raising awareness and providing actionable solutions, the Xi Pi Chapter invited a range of expert guests and community leaders to offer valuable resources and guidance for student success.

A Phi Theta Kappa alum himself and Florida’s Associate Regional Coordinator, Cornett’s leadership and passion position him well for his new role as Senate President.

“President Cornett’s service to our College community continues to shape the high-quality education and opportunities we provide,” Polk State President Angela Garcia Falconetti said. “I extend my sincerest congratulations to President Cornett on his election and look forward to our continued collaboration to elevate our institution’s legacy of student success.”