Office of the President
Welcome to Polk State College! Our dedicated faculty and staff are committed to providing quality programs and services to meet your individual needs. Our goal is your success!
It is my distinct honor to welcome you to Polk State College. As the largest serving higher education and workforce training institution in Polk County, our College plays a vital role in advancing academic excellence, strengthening our community, and preparing students for lifelong success.
Our commitment is clear: to provide high-quality education that is accessible, affordable, and responsive to the needs of our region. With seven convenient locations and flexible course formats – including in-person, online, and hybrid options – Polk State ensures that students can pursue their goals close to home while balancing work, family, and life responsibilities. Our tuition, at approximately one-third the cost of many universities, reflects our dedication to removing financial barriers while ensuring excellence.
Polk State offers 25 associate degrees, six baccalaureate degrees, and 35 certificate programs, all designed to meet the evolving workforce demands of our region. Distinguished faculty and committed staff work closely with students to develop purposeful educational plans, foster intellectual growth, and support timely graduation and career placement.
The Associate in Arts degree provides a strong academic foundation and is fully transferable to any institution within Florida’s State University System, creating a seamless pathway to a four-year degree.
Associate in Science degrees provide students with direct entry into high-demand careers, preparing graduates for immediate employment in fields such as aerospace administration, criminal justice, engineering technology, nursing, and supply chain management.
These programs create opportunities for students to continue into select baccalaureate programs at Polk State, including Supervision and Management, Nursing, Criminal Justice, Aerospace Sciences, Elementary Education, and Early Childhood Education.
Certificate programs include opportunities for students to earn nationally recognized industry credentials and hands-on training aligned with local workforce needs. Programs in advanced manufacturing, industrial maintenance, and machining exemplify the College’s strong partnerships with employers throughout Polk County that create real opportunities for graduates to contribute directly to the region’s economic vitality.
Polk State’s impact extends even further to some of our youngest students. The College is home to a robust dual enrollment program as well as three charter high schools – Chain of Lakes Collegiate, Lakeland Collegiate, and Lakeland Gateway to College Collegiate. Our collegiate high schools allow students to earn college credits at no cost to them, with the majority graduating with both their high school diplomas and college degrees.
At Polk State, education extends beyond the classroom. Through the Honors Program, Phi Theta Kappa International Honors Society, the Student Activities and Leadership Office (SALO), and Student Government Associations, intercollegiate athletics, arts programming, cultural events, and more, students cultivate leadership skills, broaden perspectives, and form lifelong connections. We are proud to be an institution where academic rigor is strengthened by a supportive and engaged community.
As you take flight at Polk State College, I encourage you to explore all that our institution has to offer. Connect with faculty and advisors, review the academic catalog, and discover the many pathways available to you. Together, we will continue to build a culture of excellence.
With sincere and best wishes for your success,
Dr. Anne B. Kerr
Interim President, Polk State College
