Education grad named Teacher of the Year thanks Polk State for “all they invested in me”
Heather Kunze says she wanted to be a teacher as long as she could remember, but it wasn’t until her thirties that she “finally decided to buckle down and do this for myself – for…
Polk State Education student named Employee of the Year at Carlton Palmore Elementary
Julia Barrett is wowing professionals in the field of education before she even has her degree in hand. She was named School-Related Employee of the Year at Carlton Palmore Elementary, where she serves as a…
Polk State graduate named Teacher of the Year driven by upbringing in foster care
Ashley Ray was inspired to become a teacher to give back to students like her and her siblings who grew up in foster care and became adopted brothers and sisters. Ray was named Teacher of…
Polk State high school senior overcomes brain surgery, receives National Cyber Award ahead of graduating with college degree
Taylor Alvarez is not defined by the brain tumor discovered her junior year of high school that resulted in brain surgery just a week later, so let’s get that part of her story out of…
Born in prison, Polk State Criminal Justice grad inspired to give back to students like her
For Destiny Fairless, life has been less than fair. Born in prison, she has been determined to overcome the impacts of her circumstances. Graduating from Polk State College with her Bachelor of Science in Criminal…
Polk State is a family affair for the Andersons, who will celebrate graduation on May 2
Most study groups meet in the library or at a local café, but the Andersons can study in the comfort of their own home because mom, dad, and daughter are all enrolled at Polk State…
Polk State-LEGOLAND® Building Higher Prepaid Scholarship student celebrates graduation and career
Traditionally, students land their careers after years of schooling and graduation from college. For Lilith Johansen, school came after she was already happily employed and building her career at LEGOLAND® Florida Resort. That’s because LEGOLAND®…
New Polk State KCTIPS director hits ground running
In less than three months on the job as Director of the Polk State College Kenneth C. Thompson Institute for Public Safety (KCTIPS), Capt. Shawn Hoobin has hit the ground running. In his role since…
Polk State VP for Resource Development focused on building relationships, supporting students
Dr. Steve Warner has led a successful career in education but his arrival at Polk State College as the institution’s Vice President for Resource Development and Executive Director of its Foundation is perhaps where his…
Polk State OTA grad returns with her doctorate as Clinical Coordinator
Dr. Jasmine Thomas’ story has come full circle. The 2018 graduate of Polk State College’s Occupational Therapy Assistant Program has returned with her Doctor of Occupational Therapy degree to serve as the program’s Clinical Coordinator.…