
For graduating BSN student, Polk State Nursing runs in the family

Mother, daughter, and son – all graduates of Polk State College, and all gainfully employed nurses saving lives, one patient at time. Mom, Patricia Decker, a 2005 graduate of the Associate in Science in Nursing…

Polk State student never gave up on education, reaches graduation with Complete Florida Scholarship

Mercedes Marshall’s nearly 10-year higher education journey marked with working full time and raising her family as a single mother will culminate this month with the achievement of her Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice…

Nursing student perseveres through pandemic with support from Polk State Foundation

Clive Perry says he didn’t truly know what stress was until he enrolled in Polk State College’s rigorous Nursing Program. He had a similar realization when the uncertainty of how to pay for school became…

Winter Haven human resources assistant finds path to helping people at Polk State

Olivia Sanchez was unsure of her career path when she started her college journey, but she knew she wanted to help people. Naturally, she began on a health sciences track, but when she realized medicine…

Polk State Criminal Justice grad overcomes doubts, obstacles with support of professors

Amanda Rivera comes from a family of law enforcement officials and always aspired to a career in criminal justice, but her path was not always clear as she had to overcome personal doubts and challenges…

Polk State Masters of Machining: CNC grad fast tracks her success by learning a trade

For Darah Greenwald, college never seemed financially in reach and after one semester of taking general education courses, she realized that the traditional college route was not for her. Instead, she fast tracked her success…

Polk State Masters of Machining: CNC Machining grad finds his path as machinist

Robert Pettypiece is a successful machinist who found his path and high-wage career as a graduate of Polk State Corporate College’s Computer Numeric Control (CNC) Machining Program. He’ll admit that school was never his strong…

Polk State Masters of Machining: “Metalhead” makes part for NASA

Changing a car tire was the extent of Madison Gibbons’ technical skills when she enrolled in Polk State Corporate College’s Computer Numerical Control (CNC) Machining Program. But after four short months of training, she is…

Polk State Criminal Justice grad with diverse experience finds success as investigator

John Traas comes from a family of law enforcement professionals, but it was through his own education, internships, and career that he learned the large diversity of opportunities that exist in the criminal justice field.…

Polk State Masters of Machining: CNC grad changes career and life

It may just be a coincidence that machinist Bill Watson, an alumnus of Polk State Corporate College’s Computer Numeric Control (CNC) Machining Program, is a lifelong fan of heavy metal band Metallica. But it is…