
Polk Dean Focused on Accessibility: “We Have to Help Students See Themselves Here”

For Polk State’s Sylvester Little, education — literally overnight — saved him from poverty. In the decades since, he’s helped countless students believe in their own potential, achieve their goals, and transform their lives. He’ll continue…

Polk State Alumnus Receives Scholarship to Study at Juilliard School

This fall, like millions of students across the country, Polk State alumnus AJ Stillabower will be heading back to the classroom. Only it will be a classroom at the renowned Juilliard School. And he will…

Farewell Concert: Polk State’s Fource of Attraction to Give Final Performance, Proceeds Benefit Music Scholarships

Polk State College will host a farewell concert for Fource of Attraction, the popular student-quartet whose harmonies have entertained audiences in Polk County and beyond for two years. All four members of the ensemble —…

Polk PTA Alumnus: Don’t Be Afraid to Make a Career Change

The scariest day of Paul Canady’s life was the day he handed in his resignation, officially quitting his job as a bus mechanic. His heart pounded. His palms were sweaty. But something inside him told…

Polk State Hosting Women of Ireland for Performance to Benefit Foundation

Polk State College will host a special performance by the Women of Ireland, an exciting concert that showcases the next generation of Ireland’s leading female talent. Women of Ireland takes a contemporary spin on traditional…

Polk State Foundation Accepting Scholarship Applications Beginning Feb. 1

The Polk State College Foundation will accept scholarship applications from Feb. 1 through March 15. This year, the Foundation will award more than $700,000 in endowed scholarships. Scholarships are available for students already attending the…

Class Reunion: For 1967 Grad, Life Changed When He Went to Polk

Fifty years ago, Carl Caldwell was working at a citrus packing plant in Dundee. At the end of his shift, or before his feet touched the floor in the morning, or over dinner, he would…

Commencement Speaker Encourages Grads to Soar

At Polk State’s 109th Commencement ceremony on Thursday evening, featured speaker Deric Feacher urged Polk’s newest alumni to soar. His remarks may be viewed in full here:

Polk Alumna Named Sportswoman of the Year

Polk State Chain of Lakes Collegiate High School valedictorian Ali Mann, 18, has added another credential to her name — Sportswoman of the Year. The St. John Fisher College (Rochester, N.Y.) volleyball player earned the…

Polk State Alumna Receives Achievement Award from Association of Florida Colleges

Polk State alumna Rita Smith, a national advocate against domestic violence, has received the Association of Florida College’s LeRoy Collins Lifetime Achievement Award. The award is one of the highest bestowed by the AFC. Smith…