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 Grad Finds Fulfillment in Second Career as Respiratory Therapist
Some things are just worth waiting for, no matter how long it takes. Such was the case with Kellie Mislovic’s career as a respiratory therapist. “I love my job, and I’m definitely happier because of…
With Push From Polk State, Alumnus Has Built His Life on Music
On any given day, you might find Jordan Burks leading his Auburndale Central Elementary students in a discussion on the future of music. Or tutoring the most musically inclined of those students after school. Or…
Polk Alumna Makes Moments Count for Patients
As Polk State alumna Renee Heacock knows well, a single moment can change everything. For Heacock, “the moment” came on a Fort Myers soccer field and led her to play for Polk. Now, in her…
Rescue Chief Shane Reynolds Eager to ‘Give Back’ to Polk State
It wasn’t that long ago that Shane Reynolds was studying to be an air conditioning technician, a field he didn’t love but that would pay the bills. Today, he’s the recently promoted rescue chief of…
Father, Son Began at Polk, Achieved Statewide Success
Chuck Reed and his son Emmett Reed have many things in common. Mutual affection for Polk County. Tenacious work ethic. State-level success in their totally different lines of work. And education from Polk State College.…
Polk State Grad Goes from Ph.D. to Judge’s Chambers
It’s a steamy September afternoon, rain dotting the downtown Bartow pavement, when a visitor pulls open the door of Combee Law Firm, expecting the leather-bound, receptionist-guarded austerity so typical of law offices. Instead, the door…
Alumna Started Journey to ‘Dream Job’ at Polk State
For years, Brenda Patterson rose with the sun, tied on her shoes, and set off by foot to what was then Polk Community College. She walked for miles and miles across North Lakeland, watching as…
The Pride of Polk
Polk State College’s history is rich with stories of alumni who have gone on to make impacts, whether in the classrooms and laboratories of prestigious universities, the rough and tumble of commerce, or the halls…
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