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…
Back to school at 40 and graduating, Polk State Aerospace student gets to “do every day what I dreamed of as a kid”
Anthony Reynolds wanted to fly since childhood. At 6 years old, he told his aunt he aspired to become a pilot. At 17, he flew his first plane. But at 19, he decided to stay…
Polk State honors service dog that helped alum through college journey
While Allen Nash, like many students, credits extraordinary faculty and staff for helping him along his Polk State College journey, he also has a furry, wet-nosed friend with a docile demeanor to thank. Nash and…
Polk State internship jumpstarts career at Florida’s Natural Growers
Oscar Gonzalez has always looked up to his father – a manager of migrant workers who emigrated from Mexico to provide a better life for his family. Gonzalez grew up helping with migrant work in…
Injured NFL prospect gets fresh start at Polk State
George Williams knew from a young age what he wanted to do in life — he wanted to play football. Williams attended college on an athletics scholarship and became an NFL prospect. He was a…
Polk State alum from Nigeria achieves dreams and medical degree
When Dr. Ojochide Shaibu moved from Nigeria to the United States, he was armed with a dream to serve humanity through medicine and only $70 in his pocket. “I knew what I wanted to do,…
Polk State Aerospace student spreads her wings as Winter Haven Regional Airport manager
Whether she’s tending to the needs of nearly 200 pilots, working on $6 million in airport improvement projects, or hosting dozens of hot air balloon aviators on her “days off,” Ashley Udick is successfully filling…
Polk State biology professor enrolls in EMS Program to become better instructor for students, finishes top of his class
Polk State College biology and physiology professor Jeffrey Orasky has taught at the College for nearly seven years and many students from Polk State’s Emergency Medical Services Program have come through his classroom. To learn…