Polk State College

09/11/2026

We honor the lives lost, the heroes who responded and the families who carry grief. We will never forget.

09/10/2026

A shout out from the Governor! Thank you Ron DeSantis for your support.

Congratulations again to Polk State Baseball outfielder Bradyn Potter on receiving the Rawlings Gold Glove, which honors the top defensive players in the nation.

Soar, Polk State College Athletics!

09/10/2026

President Kamoutsas joined Governor DeSantis, Commissioner Mack, Senator Avila and several freedom fighters today at the Bay of Pigs Museum to discuss Florida’s implementation of its History of Communism standards for the first time this academic year.

“My grandparents fled communist Cuba and provided my family with the opportunity to pursue the American Dream,” Kamoutsas shared. “We cannot let history repeat itself. We must preserve our freedoms. This is why students across our state are learning of the atrocities that resulted from communist regimes.”

09/10/2026

Dr. Consuela Bonney, Professor of History, shared this powerful moment from her classroom this week as we reflect on the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks on our nation.

Student Oscar McElroy, a veteran who served in Kuwait and lost his leg in Afghanistan, shared his experience with his peers. Dr. Bonney said, "students were captivated by his stories, and many stayed after class to talk with him and ask questions. We were able to connect 9/11 and history to personal experience."

We thank McElroy for his service and willingness to share.

09/09/2026

A huge congratulations to Polk State Baseball outfielder Bradyn Potter on receiving the Rawlings Gold Glove, which honors the top defensive players in the nation!

President Kamoutsas presented Bradyn with his gold glove and met with student-athletes, coaches and staff from all five of the Polk State College Athletics teams. Soar, Eagles!

09/09/2026

Rafaela “Rafi” Ellis believed deeply in the power of words. As a Professor of English, published author, skilled editor and lifelong advocate, she understood that words could teach, challenge, comfort and, when necessary, speak truth to power.

At Polk State College, where she taught English Composition and Literature for nearly two decades, she brought that conviction to her classroom, relationships with students and colleagues and service to the broader community.

Ellis, 65, passed away on May 3. Family, friends and colleagues recently joined together at the Polk Theatre in Lakeland to celebrate her accomplished life.

Rafaela “Rafi” Ellis believed deeply in the power of words. As a Professor of English, published author, skilled editor and lifelong advocate, she understood that words could teach, challenge, comfort and, when necessary, speak truth…

09/08/2026

Keep up with Polk State College Athletics! Here's this week's preview:

Polk State teams combined for five matches this week.

09/05/2026

We are wishing everyone a great Labor Day weekend! 🇺🇸

Polk State College will be closed on Monday, Sept. 7, in observance of Labor Day. The College will reopen on Tuesday, Sept. 8. Saturday classes will take place as scheduled on Sept. 5. Registration continues…

09/03/2026

When St. Petersburg firefighter Jacob Moskowitz couldn't make it to his own graduation, the Polk State Nursing Program brought the celebration to him at the Fire Department.

Moskowitz earned his Associate in Science in Nursing from Polk State in April through the program's transition track for students already working in related healthcare fields. He will conclude his tenure at St. Petersburg Fire Rescue in September.

“I was so surprised,” Moskowitz exclaimed. “Not only did Dr. Wilson and Professor Conley come, but they brought a staff member from each of my semesters at Polk with them. That right there just shows their dedication. It was incredibly humbling and meant so much to me.”

With a decade of experience as a firefighter and paramedic at St. Petersburg Fire Rescue, Jacob Moskowitz has a passion for saving lives and helping others. His passion has evolved in a new direction. Moskowitz…