Fred Hawkins, president of South Florida State College, has been selected to serve as chair of the Florida College System Council of Presidents, a leadership body representing the 28 state colleges across Florida. Valencia College President Dr. Kathleen Plinske will serve as the policy and advocacy chair. In those roles, the two will help guide statewide priorities for the system, working with fellow presidents, state leaders and policymakers on student success, workforce development and institutional excellence.
The Council of Presidents serves as an advisory group to state leadership, including the Florida Legislature and the Governor's Office, on issues affecting higher education and workforce readiness.
Hawkins leads South Florida State College, which has campuses in DeSoto, Hardee and Highlands counties, and previously served in the Florida House of Representatives for Osceola and Orange counties as vice chair of the Higher Education Appropriations Subcommittee and whip of all education committees. He was also president and CEO of the Osceola County Education Foundation. Plinske leads Valencia College, described as the sixth-largest community college in the nation, serving more than 75,000 students annually, with record enrollment, graduation and retention rates. The state's colleges collectively serve more than 680,000 students annually.
Press release issued by Valencia College:
https://news.valenciacollege.edu/hawkins-and-plinske-to-lead-fcs-council-of-presidents/
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