LAKELAND, FL — Greg Littleton, chairman of Polk State College’s District Board of Trustees, has been selected to receive the Florida College System’s highest individual honor in recognition of his nearly two decades of service and leadership at the college.
Polk State College also announced that its new $51 million Haines City–Davenport Campus, a 75,000-square-foot facility along U.S. Highway 27 near Interstate 4, is expected to open in January 2027.
According to a press release issued by Polk State College on Monday, October 19, Littleton will receive the award during the Association of Florida Colleges’ Council of Trustees and Council of Presidents joint meeting in November.
The James L. Wattenbarger Award, presented by the presidents of the Florida College System, is the system’s highest individual honor recognizing exceptional commitment and service to Florida’s colleges. Previous recipients include college presidents, trustees, state education officials, and lawmakers.
Littleton, a 1987 graduate of Polk Community College, has served on the college’s District Board of Trustees for nearly two decades. He was nominated for the award by Polk State College President Anastasia Kamoutsas in recognition of his longstanding leadership and contributions to the institution.
“It was an honor to nominate Chair Littleton for the prestigious James L. Wattenbarger Award. As a dedicated member of the Board for nearly two decades, he has guided Polk State through the expansion of its programs, campuses, and workforce mission,” Kamoutsas said.
Among the major developments during Littleton’s tenure is Polk State’s new $51 million Haines City–Davenport Campus, a 75,000-square-foot facility along U.S. Highway 27 near Interstate 4. The campus is expected to open in January 2027 and will provide additional higher education and workforce training opportunities in one of Polk County’s fastest-growing regions.
Littleton has also played a leadership role during the college’s recent presidential transition, which included the selection of Kamoutsas as Polk State’s sixth president earlier this year.
Outside his responsibilities at Polk State, Littleton serves as CEO of Citizens Bank & Trust and was recognized as the Florida Bankers Association’s 2022 Banker of the Year.
His community involvement includes service with Polk Vision, United Way of Central Florida, and several economic development and civic organizations. Through his involvement with United Way, he helped support fundraising initiatives that generated more than $13 million for nonprofit organizations serving Central Florida.
In 2024, Littleton was named United Way of Central Florida’s Citizen of the Year in recognition of more than a decade of service.
The James L. Wattenbarger Award dates back to 2001, when its namesake, Dr. James L. Wattenbarger of the University of Florida, was recognized. Recent recipients include Senator Doug Broxson in 2024 and Chancellor Kathy Hebda in 2025.
Littleton’s selection for the 2026 award recognizes his nearly two decades of service to Polk State College and his contributions to expanding educational opportunities throughout Polk County.
SOURCE: POLK STATE COLLEGE
