LAKELAND, FL – The Polk State College District Board of Trustees voted Thursday to appoint Dr. Anne B. Kerr, President Emerita of Florida Southern College, as interim President of Polk State College.
The appointment follows the departure of Dr. Angela Garcia Falconetti, who has been named interim President at the University of North Florida after eight years leading Polk State.
“Polk State is poised for continued excellence and innovation under Dr. Kerr’s leadership. Her proven track record assures us that the College is in more-than-capable hands as we build on our strong foundation,” said Board Chair Ann Barnhart. “We also extend our deepest gratitude to Dr. Falconetti for her eight years of dedicated service, during which she advanced our mission and strengthened community ties, which will benefit generations to come.”
Dr. Kerr brings extensive experience in higher education administration. She earned her doctorate and master’s degree from Florida State University and her bachelor’s degree from Mercer University. Before her 20-year tenure at Florida Southern College, she held various positions in education in Florida and Virginia, focusing on administration and student services.
At Florida Southern, Dr. Kerr led the establishment of the Barney Barnett School of Business and Free Enterprise, the Ann Blanton Edwards School of Nursing, the School of Physical Therapy, and the School of Architecture. The institution launched doctoral programs in Education, Nursing, Physical Therapy, and Psychology. Enrollment grew substantially, retention rates increased, and student quality improved, with the college recognized as a “Top Producer of Fulbright Scholars.” In her final year, 98% of graduates were either employed or pursuing graduate studies.
Under her leadership, Florida Southern added 22 new buildings, expanded or renovated 20 others, and restored several Frank Lloyd Wright-designed structures. Institutional net assets tripled during her presidency.
Dr. Kerr was inducted into the Tampa Bay Business Hall of Fame in 2017. She serves on the Edyth Bush Foundation Board and volunteers with the local chapter of Bible Study Fellowship.
“I am honored to step in as interim President and thank Dr. Falconetti for her outstanding leadership that has positioned Polk State for ongoing success,” Dr. Kerr said. “I look forward to collaborating with the Board, faculty, staff and students to sustain and accelerate the College’s upward trajectory, ensuring we continue to provide quality education and workforce training opportunities for all.”
Polk State College serves more than 14,000 degree-seeking students and an additional 9,000 individuals in workforce training programs each year across its campuses in Winter Haven, Lakeland, Bartow, and Lake Wales.
Dr. Kerr’s interim leadership is expected to maintain momentum in academic programs, community partnerships, and student support initiatives.
SOURCE: CITY OF LAKELAND
