TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — South Florida State School President Fred Hawkins has been chosen to function chair of the Florida School System Council of Presidents, a management physique representing the 28 state schools throughout Florida. Moreover, Valencia School President Dr. Kathleen Plinske will function the coverage and advocacy chair.
In these roles, Presidents Hawkins and Plinske will assist information statewide priorities for the Florida School System, working collaboratively with fellow presidents, state leaders, and policymakers to advance pupil success, workforce growth, and institutional excellence. The Council of Presidents serves as a key advisory group to state management, together with the Florida Legislature and the Governor’s Workplace, on points impacting greater schooling and workforce readiness.
“I’m honored to be chosen by my friends to function chair of the Florida School System Council of Presidents,” mentioned Mr. Fred Hawkins, President of South Florida State School. “Florida’s state schools play a important position in making ready our workforce and strengthening our communities. I look ahead to advocating for the universities, collaborating with members of the Legislature and the Governor’s Workplace, and making certain our system receives the suitable funding to proceed delivering high-quality, reasonably priced schooling for all Floridians.”
Mr. Hawkins presently serves as president of South Florida State School, with campuses in DeSoto, Hardee, and Highlands counties, and brings intensive expertise in public service, greater schooling management, and workforce growth initiatives. Previous to being named president of South Florida State School, he served within the Florida Home of Representatives for Osceola and Orange counties because the vice chair of the Greater Schooling Appropriations Subcommittee and the whip of all schooling committees. Moreover, he was the president and CEO of the Osceola County Schooling Basis. As a former member of the Florida Legislature, he brings a powerful understanding of the policymaking course of and established relationships with state leaders that can additional strengthen the Council’s advocacy efforts.
“I’m grateful for the chance to function the chair of the Coverage and Advocacy Committee,” mentioned Dr. Kathleen Plinske, President of Valencia School. “Florida’s state schools are important to increasing entry to greater schooling, assembly the wants of our workforce, and creating pathways to alternative for college students throughout our state. I look ahead to working alongside President Hawkins, my fellow presidents, and state leaders to advocate for insurance policies and investments that strengthen our schools and assist extra Floridians obtain their educational and profession targets.”
Dr. Plinske serves as president of Valencia School, the sixth-largest group faculty within the nation, serving greater than 75,000 college students yearly. Below her management, Valencia has achieved historic enrollment ranges and its highest commencement and retention charges on document. The school has expanded affordability by progressive scholarship packages and employer partnerships whereas strengthening workforce schooling to arrange college students for high-demand careers throughout the area.
The Florida School System Council of Presidents supplies strategic management and advocacy for the state’s schools, which collectively serve greater than 680,000 college students yearly. Below President Hawkins’ and President Plinske’s management, the Council will proceed to give attention to innovation, entry, and alignment with Florida’s financial and workforce wants.
