Education commissioner is sole finalist for Polk State College presidency

May 14, 2026 - 03:33

Polk State College announced Wednesday morning that Florida Education Commissioner Anastasios Kamoutsas is the sole finalist to become its next president. The decision comes less than a year after Kamoutsas took the helm of the state's public education system.

The college's board of trustees voted unanimously to select Kamoutsas as the only candidate for the position. Under state law, the board must now wait at least 14 days before officially offering him the job. During that period, the public can submit comments on the selection.

Kamoutsas has served as Florida's education commissioner since early last year, overseeing K-12 and higher education policy across the state. Before that, he held leadership roles in several Florida school districts and worked as a teacher and principal.

Polk State College, based in Winter Haven, serves more than 16,000 students across multiple campuses. The college has been searching for a new president since the previous leader stepped down last summer.

If Kamoutsas accepts the position, he would take over a college that has seen steady enrollment growth in recent years. The school offers associate and bachelor's degrees, as well as workforce training programs.

The college's board chair said Kamoutsas brings a strong background in both education policy and hands-on school leadership. The board believes he can help the college expand its programs and better serve the local community.

Kamoutsas has not yet commented publicly on the selection. The board is expected to make a final decision after the public comment period ends.