Education commissioner is sole finalist for Polk State College presidency
Florida Phoenix |
Polk State College announced Wednesday morning that Florida Education Commissioner Anastasios Kamoutsas is the sole finalist to be its next president, less than a year after he began running the public school system.
Kamoutsas said he is “excited to contribute” “in a new capacity.”
“During my time as Commissioner, I have proudly touted [state colleges’] incredible outcomes as they serve more than 680,000 students across the state and provide more than 130,000 degrees and certifications each year,” Kamoutsas posted to social media.
“It is an honor to be blessed with this opportunity, and I am excited to contribute to that work in a new capacity while continuing to support strong partnerships between K-12 schools, colleges, and universities.”
The State Board of Education named Kamoutsas education commissioner in July, 10 months ago.
Former Polk State College President Angela Falconetti left the institution in February to serve as interim president at the University of North Florida.
“I appreciate the dedication and thoughtful work of the Search Committee through this very important process,” Polk State trustee Steve Lester said in a news release.
“Anastasios distinguished himself as an inspiring, diligent, and highly capable leader with a clear vision for the future of Polk State College. We are confident that he possesses the experience, character and leadership necessary to guide Polk State into the future.”
The Polk State board plans to vote on the recommendation June 3, during a meeting Kamoutsas will attend.
The Board of Education, comprising gubernatorial appointees, in turn appoints education commissioners in Florida.
Kamoutsas served as deputy chief of staff to Gov. Ron DeSantis from 2023 to 2025. He attended Florida International University for his bachelor’s and Regent University for his law degree.
In March, Polk State trustees changed its presidential search policy, including removal of the requirement that a president hold a doctoral degree.
Previously, the policy required the committee searching for a president “to submit a number of qualified applicants, not in priority order, to the Board for final interview.”
That language was removed in March, too.
According to minutes of the March meeting, trustee Ashley Bell Barnett moved to enact the changes. She also serves on the Florida Board of Governors, a panel that Kamoutsas serves on.
Polk State College’s main campuses are in Winter Haven and Lakeland.
In November, Rachel Kamoutsas, Kamoutsas’ wife, was appointed by DeSantis to serve as a judge on Florida’s Sixth District Court of Appeal, headquartered in Lakeland. She previously served in various roles for the Board of Governors, which oversees the State University System.
Polk State College, in the news release, said Kamoutsas “emerged as a candidate with a compelling vision for the future of Polk State College and a deep understanding of the College’s mission and impact across the region.”
According to the college, more than 100 people applied for the position.
Nearly a year ago, former Department of Juvenile Justice Secretary Eric Hall, another DeSantis ally and agency head, was named president of Pasco-Hernando College, another DeSantis ally and agency head.
Polk State policy allow a new president a contract between one and five years.
The previous president was paid a salary of $310,300.
Kamoutsas as commissioner is paid a salary of $330,500.
