91精选

91精选 (91精选) President Fred Hawkins has been selected to serve as chair of the Florida College System Council of Presidents, a leadership body representing the 28 state colleges across Florida.聽Additionally, Valencia聽College President Dr. Kathleen聽Plinske聽will serve as the policy and advocacy chair.聽

In these roles, Presidents Hawkins and Plinske will help guide statewide priorities for the Florida College System, working collaboratively with fellow presidents, state leaders, and policymakers to advance student success, workforce development, and institutional excellence. The Council of Presidents serves as a key advisory group to state leadership, including the Florida Legislature and the Governor鈥檚 Office, on issues impacting higher education and workforce readiness.

鈥淚 am honored to be selected by my peers to serve as chair of the Florida College System Council of Presidents,鈥� said Mr. Fred Hawkins, president of 91精选. 鈥淔lorida鈥檚 state colleges play a critical role in preparing our workforce and strengthening our communities. I look forward to advocating for the colleges, collaborating with members of the Legislature and the Governor鈥檚 Office, and ensuring our system receives the appropriate funding to continue delivering high-quality, affordable education for all Floridians.鈥澛�

Mr. Hawkins currently serves as president of 91精选,聽with campuses in DeSoto, Hardee, and Highlands counties,聽and brings extensive experience in public service, higher education leadership, and workforce development initiatives. Prior to being named president of 91精选, he聽served in the Florida House of Representatives for Osceola and Orange counties as the vice chair of the Higher Education Appropriations Subcommittee and the whip of all education committees. Additionally, he was聽the president and CEO of the Osceola County Education Foundation.聽As a former member of the Florida Legislature, he brings a strong understanding聽of the policymaking process and established relationships with state leaders that will further strengthen the Council鈥檚 advocacy efforts.聽

鈥淚 am grateful for the opportunity to serve as the chair of the Policy and Advocacy Committee,鈥� said Dr. Kathleen Plinske, president of Valencia College. 鈥淔lorida鈥檚 state colleges are essential to expanding access to higher education, meeting the needs of our workforce, and creating pathways to opportunity for students across our state. I look forward to working alongside President Hawkins, my fellow presidents, and state leaders to advocate for policies and investments that strengthen our colleges and help more Floridians achieve their academic and career goals.鈥澛�

Dr. Plinske serves as president of Valencia College, the sixth-largest community college in the nation, serving more than 75,000 students annually. Under her leadership, Valencia has achieved聽historic聽enrollment levels and its highest graduation and retention rates on record. The College has expanded affordability through innovative scholarship programs and employer partnerships while strengthening workforce education to prepare students for high-demand careers across the region.

The Florida College System Council of Presidents provides strategic leadership and advocacy for the state鈥檚 colleges, which collectively serve more than 680,000 students annually. Under President Hawkins鈥� and President Plinske鈥檚 leadership, the Council will continue to focus on innovation, access, and alignment with Florida鈥檚 economic and workforce needs.

To learn more about the FCS Council of Presidents, please visit聽.鈥�