Florida College System Council of Presidents Announces New Leadership

South Florida State College (SFSC) 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. Additionally, Valencia College President Dr. Kathleen Plinske will serve as the policy and advocacy chair.

President Fred Hawkins

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’s Office, on issues impacting higher education and workforce readiness.

“I am honored to be selected by my peers to serve as chair of the Florida College System Council of Presidents,” said Mr. Fred Hawkins, president of South Florida State College. “Florida’s 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’s Office, and ensuring our system receives the appropriate funding to continue delivering high-quality, affordable education for all Floridians.”

Mr. Hawkins currently serves as president of South Florida State College, with campuses in DeSoto, Hardee, and Highlands counties, and brings extensive experience in public service, higher education leadership, and workforce development initiatives. Prior to being named president of South Florida State College, he 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 the president and CEO of the Osceola County Education Foundation. As a former member of the Florida Legislature, he brings a strong understanding of the policymaking process and established relationships with state leaders that will further strengthen the Council’s advocacy efforts.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to serve as the chair of the Policy and Advocacy Committee,” said Dr. Kathleen Plinske, president of Valencia College. “Florida’s 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.”

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 historic 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’s colleges, which collectively serve more than 680,000 students annually. Under President Hawkins’ and President Plinske’s leadership, the Council will continue to focus on innovation, access, and alignment with Florida’s economic and workforce needs.