Spotlight On: Angela Falconetti, President, Polk State College
November 2024 — In an interview with Invest:, Angela Falconetti, president of Polk State College, discussed the key milestones for the institution and Central Florida’s first interdisciplinary simulation hospital. She also presented her overview of the educational landscape, and the key areas of opportunity.
What have been the significant accomplishments and recognitions for Polk State College in recent years?
First, we have started building the Haines City-Davenport campus. We are very excited about this, and the community has shown tremendous support. The total cost of construction is approximately $51 million, and we still need $17.5 million to bring this project to completion. However, since 2009, the state has invested $34.6 million in this development. The land itself was surveyed in 2006 and purchased in 2009. We also received a generous donation of $3 million from Barney Barnett and his family to aid the construction of the future campus.
Another exciting point of community support is our annual gala, A Night of Legacy, where over 300 individuals and businesses have contributed approximately $160,000 over two years to the campus’ future. This buy-in from the community is particularly strong because Haines City is one of the fastest-growing areas in our county, and indeed in the country.
Additionally, we are thrilled to announce that this campus will host Central Florida’s first public higher education interdisciplinary simulation hospital. This facility will allow our students to collaborate across disciplines, preparing them for real-life healthcare scenarios. Our health science students will be housed in one building, where they can partner with local hospitals and healthcare agencies. This setup will enable students to experience live scenarios from intake to outtake, allowing them to gain insights and hands-on experience in a collaborative environment. The simulation hospital will host students in various programs, such as radiography and nursing, and we may even collaborate with doctors from local hospitals like AdventHealth. The integration of healthcare programs at this campus is our top priority right now.
Lastly, 2024 marks Polk State’s 60th anniversary. We kicked off the celebration with our convocation at the start of the fall semester, with events throughout the year, such as the groundbreaking for the Haines City-Davenport Campus as well as a ribbon cutting ceremony for the renovation of the Winter Haven Fine Arts Building.
What is your view of where the higher education sector is right now, and what are the biggest opportunities for the sector?
The healthcare sector is undoubtedly one of the most significant opportunities. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the world experienced the importance of healthcare. As a result, there has been substantial investment from our state, the governor, and the legislature. The need for healthcare workers continues to grow, as does the demand for educators to train these professionals.
Additionally, higher education must continue to innovate technologically. We recently transitioned to a new enterprise resource system, Ellucian Banner, which will support our college’s growth for at least another decade. Technology in education is crucial because the students we serve are increasingly tech-savvy and expect a certain standard. As we are experiencing exponential growth, with many new residents coming from areas like Tampa and Orlando, we are seeking to build new infrastructure.
Another critical aspect of the future of higher education is industry partnerships. Colleges must be proactive in customizing training programs to meet workforce demands. These collaborations are not just for generating revenue or assisting with tuition support but are vital for economic development. We must support current businesses and prepare for new industries entering our region. Our partnerships with industry leaders enable us to provide tailored training for specific workforce needs.
What has been the impact of technology in the industry, especially regarding curriculum and the educational process?
Technology is transforming education on many fronts. AI is one area we are particularly interested in. While we do not yet offer a full AI program, like some institutions such as Miami Dade College, we incorporate AI concepts into our curriculum whenever possible.
Another example is the integration of advanced technology in our healthcare programs. In our simulation labs, students practice on mannequins that can talk, move, and even give birth. Our first simulated “birth” mannequin, named Angela, was recently introduced. This level of simulation, supported by state funding, allows students to experience real-life healthcare scenarios and hone their skills in a controlled environment. These high-tech tools ensure students are well-prepared when they enter clinical settings or hospital work.
Furthermore, technology also influences emergency management and communication at the college. We actively use social media and text messaging to keep students informed, particularly during emergencies like hurricanes. Our students’ expectations have evolved, and they now look to the college for a seamless, tech-enabled experience. This generation of students expects us to meet them where they are, be it through social media or the latest classroom technology.
What impact do you expect the XploreFLEd program, which provides out-of-state students access to online workplace programs, to have?
First, let me emphasize that 70% of our students who graduate stay and work in Polk County. This statistic is crucial because it underscores our role in supporting the local workforce. Regarding the online XploreFLEd program, we are fortunate to be one of only three colleges across the state participating in this initiative, alongside Tallahassee State College and Miami Dade College. We are collaborating closely with the Department of Education and other institutions to launch a coordinated marketing campaign to attract students from out of state.
While we do not know exactly how many students we will gain from this program, we anticipate enrollment growth from beyond Florida. Our Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice with a concentration in Crime Scene Investigation; Bachelor of Science in Nursing; and Bachelor of Applied Science in Supervision and Management with a concentration in Healthcare Administration are the programs available online through this initiative. Offering such programs to out-of-state students is a unique opportunity for us and an impactful way to expand our reach.
What key partnerships has Polk State College fostered, or is looking to foster, with the business community to keep graduates living and working in Tampa Bay?
We take a comprehensive approach to partnerships, beginning with our Board of Trustees and our Foundation Board, who connect us to local businesses. These board members are ambassadors for our institution and bring back ideas or suggestions for potential collaborations.
Strategically, we are very involved in the community. For example, I am the immediate past chair of the Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce, immediate past chair of Polk Vision, and currently chair the Winter Haven Economic Development Council. Engaging in such leadership roles allows us to understand the needs of local businesses and respond effectively.
Our Corporate College plays a central role in this, providing short-term, non-credit training programs tailored to local workforce needs. When a company approaches us, we conduct a survey to understand their training needs, then develop a profile and a customized training proposal. This personalized approach ensures that we are meeting both student and employer expectations and, ultimately, strengthening our regional workforce.
What are your top priorities moving forward and what is your outlook for the near term?
One of our main priorities is securing funding to build a new campus in the Haines City-Davenport area, a project for which we are hoping to receive $17.5 million. This facility will focus on health science programs, with the exception of nursing, which will remain primarily on our Winter Haven and Lakeland campuses. In addition to health sciences, we will offer courses in hospitality and tourism management, supply chain and logistics, and teacher education to meet local workforce demands.
As we plan for the future, we are also looking back at our 60 years of work, and we are proud of the quality education we have provided in this county. We are honored to work alongside other institutions, such as Hillsborough Community College and Valencia College, to strengthen education in Florida. Our future is bright, and we are excited to continue serving the community and fostering partnerships that contribute to Polk State’s legacy.
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