2023-2024 Florida College System Presidents

The Florida College System, comprising 28 publicly funded colleges scattered throughout the Sunshine State, stands as a beacon of educational opportunity and academic excellence. At the helm of these institutions are remarkable individuals who have dedicated their careers to shaping the futures of countless students.

The presidents of Florida's College System hold a significant responsibility, overseeing their respective colleges' strategic direction, fostering innovation, and nurturing a vibrant learning environment. This BrokeScholar article will examine the rich tapestry of these visionary Florida College System presidents, exploring their backgrounds, accomplishments, and the transformative impact they have had on higher education in the state of Florida.

Overview of Florida College System Presidents

Each president within the Florida College System brings a unique blend of expertise, experience, and unwavering commitment to student success. From the bustling streets of Miami to the serene landscapes of Tallahassee, these leaders have passionately championed access to quality education for all Floridians. Their diverse backgrounds encompass a broad spectrum of academic disciplines, including business, science, and humanities, ensuring a well-rounded perspective in their decision-making processes. As advocates for lifelong learning, the presidents have consistently promoted a culture of inclusivity, nurturing an environment where students from diverse backgrounds can thrive academically and personally. Their tireless dedication has enabled countless students to achieve their educational goals, setting them on a path to meaningful careers and brighter futures.

The tenure of each president within the Florida College System has been marked by groundbreaking initiatives, collaborative partnerships, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. These leaders have spearheaded innovative programs and curricula, addressing the evolving needs of the workforce and equipping students with the skills necessary for success in the 21st-century job market. They have embraced emerging technologies, integrating them seamlessly into the learning experience to enhance student engagement and expand educational opportunities.

Furthermore, the presidents have played instrumental roles in forging strategic alliances with local industries, government agencies, and community organizations, fostering a dynamic ecosystem that promotes workforce development and economic growth. Their visionary leadership has cemented the Florida College System as a vital pillar of the state's educational landscape, empowering generations of students to reach their full potential and contribute meaningfully to society.

All 28 Florida College System Presidents

As mentioned above, the Florida College System is made up of 28 colleges, all public as opposed to private schools. Below is a table detailing each of the 28 colleges and the Florida College System presidents:

Broward College

Situated in Fort Lauderdale, Broward College offers a comprehensive range of associate and bachelor's degree programs designed to meet the diverse needs of its student population. Known for its cutting-edge facilities and strong partnerships with local industries, Broward College equips students with real-world skills and hands-on experiences, ensuring they are well-prepared for success in their chosen fields. In terms of degree levels, at Broward College, a student can pursue an undergraduate certificate, associate degree, or bachelor's degree.

Broward College is a large school, having a little under 31,000 undergraduate students, as well as no on-campus housing. This large student body is partly responsible for the high student teacher ratio of 28 students to every one instructor, which suggests that students may have a tougher time getting one-on-one time with their teachers. At Broward College, the primary programs pursued are undergraduate certificates and associate degrees. The most popular associate degree last academic year was Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies, with a massive 4,761 degrees conferred that year.

Chipola College

Nestled in the serene town of Marianna, Chipola College stands out for its commitment to excellence in education and athletics. Recognized for its stellar athletic programs, including baseball and softball, Chipola College has also gained acclaim for its strong focus on arts, humanities, and STEM fields, nurturing well-rounded individuals with a passion for learning. Chipola College is a four-year college that’s primarily focused on associate degrees, but you can attain a bachelor’s degree as well.

Chipola College has on-campus housing and over 1,700 students, all undergraduates. With a graduation rate of 51%, Chipola College ranks highly among the 28 schools in the Florida College System. In terms of enrollment, the gender breakdown at Chipola College is 63% female to 37% male. According to NCES data, the most popular field of study in the last academic year, in terms of associate degrees awarded, was Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies, which earned 221 associate degrees. For bachelor’s degrees, Business Administration and Management, General, was the top field of study, earning 28 degrees, followed by Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse, which earned 28 degrees.

The College of Central Florida

With campuses in Ocala, Citrus, and Levy County, the College of Central Florida prides itself on providing accessible and affordable higher education to its students. Renowned for its well-established programs in healthcare, business, and environmental science, the College of Central Florida prepares graduates to excel in competitive industries while promoting a culture of service and community engagement. Like many, if not most, of the schools in the Florida College System, the College of Central Florida is technically a four-year college, though it primarily focuses on associate’s level degrees.

Hosting more than 5,300 students, all undergraduates. Central Florida has a graduation rate of 45%, which is superior to Broward College’s 33% yet lower than Chipola’s 51%. Like the latter school, the gender breakdown of undergraduate students tilts heavily towards women, with 64% of the student body being female against 36% being male. Offering programs that result in undergraduate certificates, associate degrees, or bachelor’s degrees, Central Florida is a versatile institution. Its most popular major last academic year, on the bachelor’s level, was Business Administration, Management and Operations, Other, which earned 139 bachelor’s degrees, according to NCES data.

Daytona State College

Located in the vibrant city of Daytona Beach, Daytona State College boasts a wide range of academic offerings and is recognized for its state-of-the-art facilities and commitment to innovation. With a focus on career readiness, Daytona State College equips students with practical skills and experiences through its partnerships with local employers, positioning graduates for success in the workforce. Although it has a fairly large student body of over 11,600 undergraduate students, it maintains a good student teacher ratio of 17 students to every one faculty member.

The undergraduate student body is composed of roughly two-thirds female students (62%) against 38% male. Female students at Daytona State College also have a higher graduation rate than males, at 43% for the former versus 36% for the latter. The overall graduation rate is 39%. In terms of the most popular fields of study, on the associate’s level, Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies majors garnered 1,385 associate degrees last academic year, according to NCES data; for bachelor’s degrees, it was Business Administration, Management and Operations, Other, that was the most popular, earning 235 bachelor’s degrees last academic year.

Eastern Florida State College

Spanning four campuses along Florida's east coast, Eastern Florida State College is known for its robust workforce training programs and close ties to the aerospace industry. As a hub for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education, Eastern Florida State College provides students with the knowledge and skills needed for in-demand careers, particularly in the growing space industry. Indeed, according to NCES data, students who majored in Information Science/Studies earned 114 bachelor’s degrees last academic year, second behind only Business Administration, Management and Operations, Other, which earned 445 bachelor’s degrees.

Though primarily focused on associate’s level degrees, Eastern Florida State College offers programs ranging from undergraduate certificates to bachelor’s degrees. It’s also one of the few schools on our list to offer on-campus dorms. The college hosts more than 12,600 students, all of them undergraduates, yet maintains a very good student-to-faculty ratio of 16 to 1. Continuing a theme that has already emerged with the Florida College System schools already mentioned, enrollment at Eastern Florida State is nearly two-thirds female (61%) to less than two-fifths male (39%).

Florida Gateway College

At home in Lake City, Florida Gateway College places a strong emphasis on student success and personal growth. With an array of programs ranging from nursing to criminal justice, Florida Gateway College equips students with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in their chosen fields while fostering a supportive and inclusive campus community. Compared to the other 27 schools in the Florida College System, Florida Gateway is on the smaller side, having just under 2,800 total students, all undergraduates. Additionally, the school provides on-campus housing.

Florida Gateway College boasts an excellent graduation rate of 64%, while having a low transfer-out rate of 7%. One-on-one attention from teachers seems more prominent at this school considering its student-to-faculty ratio is a very lower 14 students to every one teacher. According to NCES data, the most popular field of study on the associate’s level is Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies, which earned 308 associate degrees last academic year. On the bachelor’s level, Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse earned the most degrees at 26, followed by Water, Wetlands, and Marine Resources Management, with 19 degrees, highlighting how Florida Gateway stands out as a good college for marine biology.

The College of the Florida Keys

Located in the picturesque Florida Keys, the College of the Florida Keys combines a stunning natural environment with a commitment to academic excellence. Known for its marine science programs, the college offers unique opportunities for students to study and research the diverse ecosystems surrounding the islands. The College of the Florida Keys is one of the smallest schools in the Florida College System, with only 865 undergraduate students, making for a very low ratio of students-to-teachers of 10 students to every one instructor.

In terms of academics, the College of the Florida Keys has a mediocre graduation rate of 39%. At the same time, it has a comparatively high transfer-out rate of 20%. Enrollment here leans heavily female, like almost all colleges on our list, with 59% of the undergraduate body being female against 41% being male. According to NCES data, the most popular field of study at the bachelor’s level is Business Administration and Management, General, which earned 16 bachelor’s degrees last academic year.

Florida SouthWestern State College

Situated in Fort Myers, Florida SouthWestern State College serves as a gateway to higher education for students across Southwest Florida. With a broad range of academic programs and a commitment to affordability, Florida SouthWestern State College prepares graduates for success in the workforce or further studies. This college is sizable, with more than 14,750 undergraduate students enrolled, while offering on-campus housing.

With a graduation rate of 40%, Florida SouthWestern’s rate is right around the average for all 28 Florida College System schools. Once again, the undergraduate student body is primarily composed of females (65%) versus males (35%). Offering programs that lead to either undergraduate certificates, associate degrees, or bachelor’s degrees, Florida SouthWestern State College is a well-rounded institution of higher education. According to NCES data, the most popular field of study at the associate’s level is Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies, which earned 1,657 associate degrees last academic year. On the bachelor’s level, the most popular major was Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse, which earned 159 bachelor’s degrees that same year.

Florida State College at Jacksonville

As its name would suggest, Florida State College at Jacksonville is located in Florida’s largest city of Jacksonville. This school offers a wide range of programs, including bachelor's degrees, associate degrees, and career and technical certificates. With a focus on meeting the region's workforce demands, the college provides students with the skills and experiences necessary to thrive in a competitive job market.

Florida State College at Jacksonville is on the larger side, having an undergraduate student body of more than 20,700 students. Almost two-thirds of these students are female (64%) versus less than two-fifths (36%) being male. In terms of graduation, the graduation rate at Florida State College at Jacksonville is 39%, which is below-average. Although associate degrees are the most popular level of degree to pursue at this school, many students have obtained their bachelor’s degree here as well. The most popular major last academic year, according to NCES data, was Business/Commerce, General, which earned 330 bachelor’s degrees, followed by Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse with 159 degrees awarded.

Gulf Coast State College

Located in Panama City, Gulf Coast State College stands as a resilient institution that has played a vital role in the community's recovery after natural disasters. Known for its strong emphasis on workforce training and its commitment to student success, Gulf Coast State College prepares students for high-demand careers in fields such as healthcare, technology, and business. Gulf Coast State College has over 4,300 students, all undergraduates, and no on-campus housing.

Gulf Coast State College boasts one of the highest graduation rates of all the schools in the Florida College System, at 63%. Equally important, Gulf Coast State is one of the few Florida College System schools where males and females have comparable graduation rates of 64% and 63%, respectively. According to NCES data, on the associate’s level, the most popular major is Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies, which earned 377 associate degrees last academic year. On the bachelor’s level, the most popular major is Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse, which earned 47 degrees last academic year.

Hillsborough Community College

Serving the Tampa Bay area, Hillsborough Community College is renowned for its exceptional academic programs and commitment to student achievement. With a focus on innovation and experiential learning, Hillsborough Community College provides students with a solid foundation for transferring to four-year institutions or immediate entry into the workforce. Although its graduation rate of 35% could use some improvement, the college does have a solid retention rate of 62% for full-time students.

Hillsborough Community College is on the larger side, hosting just under 19,200 undergraduate students. In terms of enrollment, the undergraduate student body is 59% female and 41% male, with Hispanic/Latino students comprising the largest share of the population at 37%. According to NCES data, the most popular major, on the associate’s level, is Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies, which was awarded 3,128 degrees last academic year.

Indian River State College

Indian River State College is located in Fort Pierce and boasts an expansive selection of programs designed to meet the diverse needs of its student body. Known for its advanced technology center and strong partnerships with local industries, Indian River State College equips graduates with the skills and experiences necessary to excel in their chosen fields. With a total student population of over 14,400 undergraduate students, Indian River State manages to maintain an above-average graduation rate of 50%. On top of that, not that many students transfer, with the college having a transfer-out rate of only 8%.

Lake-Sumter State College

Laying in the heart of Central Florida, Lake-Sumter State College offers a range of associate degrees and certificates focused on career readiness. With a personalized approach to education, Lake-Sumter State College provides students with the individual attention and resources they need to achieve their academic and professional goals. Compared to other schools in the Florida College System, Lake-Sumter State College is slightly on the small side, with over 4,300 undergraduate students. Its graduation rate of 38% is below-average, while its undergraduate student body is 63% female against 37% male.

Miami Dade College

A beacon of cultural diversity and academic excellence, Miami Dade College stands as one of the largest colleges and most influential schools in the nation. The college has more than 44,000 undergraduate students enrolled there and provides no on-campus housing. With a broad range of academic programs, including renowned arts and humanities offerings, Miami Dade College prepares students for success in a globalized society. Miami Dade College has a graduation rate that is wanting, at 35%, yet has a low transfer-out rate of 9%. According to NCES data, on the associate’s level, the most popular major is Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies, with 8,584 associate degrees conferred last academic year. In terms of bachelor’s degrees, the most popular field of study is Business Administration, Management and Operations, Other, which earned 519 bachelor’s degrees that same year.

North Florida College

Situated in the rural town of Madison, North Florida College offers a close-knit and supportive learning environment. With a focus on liberal arts education and workforce training, North Florida College provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary to thrive in their chosen fields. With a student population of less than 1,200 undergraduates, North Florida College is on the smaller side of Florida College System schools. What’s more, a startling 71% of the undergraduate student body is made up of females as against only 29% being male. What really stands out is North Florida’s very solid graduation rate of 60%, which is well above the average for all schools in the Florida College System.

Northwest Florida State College

Serving the Emerald Coast region, Northwest Florida State College offers a wide array of academic programs and career pathways. Known for its exceptional arts programs, Northwest Florida State College nurtures creativity and talent while preparing students for successful futures. In terms of degrees, according to NCES data, on the associate degree level, the field of study that garnered the vast majority of degrees in the last academic year was Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies, with 713 degrees conferred. On the bachelor’s level, the most popular major was Business Administration, Management and Operations, Other, which had 41 degrees awarded in the field.

Palm Beach State College

Located in Palm Beach County, Palm Beach State College stands as one of the largest colleges in Florida, offering diverse academic programs and robust student support services. The school has more than 24,000 undergraduate students enrolled, with 61% of them being female and 31% being male. With a focus on inclusivity and community engagement, Palm Beach State College empowers students to achieve their educational and career aspirations. The graduation rate at Palm Beach State College is 42%, which is around the average for all Florida College System schools. 

Pasco-Hernando State College

Covering multiple campuses across two counties, Pasco-Hernando State College provides accessible and affordable higher education to students in the Tampa Bay area. Known for its strong focus on healthcare and STEM fields, Pasco-Hernando State College prepares graduates for careers in high-demand industries. Although technically a four-year school, Pasco-Hernando State is primarily an institution for earning an associate degree. According to NCES data, the most popular field of study at the associate’s level is Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies, which had 1,143 associate degrees awarded last academic year.

Pensacola State College

Unsurprisingly located in Pensacola, Pensacola State College offers a wide array of academic programs and workforce training opportunities. With a strong commitment to community engagement and lifelong learning, Pensacola State College serves as an educational and cultural hub for the region. This college awards everything from less-than-one-year-certificates to one-but-less-than-two-years certificates to associate degrees and bachelor’s degrees. The school is home to a little over 8,600 students, all undergraduates. According to NCES data, the most popular bachelor’s degree field was Business Administration, Management and Operations, Other, in the last academic year, being conferred 148 bachelor’s degrees.

Polk State College

Located in the heart of Central Florida, Polk State College focuses on providing students with a well-rounded education. With a blend of academic programs, including arts, sciences, and technology, Polk State College prepares graduates to contribute meaningfully to their communities and succeed in their chosen careers. Unfortunately, the graduation rate at Polk State College is one of the lowest of all Florida College System schools, at 33%. Polk State has a little over 9,000 students in total, all of them undergraduates. Women dominate the student body, with the gender breakdown being 66% female versus 34% male.

St. Johns River State College

With campuses in Palatka, St. Augustine, and Orange Park, St. Johns River State College offers a variety of programs and services tailored to meet the needs of its diverse student body. With a focus on student success and community impact, St. Johns River State College serves as an educational anchor in the region. The college has a graduation rate of 46%, which is right around the average for all Florida College System schools. In terms of size, St. Johns River State is typical of public colleges, having over 6,300 students, all of them undergraduates.

St. Petersburg College

As its name implies, St. Petersburg College is located in St. Petersburg, offering a comprehensive range of academic programs and career pathways. With a strong focus on innovation and collaboration, St. Petersburg College prepares students for success in a rapidly changing global economy. The college has a fairly large student population, with more than 24,500 students in total, all undergraduates. Overall, its graduation rate could use some improvement, sitting at 36%. Like the majority of Florida College System schools, the gender breakdown leans towards females, who make up 62% of the undergraduate student body, versus males making up only 38%.

Santa Fe College

Located in Gainesville, Santa Fe College stands as a leading institution for academic and career advancement in North Central Florida. Known for its exceptional arts and sciences programs, Santa Fe College cultivates a vibrant learning community that nurtures intellectual curiosity and fosters personal growth. Santa Fe College has more than 12,800 undergraduate students and no on-campus housing.

With an overall graduation rate of 56%, Santa Fe College’s graduation rate is above-average. The gender breakdown at Santa Fe College is more balanced than many other Florida College System schools, with females making up 55% of the student body and males 45%. 

Seminole State College of Florida

Serving the Central Florida region, Seminole State College of Florida provides students with a strong foundation for academic and career success. With a focus on innovation and hands-on learning, Seminole State College of Florida equips students with the skills necessary to thrive in a rapidly evolving job market. Seminole State has a little over 15,300 students, all undergraduates, enrolled there. As with so many other Florida College System schools, women make up the majority of the student body, with a breakdown of 58% female to 42% male. Although the school’s overall graduation rate is 45%, female students have a higher rate, at 50%, compared to male students, which is 40%.

South Florida State College

Situated in Avon Park, State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota offers a range of associate and bachelor's degree programs, as well as workforce training opportunities. Known for its strong ties to the local community and commitment to student success, South Florida State College empowers graduates to make a positive impact in their chosen fields. Academically, South Florida State boasts a superb graduation rate of 66%, well above the average for all Florida College System schools.

South Florida State College is on the smaller side, with under 2,800 undergraduate students enrolled. Women make up the majority of the student body, with the gender breakdown being 65% female to 35% male. According to NCES data, on the associate’s level, the most popular major is Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies, which earned 221 associate degrees last academic year. On the bachelor’s level, the most popular major is Business Administration, Management and Operations, Other, which earned 38 bachelor’s degrees that same year.

State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota

Spanning two counties on Florida's west coast, State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota provides a wide range of academic programs and career pathways. With a focus on personalized learning and community engagement, State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota prepares students for success in a diverse and interconnected world. With its headquarters in Bradenton, State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota is of middling size, having a little over 8,400 total students, all undergraduates.

Again, when it comes to the gender breakdown of its student body, Manatee-Sarasota leans heavily female. Male students make up only 36% of the undergraduate student population versus 64% made up by females. The college’s graduation rate of 40% is close to the average graduation rate for all Florida College System schools.

Tallahassee Community College

Located in the Panhandle, in Florida's capital city, Tallahassee Community College offers a comprehensive range of programs designed to meet the needs of its students and the demands of the local workforce. With a commitment to accessibility and affordability, Tallahassee Community College prepares graduates to excel in their chosen fields and contribute to the community.

By far the most popular associate’s degree is in Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies, which had 2,169 degrees awarded in the last academic year alone, according to NCES data. For bachelor’s degrees, Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse was the top major, with 24 degrees conferred last academic year.

Valencia College

Serving the Orlando area, Valencia College is renowned for its innovative educational approach and strong ties to the local business community. With a focus on experiential learning and career readiness, Valencia College prepares graduates to thrive in the dynamic and competitive job market. When compared to other schools in the Florida College System, Valencia College is quite big. It has around 43,600 students, all undergraduates, yet maintains a solid student-to-teacher ratio of 19 to 1.

The gender breakdown of the student body is primarily female, with women making up 60% of the population versus 40% for men. In terms of race and ethnicity, Hispanic/Latino students comprise the largest share, at 40%. Valencia College’s graduation rate is right around the average for all Florida College System schools, at 46%.