Florida College System

I am thankful to the search committee for naming me the sole finalist to become Polk State College’s next president. Florida College System institutions play a critical role in preparing students for in-demand, high-wage positions. During my time as Commissioner, I have proudly touted their incredible outcomes as they serve more than 680,000 students across the state and provide more than 130,000 degrees and certifications each year. 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. I also look forward to working with the Board of Trustees, cabinet members, and the faculty whose dedication is transforming students’ lives and equipping them with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in their careers. No matter the position I serve in, I remain committed to the belief that education is the foundation of opportunity and the key to a stronger future.

Looking for a career where you can make a real impact in your community?    Registered nurses in Florida earn an average of $84,000+ per year, with strong job growth statewide.    Find a program at GetThereFL.com/Search

Happy Mother’s Day to all the incredible mothers and grandmothers across Florida! You all play an irreplaceable role in the life of a child and their education. Today, we celebrate you for the love, guidance, mentorship and encouragement that you provide, which shapes lives and strengthens communities.

It’s National Nurses Week! This week, we celebrate the dedicated nurses who care for our communities every day.    Ready to make a difference? Explore nursing pathways and start your journey today.     Find a program at GetThereFL.com/Search

Today, on the National Day of Prayer, Leon County School Board Member Laurie Cox and I prayed for Florida’s students, teachers and parents. Thank you Member Cox for also praying over @EducationFL to have strength, dedication, and faith as we lead Florida’s education system.

Thank you @EDSecMcMahon for fighting alongside us against the unions who are hurting the teachers and students they purport to represent. Your leadership was instrumental in advancing legislation that ensures real accountability for unions in Florida.

Congratulations to the 2027 Florida District Teachers of the Year! This group of elite educators has been recognized by their districts as experts in their field, demonstrating a superior capacity to guide students to academic excellence. #FLTOY2027

Florida continues to lead the way in expanding access to rigorous, high-quality advanced coursework for all students. The FACT U.S. History framework presents a complete and accurate view of our nation’s history without ideology or divisive concepts like DEI and Critical Race Theory. The deadline for participation in the pilot course has been extended to May 18. I encourage all school districts and charter schools to take advantage of this opportunity.

Happy Teacher Appreciation Week! This week we celebrate and elevate the more than 170,000 teachers across Florida. Thank you for your dedication and commitment to Florida students!

Thank you at @FSWCollege for allowing me to keynote your commencement ceremony.   FSW equipped their graduates with the skills, determination, and drive to succeed in their careers and make a difference in their communities.   Congratulations graduates, your hard work has paid off, and your next chapter starts now!

It was an honor to speak at the @PolkState commencement ceremony.   These graduates are leaving not only with degrees, but with the skills and confidence to make an immediate impact on Florida’s workforce and their communities.   Congratulations to the Class of 2026!

It was great to visit @RingPowerCat’s St. Johns County Campus for National Apprenticeship Week.   I had the opportunity to explore the innovative programs and see the hands-on educational opportunities available to students.   Programs like these emphasize Florida’s nation-leading apprenticeship and preapprenticeship programs.

Did you know you can learn while you earn through a registered apprenticeship?   After eligibility is determined with the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR), individuals can explore how apprenticeships align with their individualized career plans.   DVR partners with employers to help connect participants to these opportunities. Learn more at rehabworks.org

It’s @FLCollegeSystem Month! Florida’s Great 28 institutions serve as the primary access point to postsecondary education by providing high‑quality, affordable education that equips students with meaningful credentials and the skills needed for long-term success.

Under @GovRonDeSantis’ leadership, Florida is expanding apprenticeship pathways statewide. Students gain real-world experience that leads to high-wage careers, while employers build a stronger, skilled workforce. Join us in celebrating National Apprenticeship Week, April 26-May 2, 2026!

I was honored to keynote the @MDCollege commencement ceremony.   To the more than 15,000 students graduating today: the knowledge, skills, and determination you’ve built will carry you into future careers and opportunities.   Congratulations Class of 2026!

Florida is number one in workforce education because of the collective efforts of our @FLCollegeSystem institutions. This FCS Month we recognize the incredible impact of our 28 state colleges in building a stronger, more skilled workforce aligned with the evolving needs of businesses and industry across the state. floridapolitics.com/archives/79282…

WATCH: Florida Education Commissioner @StasiKamoutsas joins @GovRonDeSantis to celebrate 13,000+ families already using the VPK-Prepaid partnership to secure their children's future “We are aligning our systems to support families every step of the way.”

Florida is one of the first states in the nation to create a seamless process for families to apply for Voluntary Prekindergarten and begin saving for higher education through @FloridaPrepaid at the same time. More than 13,000 families have already taken advantage of this opportunity—receiving $100 to jumpstart their savings and gaining entry into a monthly raffle for a $1,000 scholarship. Thanks to @GovRonDeSantis Florida continues to prioritize students and provide innovative options to expand educational opportunities.

Our great 28 @FLCollegeSystem institutions prepare students with the skills & training to protect communities, respond in critical moments & support public safety across Florida. Learn more: bit.ly/3wnJkLH