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Polk State College has appointed Anne B. Kerr as interim president in a 6-1 vote by the district board of trustees.
Kerr’s appointment comes on the heels of Angela Falconetti’s appointment as interim president of University of North Florida. Falconetti had served as president of Polk State College since May 2017. Her recent appointment followed a period of questions regarding enrollment projections, allocation of Polk State College Foundation funds, and faculty relations.
Ashley Troutman voiced the single no vote — “only because of process, it’s not about the individual,” he said.
When casting his yes vote, board vice chair Greg Littleton said, “I don’t think we could have done any better at all.”
The special board meeting held on Thursday, Feb. 5, lasted only 22 minutes.
“It’s very important for us to identify an interim leader that has both the experience and a proven track record of leadership. Dr. Kerr is a seasoned, higher education leader, with decades of experience,” said Ann Barnhart, board chair. “I believe she has the ability to guide the institution through our next chapter.”
Kerr surprised by opportunity
Before the vote, Kerr spoke to the board in a crowded room of faculty and staff about the opportunity to serve as interim president.
“I’m a person of faith,” Kerr said. “And I had been praying. What should my mission be after 21 years of serving as president at Florida Southern College?”
She said she was surprised when she got the call from the governor’s office offering her the opportunity but also excited to be considered.
“I’m passionate about educating students and passionate about workforce development and all that we can accomplish to strengthen this community,” Kerr said. “Human flourishing comes from education.”
A “hard stop”
Kerr said her time as president will have a “hard stop.” She said, “I would serve during the time that the trustees are searching for their next president.”
Board member Ashley Bell Barnett asked about Kerr’s “hard stop.” Kerr clarified that she could serve as interim president until this summer.
“Your search will be successful,” Kerr told the board. “Polk State College has a great reputation. There are so many outstanding leaders who will be applying.”
Questions about the process
Board member Ashley Trouman and current Lakeland city commissioner raised questions about the process and criteria used for the appointment.
Barnhart responded, “As your chair, I have the responsibility to work with the department of education. We work with our current president, and we look to identify someone that will come into the role as an interim with the leadership skills, and the ability to work in an interim role with faculty, staff, and students.”
Troutman asked that the board review their rules and undertake designing a “written succession plan.”
“When the media found out about who the recommendation was before the other trustees did, it was a process issue,” Troutman said after the meeting. “I have no issues with Ms. Kerr.”
Falconetti’s final remarks
After the vote confirming Kerr, former president, Angela Falconetti, made her final remarks to the Polk State board of trustees, faculty, and staff in the room. She began by giving Kerr her “endorsement.”
“At this juncture, this college needs someone in the interim who is strong, who is respected, who is an extreme professional and understands the business of academia like the palm of her hand,” said Falconetti.
“Dr. Kerr, I could not be more grateful. I don’t believe that I need to congratulate you. I won’t,” she said. “I’m extending gratitude to you as the former president.”
She thanked the board members, especially those who had been on the board when she was hired and Barnhart as chair. “I want to thank all of the members of the district board of trustees for your professionalism, your leadership, your support,” she said.
Barnhart will now negotiate a contract with Kerr.
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