ENGAGE LUNCH & LEARN TO FEATURE DR. EILEEN HOLDEN

Dr. Eileen Holden became Polk State College’s fourth president in 2006, bringing to Polk County more than 20 years of experience as an instructor and administrator.

A lifelong educator, Holden holds a bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education from Utica College of Syracuse University, a master’s degree in teaching English and Reading from the University of Houston, and a doctorate in Higher Education Administration from Nova Southeastern University.

She began her career as a middle-school teacher, but soon turned her attention to higher education administration. Prior to being named president of Polk State, she was vice president for academic affairs at Broward College and dean for academic affairs at Palm Beach State College.

Since being named president, she has led Polk State through a period of unprecedented growth. Under her leadership, the College in 2010 launched its first bachelor’s degree, the Bachelor of Applied Science in Supervision and Management; the College has since added the Bachelor of Science in Nursing, the Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice and a Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Sciences.

The College has also experienced dramatic enrollment growth, and has expanded its physical footprint to include Polk State Airside in South Lakeland, Polk State Lake Wales and the Polk State College Lake Wales Arts Center.

In addition to her work at Polk State, Holden is also an advocate for higher education on a statewide level, serving as past chair for the Florida College System Council of Presidents and past president of the Florida College System Activities Association.