Introduction
Polk State College is a public college located in Central Florida. With campuses in Lakeland and Winter Haven, it offers over 100 degree and certificate programs to its students. While many may not have heard of Polk State College, it has a rich history and interesting facts worth exploring. In this blog post, we will delve into some fun facts about Polk State College that you may not have known before.
Fun facts about Polk State College
Campus and Location
Polk State College has two campuses, one in Lakeland and the other in Winter Haven. The Lakeland campus is the larger of the two and sits on 120 acres of land. The campus features a beautiful, modern library that spans three floors and houses over 90,000 books and periodicals. The Winter Haven campus, on the other hand, is located in downtown Winter Haven and is home to the Polk State JD Alexander Center for Graduate Studies. This campus offers a unique learning experience with classes held in historic buildings.
Did you know that the Lakeland campus was once a US Air Force Base? In 1964, the land was transferred to the Polk County School Board, and it was eventually turned into the Polk State College we know today. Despite its transformation, many of the original buildings from the Air Force Base still stand and are now used for classrooms and administrative offices.
Athletics
Polk State College offers a variety of sports programs for its students, including basketball, baseball, softball, and volleyball. The Polk State Eagles compete in the Florida College System Activities Association and the National Junior College Athletic Association.
One interesting fact about the Polk State College athletics program is that the men’s basketball team won the state championship in 2018. Led by head coach Brandon Giles, the Eagles had an impressive 29-5 record and defeated Northwest Florida State College in the championship game. This was the first state championship for the Polk State men’s basketball program and a proud moment for the college.
Arts and Culture
Polk State College has a strong commitment to the arts, offering programs in music, theater, and visual arts. The Polk State College Fine Arts Gallery, located on the Lakeland campus, showcases the work of local and national artists. The gallery features a variety of exhibits throughout the year and is open to the public.
One unique aspect of the arts program at Polk State College is the Harrison School for the Arts. This public high school is located on the Lakeland campus and offers a rigorous curriculum in music, dance, theater, and visual arts. The Harrison School for the Arts has been recognized as one of the top high schools for the arts in the country and provides its students with a unique and enriching educational experience.
Technology and Innovation
Polk State College is committed to providing its students with the latest technology and innovative programs. The college offers a variety of online courses and programs, allowing students to complete their degrees from anywhere in the world. In addition, Polk State College has a strong focus on sustainability and is home to the Center for Sustainable Energy.
One unique program offered by Polk State College is the Digital Media Technology program. This program teaches students how to create and edit digital media, including video, audio, and graphics. Students in this program have access to state-of-the-art technology and software, preparing them for careers in a variety of fields.
Student Life
Polk State College has a diverse student body, with students from all over the world. The college offers a variety of clubs and organizations for students to get involved in, including the Student Government Association and Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society.
Did you know that Polk State College has its own radio station? WPLK 89.7 FM is a student-run radio station that broadcasts throughout Polk County. The station plays a variety of music and also features live broadcasts of Polk State College sports games and other events.
Another interesting fact about student life at Polk State College is the annual International Festival. This festival celebrates the diverse cultures represented on campus and features food, music, and dance from around the world. It is a fun and educational event that brings the entire college community together.
Community Outreach
Polk State College is committed to serving its community and offers a variety of outreach programs. One example of this is the Early Childhood Education Program, which provides free preschool education to children in the community. This program is staffed by Polk State College students studying early childhood education and provides a valuable service to families who may not be able to afford preschool.
Another outreach program offered by Polk State College is the Polk State Corporate College. This program provides customized training and education to local businesses and organizations. The Corporate College works with employers to identify their specific training needs and develops programs to meet those needs.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Polk State College may not be as well-known as some other colleges, but it has a rich history and interesting facts worth exploring. From its former life as a US Air Force Base to its commitment to the arts and community outreach, Polk State College is a unique and innovative institution. Whether you are a student, faculty member, or member of the community, there is something for everyone at Polk State College.
