The Polk State College Presidential Search Committee has recommended a single finalist in its search for the college’s sixth president — Anastasios “Stasi” Kamoutsas. Since July 2025, he has served as Florida’s commissioner of education, following his recommendation for the position by Governor Ron DeSantis.
The announcement of a single candidate comes as a surprise, as original documents outlining the search charged committee members with recommending “a final group of applicants.”
The plan was to invite the group to campus for final interviews and public forums in early June.
I am thankful to the search committee for naming me the sole finalist to become Polk State College’s next president.
— Anastasios Kamoutsas (@StasiKamoutsas) May 13, 2026
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… https://t.co/5BUKb1HenV
In March 2026, Polk State College Board of Trustees revised rule 1.10 regarding the selection of the college president to eliminate language mentioning a screening committee and a requirement that any candidate hold a doctorate.
After the rule change, rumor began to circulate that Kamoutsas was a likely candidate for the position. They intensified when he was chosen to speak at 2026 Polk State College Commencement.
About Kamoutsas
Originally from Miami, where he served as assistant state attorney, Kamoutsas is a legal and policy professional with experience in education and public service at the state and local levels.
According to his biography on the state’s website, “He has been deeply involved in the state’s efforts to protect parental rights, expand school choice, eliminate DEI and CRT, and preserve education freedom. He was also instrumental in opposing COVID mask mandates and advancing the Governor’s successful push to reopen schools for in-person learning in 2020.”
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“Throughout the search process, he emerged as a candidate with a compelling vision for the future of Polk State College and a deep understanding of the College’s mission and impact across the region,” officials wrote in a press release announcing the committee’s recommendation.
Kamoutsas will visit the College on June 3 for meetings and forums with students, faculty, staff and community members.
The process
On Monday, April 13, the committee met for the first time for “an informational meeting … regarding the presidential search process and providing an overview of applicable Florida laws.”
Myers McRae Executive Search and Consulting led a national search to fill the position. Over 100 applications were received from higher education leaders across the country.
The search committee met three times in May, as expected, to identify and vet applications — May 6, May 7, and May 12. Per Florida statutes, these meetings were closed to the public and press. Recordings of the meetings are not available for public review, as they are exempt from 119.07(1) and section 24(a), Art. 1 of the State Constitution.
The search committee’s recommendation was announced on the morning of May 13. The Polk State College District Board of Trustees is expected to consider the Presidential Search Committee’s recommendation at its regular board meeting on June 3 at 4 p.m. at the Polk State Center for Public Safety.
Committee Members:
- Steve Lester, chair, District Board of Trustees member
- Members of the District Board of Trustees: Ann Barnhart, Greg Littleton, Cindy Hartley Ross, Ashley Bell Barnett, Kyle Davis, and Ashley Troutman
- Anthony Cornett, president of the Polk State College’s Faculty Senate and biology professor
- Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd (Polk State College Distinguished Alumni)
- Former State Senator Denise Grimsley (Polk State College Distinguished Alumni)
- Former State Senator Kelli Stargel
Anna Toms is a reporter for LkldNow, a nonprofit newsroom providing independent local news for Lakeland. Read at LkldNow.com.
