Graduates from Polk County Institutions of Higher Education Enhance Talent Pipeline
Polk County’s colleges and universities recently awarded over 3,500 post-secondary degrees, further strengthening the county’s growing talent pipeline. These graduates represent the next generation of healthcare professionals, engineers, educators, business leaders, public servants, and technology specialists who will help meet workforce demands across the region.
Many graduates will remain in Polk County to begin their careers, continue their education, or join local employers. As talent remains one of the most important factors for companies considering expansion or relocation, Polk County’s higher education institutions continue to play a vital role in supporting economic growth and workforce development.
Following is a breakdown of graduates from each institution:
Florida Polytechnic University
Florida Polytechnic University graduated 430 students this spring, celebrating the largest graduating class in the university’s history on May 9. University President Dr. Devin Stephenson said, “Today, you leave Florida Poly prepared to take on real-world challenges, create new solutions, and make a difference in the lives of others.” As Florida’s only public university dedicated exclusively to STEM education, Florida Poly continues to produce highly skilled graduates in engineering, computer science, data analytics, and other technology-focused fields that are increasingly in demand throughout the region.
Florida Southern College
Florida Southern College also celebrated its largest graduating class on May 2, awarding degrees to 583 graduates. Lakeland Mayor Sara Roberts McCarley, a Florida Southern alumna, served as commencement speaker and was awarded an honorary Doctor of Public Service degree. The ceremony marked the second spring commencement under President Jeremy P. Martin, the college’s 18th president.
Keiser University
According to Brandon Griffin, Director of Student Services, 120 students are registered to graduate during Keiser University’s upcoming July 17 commencement ceremony. Additionally, 140 students have earned degrees from the Lakeland campus since the beginning of 2026. Keiser continues to support workforce needs through programs in healthcare, business, technology, and career-focused education.
Polk State College
Polk State College celebrated its 134th graduating class on April 30, with 1,115 students eligible to participate in commencement ceremonies. Ninety percent of graduates are Polk County residents, demonstrating the college’s significant impact on the local workforce pipeline.
Among the graduates, 173 earned bachelor’s degrees and 732 earned Associate in Art degrees that are fully transferable within Florida’s State University System. The class also included 187 Associate in Science degree recipients prepared to enter the workforce directly. Academic excellence was a hallmark of the graduating class, with 49 students earning perfect 4.0 grade-point averages. The youngest graduate was 16 years old, while the oldest was 55, highlighting the diverse educational journeys represented at Polk State.
Southeastern University
Southeastern University’s Spring 2026 commencement marked the institution’s 91st graduating class. The university awarded degrees to 1,053 graduates representing 47 states and 24 countries. Congressman Byron Donalds served as commencement speaker during their April ceremonies held in Lakeland. Southeastern continues to attract students from across the nation and around the world while contributing significantly to Polk County’s talent pipeline.
Warner University
Warner University graduated 229 students during its annual commencement ceremony on May 2. The ceremony was held on campus in the courtyard between the Pontious Learning Resource Center and the Rigel Student Center, according to Eden Cochin, Assistant Director of Marketing and Communications.
Webber International University
Webber International University concluded its 99th academic year with a commencement ceremony on May 1, graduating 161 students. “This year’s commencement theme, Forging New Paths, is especially fitting, not only given the changes occurring in higher education, but more importantly because of the new opportunities awaiting our graduates,” said Dr. Nelson Marquez, Webber President and Chief Executive Officer. Royce Brown, President and Chief Executive Officer of AdventHealth Lake Wales, delivered the commencement address. As Webber approaches its centennial year, the university continues preparing graduates for careers in business, education, healthcare, and related fields.
Together, these graduates represent a growing and diverse workforce that will help support Polk County’s continued economic development. Through partnerships with employers, workforce-focused degree programs, and career preparation opportunities, Polk County’s higher education institutions remain critical contributors to the county’s long-term competitiveness and success.
Congrats, grads!
