Another DeSantis ally is in line for a presidential post at a state college

Anastasios Kamoutsas, Florida’s education commissioner, is the sole finalist in Polk State College’s presidential search, the school announced Wednesday.

If selected, Kamoutsas would become the latest of many public university and college presidents in Florida with ties to Tallahassee.

He has served as commissioner of education since last summer, and was previously the general counsel and chief of staff for the state Department of Education. Kamoutsas also served as Gov. Ron DeSantis’ deputy chief of staff.

As education commissioner, Kamoutsas championed the expansion of apprenticeship programs in K-12 schools, colleges and universities. He has also pushed for the removal of sociology from general education requirements in the Florida college system.

Kamoutsas is also known for targeting K-12 school district officials over books in school libraries and clashing with union leaders.

Polk State College has six campuses in Bartow, Lake Wales, Lakeland and Winter Haven. The college enrolls nearly 15,000 degree-seeking students.

Last summer, a state Department of Government Efficiency report showed the school had the largest decline in enrollment among Florida’s public colleges. The Tampa Bay Times found that the Winter Haven campus has a graduation rate of 32%, the lowest among the state’s public colleges.

Polk State College trustees will consider the search committee’s recommendation at their board meeting on June 3. The same day, Kamoutsas will visit the college to meet with students, faculty, staff and community members, according to the college.

Any final decision would be approved by the state Board of Education, which oversees the state’s 28 public colleges. As education commissioner, Kamoutsas sits on the Board of Governors, which governs Florida’s 12 public universities.

In the last few years, it’s been common to see individuals with political ties become Florida college and university presidents.

New College of Florida’s President Richard Corcoran first served as speaker of the Florida House and later as education commissioner.

Jeanette Nuñez, DeSantis’ former lieutenant governor, became Florida International University’s president. Marva Johnson, a former chairperson on the State Board of Education, became president of Florida A&M University. Manny Diaz Jr., the state’s education commissioner before Kamoutsas, became president of University of West Florida.

Eric Hall, who was selected as Pasco-Hernando State College’s president last year amid controversy surrounding a DOGE report, was first a secretary at the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice.

Polk State College used Myers McRae Executive Search and Consulting firm, and received over 100 applications in the national search. Trustee Steve Lester led a search committee, which was comprised of other trustees, the faculty senate president, professors and community members.

“Anastasios distinguished himself as an inspiring, diligent, and highly capable leader with a clear vision for the future of Polk State College,” Lester said. “We are confident that he possesses the experience, character and leadership necessary to guide Polk State into the future.”

In a post on X on Wednesday, Kamoutsas said he is excited to support partnerships between K-12 schools, colleges and universities.

“No matter the position I serve in, I remain committed to the belief that education is the foundation of opportunity and the key to a stronger future,” he wrote.

The Tampa Bay Times Education Hub reports on Florida’s schools and universities and the students they serve. You can contribute to the hub through their journalism fund by clicking here.