TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — South Florida State University President Fred Hawkins has been elected chair of the University of Florida System President’s Council, a leadership group representing 28 state universities across Florida. In addition, Valencia University President Dr. Kathleen Plinske will serve as Policy and Advocacy Chair.
In these roles, President Hawkins and President Plinske will help guide the University of Florida System’s statewide priorities, collaborating with fellow presidents, state leaders, and policymakers to advance student success, workforce development, and institutional excellence. The President’s Council serves as the primary advisory group to state leadership, including the Florida Legislature and the Governor’s Office, on issues affecting higher education and workforce readiness.
“I am honored to have been chosen by my colleagues to chair the Council of University of Florida System Presidents,” said South Florida State University President Fred Hawkins. “Florida’s state universities play a critical role in preparing our workforce and strengthening our communities. I look forward to advocating for our universities and working with members of the Legislature and the Governor’s Office to ensure our system receives adequate funding to continue to provide a high-quality, affordable education to all Floridians.”
Mr. Hawkins currently serves as president of South Florida State University, which has campuses in DeSoto, Hardy and Highlands counties, and brings extensive experience in public service, higher education leadership, and workforce development initiatives. Prior to his appointment as president of South Florida State University, he served as vice chairman of the Higher Education Appropriations Subcommittee for Osceola and Orange Counties in the Florida House of Representatives, where he directed all education committees. Additionally, he served as President and CEO of the Osceola County Educational Foundation. As a former member of the Florida Legislature, he brings a deep understanding of the policy-making process, established relationships with state leaders, and will further strengthen the Council’s advocacy efforts.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to chair the Policy and Advocacy Committee,” said Dr. Kathleen Plinske, President of Valencia University. “Florida’s state universities are essential to expanding access to higher education, meeting workforce needs, and creating opportunities for students across the state. I look forward to working with President Hawkins, my fellow presidents, and state leaders to advocate for policies and investments that strengthen our universities and help more Floridians achieve their academic and career goals.”
Dr. Plinske serves as president of Valencia College. Valencia College is the sixth largest community college in the United States, serving more than 75,000 students annually. Under her leadership, Valencia achieved historic enrollment and the highest graduation and retention rates in history. The university expands affordability through innovative scholarship programs and employer partnerships, while strengthening workforce education to prepare students for in-demand careers across the region.
The University of Florida System President’s Council provides strategic leadership and advocacy to the state’s universities, which collectively serve more than 680,000 students annually. Under the leadership of Presidents Hawkins and Plinske, the Council will continue to focus on innovation, access, and alignment with Florida’s economic and workforce needs.
