The number of Polk State College alumni is a growing network of 60,000 graduates, many of whom work to inspire current students to achieve their potential.
Nikki Smith, an entrepreneur, Polk State Foundation Board member, and Immediate Past President of the Alumni Association, founded the speed meetings event held each semester to connect with students and help inspire them.
The latest alumni speed meetings event was held on Wednesday, February 19, 2025.
“I had some great conversations today,” Smith said. “There were so many students who were eager to hear the things that we’re saying and, hopefully, we can provide them some shortcuts in their career paths.”
Participants included Lanier Cameron, Scholarship Specialist for the Polk State Foundation; Alexander Gonzalez, Manager for the Polk State Student Activities & Leadership Office; Sherry Kelley, Senior Vice President for Citizens Bank & Trust; Zack McGhin, Student Success Advisor for Polk State; Chris Nelson, Executive Director for the State Attorney’s Office 10th Judicial Circuit; Ty Pinner, Vice President, Commercial Relationships Manager for SouthState Bank; Edward Smith, Professor of Political Science for Polk State; Steve Warner, Vice President for Resource Development & Executive Director for the Polk State Foundation; and Nikki Smith.
Akearia Gaskins, a Diagnostic Medical Sonography student, said that in addition to her studies, she is looking to explore her interests in entrepreneurship. Meeting with the nine alumni on Wednesday gave her some insight.
“I’m trying to venture out into different avenues, and I enjoyed the business parts of it because they all seemed like good businesspeople, so I appreciated all the feedback they gave,” Gaskins said. “After talking to them, I feel inspired.”
Inspiration is what this event is all about, according to Smith.
“We need to inspire them to not give up and show them how many of us graduated with our degrees, even if we don’t work in the field that we graduated in,” she said.
Kelley said connecting over shared experiences with students and offering guidance is a great way to help them navigate college life and the transition into their careers.
“I was happy to meet a lot of the students,” Kelley said. “Most of them were college athletes, and my son went through the athletics program, so I had some real-life experience to share with them about classes, forward-thinking, and using the skills they learn on the field to help them further in their degree.”
The connections made and insights shared during the event have already begun to inspire students to explore new avenues and pursue their goals. As the College continues to grow its alumni network, these events are crucial in fostering a supportive and engaged community.
“This year there are 60,000 alumni,” Smith said. “If we use our network, we are powerful. So I really want us to be able to see the students and inspire them.”
Alumni who are interested in getting involved with the Association are encouraged to visit foundation.polk.edu/alumni-registration for more information.
