In a special meeting held on December 18, Valencia College trustees selected Dr. Kathleen Plinske to become the college’s fifth president. Plinske currently serves as the executive vice president and provost of Valencia College, as well as the campus president of the Osceola, Lake Nona and Poinciana campuses.

Plinske emerged as the leading candidate following on-campus interviews with the three finalists and a series of town hall events with students, employees and community leaders.

Plinske will begin her new role in the spring, pending the approval of an employment contract in February. She will replace Sandy Shugart, who announced that he would retire in June after 21 years of service.

A link to Plinske’s bio can be found here: https://valenciacollege.edu/employees/employment-at-valencia/presidential-search/finalist-plinske.php