Her Story
About Patricia A.
Patricia Collins is a higher education executive with more than 27 years of experience aligning academic strategy with the evolving demands of the workforce. As Executive Director at Polk State College, she provides executive leadership over one of the college's satellite campuses, directing a team of 58 staff and overseeing workforce, corporate training, adult education, and continuing education programs that reach approximately 45,000 students each year. She manages $8.7 million in contracts and grants, guiding fiscal planning and strategic growth while ensuring noncredit offerings align seamlessly with degree pathways. Under her leadership, the campus has seen significant turnaround success, including generating roughly $7 million in net revenue after previously operating at a deficit, and redesigning a probationary nursing program that lifted NCLEX pass rates from 40 percent to 100 percent within six months.
Patricia's path into higher education leadership began in the classroom as a teacher for students with exceptional needs. She went on to earn a master's degree in counseling, working as a school counselor before pursuing administrative certification that carried her into roles as assistant principal and principal within the K-12 system. She later transitioned into postsecondary education as a director at a technical college, building on more than two decades within the Polk County School Board and Osceola County School District before stepping into her current role at Polk State College. Throughout this progression, she has consistently focused on connecting institutions with the communities and industries they serve, forging partnerships with K-12 systems, government agencies, and employers to expand access, strengthen completion rates, and build stronger regional talent pipelines. She is currently completing a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership and Administration at South College, with anticipated completion in December.
Beyond her administrative achievements, Patricia is deeply engaged in the broader education and workforce development community. She chairs the Polk State College Apprenticeship Committee, serves on the Bartow Economic Development Council board, and holds an advisory role with the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce, focusing on talent pipeline development and women in leadership initiatives. Her contributions have been recognized through honors such as the Adult CTE Leadership Award from the Florida Career Pathways Network and a Leadership Fellowship from the Florida Association of Career and Technical Education. Describing herself as a servant leader, Patricia credits her success to attentive listening, data-informed decision-making, and disciplined strategic planning, and she remains committed to mentoring the next generation of leaders while continuing to shape the future of workforce and institutional strategy.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Patricia A.
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to listening closely and making decisions grounded in data. I approach my work strategically, always building 30-60-90 day plans so that everyone stays accountable to clear timelines. When I'm turning around a program, I start by assessing what can be salvaged, then roll out evidence-based changes supported by strong systems that help sustain the results.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I'd tell them that they won't always have the answer, and that's perfectly okay — I'd rather admit I don't know something than guess, because guessing costs you credibility. I've learned to forgive myself for mistakes and see failure as an opportunity to grow. I encourage them to listen, think, and pray, to lead as a servant leader, to stay strategic, and to intentionally build the culture around them, because without a supportive team behind you, progress won't go far.
03What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that matter most to me are servant leadership, active listening, and data-driven strategy. I place a strong emphasis on building culture and support systems around me, learning from failure rather than being discouraged by it, and staying grounded in my faith through prayer.
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