Probstfeld to Retire as SCF President

MANATEE COUNTY – Earlier this week, State College of Florida Manatee-Sarasota President Carol Probstfeld announced she will retire on July 1, the end of the current academic year. Probstfeld has held the position for more than a decade.

Probstfeld took the helm shortly after the school was rebranded from Manatee Community College and began offering four-year programs. During her time as President, the college grew into a major educational hub for the Sarasota/Manatee region.

Probstfeld announced her intention to retire in a personal statement at the Sept. 26 meeting of the SCF district board of trustees.

“Doing the right thing for students has been my motivating factor, and knowing that I am where I can make a positive impact on students’ lives is what I love most about my job,” Probstfeld said.

Noting that SCF had been challenged by outside factors, unprecedented events, and stiff headwinds, both literal and figurative, Probstfeld said that she was most proud that SCF had earned the trust and support of the community as a vital resource and the first choice for local higher education.

“We were able to get here with a long list of recognitions and accolades thanks to the support of amazing faculty, staff, students, and community partners who had faith in my vision for our College and committed to work alongside me,” she added.

Named SCF’s sixth president in 2012, Probstfeld’s retirement caps off 27 years of administrative leadership in higher education including 11 years as SCF president, 10 years as SCF vice president of finance and administration, and six years at other educational institutions.

“We are grateful for Dr. Probstfeld’s humble and bold leadership,” SCF Trustee Chair Rod Thomson said. “Under her leadership, SCF has grown its academic programs, expanded its student services, and gained the confidence of the community and our constituents as the first choice for quality higher education and to meet the needs of our local workforce, now and in the future.”

Probstfeld assured SCF trustees that she will remain committed to and focused on her responsibilities as president, and she promised, “I always will be an ardent champion and advocate for State College of Florida.”

SCF says that the board will decide at a future meeting on a process for selecting the next president.