State College of Florida trustees make Probstfeld permanent president

State College of Florida’s Board of Trustees named interim President Dr. Carol Probstfeld as the school’s sixth president in a 7-0 vote at a special meeting Tuesday.

Probstfeld, who previously said she wasn’t interested in taking the position past her interim status, accepted the job, saying she appreciated the board’s confidence in her and the support of her colleagues, several of whom spoke in favor of the board’s motion.

The 51-year-old Probstfeld, who has served as SCF’s interim president since November, came to SCF in 2003 as vice president of business and administrative services.

The Tuesday meeting in Lakewood Ranch had been scheduled for the board to consider aspects of the presidential search.

Board Vice Chair Dr. Craig Trigueiro made a motion that the board offer a contract to Probstfeld, explaining that after hearing attendees at recent community input sessions list the attributes they wanted to see in the next president, he became convinced that Probstfeld was the person for the job.

Trustees individually expressed their support for Probstfeld, citing their appreciation for her engagement with the community, her communication with and outreach to the board, their confidence in her financial management, and the trust she enjoys from college employees.

Board Chair Carlos Beruff noted that the board’s decision to offer Probstfeld the permanent position also would avoid a learning curve that would be required for a new president unfamiliar with the college and community.

“I commit to you that every day I will wake up with the knowledge in my heart that this is a college I love, and it is my goal to contribute to making it a better place,” Probstfeld said.

The details of her contract will be considered at a future board meeting.

SCF's former president, Lars Hafner, resigned Oct. 30 with a $363,000 settlement agreement after trustees questioned his financial judgment.