Don Wilson, who has served as the general counsel for Polk State College since its days as Polk Junior College, is retiring after an impressive 50-year tenure. He made the announcement during the January 26, 2024, District Board of Trustees meeting. Wilson, a graduate of the University of Florida’s College of Law in 1976, was admitted to The Florida Bar that same year.
Wilson began his legal career at a law firm in Coral Gables, shortly after the Florida Legislature approved the establishment of public-sector unions. His firm represented Polk Junior College during a campaign by employees to form a union, which ultimately did not succeed. He noted that faculty members were content with the leadership of the college’s first president, Frederick T. Lenfestey.
Throughout his decades of service, Wilson collaborated with all five presidents of the college: Lenfestey, Maryly VanLeer Peck, Larry Durrence, Eilleen Holden, and Angela Garcia Falconetti. At the board meeting, he expressed gratitude for the opportunity to work with such dedicated administrators, faculty, and staff.
“I represented a wonderful group of people who sat in the chairs over the years. It’s been a great privilege of mine to work with wonderful administrators and faculty and staff,” Wilson stated. “It’s a wonderful institution, and we’re all very fortunate to be part of it and be able to contribute to all that it does. And so, I’ve concluded that it’s probably my time, unless someone else has the opportunity.”
As he prepares for retirement, Wilson has recommended David Carmichael, a colleague from the law firm Boswell & Dunlap, as his successor. He plans to present this recommendation at the upcoming trustees meeting in February. Wilson’s retirement is set to take effect on March 1, 2024, pending the approval of Carmichael’s appointment by the Board of Trustees.
Wilson’s departure marks the end of an era at Polk State College, where he has played a pivotal role in its legal affairs and governance for half a century. His legacy will undoubtedly impact the institution and its community for years to come.
For further information, Gary White can be reached at [email protected] or 863-802-7518. Follow on X @garywhite13.
