KEN ATWATER
PRESIDENT, HILLSBOROUGH COLLEGE, TAMPA
Hillsborough College is Florida's fourth largest state college, serving more than 45,000 students each year at its five campuses and three centers. It offers more than 200 academic options and employs more than 2,200. Over 84% of HC graduates stay in the local community, and together, HC and its former students contribute more than $1.3 billion in added income and economic impact to Hillsborough County. Atwater became the college's seventh president in 2010.
EDUCATION: Murray State University (BS, MS), Southern Illinois University (Ph.D.)
DREAM ALTERNATE CAREER: In another life, I would have studied music and become a jazz musician.
SOMETHING SURPRISING: Few would guess I was a theatre major, but it shaped so much of who I am.
HOBBY: Golf is a true passion of mine.
INDUSTRY TREND: Workforce training is a powerful gateway to family-sustaining wages and long-term career success. By expanding access and opportunities in this area, we’re not just filling jobs — we’re transforming lives. The impact of strong workforce development extends far beyond the individual, creating lasting economic stability for families and laying the foundation for generational progress and community growth.
