Don Wilson, the general counsel for Polk State College, has announced his retirement after an impressive tenure of **50 years**. Wilson made the announcement during the **January 26, 2024**, meeting of the District Board of Trustees. His departure marks the end of an era, having served the institution since it was known as Polk Junior College.
A graduate of the **University of Florida’s College of Law**, Wilson earned his degree in **1976** and was admitted to The Florida Bar the same year. His legal career began with a law firm in Coral Gables, where he played a pivotal role in navigating newly established public-sector unions. His firm represented Polk Junior College during its initial challenges with an employee union campaign, which ultimately did not succeed as faculty expressed confidence in the college’s leadership under its first president, **Frederick T. Lenfestey**.
Throughout his longstanding career, Wilson has collaborated with all five presidents of Polk State College, including **Maryly VanLeer Peck**, **Larry Durrence**, **Eilleen Holden**, and **Angela Garcia Falconetti**. Reflecting on his experience, Wilson stated, “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’s retirement is set to take effect on **March 1, 2024**, pending the approval of his recommended successor, **David Carmichael**, a colleague from the law firm Boswell & Dunlap. Wilson indicated that he plans to present a detailed transition plan at the upcoming trustees meeting in February.
He expressed his gratitude for his time at the college, noting, “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.”
Wilson’s departure signifies not just a personal milestone but also an important transition for Polk State College, an institution that has evolved over decades under various leaderships. The Board of Trustees will convene to discuss Carmichael’s appointment, ensuring that the college continues its legacy of strong legal counsel and leadership.
