News Summary
Ava L. Parker, President of Palm Beach State College, received the prestigious South Florida Ultimate CEO Award, recognizing her impactful contributions to education and the community. Celebrated at a recent awards ceremony, Parker is noted for her leadership at the college, including advancements in student success rates and the opening of a new campus. This award underscores her commitment to enhancing educational opportunities while also acknowledging the charitable initiatives of exceptional leaders in the region.
Florida – Ava L. Parker, President of Palm Beach State College, has been honored with the prestigious 2022 South Florida Ultimate CEO Award. The award ceremony took place on November 17 at the Westin Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort, where Parker was celebrated alongside 14 other distinguished executives for their impactful contributions to the business landscape and community in South Florida.
The South Florida Ultimate CEO Awards program, which will continue to be highlighted through 2025, recognizes leaders across various sectors such as education, healthcare, technology, banking, and real estate. In addition to honoring business leadership, the awards also acknowledge the charitable initiatives of honorees that enhance the local community. Parker’s selection as a recipient underscores her significant role in shaping the educational landscape of the region.
Attendees enjoyed an evening filled with cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, and networking opportunities before the awards dinner, which featured a tribute to the honorees. The South Florida Business Journal featured Parker and her fellow awardees on the cover of their November 18 edition, showcasing the influence of these leaders in the community.
Leading up to the ceremony, Parker was highlighted in the weekly “Ultimate CEO Insights” series on August 31, which offered a glimpse into her leadership style and approach to education. Additionally, she was previously recognized as a 2022 Power Leader in Education by the same publication, further solidifying her impact in the field.
Parker expressed her appreciation for receiving the Ultimate CEO Award and extended her congratulations to other honorees during the ceremony. She emphasized that the true “ultimate CEOs” are the students at Palm Beach State College, reflecting her dedication to prioritizing student success and empowerment. Parker also shared valuable insights from a mentor about consistently pushing oneself to do more for students, a principle that guides her leadership.
Since her appointment as President in 2015, Parker has made history as the first female president of Palm Beach State College. Under her leadership, the college has experienced notable advancements, including the opening of a fifth campus and significant improvements in student success rates and enrollment growth. The institution is also poised to celebrate its 90th anniversary next year, marking nearly a century of educational excellence in the region.
As a testament to her commitment to enhancing educational opportunities, Parker has developed initiatives such as the Cross-Cultural Equity Institute and has achieved top gold status in the Florida College System ranking in 2017. Palm Beach State College has also received national recognition, being named among the top 150 community colleges eligible for the Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence on five occasions.
The South Florida Ultimate CEO Awards are a key highlight in the region’s business community, shining a light on leaders whose efforts drive economic growth and enhance community well-being. The President & Publisher of the South Florida Business Journal stated that the program celebrates exemplary business leadership, acknowledging those who positively impact the local economy and the lives of residents.
As Parker continues her tenure at Palm Beach State College, her leadership serves as an inspiring example of how commitment to education and community can yield significant outcomes for both individuals and society at large.
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