Desiree Polk-Bland serves as the Vice President of Student Affairs at Columbus State Community College. In this role, Dr. Polk-Bland is responsible for leading and designing the college’s strategy to support and develop students. Desiree has over 25 years of experience in higher education and community college specializing in student development and holistic student support. She has a proven history of developing partnerships, collaborations, and stakeholder engagement that result in system change and programs designed to enable students to achieve their goals. Desiree has a deep appreciation for learning and education and believe they are essential in transforming society. Prior to Columbus State, she held roles at Tidewater Community College, Ivy Tech Community College, and Indiana University East.

Desiree earned a Ph.D. in Leadership for Higher Education from Capella University, two master’s degrees from Indiana University (Adult Education and Educational Psychology), and a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Cincinnati. As a lifelong learner, Desiree is also a proud graduate from Ivy Tech Community College with an associate of arts in general studies and from Columbus State Community College with an associate of applied science in digital photography.