Melvin Thompson, Polk State College

Melvin Thompson is the college-wide Director of the Student Activities and Leadership Office (SALO). In his role, he is responsible for all student events and engagement, student life programs, activity and service fee budget management, the Public Service Scholarship Program, My Brother’s Keeper and Florida Blue Healthy Eagles Programs, student center operations, campus clubs and organizations, and volunteer and leadership development.

Melvin and his team have won numerous awards during his tenure at Polk State College. Among those are Phi Theta Kappa Administrator of the Year, 2x Association for the Promotion of Campus Activities Event of the Year Award, Florida College System Student Government Association District III Step Up Award, and the Association of Florida College Region III Lifesaver Award. In 2019, Melvin was also voted by Haven Magazine as Polk County’s Sexiest Man.

In addition to his role in SALO, Melvin is an adjunct professor of the First Year Seminar and College Success classes at Polk State College. He has also held other positions at Polk State such as the Enrollment and Recruitment Manager for STEM Turnpike Grant, Student Activities Coordinator, and TRiO Student Support Services Academic Advisor.

Melvin currently serves as an Executive Board member for the Florida College System Activities Association, Polk State-Lakeland Gateway to College Collegiate High School advisory board, and the Polk State College Athletic Booster Club. He has also served as Polk State College’ Association of Florida Colleges Chapter President, and Lakeland Chamber Talent committee member.

Melvin was born and raised in Lakeland, Florida, and is a proud Florida State University and George Jenkins High School Alumni.