Desiree Polk-Bland serves as the Executive Dean 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 all students. Desiree has over 22 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 believes they are essential in transforming society. Prior to Columbus State, she held roles at Tidewater Community College, Ivy Tech Community College, 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.