Library and learning center dedicated at Bradenton college campus

Days before the start of her retirement, the president of the State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota, was honored with a building dedicated in her name.

Carol Probstfeld, president of the Bradenton-based college, will officially retire on July 1 after 27 years of service in higher education. Under her leadership, the library and learning center opened on the campus in 2018. It was one of 292 major capital projects worth $72.3 million completed during Probsfeld's tenure as president, the Business Observer previously reported.

“In recognition of her immense contributions, we are proud to announce the naming of this center as the Dr. Carol F. Probstfeld Library & Learning Center, a testament to her enduring legacy,” Board of Trustees chair Rod Thompson says in a statement.

The 64,000-square-foot library and learning center were built with funds from the state to provide a place for students to study and collaborate.

At the dedication ceremony for the building on June 25, Probstfeld recalled getting her first library card when she was 6 years old.

“I think spending that time in a library when I was a child made all the difference and gave me the tools that I needed to be able to pursue a career that I wanted,” Probstfeld, whose parents did not attend college but served in World War II, said at the dedication ceremony.

Image courtesy of State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota

She has worked for 22 years at the State College of Florida, serving as interim president and vice president of business and administrative services before becoming the college’s sixth president in 2013.

“It’s just overwhelming, and breathtaking and humbling,” Probstfeld said. “I can’t begin to say thank you enough.”

Rep. Tommy Gregory will take over as president, effective July 1.