A former dean at Miami Dade College has been chosen to lead the Florida College System.
Florida Education Commissioner Pam Stewart has chosen Madeline Pumariega to be chancellor of the state's system of community colleges.
Pumariega worked for more than a decade at Miami Dade College, including serving as dean of students at the Wolfson Campus. She has been the president and CEO of Take Stock in Children since 2013.
The statewide non-profit takes students at risk of dropping out of high school and helps them complete college.
Stewart says Pumariega will maintain the progress Florida's college system has made.
"With Madeline's extensive background in higher education and commitment to helping Florida's students thrive," Stewart said in a statement, "she is the right choice to ensure we continue our positive direction."
Pumariega follows Randy Hanna, who announced he was leaving the post last year.
The Florida College System enrolls more than 800,000 students at 28 schools across Florida. At many campuses, students can earn two-year or four-year degrees.
