President Joe Pickens Biography

Joe Pickens became President of St. Johns River State College in November of 2008 succeeding Dr. Robert McLendon, Jr. who retired after having served as College President for 36 years.

During the fifteen plus years that he has served as President, Mr. Pickens has spearheaded many initiatives including the College’s transition from a community to a state college, the College’s first bachelor’s degrees, the creation of an honors program, the expansion of dual-enrollment and early college programs and the expansion of the College’s mission to provide nontraditional community educational opportunities throughout the service districts.

Prior to becoming College President, Mr. Pickens spent eight years in the Florida House of Representatives. During that time, he served as Chair of the Public Lands and Water Resources subcommittee, the Education Appropriations Committee and the Schools and Learning Council. Then Representative Pickens also chaired the House Select Committee on Constitutional Amendment Reform.

Career Achievements

• President of SJR State – since 2008
• District 21 Florida House of Representatives 2000 - 2008
• Chairman of the House Education Appropriations Committee
• Chairman of the House Schools and Learning Council
• Designated “Chair Emeritus” of the House Schools and Learning Council, 2008.

Recognitions and Community Involvement

• One of the “People You Should Know in NE Florida” by Florida Trend Magazine on numerous occasions.
• Florida Trend Magazine “Legal Elite” 2006
• Recipient of the Inaugural National Exemplary CEO/Board Relations Award presented by American Association of Community Colleges
• Florida Chamber of Commerce “House Valedictorian” as the most business friendly member of the Florida House in 2003 and “A” Honor Roll, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006
• Florida School Boards Association, Legislator of the Year, 2001, 2002, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007
• Florida School Boards Association Lifetime Achievement Award (1 of only 4 recipients at the time along with Lawton Chiles, Toni Jennings, and Frank Brogan)
• Past Board Member - Southern Regional Education Board
• Multiple Paul Harris Fellow
• Florida Association of District School Superintendents, Legislator of the Year, 2004-2006
• Associated Industries of Florida, Champion for Business Award, 2005
• Independent Colleges and Universities of Florida, Liberty Bell Award, 2005 and Career Hall of Fame Recipient
• Past Chairman, Putnam County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors
• Chair, Florida College System Council of Presidents 2012, 2020

Joe H. Pickens, J.D., earned his Bachelor of Arts degree at Wofford College and his Juris Doctorate degree at the University of Florida.

Mr. Pickens is married to his wife Carole. He has two daughters, Bailey and Ellis, and one son, Hill.