Dr. Lars Hafner has been described as an innovative educator and energetic leader with demonstrated passion and enthusiasm for education. His unique perspective and insight result from a path that began in St. Petersburg where he received his public school education K-12. He graduated from Boca Ciega High School where he was captain of the basketball team and later placed into the schools Hall of Fame. He continued his basketball playing career in college at both St. Petersburg College and the University at Buffalo where he was captain of both teams. Most of his professional career has been working at the community college level, where he has been a faculty member, a basketball coach, an athletic director, Provost and a College President.   Hafner also served 12 years in the Florida Legislature as Pinellas County District 53 representative.
 
Dr. Hafner’s most recent position was as president of the State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota, the area’s oldest and largest public institution of higher education with 36,000 credit students annually. Dr. Hafner, in concert with SCF employees, community members and the Board of Trustees, propelled several new priorities. These accomplishments are highlighted by technology upgrades and sustainability initiatives, commitment to the community college mission, and transformational leadership to bring four-year degree programs to the institution. In addition, Dr. Hafner led, through broad collaboration, the development of a strategic plan that aimed at enrollment growth, student success measured especially by increased graduation rates, diversity and advancing the college as an economic catalyst through partnerships and regional collaboration. 

Following community insistence, the first baccalaureate degree established was the Bachelor of Science in Nursing. The change to baccalaureate status required extensive involvement in accreditation processes, that resulted in outstanding success at both the regional and program levels. Also, as a visionary leader Dr. Hafner created the State College of Florida Collegiate School, a unique and first of its kind middle to high school housed on a college campus.
SCF Collegiate School, based on a highly successful Swedish model, emphasizes globalization and the enrollment of first generation students. From middle school to high school it created a continuum of education that provides students the opportunity to graduate simultaneously with a high school diploma and Associate in Arts (A.A.) degree. A partnership with Florida Gulf Coast University provides a tuition-free bachelor’s scholarship program for SCFCS graduates to continue to FGCU for a baccalaureate degree.


Before assuming the position of president of State College of Florida, Dr. Hafner held the provost position (campus president) at St. Petersburg College’s St. Petersburg/Gibbs campus, the largest and most diverse campus serving more than 9,000 students each semester. As Provost he also oversaw SPC Downtown, Midtown, SPC Collegiate School and the Palladium.

Dr. Hafner was named a vice president for education and student services in 1998. He conceived, designed and promoted the University Partnership Center (UPC) at St. Petersburg College. Dr. Hafner provided a sound strategic plan, negotiated critical strategic alliances, obtained financing and built an operating infrastructure to support accelerated expansion. When Hafner left the  UPC was the largest of its kind in the nation, partnering with 18 colleges and universities, including the University of Florida, Florida State University, Indiana University, Cleveland State University, and Case Western Reserve University. The UPC hosted 84 full-degree programs including bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate degrees, both Ed.D. and Ph.D.

Dr. Hafner served 12 years in the Florida Legislature as an elected state representative until term limits forced his retirement in 2000. As a 12-year member of the Florida House Appropriations Committee, he developed a strong fiscal background and helped write, negotiate, debate and pass a multi-billion dollar budget each of his 12 years. Dr. Hafner authored and led to passage numerous, significant pieces of legislation in the areas of education, ethics, health and human services and environmental. For his work on these and other issues he received numerous awards including a lifetime Legislative Achievement Award.

Dr. Hafner also enjoys serving as the Political Analyst for Tampabay’s CBS affiliate Channel 10, the countries 11th largest media market. Hafner analyzes federal, state and local politics, with a focus on both policy and campaigns/elections.

Dr. Hafner was raised in St. Petersburg, Fla. He received an Associate in Arts degree from (then) St. Petersburg Junior College, a bachelor's degree from State University of New York at Buffalo, a master's degree from the University of Maryland and a post Masters certificate from the University of Florida. He received a Ph.D. in leadership and education/higher education administration from Barry University.