Four accomplished professionals with extensive experience in law, business and education are joining Florida Polytechnic University’s Board of Trustees to help shape the institution’s future.
As 2025 came to a close, the Board of Governors appointed Robert O. Kincart to the board. Soon after, Gov. Ron DeSantis appointed trustees Jeffrey Beelaert, Dr. Christie Bassett and Jack Harrell III, and reappointed Ilya Shapiro.
The 13-member Board of Trustees helps guide Florida Poly’s strategic direction and advance its continued success. The new trustees will participate in the board’s next regular meeting on Friday, Feb. 13.
Dr. Christie Bassett
For more than 20 years, education has held a place of pride for Bassett, whose independent educational consultancy, Develop Teaching, helps school districts establish and support research-based instructional practices. Her career has spanned roles from pre-kindergarten instruction to creating professional learning opportunities for educators.
Bassett was named the 2015 Florida Teacher of the Year and served as the Christa McAuliffe Ambassador of Education through the program. She holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education from Florida Southern College and a doctorate in education from Walden University.
“Serving on the Board of Trustees is an exciting opportunity to contribute to a university that’s shaping the future of STEM education in Florida,” Bassett said. “As an educator, ensuring students are prepared for rigorous and innovative academic opportunities, like those offered at Florida Poly, has always been a priority for me. I’m eager to work with the University to help students reach their potential and ensure they have the knowledge and skills to lead in our fast-evolving world.”
Jeffrey Beelaert
With a deep background in complex, high-profile legal cases, Beelaert brings a sharp sense of strategic insight to the board. The attorney is a partner at Givens Pursley LLP in Boise, Idaho, focusing on administrative and regulatory law, environmental law, natural resources, and appeals and litigation strategy.
Prior to joining the firm, Beelaert advised senior governmental leaders as a deputy associate attorney general at the U.S. Department of Justice. His career has included success at all levels of state and federal courts, and he is a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps. Beelaert earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from the United States Naval Academy, a master’s degree in public policy from Duke University, and a law degree from the University of North Carolina.
“I am excited to serve on the Board of Trustees at Florida Polytechnic University, which has a strong tradition of preparing career-ready graduates for the innovation economy,” Beelaert said. “I want to thank Gov. DeSantis for the honor of serving the state of Florida and for the opportunity to support the University’s commitment to excellence in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.”
Jack Harrell III
Harrell serves as chairman of the board, president and CEO of Harrell’s LLC, and is a third-generation leader of the Lakeland-based company. Harrell’s is among the nation’s leading providers of branded fungicides, herbicides and insecticides, and a producer of custom-blended fertilizers and other specialty materials.
A longtime Florida Poly supporter, Harrell joined the University’s Foundation Board in 2018 and was named chair in June 2023. In that role, he worked to strengthen industry support and strategic relationships. He will step down from the Foundation Board to assume his new role. Harrell holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration and management from Samford University and a master’s degree in turf and turfgrass management from Clemson University.
“It’s a privilege to join the Board of Trustees and continue supporting Florida Poly’s mission to expand innovation and opportunities in STEM,” Harrell said. “Serving on the Foundation Board has allowed me to see the extraordinary progress the University has made in a short time, and I’m eager to help build on that momentum.”
Robert O. Kincart
Kincart is CEO of A-C-T Environmental & Infrastructure, Inc. in Bartow, Florida. His company provides a range of environmental and engineering services across Florida and internationally and was one of the University’s first industry partners in late 2013 – long before the campus opened the following fall. Kincart also was among the first members of the University’s Foundation Board of Directors. He holds a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from the University of Florida.
“I’m a STEM guy, and I have watched Florida Poly evolve. I’m really impressed by what it has accomplished,” he said, referring to the accreditations, international partnerships and high state and national rankings the University has achieved in recent years.
“In 20 years, I’d like to see this area resemble the atmosphere of Research Triangle Park in North Carolina. We’re on our way, and I would like to help make sure we attract industry partners that set up operations and work with both students and faculty.”
Contact:
Lydia Guzmán
Director of Communications
863-874-8557
