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Student Trustee

Current Student Trustee

Congratulations to Michael Derilus, our Student Trustee for 2025–2026

First-generation student Michael Derilus never imagined he’d be sitting at the same table as Palm Beach State College’s leaders — but that’s exactly where he’ll be this year, serving as the College’s 2025-26 student trustee.

Chosen out of 11 candidates, the Dr. Floyd F. Koch Honors College scholar is now the official voice of more than 40,000 students, making him the 25th student to hold the role.

“It’s important to me that students feel heard,” says Derilus, who is currently studying computer science. “Behind every statistic is a story, and behind every decision, students should always have a seat at the table.”

Michael Derilus

 

 

Become a Student Trustee

As a student trustee, you will...

  • Increase your exposure and build your resume
  • Receive partial tuition paid
  • See legislators in action, meeting with key county and state leaders
  • Be eligible for the James L. Watt Service Award

Requirements

  • 3.0 cumulative GPA
  • Have completed a minimum of 24 credit hours
  • Be enrolled in a minimum of 9 credit hours during the academic year

Purpose

  • To provide a direct communication link from the student body to the District Board of Trustees on various issues affecting student life and to provide an enhanced leadership opportunity for a member of the student body.
  • The student trustee is an ex-officio, non-voting member of the Board selected by the Student Trustee Selection Committee through an interview process.
  • The student trustee serves a one-year term and may attend all meetings of the Board, except those exempt pursuant to Florida “Sunshine Law”.

Responsibilities

  • Represent the student body on the Palm Beach State College (PBSC) District Board of Trustee (DBOT).
  • Participate in identifying an outstanding PBSC student for the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Leadership award.
  • Interface with key Palm Beach County and State leaders.
  • Serve on the Student Activities Service Fee Committee, the Marketing Advisory Committee and the Enrollment Management Steering Committee.
  • Represent the student body on various college wide committees (schedule permitting).

A huge thank you to our past student trustees

Your insights, advocacy, and leadership have left an indelible mark on our community. Your willingness to voice student concerns, engage in thoughtful discourse, and collaborate towards meaningful change have been invaluable assets to Palm Beach State. We extend our heartfelt gratitude for your unwavering service and tireless efforts in representing the student body. Your impact has been profound, and the positive changes you've helped to initiate will continue to benefit current and future students alike.