EDUCATION
“He’s excellent with people, a hard worker and he believes
strongly in the state college mission. He’s well thought of in
the community. So, he was the best choice and I think he’ll
do a great job. Andy has a presence and the leadership ability
to take it to the next level. His humor and attitude will be an
advantage to everything he does.”
WORE MANY HATS
Treadwell spent from 2009 until June in a number of roles
in the President’s Office, from writing speeches, to advising
on policy strategies, drafting formal messaging and communications.
During his tenure, he oversaw the creation of 11
State of the College addresses.
Along with higher education, Treadwell has had a long
love affair with politics. Shortly after graduating from the
University of Florida in 2003, he worked for a lobbying firm
coordinating the Rally on Tally, a large campaign effort to
support the continuation of state Sen. Ken Pruitt’s Bright
Futures scholarship program.
He quickly transitioned from lobbying to working directly
for the senator.
“Boy, you’re going to come work for me,” he remembered
Pruitt informing him.
He ran the senate president’s Port St. Lucie office for four
years. Apart from preparing a steady stream of news releases,
op/ed pieces, talking points and speeches, Treadwell served
as lead person on all legislation filed by Pruitt. One of those
he recalled well was the push to allow IRSC to award fouryear
baccalaureate degrees.
“Ken gave me my first start,” Treadwell recalled. “He took
me under his wing, taught me all the ropes. Ken always >>
INDIAN RIVER STATE COLLEGE
Treadwell checks out the podium prior to a 2021 visit by Gov. Ron DeSantis.
MOLLY BARTELS/INDIAN RIVER STATE COLLEGE
From left, former Florida Senate President Ken Pruitt, Treadwell and IRSC President Dr. Timothy Moore chat during groundbreaking ceremonies for the
Advanced Workforce Training Complex in late 2020.
Port St. Lucie Magazine 21