Campus Spotlight: Northwest Florida State College Innovates to Meet Workforce Needs
Northwest Florida State College (NWFSC) is fast becoming known as one of the state’s most relevant and responsive institutions of higher learning. The Niceville-based school’s official vision statement vows to “transform lives” — and those aren’t just fashionable buzzwords. NWFSC is fulfilling that pledge on multiple fronts, most recently with its efforts to meet the needs of an ever-changing workforce.
With the national nursing shortage taking a toll on Northwest Florida health care providers, NWFSC is stepping in to establish a robust pipeline of qualified nursing students. Later this year it will celebrate the completion of a $30 million renovation of its main nursing building, paid for with a major Triumph Gulf Coast grant, as well as state construction funds. The expansion is expected to double the number of students NWFSC provides to the regional workforce each year and deliver a boost to the entire health sciences program, which includes medical laboratory technology, physical therapist assistant and radiography.
NWFSC also has formed a partnership with Florida State University, Tallahassee Community College, Gulf Coast State College, Chipola College and Pensacola State College to provide educational support for the rapidly growing areas of aerospace, additive and advanced manufacturing, and health care. Reflecting the area’s growing military presence, more than 5% of NWFSC students receive GI Bill benefits. NWFSC is committed to helping veterans and active-duty military members fulfill their educational and career goals through its Veterans Success Center, tuition assistance and a satellite center at Hurlburt Field.
In addition to these workforce initiatives, NWFSC is celebrating the hiring of its new president, Mel Ponder, who started in January. Ponder previously served as the mayor of Destin and as a member of the Destin City Council, Okaloosa County Commission and Florida House of Representatives. He takes the helm at a time when growth is paramount and campus officials are focused on providing students with clear and accessible pathways to their educational goals.
NWFSC — which has a campus in Fort Walton Beach, as well as satellite centers in Crestview, DeFuniak Springs and South Walton — has a total enrollment of 7,800 and an average student age of 22. It offers 25 associate degrees, eight bachelor’s degrees and 44 certificate and non-degree programs. The main Niceville campus features a dynamic student life with the Zoghby Learning Commons and Susan Myers Learning Resources Center.
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