State College
PRESIDENT’S PERSPECTIVE
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Diversit y–Unit y– Communit y– Begins Here It’s no secret that Northwest Florida State College is known for being an open admission institution, where we are committed to assisting each and every student who comes through our doors achieve their individual goals for education and career success. In everything we do, from academics, arts and athletics, our mission is to improve the lives of citizens in Northwest Florida – one student, one possibility, one promise at a time. What is that promise? In keeping with our mission: To improve lives by providing a high-quality, globally competitive education that is a catalyst for cultural, civic and economic development throughout the region, Northwest Florida State College supports an environment where differences are valued, treatment is equitable and individuals feel empowered to effect change. Our ability to thrive in a multicultural world depends on our respecting differences and dismantling barriers. We are committed to bringing an increased awareness to the systemic injustices occurring at this critical juncture in our nation’s history and are working together toward a peaceful way forward. We believe it to be our responsibility for inclusion in all forms. Our institution embraces this challenge by creating educational opportunities, raising awareness and implementing programs and initiatives that bring the celebration of diversity to life on our campuses, at our centers and in the community. NWFSC administrators, faculty and staff reaffirm our commitment to building a unified community reflecting justice for all. Diversity–Unity–Community– is our call to action, and through this action, we can ignite positive change. We are (continued on next page)
VOLUME 4, NO. 04
WELCOME TO OUR 2020-2023 STRATEGIC PLAN:
ENGAGE
In January 2020, the Board of Trustees approved new mission, vision and values statements for Northwest Florida State College. Mission: To improve lives by providing a high-quality, globally competitive education that is a catalyst for cultural, civic, and economic development throughout the region. Vision: To be the first-choice institution for students to earn higher education credentials, for employees to desire to be a member of the NWFSC team, and for the community to advance workforce and economic development throughout the region. Values: Integrity; Diversity & Inclusion; Excellence; Stewardship; Innovation; and Prosperity & Wellness. In alignment with the new mission, vision and values, Northwest Florida State College kicks off a new strategic planning cycle on July 1st. The plan is three-fold and precise; Engage NWFSC strives to advance the institution to a place of prominence in the region by focusing our efforts on the Classroom, Campus and Community.
ClassroomGoal 1 aims to empower students through quality instruction, faculty connections and supportive learning communities to help maximize each student’s potential. Measures of excellence include increasing yearto-year student persistence, number of annual completions and student access to online courses with Quality designators.
NWFSC CampusGoal 2 is to thoroughly enhance our employee experience through talent management practices that focus on recruitment, retention, professional development, and recognition to optimize our greatest asset. Measures of excellence include increasing the number of faculty and staff actively involved in the community life at the College, encouraging higher participation in professional development and cultivating a diverse campus reflective of our service area.
CommunityGoal 3 strives to effectively engage our service area through initiatives focused on community, workforce, and economic development. Measures of excellence include increasing our active involvement with the community, raising the number of NWFSC graduates employed in our service area and building stronger partnerships with local business, industry, government, and philanthropic leaders. The 2020-2023 Strategic Plan: Engage NWFSC promotes unity and excellence - everyone working together to make an impact in the classroom, on our campuses and in the community. At NWFSC #FuturesBeginHere!
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proud to stand together with our community to advocate for and raise our voices to end bias and discrimination and move from conversation to action. These crucial conversations on diversity, equity and inclusion begin on our campuses/centers, in our classrooms, cafeteria and student union. They come to life in our active student groups – African American Student Association (AASA), P.A.C.E Scholars Program, Gay-Straight Alliance and college-wide Diversity & Inclusion Task Force. Injustice, inequity and racism are not okay. As the state college in our region, it is imperative that we pave the road ahead by offering safe spaces and ally zones for these conversations to inspire progress. Empowering people to realize their unique potential is a transformational gift. Equal rights and respecting the dignity of every person is a must and something that should not be taken for granted or assumed anymore. We must always remain open to people and ideas. We all benefit when we embrace differences and expand inclusion. People succeed by helping others improve their lives and at Northwest Florida State College we are seeking solutions that truly help every person rise. We encourage our Raider family to join us in the call for change. As a community, we must be willing to embrace these courageous conversations that create a standard of respect and defend the basic human rights for all races. We promise to continue working alongside our community leaders to facilitate change. Dr. Devin Stephenson, President #TheBestisOurStandard
NEW PROGRAMS COMING TO NWFSC
HYBRID EMT
PHYSICAL THERAPIST ASSISTANT
MEDICAL LABORATORY TECHNOLOGY
NWFSC’s Public Safety Training Center is establishing a Hybrid EMT program to allow working students to complete the certification program by meeting one day a week on campus and receiving the remainder of their training through our online environment. The first Hybrid EMT program will be offered this Fall at the Chautauqua Center in DeFuniak. The EMT program prepares students to apply for the examination to become a Florida licensed and National Registry Emergency Medical Technician Basic. Additional information can be found at https://www.nwfsc.edu/ufaqs/ emergency-medical-technician-emt/ Email PublicSafety@nwfsc.edu or call 850-729-5378.
The Physical Therapist Assistant program is a two-year selective admissions program consisting of one semester of general education coursework and four semesters of PTA technical courses, including three fulltime clinical experiences. Enrollment is currently open for the PTA Program General Education Cohort and students will begin taking the required general education coursework this fall. Pending confirmation of accreditation, graduates will be eligible to sit for the National Physical Therapy Examination required for licensure. Physical Therapy is an essential element in patient care to promote the patient’s ability to move, reduce pain, restore function, and prevent disability. Find out more at https://www.nwfsc. edu/academics/degrees-offered/pta/.
The Medical Laboratory Technology (MLT) program provides students with the skills and clinical experiences necessary to become proficient Medical Laboratory Technicians. Technical classes will be taught at the Fort Walton Beach Campus and clinical internships will be completed at local hospital laboratories. Graduates will be ready and eligible to sit for the MLT national board exams and will also be prepared to continue their education at the university level to earn a bachelor’s or higher degree. The MLT program begins general education in the Fall 2020 and will begin the selective registration portion in Fall 2021. For more information visit: https://www.nwfsc.edu/academics/ degrees-offered/medical-laboratorytechnology/
IN THE SPOTLIGHT LARGEST GRANT IN NWFSC HISTORY! TRIUMPH GULF COAST BOARD APPROVES $7 MILLION GRANT FOR AVIATION CENTER OF EXCELLENCE
Northwest Florida State College is excited to announce the Triumph Gulf Coast Board unanimously voted to approve a grant of $7,064,665 to NWFSC to fund the Aviation Center of Excellence (ACE) project at its meeting on June 18. This transformational center serves as a catalyst for workforce training to support the growing aerospace community in our region. Over the next 10 years, the project anticipates at least 307 students will earn 1,255 FAA industry-recognized certificates, with 184 to be certified in airframe and powerplant mechanics and 123 to gain professional pilot certificates. The grant agreement provides an investment of $7,064,665 from Triumph Gulf Coast Inc., representing 49% of the $14,367,918 total project costs. Training will be provided at the Crestview Technology Air Park at the Bob Sikes Airport in Crestview. NWFSC has partnered with The Hsu Educational Foundation, who championed this project and supported the College with a build-to-suit lease at the Crestview Technology Air Park to meet the program’s distinct needs. Additionally, Tracy Stage, Director Okaloosa County Airports and the Okaloosa Aviation Board have supported the project with the construction of the facility’s parking, to ensure adequate space for students, faculty and staff. Also lending strong support for this transformational project was the Okaloosa County Board of Commissioners, Economic Development Council of Okaloosa County, CareerSource Okaloosa Walton, the National Defense Industry Association, Bob Keller and a number of individual aviation industry-related companies.
$1.15 MILLION DEPARTMENT OF LABOR GRANT
WILL FUND NWFSC JOB CORPS SCHOLARS PROGRAM The U.S. Department of Labor announced May 28, that Northwest Florida State College has been awarded a grant of $1,152,483 to fund the NWFSC Job Corps Scholars program. This non-residential program will include, at no cost to the participants: a 12-month career technical training component, with up to 12-month employment placement period following separation from the program, with intensive counseling services to support and facilitate each student’s employment and career success. A total of 80 participants will be served over the 39-month project period. The NWFSC Job Corps Scholars program will target 16-24-year-old residents of Okaloosa and Walton Counties. NWFSC Job Corps Scholars will be able to earn certifications in 12 months or less in the following high-growth career paths: Hospitality Management, Culinary Arts, Early Childhood Education, Public Safety Management, Engineering Technology, Welding Technology and Dental Assisting. For further information about the NWFSC Job Corps program, contact Bill Allison, Director of Professional and Workforce Training, at 850-729-4995 or allisonb@nwfsc.edu.
NWF STATE COLLEGE BOARD OF TRUSTEES Brian S. Pennington, Chair Lori Kelley, Vice-Chair Shane Abbott Craig Barker Charlotte Flynt
Reynolds Henderson Maj. Gen. Don Litke, USAF Ret. Maj. Gen. Thomas “Rudy” Wright, USAF Ret. Dr. Devin Stephenson, President
State College
100 College Boulevard, East Niceville, FL 32578
FOUNDATION EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE C. Jeffrey McInnis, Chair J.D. Peacock, Vice Chair Ken Wampler, Treasurer Chad Hamilton, Past Chair
Cristie Kedroski, Secretary Maj. Gen. Don Litke, USAF Ret., Trustee Liaison Dr. Devin Stephenson, President
FOUNDATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS Eric Aden Dr. Bo Arnold Marek Bakun Wayne Campbell Walter Hooks Tyler Jarvis Bernard Johnson Heather Kilbey
Gordon King Michelle McGee Mitch Mongell Jonathan Ochs Dennis Peters Dale E. Peterson Melissa Pilcher Tom Rice
Donnie Richardson Ashley Rogers Hu Ross Fred Thomas Steve Wills Steve Wolfrom Alan Wood Dewayne Youngblood
FOUNDATION NWFSC DISTRIBUTES
CARES ACT FUNDING Since May, Northwest Florida State College has given $408,000 in Cares Act Funding to assist 456 students effected by the economic challenges brought on by COVID-19. Student are assisted after they have applied and identified qualifying needs including support with housing, food, utilities, medical, education, technology and childcare. Here is a testimonial from a student using the Cares Act funds to support themselves and their family while continuing their education at NWFSC. “I am currently not working because my job was closed due to the coronavirus. Since I am a nursing student, I was not able to work a lot during the semester which made it very hard to have extra money for situations like this. I am requesting help to pay my rent and bills until my job reopens. Thank you!” Students in need of emergency financial assistance are encouraged to contact Student Success Navigation at (850) 678-5111 or studentsuccess@nwfsc.edu.
NWFSC student, Christine M. Knab shared her gratitude after receiving assistance from the Student Emergency Fund.
COLLEGE ENVIRONMENTAL TEAMS
WORK ON RARE COASTAL DUNE LAKES Choctawhatchee Basin Alliance (CBA) and Mattie M. Kelly Environmental Institute (MKEI) are making exciting progress on their collective conservation and research work on Walton County’s rare coastal dune lakes. The coastal dune lakes are shallow bodies of water that intermittently connect to the Gulf of Mexico, creating a dynamic brackish-water ecosystem. In June, CBA will continue a partnership with Walton County to remove invasive plants from the dune lakes, clearing the way for native vegetation to take hold. In July, CBA and MKEI will debut a new, improved water quality report on the coastal dune lakes that will be made available at basinalliance.org.