PRESIDENT’S PERSPECTIVE

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL WINS THE 2023 NJCAA WOMEN’S BASKETBALL NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP

The NJCAA Women’s Basketball National Championship trophy is headed back to the campus of Northwest Florida State College. The Raiders claimed the national title on Monday, March 27 against Trinity Valley Community College in a gutsy 66-63 victory at the Rip Griffin Center. The 2023 Championship marks the Raiders’ thirteenth national tournament appearance and second national title in program history. The Raiders won its first national tournament championship title in 2021. Down by 10 in the first quarter, the Raiders mounted a furious comeback with stifling defense and stellar execution on offense. Sophomore Sakima Walker scored 23 points to lead the Raiders with Destiney McPhaul, Zayla Tinner, and Celia Riviere close behind. The Raiders’ rebounds (42) and assists (14) also aided in the team’s win over the Lady Cardinals. Walker was named the Most Valuable Player of the 2023 NJCAA DI Women’s Basketball Championship. Walker recorded 80 points and 42 rebounds throughout the national tournament.

Dr. Devin Stephenson remarked after the win, “I couldn’t be prouder of the Lady Raiders and coach Bart Walker. It is an outstanding achievement and a testament to our commitment to excellence at Northwest Florida State College. The best truly is our standard.”

As we close out the Spring semester, I want to take a moment to thank our students, faculty, and staff on the many College achievements of the past few months. This issue of the President’s Perspective recognizes those in the College community who exemplify what it means to be part of the Raider family.

These accomplishments include our Lady Raiders National Championship victory in Lubbock, our Student Advisory Board traveling to Tallahassee for the Florida College System Student Government

Association Conference, 10 NWFSC students named to the All-Florida Academic Team, and much more!

When reflect on our achievements, I am reminded of so many who have dedicated their work to the development and training of students. I am thrilled for you to read about these accomplishments and for you to learn more about what is in store for the College as we approach the summer term.

The best truly is our standard, and I can confidently say that the College has lived up to that motto this past semester. I challenge you to step into the future with confidence and make a difference in our community, improving the quality of life in Northwest Florida. As always, thank you for your support and for playing an important role in our Raider family.

35th Annual Math Bowl

Eight high school teams from the Northwest Florida region gathered at the Niceville campus on March 3, 2023, to compete in the 35th annual Math Bowl. This year’s competition was sponsored by Lockheed Martin and Modern Technology Solutions, Inc. (MTSI).

The competing schools were divided into three classes: smaller schools were in Class X, mid-size schools were in Class Y, and larger schools were in Class Z. Teams spent the day completing written exams and ciphering matches, and students celebrated the individual and team winners at an awards ceremony following the competition. The top three individual winners received a gift card. The schools that participated include Collegiate High School, Escambia High School, the Magnet Innovation Center, Niceville High School, Pensacola Catholic High School, Rickards High School, Rocky Bayou Christian School, and Seacoast Collegiate High School.

“I am pleased that the College continues to host this longstanding event for our area’s high school students,” said NWFSC President Dr. Devin Stephenson. “The participants performed well and made the College and the other participating institutions proud.”

Chs Robotics Team Wins Local First Tech Challenge

The Collegiate High School’s Radical Raiders robotics team placed first in the FIRST Tech Challenge’s FL AeroCoast League Tournament.

The CHS Radical Raiders competed against eight teams from the panhandle area at Northwood Elementary School on Saturday, Jan. 28 for a spot in the statewide competition. A er spending hundreds of hours on creating and programming its robot, cra ing its engineering notebook, and participating in community outreach events, the team’s efforts culminated in its successful showing on Saturday, Jan. 28.

The team placed first among the competition and earned the Inspire Award for best embodying the challenge of the program. This award is given to teams that inspire others, act as positive ambassadors of FIRST programs, and maintain professionalism in all aspects. The team also received the second-place Alliance Captain award in the game competition.

“I am immensely proud of our Radical Raiders who represented our institution’s standard of excellence at the AeroCoast League Tournament,” said Dr. Devin Stephenson.

“These students earned this victory and should be proud of their significant achievements.”

PRESIDENT’S SPEAKER SERIES

This year’s President’s Speaker Series featured Kayleigh McEnany and Dr. Ben Carson at the Mattie Kelly Arts Center. The speakers met with local representatives, community leaders, and special guests before presenting keynote speeches on the MKAC mainstage.

TEN NWFSC STUDENTS NAMED TO PHI THETA KAPPA 2023 ALL-FLORIDA ACADEMIC TEAM

The Florida College System announced that 10 NWFSC students are members of the 2023 AllFlorida Academic Team. The students were selected by the Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) International Honor Society and were recognized at an awards ceremony on Friday, March 31 in Orlando, Florida. Students are nominated to the All-Florida Academic Team competition by their respective colleges in recognition of their academic achievement, leadership, and service to the community. This year’s team consists of 150 students, and NWFSC has the fi h-highest number of students named to the team out of the 28 institutions in the Florida College System. Additionally, NWFSC has the top ratio of team members to total enrollment.

“Our Phi Theta Kappa students have earned this recognition with their exemplary service, leadership, and academic achievements,” said Dr. Devin Stephenson. “I am proud of our students for representing our institution as members of the 2023 All-Florida Academic Team.”

Congratulations to Yvonne Anderson, Ashley Andrews, Sean Arbuckle, Jackson Brazill, Gwendolyn Law, Lillian Nguyen, Jazlyn Polanco, Allyson Singer, Danielle Tomlin, and Christopher York!

FL Representative Joel Rudman hosted a press conference at the Niceville campus to announce his filing of HB 517, a bill that will pave the way for veterans with combat-medic experience to receive credit toward nursing degrees for their service.

Congressman Matt Gaetz and FL Representative Michelle Salzman visited the Aviation Center of Excellence in January to tour the facility and learn how its professors are preparing students for future careers in aviation.