February 11, 2025
NICEVILLE, Fla. – Northwest Florida State College (NWFSC) is proud to announce the grand opening of Raider Village, a dynamic, on-campus community designed to enhance the college experience. The official ribbon-cutting ceremony takes place on Tuesday, February 18th, 5 PM at Raider Village (102 E. College Blvd, Niceville, FL 32578), located on NWFSC’s campus.
Raider Village marks a significant step in NWFSC’s commitment to creating an enriched and supportive learning environment for students, by offering modern residential facilities, collaborative study areas, and recreational spaces that foster both academic success and personal growth.
Raider Village is the vision of NWFSC alumnus Jay Odom, whose passion for enhancing student life played a key role in its creation. Odom’s commitment to both the college and the community has been instrumental in bringing this project to life, ensuring students have access to premier on-campus living experience.
“Raider Village is the result of a vision fueled by my deep personal connection to this College,” said Jay Odom, developer and CEO of The Jay Odom Group behind Raider Village. “I arrived on campus in 1976 with a beat-up Volkswagen that couldn’t even go in reverse, but NWFSC provided me the opportunity to build my future. Now, it’s an honor to help create a space where today’s students can thrive. Raider Village is a bold step forward, offering an environment where students can excel academically and personally, just as I did.”
Odom’s vision for Raider Village mirrors the College’s broader commitment to transforming lives of current and future students.
“This is a transformative moment for both our college and our students,” said Mel Ponder, President of Northwest Florida State College. “Raider Village embodies our commitment to providing a dynamic, engaging campus experience, ensuring students have the resources they need to thrive, both inside and outside the classroom.”
The grand opening celebration will feature guided tours of the new facilities, remarks from college leadership, and a community reception. Students, faculty, staff, media, and community members are invited to attend and experience firsthand how Raider Village will serve as a transformative hub for student life.
For more information about Raider Village, visit raidervillage.com. To explore the programs and opportunities at Northwest Florida State College, visit nwfsc.edu.
About Raider Village
Raider Village offers students more than just a place to live; it’s a dynamic, on-campus community at Northwest Florida State College. Proudly developed by The Jay Odom Group—a locally established real estate firm with over 30 years of experience in Northwest Florida—Raider Village represents their longstanding dedication to quality. Through a commitment to innovation and community, The Jay Odom Group became vertically integrated, creating their own management company, Odom Hotelz, to oversee their properties. Both The Jay Odom Group and Odom Hotelz are honored to build and manage the brand-new on-campus student housing, Raider Village, where students can expect high-quality service and management every step of the way.
About Northwest Florida State College
Located in the coastal heart of the Florida panhandle, Northwest Florida State College has earned a reputation for educational excellence and community involvement. As part of Florida’s public system of 28 state and community colleges, NWFSC offers bachelor’s degree programs, associate degrees, and certificates. The college’s primary service district stretches from the Gulf of America to the Alabama state line.