At Northwest Florida State College, we are committed to helping each student who comes through our doors to 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.
— Dr. Devin Stephenson, NWFSC President
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 Mexico to the Alabama state line.
Creating a welcoming community where all feel a sense of
belonging and are provided opportunities to succeed.
Excellence
Relentlessly pursuing achievement in academics, arts, and athletics.
Innovation
Cultivating creative and entrepreneurial solutions to meet the
needs of our students, employees, and community.
Spirit of Service
Exhibiting dedication and commitment through service to the
Raider community.
Stewardship
Demonstrating social responsibility, care of the environment,
and responsible use of resources.
Why the Raiders?
A proud name and a proud tradition. Northwest Florida State College is honored to use the name Raiders and pay tribute to the heroes of the past who have shaped our future today.
In the college’s first year of operation, in 1964, then Okaloosa-Walton Junior College set about to choose a school mascot. It was decided that the college use the name “Raiders” in honor of the heroic airmen who trained at Eglin Air Force Base for their famous World War II raid on Tokyo.
In dedication to keeping the legacy of the Doolittle Raiders alive, NWFSC is honored to feature various Raider memorabilia throughout the campus, including a mini-museum at the entrance of Raider Arena, a painting bearing the signatures of surviving crewman from each of the 16 participating aircrafts, including Jimmy Doolittle himself, and an autographed edition of Doolittle’s autobiography.
For more information about the Doolittle Raiders legacy, please visit doolittleraider.com.
Convenient Locations
In addition to a 264 acre campus in Niceville, NWFSC operates a joint campus with the University of West Florida in Fort Walton Beach, the Chautauqua Center in DeFuniak Springs, the Robert L.F. Sikes Education Center in Crestview and full-time centers at Hurlburt Field and a center in South Walton County.
In addition to a record of regional and national accolades, NWF State College offers state-of-the-art student computer labs, a top-rated sports complex and a full program of intercollegiate and intramural sports, a child development center, and a criminal justice training center. A 120,000 square foot Mattie Kelly Fine and Performing Arts Center on the Niceville Campus provides students the finest in instructional facilities for dance, music, theater, the visual arts and the humanities.
