NORTHWEST FLORIDA STATE COLLEGE SELECTS MYERS MCRAE TO LEAD PRESIDENTIAL SEARCH

NICEVILLE, Fla. – Northwest Florida State College is pleased to announce the selection of Myers McRae Consulting, LLC as the executive search firm responsible for the presidential search. After a thorough and competitive selection process, the Board of Trustees has chosen Myers McRae for their exemplary reputation and proven track record in Florida higher education presidential and executive searches.   

The Board of Trustees extends its gratitude to all firms that submitted proposals. The Board looks forward to collaborating with Myers McRae in the critical task of selecting the next president of Northwest Florida State College, ensuring the institution’s continued growth and success.  

The College is also delighted to announce that Trustee Rhea Goff has agreed to serve as the Presidential Search Committee Chair. Board Chair Lori Kelley expressed her confidence in Trustee Goff’s leadership, stating, “We are fortunate to have Trustee Goff’s experience and commitment guiding this essential search process.”  

More information regarding the search process will be available soon. We encourage our community to stay informed and engaged as we embark on this journey together by visiting the Presidential Search webpage through the College website.  

About Northwest Florida State College 

Established in the heart of the Florida Panhandle, Northwest Florida State College (NWFSC) is a beacon of academic excellence and cultural enrichment. Dedicated to fostering the growth and development of its diverse student population, NWFSC offers a broad array of associate and baccalaureate degree programs tailored to meet the evolving needs of the community and workforce. With a commitment to student success, the college provides a nurturing learning environment, state-of-the-art facilities, and dedicated faculty and staff. Emphasizing collaboration, innovation, and community engagement, NWFSC has become a pivotal force in regional advancement and prosperity. Serving as more than just an educational institution, it stands as a testament to the spirit of discovery, ambition, and the relentless pursuit of knowledge. Discover the Northwest Florida State College difference – where dreams meet opportunities. 

For more information about NWFSC, please visit NWFSC.edu or contact the Office of Strategic Communications at [email protected]. For more updates, follow Northwest Florida State College on any of our social platforms:  
 

• Facebook: @NWFStateCollege
  
• X: @nwfstatecollege
• Instagram: @nwfstatecollege 

OFFICIAL STATEMENT ON THE SELECTION OF DR. CRISTIE KEDROSKI AS INTERIM PRESIDENT

NICEVILLE, Fla. – Northwest Florida State College (NWFSC) is pleased to announce the selection of Dr. Cristie Kedroski as Interim President effective July 6, 2024. Dr. Kedroski’s selection by the Board of Trustees was unanimous, reflecting the confidence and trust placed in her ability to lead with integrity, vision, and a deep understanding of the College’s mission.

Dr. Kedroski brings with her more than 20 years of community, economic, and higher education experience. Her background demonstrates significant achievements in academic administration, student services, grant management, and community outreach. Dr. Kedroski has been instrumental in developing innovative academic programs and spearheading initiatives that enhanced student retention and graduation rates as well as overseeing enrollment management strategies that have led the College to seven consecutive semesters of increased enrollment.

“I am honored to be selected as the Interim President of Northwest Florida State College,” stated Dr. Cristie Kedroski. “I look forward to working closely with our dedicated faculty, staff, and community partners to continue our mission of providing exceptional educational opportunities and fostering a supportive and innovative learning environment for all students.”

As Interim President, Dr. Kedroski will focus on maintaining the high quality of educational and student support services the College provides to all of its students and stewarding the College’s strategic initiatives.

“I extend our congratulations to Dr. Cristie Kedroski on her selection as Interim President of Northwest Florida State College,” said Lori Kelley, Chair of the Board of Trustees. “Dr. Kedroski’s experience and dedication to this institution make her the ideal candidate to guide the College during this transitional period. The Board had thorough deliberations, ensuring we chose an Interim President who embodies the College’s values.”

“My congratulations to Dr. Cristie Kedroski on her selection as Interim President of Northwest Florida State College,” remarked Dr. Devin Stephenson, current President of Northwest Florida State College and President-elect of Florida Polytechnic University. “Her unwavering commitment to the mission and vision of NWFSC combined with her leadership skills, makes her a great choice for this interim role. I look forward to observing the continued innovation and advancement of the institution under Dr. Kedroski’s leadership.”

The Board of Trustees extends its heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Devin Stephenson and looks forward to selecting a permanent president to continue the remarkable growth and achievements he has laid the groundwork for throughout his years of service to the College.

For more information about Northwest Florida State College, visit www.nwfsc.edu or contact the Office of Strategic Communications at [email protected].

STATEMENT FROM DR. DEVIN STEPHENSON ON HIS SELECTION AS PRESIDENT OF FLORIDA POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY

As you may have heard, the State University System Board of Governors unanimously confirmed my selection as the 2nd president of Florida Polytechnic University yesterday. This followed a thorough presidential search process conducted by the Florida Polytechnic University Board of Trustees that resulted in my selection as their next president. As a result of my selection to lead Florida Polytechnic University, I will depart Northwest Florida State College on Friday, July 5.

First and foremost, I want to express my deepest gratitude to each and every one of you – the incredible personnel of Northwest Florida State College – our esteemed Board of Trustees, the bright and dedicated students, and the unwaveringly supportive community that has stood by us through every triumph and challenge. Together, we’ve run at the speed of business, chasing after perfection in our relentless pursuit to catch excellence. And let’s not forget those moments when we’ve stumbled, fumbled, and even bumbled our way through challenges, all while never giving up on our desire to influence and inspire those around us.

To the faculty and staff – your dedication to our students’ success has been nothing short of awe-inspiring. It’s been said that teaching is the profession that creates all other professions, and I have no doubt that your tireless efforts have left an indelible mark on the lives of countless individuals.

To the current and former members of the Board of Trustees – your visionary leadership has been the guiding force behind our institution’s success. In a world where change is the only constant, your ability to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of higher education with wisdom and foresight has been nothing short of remarkable. To the bright and promising students of Northwest Florida State College – you are the heart and soul of our institution, and it has been an honor to watch you grow, learn, and thrive during your time with us. You’ve reminded us time and time again that dreams are meant to be chased, and with perseverance and determination, anything is possible.

And to the wonderfully supportive community that surrounds us – your unwavering belief in the power of education and your steadfast commitment to our success have been a constant source of encouragement and inspiration. Your generosity, advocacy, and partnership have played a pivotal role in shaping the future of our institution. There are too many of you to mention by name, but Judy and I know each of you, and you have all made an impact on our lives. You have been integral to the growth and success of the College. Please continue to stay connected with us. We have made a lifetime of friends here, who will be our friends forever. No matter the distance we travel, the places we reside, we are connected in a special way. We love you all and will never forget, a little over seven years ago, you gave us the opportunity to be a part of the Raider family.

As I prepare to embark on this new chapter in my journey, please know that my heart will always hold a special place for Northwest Florida State College and the incredible community that has embraced me with open arms. While my physical presence may be moving on, my spirit will remain woven into the fabric of this institution, serving as a reminder that with passion, perseverance, and a little bit of humor, anything is possible.

I leave with a deep sense of gratitude for the friendships forged, the memories shared, and the collective impact we’ve made together. As we bid farewell, let us remember that Northwest Florida State College is more than just a place of learning – it is a dream catcher, capable of turning the aspirations and goals of our students into reality. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for the privilege of serving as your President. It has been the honor of a lifetime. I look forward to continuing to serve alongside each of you in the coming weeks as we position the College to successfully enter the upcoming fiscal year.