Through the many roles I have held serving our community, I have had a close relationship with Northwest Florida State College. I have seen firsthand the College’s commitment to transforming lives through post-secondary education throughout Okaloosa and Walton Counties, as well as its service to the entire Northwest Florida Region. I felt led to this opportunity, because our College is poised to ignite the vision of leading in post-secondary educational opportunities, charter school operations, workforce and economic development, and excellence in both athletics and arts. It will be an honor to step into the leadership of the College in January, joining the tremendous team serving our students, their families, and our community.  

My background and experience in both the private and public sectors support me in bringing the College’s mission and vision to life. I look forward to joining the great work of the College by furthering its ties to our community, which has been a core characteristic of the College since its beginning. I intend to build on our existing partnerships with the Walton and Okaloosa School Districts, State University System regional partners, our military installations, public and private economic development organizations, and employers throughout the region.  

Each student that comes to the College brings with them dreams, talents, and skills, whether they reach the College through Collegiate High School, dual enrollment, traditional enrollment after high school, or workforce training. The College offers these students many training opportunities to make their dreams a reality. First-generation College students will find faculty, fellow students, and student success team members to be their support system. Other students come to the College pursuing a second career or additional training and attain the skills and confidence to step into their future roles as nurses, EMTs, welders, or business owners. Still, more students make the College their home for two years, securing an associate in arts or associate in science, which allows them to seamlessly continue their journey to bachelor’s and graduate degrees in the university system. We must be passionate to tell the good news of our institution, meeting students where they are, and equipping them with the tools needed to empower them and transform their futures. 

During my tenure as College President, I will celebrate and build on the programs we offer to grow enrollment and ensure students complete the programming they begin. We will work closely with our local, state, and federal representatives to secure critical appropriations and funding for College operations, and we will pursue grant opportunities to position the College for forward-looking, purposeful, sustainable growth well into its future. Continuing the legacy of the College, we will also maintain the excellence of Raider Athletics and the Mattie Kelly Arts Center, which foster student growth and engagement with our community. 

With the honor of leading the College’s work alongside our faculty and staff, my desire is to bring hope and possibilities to all those in our service area who are striving to improve their lives through attaining educational and workforce skills. My hope is that every student in the region, when looking for an educational partner to their success, will come and take part in the exciting opportunities taking place at Northwest Florida State College.