NWFSC Bestows President Emeritus Title on Dr. Devin Stephenson
The Northwest Florida State College (NWFSC) Board of Trustees has conferred the prestigious title of President Emeritus on Dr. Devin Stephenson, recognizing his exemplary service and leadership over the past 7.5 years as president. This honor was presented during the Board of Trustees meeting on June 18, 2024.
Board Chair Lori Kelley praised Dr. Stephenson’s significant contributions, stating on behalf of the Board of Trustees, “Dr. Devin Stephenson has provided transformative leadership for college educational initiatives and enhanced the reputation of the college as an educational institution and as an active participant in both the Okaloosa and Walton County communities, enthusiastically supporting the work of faculty, staff and the college’s community partners. We are forever grateful for his service.”
In accepting the honor, Dr. Stephenson expressed his gratitude and reflected on his tenure, “Over the past 7.5 years, we have embarked on a remarkable journey together, filled with achievements, challenges and transformative growth. Together, we have built something exceptional. Northwest Florida State College will always hold a special place in my heart, and I will forever cherish the memories we have created together. Go Raiders!”
Dr. Stephenson’s leadership at Northwest Florida State College has been marked by a steadfast commitment to academic excellence, community engagement and student success. Under his guidance, the Collegiate High School is on a path to enroll over 500 students. The college has secured more than $73 million in grant awards, and Raider Athletics has won three additional national championships. Dr. Stephenson also oversaw the opening of the Aviation Center of Excellence and the completion of the Raider Village student housing initiative. Additionally, the NWFSC Foundation’s net assets increased by 40%, reaching over $65 million. These achievements are a testament to his visionary leadership and dedication to the college’s mission.
Dr. Stephenson has been selected as the next president of Florida Polytechnic University in Lakeland, Fla., and begins July 7, 2024. His tenure as president of NWFSC will come to an end at the close of business on July 5, 2024.
Marcus Chambers Appointed to FHSAA Board
Recently, Governor Ron DeSantis announced the appointment of Marcus Chambers, Superintendent of Schools for Okaloosa County, to the Florida High School Athletic Association Board of Directors. With more than 26 years of experience in education, Chambers received the First Year Teacher of the Year Award for Ruckel Middle School in 1999, the Okaloosa County Reading Leader of the Year Award in 2010 and the Martin Luther King Jr. Academic Achievement Award in 2013. Chambers also currently serves as Chairman of the Florida School Labor Relations Service Board of Directors and is a member of the Florida Association of District School Superintendents, the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development and the Okaloosa County Association of School Administrators. This appointment is subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate.
Okaloosa Continues Top 10 Tradition!
The Florida Department of Education has released this year’s results for the Florida Assessment of Student Thinking (FAST) and End of Course Exams. Each year, students are required to take statewide assessments in ELA grades 3-10, Mathematics grades 3-8, Algebra, Geometry, Science grades 5 and 8, Biology, Civics, and U.S. History. A combined analysis of all test results show Okaloosa Schools continue to rank in the top 10 school districts out of 67 in the state of Florida for the 2023-24 school year. Specifically, Okaloosa ranked 10th overall, while excelling in areas such as 5th, 7th, and 8th grade Reading, as well as 7th and 8th grade Mathematics, and 8th grade Science, which all ranked in the top six in the state. Additionally, the overall middle school test results shined as some of the best in the state with our students ranking 3rd in Math, 4th in Science, and 6th in ELA.
The results of these assessments, along with other academic indicators, are used to produce school grades, which are anticipated to be released in August. For more information on assessment results, visit https://www.fldoe.org/accountability/assessments/k-12-student-assessment/results/2024.stml.
NWFSC Students Selected to FCSAA All-Academic Team
Ten Northwest Florida State College (NWFSC) students have been selected to join the prestigious Florida College System Student Activities Association (FCSAA) All-Academic Team. This recognition highlights the exceptional academic achievements of these students, reflecting their dedication, hard work, and commitment to excellence.
The students selected for this honor are Abdiel Alvarado-Pabon, Joselin Cardenas, Emery DeVane, Joshua Fillion, Karissa Grant, Gabriela Kelly, Connor Kilroy, Anh Nguyen, Nyeli Reyes and Kristina Tolkacheva.
The Florida College System Student Government Association (FCSSGA) represents nearly one million students enrolled across the 28 colleges in the Florida College System. The organization is dedicated to promoting legislative advocacy, leadership development, service-learning, campus activities, and strong citizenship. FCSSGA works to unify member colleges to address student concerns effectively and communicate these concerns to the Florida Legislature.
OCSD to Host Annual Stuff the Bus School Supply Drive, August 3
Stuff the Bus helps local students get the tools they need for the upcoming school year! In 2023, our collective efforts led to the collection of over $12,000 worth of supplies, impacting over 10,000 students in 53 schools across Okaloosa and Walton counties. This is a testament to the power of our community’s generosity. Without your support, students would lack the supplies they need to be successful during the school year.
District staff will be on-site for the Stuff the Bus School Supply Drive, which will take place on Saturday, August 3, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the following locations:
Walmart – Crestview (3351 S Ferdon Blvd)
Walmart – Fort Walton Beach (748 Beal Pkwy NW)
Walmart – Niceville (1300 E John Sims Pkwy E)
Back to School Sales Tax Holiday
The state of Florida’s back-to-school sales tax holiday will be held from July 29 to August 11, 2024. During this period, qualifying items will be exempt from tax, including:
• Certain school supplies selling for $50 or less per item
• Specific clothing, footwear, and accessories selling for $100 or less per item
• Personal computers and related accessories purchased for noncommercial home or personal use selling for $1,500 or less
Visit https://www2.okaloosaschools.com/page/stuff-the-bus for information on Okaloosa schools’ supply wish lists and donation drop-off locations.
Gov. DeSantis Appoints Hinely to Okaloosa County School Board
Congratulations to Niceville’s Brett Hinely! Friday, July 19, Gov. Ron DeSantis announced his appointment to the Okaloosa County School Board, effective August 2, 2024, to replace Dr. Diane Kelley, new principle of Destin High School.
An Auburn University graduate and U.S.A.F. veteran, Hinely is the President of Cove Marine, Inc., and Bluewater High & Dry. He is also the Director of Marina Cove Realty, LLC, and Freedom Distributions, LLC. He is the former president of the Marine Industries Association of Northwest Florida and is a member of the Eglin Air Force Armament Museum Foundation Board of Directors.
