NFC Student of the Year

Issac Gonzales named North Florida College Student of the Year 

MADISON, FL – North Florida College (NFC) honored outstanding students and student leaders during its Honors Convocation ceremony on April 21.  With the input of faculty and staff, NFC selects a student for its highest honor of Student of the Year.

Receiving this year’s prestigious 2022 NFC Student of the Year award is Isaac Gonzales of Lee, Florida. This award recognizes his academic excellence, where he has earned a 4.0 cumulative GPA that includes work completed during his time as dual enrollment student, traditional NFC student, and now, as a student in the Registered Nursing program.

 Announcing the honor was NFC Dean of Academic Affairs Jennifer Page.

“Isaac’s commitment to his studies and helping other students is seen daily at NFC,” said Page. “In addition to his outstanding academic record, it is common to see him use all of the study strategies, tools, and resources to ensure continued success in the classroom. Students, faculty, and staff alike report that he is positive, willing to assist, yet a calm disposition make him warm and approachable as he works to assist other students with their studies in the tutor lab. Clearly, these personality traits will serve Isaac well in his career choice to be a registered nurse.”


NFC Friend of the College

Diane Padgett named North Florida College’s 2022 Friend of the College

 

MADISON, FL – North Florida College (NFC) honored outstanding students and student leaders during its Honors Convocation ceremony on April 21. This year, NFC recognized and celebrated an individual who has gone above and beyond in helping the college fulfill its mission of providing service and opportunity to its students and community. This year NFC Diana H. Padgett of DHP Consulting, LLC of Tallahassee, as its 2022 Friend to the College.

Presenting this year’s award was NFC President John Grosskopf.

“This past [state legislative] session was one of the most critical in the college’s history,” said Grosskopf. “There were a number of policy and budgetary issues that were of tremendous significance to this college and our students. 

“As our government relations professional, Diane kept college leadership deeply informed throughout session, battled to help keep NFC’s issues and needs moving forward, and was tireless in looking out for our students.” said Grosskopf. “She put her considerable reputation, knowledge, relationships all towards the benefit of our college and our students. She was amazing and we are a stronger and better college because of her efforts.


PTK All-Academic Team

NFC Students Destiney Jackson and Allie Wilkerson Named to 2022 All-Florida Academic Team

MADISON, FL – North Florida College students Destiney Jackson and Allie Wilkerson have been named to the 2022 All-Florida Academic Team. This prestigious designation recognizes student Phi Theta Kappa members within the Florida College System for their outstanding academic achievement, leadership and service to the community. Students are nominated by their respective colleges to the All-Florida Academic Team competition sponsored by the Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society. This year’s team of 144 students will be recognized at an awards ceremony in Orlando, Fl on April 1, 2022. Jackson and Wilkerson, both members of NFC’s PTK Mu Xi Chapter, will be among the honorees. See Full Article


Scholarship established honoring Joe A Akerman Jr

Joe A. Akerman, Jr. Scholarship Created at NFC Foundation

Honoring memory of North Florida College professor, author, artist, cowboy and friend

Madison, FL (January 20, 2022) - The North Florida College Foundation is

pleased to announce the creation of the Joe A. Akerman, Jr. Scholarship, established by the Akerman Family in memory of their beloved husband, father and grandfather. See Full Article


NFC Named to Aspen Top 150

The Aspen Institute Names North Florida College one of 150 U.S. Community College Eligible for 2023 Aspen Prize

The Aspen Institute named North Florida College one of the 150 institutions eligible to compete for the $1 million Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence, the nation's signature recognition of high achievement and performance among America's community colleges. The colleges selected for this honor stand out among more than 1,000 community colleges nationwide as having high and improving levels of student success as well as equitable outcomes for Black and Hispanic students and those from lower-income backgrounds.  

The 150 eligible colleges have been invited to submit data and narratives as the next steps in an intensive data and practice review process, culminating in the announcement of the Prize winner in spring 2023. 

The Aspen Prize spotlights exemplary community colleges in order to elevate the sector, drive attention to colleges doing the best work, and discover and share highly effective student success and equity strategies.


NFC named “2021 Great College to Work For”

North Florida College Makes Great Colleges Honor Roll for Six Years Straight 

MADISON, FL (October 6, 2021) - For six consecutive years, North Florida College has been named one of the best colleges in the nation to work for, according to the Great Colleges to Work For® program. See Full Article


Julia Willis 2021 All-Florida Academic Team and NFC President John GrosskopfNFC Student Julia Willis Named to 2021 All-Florida Academic Team 

MADISON, FL (April 2, 2021) – North Florida College student Julia Willis has been named to the 2021 All-Florida Academic Team. This prestigious designation recognizes student Phi Theta Kappa members within the Florida College System for their outstanding academic achievement, leadership and service to the community. Students are nominated by their respective colleges to the All-USA Academic Team competition sponsored by the Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society. This year’s team of 137 students will be recognized at virtual awards ceremony webcasted on April 23, 2021. Willis, a member of NFC’s PTK Mu Xi Chapter, will be among the honorees. See Full Article


2020 Accolades and Honors


NFC Great College to Work For 2020

NFC Makes “Great College to Work For” Honor Roll for fifth consecutive year

North Florida College is one of the best colleges in the nation to work for according to results released Sept. 14, 2020 by The Chronicle of Higher Education. This is NFC’s fifth consecutive year on the prestigious “Great Colleges to Work For” ranking and has once again received Honor Roll designation for creating an exceptional work environment for its faculty and staff. See Full Article


Marie Guest Semi-finalist 2020 AFC Professor of the YearMarie Guest Semi-finalist for AFC Professor of the Year Competition

October 2020: North Florida College Professor Marie Guest is a semi-finalist in the 2020 Association of Florida Colleges (AFC) Professor of the Year competition. Guest will compete for this prestigious honor during the  Virtual 71st AFC Annual Meeting and Conference scheduled for Nov. 16-20, 2020.

"I was thrilled to learn that my work here at North Florida college was being recognized at the state level," said Guest. "Considering the caliber of faculty throughout the state of Florida’s college system, just being chosen as semi-finalist in the Professor of the Year competition is such an honor."  See Full Article

Kimberly Allbritton named NFC's 2020 Friend to the College

Kimberly Allbritton 2020 NFC Friend to the CollegeApril 2020: Each year in April, North Florida College recognizes and celebrates an individual who has gone above and beyond in helping the college fulfill its mission of providing service and opportunity to its students and community. This year NFC recognizes Kimberly Allbritton, Administrator for the Florida Department of Health in Jefferson and Madison Counties, as its 2020 Friend to the College.

Allbritton was bestowed the honor for her extraordinary support of NFC and its mission. “From the very beginning of this COVID-19 crisis, Ms. Allbritton has offered her guidance and support as the College responded to this new threat to the health and safety of our students and employees,” said NFC President John Grosskopf. “She has been an energetic partner in our efforts to protect all Sentinels and has certainly proven herself a wonderful ally and truly this year’s Friend to the College.” See Full Article


Dawson Jackson named 2020 NFC Student of the Year

Dawson Jackson 2020 NFC Student of the YearApril 2020: Each April, North Florida College, honors its outstanding students during Honors Convocation and, with the input of faculty and staff, selects a student for the highest honor of Student of the Year. Receiving the prestigious 2020 NFC Student of the Year award is Dawson Jackson of Lafayette County. Dawson, a dual enrollment student from Lafayette High School, will complete an Associate in Arts degree and graduate from NFC this May with a 4.0 GPA.

“Over the past four years, the instructors and staff at NFC have been crucial to my success,” said Dawson. “The instructors at NFC are willing to go above and beyond to help their students. Specifically, Dr. Manoharan Mariappan, my chemistry instructor, has been very helpful when it comes to setting and achieving my career goals.” See Full Article


NFC Honors Convocation recognizes outstanding student achievement and leadership

NFC Honors Outstanding Students 2020April 2020: North Florida College honored over 30 students for outstanding achievement and character during the 2019-2020 academic year during a virtual Honors Convocation ceremony shared April 23, 2020. Despite the inability to hold the ceremony on campus this year, NFC administrators, faculty and staff, as well as students, worked together to make this year’s ceremony a special virtual event full of videos, photos and accomplishment. In his welcoming remarks, delivered via video, NFC President John Grosskopf invited viewers to “join us in the same spirit of pride and celebration virtually” to honor this year’s outstanding students. See Full Article


Mays, Roberts named to 2020 All-Florida Academic Team

NFC PTK All-Florida Academic Team 2020 ImageMarch 2020: North Florida College students Brianna Mays, left, and Summer Roberts, right, were named to the 2020 Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) All-Florida Academic Team and honored among 166 of the most outstanding students in the Florida College System at an awards ceremony in St. Petersburg on March 6. They received recognition and a medallion for outstanding academic achievement, leadership and service to the community. See Full Article


Past Accolades and Honors


Aspen Prize Top 150Aspen Institute names NFC as a Top 150 U.S. Community College Eligible for 2021 Aspen Prize

NOVEMBER 5, 2019: The Aspen Institute College Excellence Program named North Florida College as one of 150 community colleges eligible to compete for the $1 million Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence, the nation’s signature recognition of high achievement and performance among America's community colleges. NFC was selected from a pool of nearly 1,000 public two-year colleges nationwide, based on publicly available data on student outcomes, to compete for the $1 million Aspen Prize. See Full Article


NFC 2019 Great College to Work ForNFC Makes “Great College to Work For” Honor Roll for fourth consecutive year

North Florida College is one of the best colleges in the nation to work for according to results released today by The Chronicle of Higher Education. This is NFC’s fourth consecutive year on the prestigious “Great Colleges to Work For” ranking and has once again received Honor Roll designation for creating an exceptional work environment for its faculty and staff. See Full Article


Marie Guest Named Instructor of the Year

Marie Guest Named NFCC Instructor of the Year

NFCC honors Marie Guest, an instructor in the Business and Social Sciences Department, as its Instructor of the Year. Guest received the prestigious 2019 Professional Educator Leadership Award on May 7 during NFCC’s annual employee recognition ceremony. See Full Article


College Advancement wins national and regional NCMPR awards

NFCC Wins Five NCMPR AwardsNFC has won five awards from the National Council for Marketing & Public Relations (NCMPR), including the coveted national-level Paragon Award, for work produced by the NFC College Advancement department. On the national stage in March 2019, NFC took home GOLD, the highest-level, Paragon Award for its Electronic Newsletter. Prior to the national competition, NFC won four Medallion Awards from the NCMPR District II in September 2018. See Full Article


NFC awarded $1.1 million National Science Foundation grant for middle school STEM program

NFCC Awarded $1.1 Million NSF GrantNFC will begin a new STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) outreach program for area middle schools this fall thanks to a $1.1 million federal grant award by the National Science Foundation (NSF).

“The NFC STEM SEALs program provides an exceptional opportunity to teachers and students in our district,” said NFC professor Dr. Guenter Maresch, the grants principal investigator. “The grant funding allows NFC to raise the educational experience while providing creative learning incentives that expose middle school students and teachers to practical applications of the science and mathematics curriculum. I applaud NFC’s faculty for helping secure this federal-level grant and bring this exciting initiative to our community and students.” SEE FULL ARTICLE


NFC professors selected to present at national teaching conference

NFCC Professors Seleted to Present at National ConferenceFour North Florida College professors – Sharon Brave Heart, Marie Guest, Michelle Ginn and Dr. David Palomino – are sharing best practices with college and university educators and administrators from across the nation in June at The Teaching Professors Annual Conference in New Orleans.

The conference represents the best thinking on issues related to teaching and learning today. Presenters are selected through a rigorous review process. NFC was invited to lead three separate 20-minute mentor sessions during the conference.

“The honor of being chosen is a culmination of our in-depth research in preparation of offering our Associate in Science Degrees in Accounting Technology and Business Administration completely online,” said Brave Heart. SEE FULL ARTICLE


Jordan Messer is Florida College System Student of the Month

Jordan Messer Named FCS Student of the Month December 2018NFC student Jordan Messer has been selected as the Chancellor's Clark Maxwell Scholar Student of the Month by the Florida College System for December 2018. “Jordan is a very sought after tutor, an extremely competent and helpful library student worker, and a high-achieving student in a very demanding academic program,” said Lynn Wyche, Director of Learning Resources at NFC. “Her willingness to assist with special projects within the nursing program and the Learning Resources department has solidified her stellar reputation with staff, faculty and students.” SEE FULL ARTICLE


NFC Expands Opportunities to Learn Online 

NFCC Online Degrees Expand OpportunitiesNFC is proud to announce that it now offers five degree programs that can be completed entirely online. The college’s first bachelor’s degree, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, was NFC’s first completely online program. The program graduated its first class in 2018. Four additional degrees are now all online at NFC, including the Associate in Arts (AA), Associate in Science (AS) in Accounting Technology, AS in Business Administration and AS in Criminal Justice Technology. MORE INFORMATION


Academic Excellence Focus of NFC Connections Magazine

NFCC Announces New Edition of Connections MagazineReleased in January, NFC's Winter 2019 edition of Connections magazine shares a number of features on how NFC students, professors, alumni and the NFC community are champions of education. Major accomplishments such as NFC's expansion of online degrees, national accreditation of NFC nursing programs and the college receiving a Chancellor's Best Practice award from the Florida College System are shared in the new edition. Readers will find many interesting articles on outstanding NFC professors, students, alumni and community leaders who give their time and talents to advance education and the community. Outstanding programs and partnerships are also highlighted including NFC's new commercial truck driving program, student scholarships, College Preview Day and student job opportunities on campus. READ CONNECTIONS MAGAZINE


Florida College System awards NFC 2018 Chancellor's Best Practice Award

NFCC Awarded Chancellors Best Practice AwardNFC was awarded the 2018 Chancellor’s Best Practice Award by The Florida College System in November 2018 during the Association of Florida College’s 69th Annual Meeting and Conference in Orlando. The award recognizes NFC’s innovative use of video conferencing technology to significantly improve educational access for dual enrollment students throughout the rural service areas in the North Florida region. In Fall Term 2018, 13 dual enrollment video conferencing classes were offered at six secondary school locations - Hamilton (28 miles), Lafayette (43 miles), Taylor (33 miles), Aucilla Christian Academy (26 miles), Branford (55 miles) and Suwannee (31 miles). SEE FULL ARTICLE 


NFC Professor Rose Knox Publishes New Book

NFCC Professor Rose Knox Publishes Book 2018After publishing a paddling guide for the Suwannee River in 2008, NFC professor and alumna Rose Knox has another read for history and nature lovers - Old Tales of the Forgotten South in a Georgia, Florida Swamp: Paddling Okefenokee. The book was written with the help of her husband, avid outdoorsman and river guide Graham Schorb. The two dedicated over four years and 2000 hours of research, writing and collaboration to bring this cultural and ecological chronicle of the Okefenokee Swamp into publication through the Florida Historical Society. Knox’s new book gives accounts of several paddling excursions along the Okefenokee and tells important ecological stories. SEE FULL ARTICLE


Littlefield, Walden Receive 2018 Outstanding Educator Award

NFCC Outstanding Educator Award 2018The NFC Outstanding Educator Award is presented in the fall and spring to recognize NFC professors for excellence in teaching. The award is presented “in recognition of exceptional support of the North Florida College mission through instruction, creative and scholarly engagement, institutional responsibility, service, and professional development.” Bonnie Littlefield, now retired professor of biology, received the award for Spring Term 2018. NFC nursing faculty member Julie Walden received the award for Fall Term 2018. Following are comments from students and colleagues highlighting Walden’s and Littlefield’s outstanding qualities as educators. SEE FULL ARTICLE


NFC wins seven 2018 AFC Communications & Marketing Commission Awards

Association of Florida Colleges LogoIn November 2018, NFC won seven prestigious awards in the Association of Florida Colleges Communications and Marketing Commission Awards of Excellence competition. The College Advancement team won 1st Place in Advertising Internet, Best Bang for the Buck and Social Media Paid Advertising; won 2nd Place honors in Advertising Internet, Electronic Newsletter and Magazine; and received the competition's 2018 Exemplary Practice Award for it 60th anniversary overall campaign. Awards were announced at the Association of Florida College’s 69th Annual Meeting and Conference in Orlando.


Williams, Lyons Reappointed to Lead NFC District Board of Trustees

NFCC District Board of Trustees Appoints Chair and Vice Chair 2018In August 2018, the NFC District Board of Trustees unanimously approved the continued leadership of Mike Williams of Madison County and Ricky Lyons of Lafayette County as chair and vice-chair of the Board. Williams was first appointed to the NFC Board of Trustees in 2008 and elected as chair in August 2009. Serving in this leadership role on the Board continuously since 2009, a total of nine years, Williams holds the record for longest serving NFC District Board of Trustees Chair. Lyons was first appointed to the Board in July 2009 and elected vice-chair in August 2011. This year marks his seventh year of continuous service as the NFC District Board of Trustees Vice-Chair. The Board is composed of nine members appointed by the Governor to establish the policies, in accordance with Florida Statutes and State Board of Education rules, by which the NFC mission is accomplished. NFC BOARD OF TRUSTEES


NFCC Nursing Programs Nationally Accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)

ACEN Logo ImageThe NFC Nursing and Allied Health department has taken another huge step forward in offering its students and graduates the best possible training and career options. NFC’s associate and baccalaureate level nursing programs are now nationally accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). NFC’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program, Associate in Science in Registered Nursing (ADN-RN) and LPN to ADN-RN Bridge program all received accreditation from the ACEN Board of Commissioners in 2018 with the next evaluation visit by the ACEN Board of Commissioners scheduled for Spring 2023. FULL ARTICLE

NFC Nursing and Allied Health Celebrate ACEN Accreditation 2018

Celebrating NFC's ACEN accreditation are NFC Nursing and Allied Health faculty and staff, standing left to right, Amanda Williams, Tammey Revels, Brandy Plummer, Debbie Bass (retired), Brandi Browning and DeShala Frazier; and (seated left to right) Julie Walden, Robin Pearson, Dr. James Holland, Dr. Julie Townsend and Sharon McClune.

2018 Great College to Work For LogoNFC Named to The Chronicle of Higher Education's "Great Colleges to Work For Honor Roll" for Third Consecutive Year

NFC is one of the best colleges in the nation to work for according to a survey released by The Chronicle of Higher Education in July. This is the third consecutive year NFC has been recognized as a “Great College to Work For” and received the Honor Roll designation for creating an exceptional work environment for its faculty and staff. FULL ARTICLE


NFC Adds New Associate in Science in Engineering Program

NFC's new A.S. in Engineering Technology program was approved by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) and classes began in January 2018. EXPLORE PROGRAM


FCS Best Practices - Student Support Services Wrap Around Program

December 2017: Congratulations to Student Support Services for receiving a Chancellor’s Best Practices honor in the December Florida College System Newsletter for its Wrap Around academic coaching program.

Check out this video about the benefits of the Wrap Around program (featuring NFC employees and students).


NFC Accredited as Level II, Baccalaureate Degree Granting Institution 

November 2017: NFC is approved as a Level II institution by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). The Level II classification approves NFC to offer baccalaureate degree level programs. 

NFC's First Baccalaureate Level Program: NFC is proud to offer its new online ADN-RN to BSN bridge program, adding another level to the seamless academic progression already offered by the NFC Allied Health Department. With a BSN degree, NFC graduates are better prepared to take on positions of leadership and supervision. The higher level degree will also open doors to other career and educational pathways within the healthcare community and in NFC’s service district.


NFC Paramedic Program receives National Accreditation

November 2017: The NFC Emergency Medical Services department’s Paramedic program is now nationally accredited through the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), the largest programmatic accreditor of the health sciences professions. The designation not only opens more doors for NFC graduates, but also means that the NFC Paramedic program is meeting or exceeding current National EMS Education Standards.


NFC wins five 2017 AFC Communications & Marketing Commission Awards

Association of Florida Colleges LogoNovember 2017 - NFC won five prestigious awards in the Association of Florida Colleges Communications and Marketing Commission Awards of Excellence competition. The College won 1st Place in Article in a College-Produced Publication (Kim Scarboro); 2nd Place in Advertising Print, Advertising Internet and Single Sheet Flier (Margaret Wilkerson); and 2nd Place in Best Photography in a Published Piece (Kim Scarboro).


Image of 2019 Top 150 Community College Aspen Prize logoNFC Named One of 150 Top US Community Colleges Eligible to Compete for Aspen Prize

October 2017: NFC was named one of 150 community colleges eligible to compete for the 2019 Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence, the nation’s signature recognition of high achievement and performance in America’s community colleges. NFC was selected from a pool of nearly 1,000 public two-year colleges nationwide to compete for the $1 million Aspen Prize.

“North Florida College is honored to be among the nation’s top 150 community colleges competing for the 2019 Aspen Prize for Community College NFC Among Top 150 for Aspen PrizeExcellence,” said John Grosskopf, NFC President. “We proudly share this recognition of high achievement with our students, employees, alumni and community. I especially applaud the work and dedication of NFC faculty and staff. I see the exemplary measures and commitment NFC employees put into action everyday to ensure students reach their education and life goals. NFC’s consistent ranking among the nation’s most outstanding colleges is definitely due to our campus and community's overwhelming commitment to student success.”  FULL ARTICLE


NFC Brings Home Gold and Silver in NCMPR District II Medallion Awards

Emblem for NCMPR Medallion AwardsOctober 2017 - NFC won two prestigious awards in the National Council for Marketing & Public Relations District 2 Medallion Awards competition. The College won Silver in Digital/Electronic Media: E-Newsletter (created by Johnathan Cooks) and Gold in Advertising: Digital Ad (created by Margaret Wilkerson). 

The NCMPR District 2 Medallion Awards recognize outstanding achievement in communications at community and technical colleges in District 2. It's the only regional competition of its kind that honors excellence exclusively among marketing and PR professionals at two-year colleges. District 2 includes Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands and the Bahamas. WINNERS PRESENTATION PDF


NFC Named Among 2017 Great Colleges to Work For Honor RollNFC Named to The Chronicle of Higher Education's  "Great Colleges to Work For Honor Roll" Again

NFC has again been named one of the best colleges in the nation to work for according to a new survey by The Chronicle of Higher Education. NFC landed a spot on the Great Colleges to Work For 2017 Honor Roll for achieving high marks in seven categories that reflect best practices and policies of great colleges. The College was specifically recognized for achievement in the following categories: Collaborative Governance; Facilities, Workspace & Security; Job Satisfaction; Professional/Career Development Programs; Respect and Appreciation; Supervisor/Department Chair Relationship; and Work/Life Balance. NFC also received special recognition in the Best Practices category for an active listening effort implemented by President Grosskopf and the NFC Employee Services Department. FULL ARTICLE

Great Colleges to Work for 2017


NFC hosts CDL open house and recognizes industry partners Sept 26NFC Adds New CDL Training Program

NFC and CareerSource North Florida worked together to bring a new Commercial Driver’s License-Class A certification program to the College. Regional companies, including Gray Logging, Genesis Timber, M.A. Rigoni, TW Byrd Sons, CF Webb & Sons Logging, Suwannee Lumber Company, Packaging Corp of America, John A. Cruce, Jr Inc, Stoutamire-Pavlik & Associates Inc. Insurance, Certified Service Center, Suwannee Timber Management, and Johnson & Johnson Inc. Classes began August 2017. NFC hosted an Open House & Lunch on Sept. 26 to show off the new program and recognize the community and business leaders that helped get the program up and running. SEE FULL ARTICLE 


2017 Florida College System Chancellor's Best Practices - Access: NFC is recognized by the Florida College System and FCS Chancellor Madeline Pumariega for “Innovation & Excellence” in providing access to high-quality education.


2017 - NFC named among "Best Community Colleges in Florida" 

NFC stands out as one of the best of the best in Florida for offering a quality education at an affordable price according to a 2017 ranking by BestColleges.com.


2017 - NFC ranks #3 among "Best 2-Year Colleges in Florida"  

NFC tops the list of Florida's best two-year colleges according to LearnHowToBecome.org. The 2017 ranking is based on salary figures for graduates, tuition costs, student-to-teacher ratio, financial aid availability and graduation rates.


NFC Employees Lori Pleasant and Dr. Julie Townsend Receive NFC Above and Beyond Award

Two NFC employees were selected to receive NFC’s Above and Beyond Award for 2016-2017 – Lori Pleasant and Dr. Julie Townsend of Madison County. Pleasant is the Registrar at NFC. Townsend serves as the Director of Nursing and Allied Health. The Above and Beyond awards are given each year to NFC employees, staff and faculty members, who go above the call of their regular jobs to assist students, to assist their colleagues or to benefit the college. MORE


AffordableColleges.com Best Value Community Colleges BadgeNFC Ranked #1 Most Affordable Community College

AffordableColleges.com has named NFC the #1 Most Affordable Community College in the U.S. based on a holistic account of the quality and value of the College. Factors determining the ranking focused on quality, affordability and student success. The #1 ranking and high "value score" NFC received by AffordableColleges.com looks at factors such as loan default rates, graduation rates, and financial aid data, to draw a distinction between the programs that appear cheap up-front and those that will pay off in the long run.

www.affordablecolleges.com/rankings/community-colleges/


OnlineColleges.com Top Colleges 2016 BadgeNFC Named Among Best Online Schools in Florida

OnlineColleges.com released a list of Florida top online schools, with universities, technical institutes and private schools alike included in the count. More than 2,500 accredited colleges and universities across the U.S. were ranked on a variety of factors, including affordability, student services and the availability of online programs.

NFC ranked #3 on the list of the most affordable two-year online colleges in Florida and #30 among Florida's best online colleges and universities.


NFC Receives State Board of Education Approval for New Bachelor’s Degree

NFC Receives State Board of Education Approval for BSN at September 2016 MeetingNFC is a step closer to becoming a baccalaureate granting institution. The State Board of Education unanimously approved NFC’s plans to begin a new bachelor’s degree in nursing, the College’s first baccalaureate level program, on Sept. 23, 2016.

“We are delighted about the Board of Education’s decision,” said NFC President John Grosskopf. “It is a great accomplishment for the NFC family and we look forward to taking the next steps that will allow us to offer this program, and its related benefits, to our students and community.”

The program, expected to begin in August 2017, will be open to 30 students who have already completed an Associate’s Degree in Nursing and hold a current RN license. The ADN-RN to BSN program will add another level to the seamless academic progression already offered by the NFC Allied Health Department. Students can build their education or enter at various professional levels ranging from a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) to RN. With a BSN degree, NFC graduates will be better prepared to take on positions of leadership and supervision. The higher level degree will also open doors to other career and educational pathways within the healthcare community and in NFC’s service district. The College and its area healthcare partners see it as a great stride forward on many levels. SEE FULL ARTICLE ⇒

PHOTO (l-r): NFC President John Grosskopf, NFC Dean of Academic Affairs Frances Adleburg, State Board of Education Committee Member Gary Chartrand, Madison County Memorial Hospital CEO Tammy Stevens, NFC Director of Nursing and Allied Health Julie Townsend and Florida College System Chancellor Madeline Pumariega at the September 23, 2016 State Board of Education meeting in Tallahassee.


2016 Great Colleges to Work For Honor Roll Image

The Chronicle of Higher Education names NFC among 2016 Great Colleges to Work For!

NFC is one of the best colleges in the nation to work for according to a new survey by The Chronicle of Higher Education. NFC landed a spot on the Great Colleges to Work For 2016 Honor Roll for achieving high marks in nine categories that reflect best practices and policies of great colleges. The College was specifically recognized for achievement in the following categories: Collaborative Governance; Confidence in Senior Leadership;Facilities, Workspace & Security; Job Satisfaction; Professional/Career Development Programs; Respect and Appreciation; Supervisor/Department Chair Relationship;Teaching Environment (Faculty Only); and Work/Life Balance

“North Florida College employees care about the work they do, the people they work with and the integrity of the institution as a whole,” said NFC President John Grosskopf. “This recognition speaks volumes about our campus, employees and the extraordinary work environment that we enjoy here at NFC. Visitors regularly comment on our welcoming environment and our friendly, helpful faculty and staff. We are proud to offer NFC employees a variety of avenues to enrich their lives personally and professionally through access to the arts, health and wellness programs, an outstanding benefits package, and professional collaboration within the Florida College System and beyond.”

FIND OUT MORE

National Science Foundation Logo

National Science Foundation Awards NFC Grant to Build Manufacturing Certification Dual Enrollment Program for Community – NFC has received a three-year, $187,267 grant from the National Science Foundation to develop an advanced manufacturing dual enrollment program in Madison County. The project will open new career pathways for local high schools and is designed to lead students successfully from high school to NFC, and then to either higher education or employment in the advanced manufacturing sector.

With collaboration across the high school, college and industry platforms, NFC is dedicated to adequately preparing the next generation of qualified and skilled manufacturing and engineering technicians for jobs in advanced manufacturing. Ultimate success will see graduates securing employment and industry certification so they can support themselves and their families, and contribute to the growth and prosperity of the community. FIND OUT MORE


Shirley A. Washington Named 2016 Jenyethel Merritt Award for Civic Service Award Recipient

As North Florida College celebrates the 50th anniversary of its historic merger with Suwannee River Junior College this year, it is proud to announce Shirley A. Washington as the 2016 Jenyethel Merritt Award for Civic Service Award Recipient. Washington is an educator with more than 40 years of service in both Jefferson and Madison counties and her contributions and dedication to education are making a positive difference in Jefferson County and the NFC district. NFC honored seven outstanding award nominees June 25 during the Jenyethel Merritt Award for Civic Service Award and Celebration Ceremony at Van H. Priest Auditorium and following Award and Scholarship Banquet in the NFC Student Center. Nominees recognized for their dedication, service and contributions to the NFC community include Sarah Higginbotham, Dr. Rosalie "Rose" A. Hill, Keysha Horn, Deloris M. Jones, Elesta Pritchett, Flora Woodfaulk and award winner Shirley A. Washington. The award, which honors an African-American woman who has made significant contributions within NFC’s six-county district, is named in honor of the late Jenyethel Merritt who served as president of SRJC and was the first female president to lead a public Florida community college.


VSU, NFC Establish New Educational Partnership

Valdosta State University and North Florida College have a new educational partnership in place that better serves currently enrolled and future students at both institutions. Dr. Cecil P. Staton, interim president of VSU during the 2015-2016 academic year, and NFC President John Grosskopf signed the new 2+2 Transfer Admission Guarantee in May 2016 solidifying their commitment to improve access to top-quality post-secondary educational opportunities for North Florida residents. 


The NFC Public Safety Academy received a Meritorious Award at the May Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission (CJSTC) Meeting in recognition of attaining a “perfect audit” for the CJSTC Trust Fund for fiscal year 2014-2015. The Academy has received the Meritorious Award for the last five consecutive audits.

PHOTO: Florida Department of Law Enforcement Bureau Chief of Standards Glen Hopkins, left, presents NFC Public Safety Academy Director Rick Davis with a Meritorious Award at the May 2016 CJSTC Meeting.


Edward Meggs Named “Friend to the College”

NFC honors Edward Meggs, President of Madison County Community Bank, as the 2015-2016 Friend to the College. Meggs accepted the award on behalf of MCCB on April 12 at the NFC Honors Convocation ceremony. NFC President John Grosskopf applauds Meggs and MCCB for their generosity and support of NFC, for giving back to the community and for actively working to make our community a better place.


NFC Employees Denise Bell and David Dunkle Receive NFC Above and Beyond Award

Each April NFC honors its employees for their contributions and dedication to the College. Special recognition is given for professional achievement and years of service and two outstanding employees who go above the call of their regular jobs to assist students, to assist their colleagues or to benefit the College are bestowed with the celebrated NFC Above and Beyond Award. The 2015-2016 Above and Beyond Award winners are Denise Bell, Student Services Coordinator and Equity Coordinator, and David Dunkle, Associate Dean of Economic Development and Technical Programs.


NFC Instructor Keisha Martinez Named 2016 Student Support Services Instructor of the Year

Students in NFC’s TRiO Student Support Services program selected Keisha Martinez as the 2016 Student Support Services Instructor of the Year for unselfishly giving her knowledge and time to students, enhancing student learning by giving critical feedback with a supportive attitude, and for having a positive personality and outlook.


Wallet Hub Ranking 2015NFC Ranked 2015’s Best Community College by WalletHub – North Florida College received national recognition as “2015’s Best Community College” after landing the #1 spot on WalletHub’s recent ranking of 670 community colleges across the nation.

The comparison looked at 17 metrics ranging from the cost of in-state tuition and fees to student-faculty ratio and focused on four key areas - cost and financing, classroom experience, education outcomes, and career outcomes. 


Marcia Mayer - Outstanding AlumNFC Alumna Marcia Mayer Awarded 2015 LeRoy Collins Distinguished Alumni Lifetime Achievement Award – Marcia Mayer, an alumna of North Florida College, was honored with the 2015 LeRoy Collins Distinguished Alumni Lifetime Achievement Award by the Association of Florida Colleges (AFC) at the AFC 2015 Annual Meeting and Conference in Orlando on Nov. 12. Mayer was honored for dedicating her life to helping others. As a nurse, she has crossed borders and helped thousands of people around the world including malnourished and starving children, expecting mothers with HIV/AIDS, war zone victims and victims of hurricanes, tsunamis, tornadoes, floods and other disasters. “Marcia is a true success story,” said NFC President John Grosskopf. “She has made a profound difference in our world and touched many thousands of lives either directly or indirectly through her service and generosity.” In 2015, Marcia partnered with the NFC Foundation to establish the Fico-Humes-Mayer Scholarship Fund, bequeathing her entire estate to the NFC Foundation to benefit nursing programs and scholarships at the college and to honor her former instructors. 


Association of Florida Colleges LogoNFC Awarded 1st Place in Social Media Marketing – North Florida College's Office of College Advancement received seven awards in the 2015 Association of Florida Colleges (AFC) Communications and Marketing Commission Awards of Excellence competition including 1st place in the Social Media category for its Fall Term 2015 campaign that highlighted some of the top reasons to choose NFC and enroll during fall term. Presented at the AFC 2015 Annual Meeting and Conference in November, the awards honor outstanding achievement among Florida college marketing and public relations efforts.


NFC Receives NCMPR District 2 Medallion Award – North Florida College's Office of College Advancement was awarded a 2015 National Council for Marketing & Public Relations (NCMPR) District 2 Medallion Award (Bronze Level) in the “Feature Article/General News Story/Op-Ed” category. Awards were announced at the district conference held Oct. 25-28, 2015 in Mississippi.


NFC’s Accreditation Reaffirmed Through 2025

On June 11, 2015, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges Board of Trustees officially announced that NFC’s accreditation status is reaffirmed through 2025. The SACSCOC is the regional body for the accreditation of degree-granting higher education institutions in the Southern states.


NASA Group PhotoNFC Wins First Place in NASA Engineering Challenges Competition – Members of North Florida College's Young Engineering Club took first place in the NASA Engineering Challenges Competition at Kennedy Space Center on June 12, 2015. The three-day engineering competition was sponsored by the NASA Florida Space Grant Consortium. NFC students built and programmed their own robot during spring term to prepare for the event and traveled with NFC instructor and advisor Dr. Guenter Maresch to compete in the prestigious competition. “All of our students did a great job and represented the school very well,” said Dr. Michael Stine, Department Chair of Mathematics, Physical and Biological Sciences at NFC. “Congratulations to the students and Dr. Maresch.”


NFC Awarded Five-Year, $1,343,880 Grant to Help Students Succeed – NFC is one of 968 institutions of higher education awarded a grant from the U.S. Education Department, in initial rounds of funding, aimed at helping students succeed in college. The NFC Student Support Services Department received $268,776 for the 2015-2016 year and will receive a total of $1,343,880 over the next five years to carry out their mission of helping low-income college students, first-generation students and those with disabilities successfully navigate through college and earn a degree or certificate on the postsecondary level.


NFC Public Safety Academy Selected as Florida Department of Corrections Training Site – The Public Safety Academy at North Florida College is one of five such training centers in Florida to be selected by the Florida Department of Corrections to provide a Correctional Basic Recruit class and training for DOC recruits.


Bill Eustace and APT Students April 2015 NFC Instructor Bill Eustace Among Florida's MSSC Authorized CPT and Green Production Instructors – Bill Eustace, North Florida College Automation and Production Technology Instructor, has given his program another bragging point and reason for potential students and area manufacturing companies to turn to NFC for training. Eustace is now one of only three Manufacturing Skill Standards Council (MSSC) authorized Certified Production Technician (CPT) instructors in Florida that have both full CPT and Green Production credentials. “Many of the companies in this area support green manufacturing principals,” said Eustace. “I felt it would be a great asset for area students to be fully CPT certified and Green Production certified as well. Ultimately our students, area employers and the environment benefit so it’s a win-win situation.”


NFC Students Named to 2015 All-Florida Academic Team – North Florida College students Keysha Horn and Susan McCool were honored as members of the 2015 All-Florida Academic Team at an awards ceremony at the Donald L. Tucker Civic Center in Tallahassee on April 9, 2015. Students, nominated by their respective colleges to the All-USA Academic Team competition sponsored by USA Today and the Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society, are selected as members of the All-Florida Academic Team based on their outstanding academic achievement, leadership and community service. 


Community Theatre AwardNFC Sentinel Upstage Players Awarded “New Play Award” by the Florida College System Activities Association (FCSAA) Theatre Division – North Florida College's Community Theatre group, the NFC Sentinel Upstage Players, recently underwent state adjudication by the Florida College System Activities Association (FCSAA) Theatre Division and received a ranking of “Good” for their March 28, 2015 performance of “Four Sons,” an original production written, directed and produced entirely by the NFC troupe. The performance was also bestowed the honor of the FCSAA “New Play Award” which is awarded to recognize the work of and encourage the creation of new scripts in the college production world.


Jay Welch at Battle of Olustee Reenactment 2015Jay Welch Named 2015 NFC Teacher of the Year – When an instructor loves teaching it shows and there is no doubt that Jay Welch, North Florida College history instructor and the 2015 NFC Teacher of the Year, loves his job. Welch stepped into the profession with the essential qualities of all great teachers – a passion for the subject being taught and a personality and teaching style that makes learning fun and interesting for a wide-range of students. “Jay Welch has really been an influential person in my life,” said Jonathan Bolick, NFC alumnus and the 2013-2014 NFC Student of the Year. “I took him for three of my four semesters here [at NFC] and he really played a large part in my studies.” 


NFCCPSA receives CJSTC Meritorious Award August 2014NFC Public Safety Academy receives Meritorious Award from Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission – The North Florida College Public Safety Academy received a Meritorious Award at the August 2014 Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission (CJSTC) Meeting in recognition of attaining a “perfect audit” for the CJSTC Trust Fund for fiscal year 2012/2013. NFC was one of three training centers to receive the award. The NFC Public Safety Academy has received the Meritorious Award for the last four consecutive audits including fiscal years 2006/2007, 2008/2009, 2010/2011, and 2012/2013.


Washington Monthly LogoNFC Ranked #2 “Best Community College” by Washington Monthly – In 2013, North Florida College ranked #2 nationwide in the “America’s Best Community Colleges” category of Washington Monthly magazine’s 2013 College Rankings. NFC posted high marks for providing students with quality instruction, an abundance of active and collaborative learning opportunities, support for learning, and outstanding student-faculty interaction. The ranking is based on information from the Community College Survey of Student Engagement (CCSSE) as well as graduation rates published by the U.S. Department of Education. This recognition on the national level affirms that NFC is a great educational resource as well as a leader in offering area students a quality education. “These rankings are especially important because they highlight the system’s mission of providing access to low-cost, high-quality education and job training. I am extremely proud of all of our colleges for helping prepare Floridians for high-skill, high-wage jobs.” ~ Florida College System Chancellor Randy Hanna.