One of These Four Men Will Be Northwest Florida State College’s Next President
In Brief:
Northwest Florida State College’s Raiders basketball team is preparing for the 2024 season under Coach Steve DeMeo, who is rebuilding the team with a fresh roster.
•Coach DeMeo brings his experience and leadership back to NWFSC, aiming to develop a championship-caliber team with new recruits.
•The Raiders have a history of success in the NJCAA and are focused on continuing their winning tradition in the upcoming season.
Northwest Florida State College (NWFSC) has announced four finalists for its presidential position, chosen by the college’s District Board of Trustees. These candidates will interview for the role on November 4 and 5, 2024, after a vote by the college’s Presidential Search Committee on October 25. The finalists are Brigadier General R. Gwyn Armfield, US Air Force (ret.); Commissioner Melvin P. “Mel” Ponder; Dr. James Walter Ross; and Dr. Mark F. Strickland, Jr.
The selection process was a collaborative effort between the Board of Trustees, the Foundation Board Chair, and Myers McRae Executive Search and Consulting. “The amount of interest in this position from many qualified applicants has been a testament to Northwest Florida State College’s reputation and its critical place in our community,” said Rhea Goff, NWFSC Trustee and Chair of the Presidential Search Committee. Goff expressed gratitude for the committee’s dedication throughout the selection process, noting that their efforts will significantly shape the college’s future.
The final candidates will engage in campus activities on November 4-5 before each finalist interviews with the Board of Trustees. Lori Kelley, Chair of the Board of Trustees, highlighted the gravity of selecting a new president, expressing her excitement about meeting each finalist. “Selecting the next president of our College is a responsibility we do not take lightly,” Kelley said.
Details about each candidate and the interview schedule are available on the college’s website, where updates on the search process will also be posted.
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About the Candidates:
Brigadier General R. Gwyn Armfield
Brigadier General Robert G. Armfield last served on active duty as the Vice Director for Strategy, Plans, and Policy at U.S. Central Command, located at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida.
General Armfield earned his commission in 1990 from The Citadel. Before serving as the Vice Director for Strategy, Plans and Policy at CENTCOM, Armfield was Deputy Commanding General for the Special Operations Joint Task Force-Afghanistan. A master parachutist, freefall parachutist, and combat diver, General Armfield has extensive specialized training and operational experience.
In additional to his Bachelor’s degree from the Citadel, Armfield has his Master of Arts in Military Art and Operational Science from the Air Command and Staff College. He also participated in the National Security Program fellowship at Harvard University. Additionally, he is a graduate of the Joint and Combined Warfighting School.
General Armfield’s notable career assignments range from commanding the 24th Special Tactics Squadron and the 720th Special Tactics Group to leading the 24th Special Operations Wing. He has served in strategic roles such as Chief of Strategy at U.S. European Command and has led joint assignments in both Afghanistan and Germany. Among his recognitions, he has received the Distinguished Service Medal, Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, and the Bronze Star.
Commissioner Mel Ponder
Commissioner Mel Ponder served Okaloosa County as District 5 Commissioner starting in 2020, when he was elected to his first term in office on the Okaloosa County Commission. Earlier this year, Ponder announced he would not seek reelection.
Born in Ocala, Florida, he has served as Mayor of Destin (2014-2016), a member of the Florida House of Representatives (2016-2020), and a small business owner.
As a Florida State University alumnus with a Bachelor’s Degree in Finance, Commissioner Ponder has held leadership roles across various legislative and community boards while in the Florida State House.
During his tenure in the State House, he served as Chair of the Children, Families, and Seniors Subcommittee and Vice Chair of the Higher Education Appropriations Subcommittee. His legislative focus included advancing military education, veteran support, tourism initiatives, child welfare, and mental healthcare, leaving a lasting impact on numerous state policies.
In addition to his public service, Commissioner Ponder is the founder of Business Empowered, a workplace ministry, and holds the role of Government Affairs Director with the Emerald Coast Association of Realtors. His outreach extends to non-profits and faith-based initiatives, including the Destin Week of Blessings, which unites local pastors and congregations.
He also served as the liaison to multiple committees, including the Destin Airport, Youth Leadership Council, Okaloosa Walton Transportation Planning Organization, Growth Management, and the ECRC (Emerald Coast Regional Council).
Dr. James Walter Ross
Unfortunately, we were not able to find verifiable information about Dr. James Walter Ross. We will continue to search and update this story when we find it!
Dr. Mark Strickland, Jr.
Dr. Mark Strickland, Jr. currently serves as the provost (administrator who’s responsible for academic programs at a university or college) for St. Petersburg College in central Florida. Accordinf to St. Petersburg College’s website. Strickland is Known for his significant contributions to the College Experience initiative, and for shaping the institution’s student success programs and fostering a culture of academic excellence.
Prior to his current role, he was the Associate Provost for the Downtown Campus.
Dr. Strickland’s journey at SPC began in 2000 as a College Recruiter. His passion for student development propelled him to higher roles, including Coordinator and later Director of Enrollment Management. In 2011, he transitioned to the role of Associate Provost at the Downtown Campus, a position he held until his promotion to Provost at Seminole. His responsibilities also included serving as SPC’s Athletic Director until 2015. Additionally, Dr. Strickland has shared his expertise as an Adjunct Instructor at SPC, Barry University, and the University of Tampa.
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