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The District Board of Trustees of Northwest Florida State College (NWFSC) has selected Melvin P. “Mel” Ponder as the institution’s next president. Ponder, a former Okaloosa County Commissioner, will begin his tenure on January 2, 2025, following the Board’s unanimous decision at its final 2024 meeting on November 19.
Ponder was chosen after a six-month search that drew over 100 candidates and concluded with four finalists. Lori Kelley, Chair of the NWFSC Board of Trustees, expressed her enthusiasm for Ponder’s selection. “This Board carried out its core responsibility of stewarding the College’s success by selecting a new president,” Kelley said.
A longtime Okaloosa County resident, Ponder brings a wealth of leadership experience, including serving as Okaloosa County Commissioner, Mayor of Destin, a Florida State Representative, and most recently, Association Executive for the Emerald Coast Association of Realtors. He has been honored for his contributions to the Florida College System and currently serves on the CareerSource Florida Board of Directors.
“I express my sincere thanks to the Board of Trustees for entrusting me with the honor of serving as the next President of Northwest Florida State College,” said Ponder. He emphasized his commitment to advancing the College’s mission to serve students, faculty, and the community.
Ponder succeeds Dr. Devin Stephenson, who became the president of Florida Polytechnic University earlier this year.
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