Northwest Florida State College (NWFSC) introduced Dr. Henry Mack as the incoming Vice President for Academic Affairs on Tuesday, December 12. 

The Vice President for Academic Affairs manages various operational and organizational initiatives for a college or university. “This position will provide collaborative leadership with the Executive Leadership Team ensuring the College runs effectively and efficiently in documenting, developing, monitoring and achieving institutional/administrative units/program goals,” according to a similar job posting for community colleges in North Carolina. 

Dr. Mack, a distinguished leader in higher education and workforce development, will bring a wealth of academic and policy experience to the college’s mission to enrich lives in the Florida Panhandle through education. 

Mack previously served as the head of the higher education and workforce system for the State of Florida, and brings with him a comprehensive understanding of educational management. 

His four-year tenure as chancellor saw him overseeing a substantial budget of $3 billion and managing a combined K-20 student enrollment of 1.5 million annually.

In his previous role, Dr. Mack played a pivotal role in shaping Florida’s workforce education strategy, influencing policy and legislative priorities in collaboration with the Governor’s Office. His responsibilities encompassed the Divisions of Florida Colleges, Career and Adult Education, Vocational Rehabilitation, Blind Services, and the Florida Department of Education’s Office of Workforce Education and Educational Alignment, showcasing his diverse expertise.

“I am both grateful for and excited by the opportunity to serve the students, faculty, and staff of Northwest Florida State College,” Mack said in a press release to the media, “As a first-generation college student and native Floridian, I look forward to helping NWFSC achieve continued excellence and impact.”

NWFSC President, Dr. Devin Stephenson, echoed the excitement surrounding the new appointment, emphasizing Dr. Mack’s potential to contribute significantly to the college’s academic programs.

Dr. Mack, an alumnus of the University of Florida with a Doctor of Education degree, also holds a Master of Science degree from the University of Central Florida and a Bachelor of Science degree from Florida A&M University.

NWFSC anticipates Dr. Mack’s contributions to not only enhance the college’s academic standing but also positively impact the local community.