Ribbon Cutting Marks a Major Milestone for Healthcare Education
On September 4, Northwest Florida State College celebrated a proud new chapter with the ribbon cutting of its state-of-the-art School of Nursing building on the Niceville campus. Community leaders, alumni, and supporters joined NWFSC President Mel Ponder and Dean of Health Sciences Dr. Charlotte Kuss for tours of the new 64,000-square-foot facility.
“This expansion is more than bricks and mortar—it’s a bold investment in the future of healthcare in our region,” said President Mel Ponder. “With over $34 million dedicated to growing our nursing program, we’re doubling enrollment and equipping students with the most advanced technology available.”
The project was made possible through $13 million in state education construction funds and a $21.8 million Triumph Gulf Coast grant awarded in 2023. Inside the new facility are immersive learning spaces, including virtual reality labs and high-fidelity simulation suites, giving students hands-on training in a safe, real-world environment.
“This new building is a reflection of the incredible caliber and vision that guides our nursing program,” said Trustee Chair Rhea Goff. “This will allow our faculty to do even more for students’ learning experiences, ensuring they are prepared better than anyone for their field.”
NWFSC’s nursing program already outperforms state and national benchmarks. In 2024, the Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program achieved a 98.65% pass rate on the NCLEX-RN exam, compared to Florida’s average of 84.1% and the national average of 90.6%. Retention rates are also strong, with 94.3% of students completing the program, far above the statewide average of 77.2%.
With the new facility now open, the college is poised to double nursing enrollment by 2026, helping to meet the growing demand for skilled healthcare professionals across Northwest Florida.
To learn more about the health sciences programs at Northwest Florida State College, visit www.lookatmenow.nwfsc.edu.
