NICEVILLE, Fla. — Northwest Florida State College (NWFSC) has officially opened its new School of Nursing building at the Niceville Campus, marking a $34 million expansion of its health sciences programs.
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The ribbon-cutting ceremony brought together community leaders, alumni, and supporters who toured the 64,000-square-foot facility alongside NWFSC President Mel Ponder and Dean of Health Sciences Dr. Charlotte Kuss.
“This expansion is more than bricks and mortar—it’s a bold investment in the future of healthcare in our region,” said Mr 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 funded with $13 million in state education construction funds and a $21.8 million Triumph Gulf Coast grant awarded in 2023.
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Trustee Chair Rhea Goff praised the development, calling the facility “a reflection of the incredible caliber and vision that guides our nursing program.”
Ms Goff added, “This will allow our faculty to do even more for students’ learning experiences, ensuring they are prepared better than anyone for their field.”
The college said the facility includes virtual reality labs and high-fidelity simulation suites, designed to give students hands-on training in a safe, controlled setting.
According to NWFSC, its nursing program has consistently outperformed state and national benchmarks. In 2024, the Associate Degree in Nursing 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%.
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The college also reported a retention rate of 94.3%, far above the statewide average of 77.2%.
NWFSC stated that the new facility will enable the program to double enrollment by 2026, thereby helping to meet the increasing demand for healthcare professionals across Northwest Florida.
For more information on health sciences programs at NWFSC, visit www.lookatmenow.nwfsc.edu.
