News

Northwest Florida State College Selects Commissioner Melvin P. “Mel” Ponder in Presidential Search

From the website of Northwest Florida State College.

NICEVILLE, Fla. – The District Board of Trustees of Northwest Florida State College is pleased to announce that, following finalist interviews on November 4 and 5, 2024, the Board has selected Commissioner Melvin P. “Mel” Ponder to offer an employment agreement as the next President of Northwest Florida State College (NWFSC). The Board will discuss an employment agreement with Commissioner Ponder with a goal to finalize the agreement for approval at the November 19, 2024, regular meeting of the Board.

“The Board of Trustees thanks all four finalist candidates for participating in our rigorous on-campus interview process. Each candidate brought unique life experience to the College, and we appreciate their time and interest in the position,” said Lori Kelley, NWFSC Board Chair. “I look forward to discussing an employment agreement with Commission Ponder, who brings deep experience and passion for our community to this critical role. I am confident in his ability to lead our College into the next stage of its growth.”

Commissioner Ponder has lived in the College’s community for many years. He has been married to his wife Mona for 33 years, and they have three children: Preston, Casey, and Grace. He currently serves as the Association Executive for the Emerald Coast Association of Realtors, is the founder and President of Business Empowered (BE), and was elected in November 2020 as Okaloosa County Commissioner for District 5 with a term ending November 19, 2024. Previously, he was honored to serve as Mayor of the City of Destin, as a Destin City Councilman, and in the Florida House of Representatives. While serving as a State Representative, Commissioner Ponder was honored as the Florida College System Council of Presidents Legislator of the Year. He was appointed in 2022 and reappointed in 2023 by Governor Ron DeSantis to serve on the CareerSource Florida Board of Directors. A third generation Floridian, Commissioner Ponder was born and raised in Ocala, Florida.

Learn more about Commissioner Ponder through his biography and resume by visiting www.nwfsc.edu/presidential-search.

The College again thanks all finalist candidates who visited the College on November 4 and 5, 2024. The College also thanks its students, faculty, staff, donors, and the community for taking the time to attend forums and submit surveys. For the most up to date information on the presidential search, visit www.nwfsc.edu/presidential-search.

For more information about Northwest Florida State College, visit www.nwfsc.edu or contact the Office of Strategic Communications at stratcomm@nwfsc.edu.