EFSC President's Contract Extended for Superb Performance

The Eastern Florida State College Board of Trustees has extended the contract of college President Dr. Jim Richey to 2028, citing his superb leadership in continuing to move the college forward.

The five trustees took the unanimous action Monday during Richey’s annual performance review for 2022, the latest since he became president in early 2012.

Trustees cited Richey’s numerous achievements the past year, including not raising tuition for the 11th straight year, gaining state funding for major new projects and training students for high-tech careers.

“Under his guidance, the college has made significant progress in all areas, from academic excellence to student satisfaction to meeting the needs of our community. He has a clear vision and has implemented initiatives to ensure the college is on the path to becoming one of the top colleges in the state,” said Board Chair Ron Howse.

Other trustees agreed, also citing Richey’s ability to make sustained progress across-the-board.

“The future for EFSC is so bright with Dr. Richey leading the way. The accomplishments he has achieved in strategic planning, obtaining and managing vital funding and the trajectory of the college in producing high-tech workers for Central Florida is truly revolutionary for the community,” said Trustee Laura Moody.

“Dr. Richey has created a culture of excellence that extends beyond the walls of what we call Eastern Florida State College. It shows in the faces of our students that they are the recipients of an education that will help them excel when they hit the workforce,” said Trustee Dr. Edgar Figueroa.

Said Trustee Bruce Deardoff: “Dr. Richey has exceeded the Board's expectations in every area. The performance of the college under his leadership has been nothing short of phenomenal.”

Added Trustee Winston Scott: “Dr. Richey is an excellent leader and an asset to the community.”

Richey thanked the Board for its support, saying he will keep pressing EFSC forward.

“As I enter my 12th year as president, I want us to exceed the expectations of all of our students and our entire community in absolutely everything we do. We should strive to be not only the best in Florida, but also the best in the nation,” he said.

The college’s accomplishments in 2022 were detailed in a 40-page report that the trustees cited. The highlights include:

• Not raising tuition for the 11th straight year, keeping EFSC among the most affordable public colleges in Florida.
• Announcing an $87 million plan to modernize the Cocoa Campus with new and renovated academic buildings, student housing and major improvements to the grounds.
• Gaining nearly $21 million in state funding for a Center for Innovative Technology Education on the Melbourne Campus, and Aerospace Center of Excellence on the Titusville Campus.
• Receiving a prestigious award from the U.S. National Security Agency recognizing EFSC’s Cyber Security Center on the Palm Bay Campus as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense.
• Raising a record $839,000 in scholarships awarded to 940 students through the EFSC Foundation.
• Turning in a strong fiscal performance that included administering $23.3 million in emergency federal pandemic relief money.
• Hosting a major conference on high-tech workforce needs along the Space Coast that brought together leaders in government, industry and higher education.

For more information on Eastern Florida and its programs, visit easternflorida.edu.

Recent News