EFSC President Cited for Vision and Leadership

The Eastern Florida State College Board of Trustees has extended the contract of College President Dr. Jim Richey to 2030, lauding him for his leadership of the college and comprehensive vision for its future.

The unanimous vote by the college’s Board of Trustees took place on Monday during Richey’s performance review for 2024.

“When I was appointed to this board by then Governor Scott, he made it clear that he expected our college president to become part of the fabric of this community,” said Board Chair Ronald Howse.

“That is how we learn things, how we discover what can help different businesses in the community. Dr. Richey has done that. The proof is in the more than 300 business relationships that have been developed and the many new workforce programs that have been launched under his leadership. He has excelled. Great job.”

Vice Chair, Dr. Edgar Figueroa concurred, adding, “It is clear to me that Dr. Richey thrives on embracing challenges. This appetite has placed the college in opportunities to learn, adapt and grow. Our Eastern Florida State College family, students, and our community have been the beneficiaries of this superpower. Curiosity may fuel his passion for leading, but his empathy and authenticity make him an original.”

Richey’s review included a 40-page report detailing the college’s accomplishments in 2024.

Highlights included:

• The College successfully achieved its 10-year Reaffirmation of Accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
• Detailed an impressive list of achievements resulting from the college’s Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP), which addresses online student learning and success.
• Innovative programs were developed to ensure student success, including the First Year Experience (FYE) and the Healthy Body Healthy Mind initiative.
• New facilities focused on workforce education and development to benefit local employers were launched, including the groundbreaking of the new Center for Innovative Technology Education (CITE) on the Melbourne Campus, the creation of the new Aerospace Center of Excellence (ACE) on the Titusville Campus.
• The re-purposing of Bldg. 20 on the Cocoa Campus into a newly renovated Science, Technology, Engineering and Math facility to provide state-of-the art STEM education.
• College affordability remained a top priority under Richey’s leadership. This marks the 13th straight year that tuition did not increase, coupled with a record 1,100 students receiving more than 1.1 million dollars in scholarships.
• New partnerships were forged, such as one with Brevard Public Schools, to enhance firefighter training beginning in high school, benefitting Brevard students and our county’s public safety departments.
• The College earned the Purple Star Designation for excellence in support of military families from the Florida Department of Education, adding “Purple Star Campus” to its already stellar reputation.

“Dr. Richey is exceptional,” said Trustee Winston Scott. “Throughout my career, I have served under many leaders, and the ultimate test for me is the answer to one question I ask myself — would I volunteer to go into combat with this commanding officer, this leader? When it comes to Dr. Richey, unequivocally my answer is yes. It has been an honor for me to serve on this board, and to watch the growth at this college because we have such great leadership. He exceeds expectations.”

Vice Chair, Bruce Deardoff added that “Dr. Richey has the remarkable ability to motivate and inspire his entire team to bring out the best in all of them. His ability to manage multiple projects while maintaining a clear vision for the college is a tribute to his talents and professional strengths. We are fortunate to have such a visionary college president.”

Richey thanked the trustees for their support this past year and for their dedication to EFSC’s students.

“I’ve always been proud and humbled to serve in this role,” said Richey. “I am thankful for this board and our outstanding faculty and staff, and I am honored to continue as college president. As I begin year 14 in this role, I want to make sure we all continue to vigorously pursue our mission; that we, as a group, put forth an incredibly steadfast commitment of intense and effective engagement of our diverse population to produce extremely high quality and completely accessible and affordable learning opportunities that more than just meet individual and community needs, but also propel this region of Florida to its place of true prominence across the entire United States.

“I am looking to continue to lead this vibrant organization and all its dedicated teammates and partners toward this goal and the exceptionally bright future that we all know is possible and well within reach. So, I say let’s do this together and let’s start today.”

The next meeting of the EFSC Board of Trustees will be held on Monday, April 14.

For more information about Eastern Florida State College, visit easternflorida.edu or call 321-632-1111.

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