{"id":440,"date":"2024-10-28T17:00:33","date_gmt":"2024-10-28T17:00:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.nwfsc.edu\/presidential-search\/?page_id=440"},"modified":"2024-10-29T17:23:02","modified_gmt":"2024-10-29T17:23:02","slug":"finalists","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.nwfsc.edu\/presidential-search\/finalists\/","title":{"rendered":"Finalists"},"content":{"rendered":"<ul>\n<li>\n        <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nwfsc.edu\/\">Home<\/a>\n    <\/li>\n<li>\n        <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nwfsc.edu\/about\/leadership\/board-of-trustees\/\">Board of Trustees<\/a>\n    <\/li>\n<li>\n        <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nwfsc.edu\/presidential-search\/\">Presidential Search<\/a>\n    <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h1><span><span>Finalists<\/span><\/span><\/h1>\n<ul>\n<li>\n        <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nwfsc.edu\/presidential-search\/\">Overview<\/a>\n    <\/li>\n<li>\n        <a href=\"\/presidential-search\/upcoming-meetings\/\">Meetings<\/a>\n    <\/li>\n<li>\n        <a href=\"\/presidential-search\/search-committee\/\">Search Committee<\/a>\n    <\/li>\n<li>\n        <a href=\"\/presidential-search\/communications\/\">Communications<\/a>\n    <\/li>\n<li>\n        <a href=\"\/presidential-search\/application-process\/\">Application Process<\/a>\n    <\/li>\n<li>\n        <a href=\"\/presidential-search\/finalists\/\">Finalists<\/a>\n    <\/li>\n<li>\n        <a href=\"\/presidential-search\/interview-schedules\/\">Finalist Schedules<\/a>\n    <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<p>        <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/presidential-search\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Armfield-pic.jpg\" alt=\"\"><\/p>\n<h3>R. Gwyn Armfield, Brigadier General, US Air Force (ret.)<\/h3>\n<p>Finalist<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"#armfield\">Read more<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>        <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/presidential-search\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Mel-Ponder.Headshot-.jpg\" alt=\"\"><\/p>\n<h3>Commissioner Melvin P. \u201cMel\u201d Ponder<\/h3>\n<p>Finalist<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"#ponder\">Read more<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>        <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/presidential-search\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/IMG_3164.jpeg\" alt=\"\"><\/p>\n<h3>Dr. James Walter Ross<\/h3>\n<p>Finalist<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"#ross\">Read more<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>        <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/presidential-search\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Headshot-2024.png\" alt=\"\"><\/p>\n<h3>Dr. Mark F. Strickland, Jr.<\/h3>\n<p>Finalist<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"#strickland\">Read more<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div>\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/presidential-search\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Armfield-pic.jpg\" alt=\"\"><\/p>\n<h3>R. Gwyn Armfield, Brigadier General, US Air Force (ret.)<\/h3>\n<div>\n<p>Gwyn is the Founder and Managing Director of RGA Consulting Group, LLC, a national consulting business providing strategic planning services focused on growing profitability for its clients by applying effective and ethical business approaches.<\/p>\n<p>A 28-year Air Force veteran, Gwyn served around the world, rising through the ranks to retire as a Brigadier General. Throughout his career, Gwyn successfully led diverse organizations with complex financial budgets in demanding environments by establishing trust and creating a shared vision of success with stakeholders. From leading over 30,000 US, NATO and Afghan special operations personnel in Afghanistan to commanding small-teams engaged in some of our nation\u2019s most sensitive and complex missions, Gwyn\u2019s passion is building and leading diverse groups to accomplish their missions while solving their organizations\u2019 most pressing problems. The Air Force recognized Gwyn with their highest leadership honor &#8211; the Lance P. Sijan Leadership Award.<\/p>\n<p>Gwyn is the co-author of Lead to Serve and Serve to Lead: Leading Well in Turbulent Times with Air Force Lieutenant General (ret) Bruce Fister and is a frequent speaker at corporate, non-profit, and government events. A distinguished ROTC graduate from The Citadel, Gwyn earned a Master\u2019s degree from the Air Command and Staff College and was a national security fellow at Harvard University\u2019s Kennedy School of Government.<\/p>\n<p>Gwyn\u2019s service to the northwest Florida community dates back to his time as Commander of Hurlburt Field\u2019s 24th Special Operations Wing where he led over 2,000 personnel spread across the globe. Gwyn continues to serve on a variety of boards and is the chairman of an international aviation industry committee with over 130 corporate members. He is also the vice president of the Air Commando Heritage Foundation, is active in his local church, and leads a non-profit mentoring and academic tutoring program for at-risk young men in his community.<\/p>\n<p>Gwyn is married to his wonderful wife of 30+ years and they have three adult children.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><a href=\"\/presidential-search\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Resume-Armfield-Oct-26-2024.pdf\">Resume<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/presidential-search\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Mel-Ponder.Headshot-.jpg\" alt=\"Commissioner Melvin P. \u201cMel\u201d Ponder\"><\/p>\n<h3>Commissioner Melvin P. \u201cMel\u201d Ponder<\/h3>\n<div>\n<p>Mel 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.\u00a0 Previously, Mel was honored to serve as Mayor of the City of Destin, a Destin City Councilman, and served in the Florida House of Representatives.\u00a0 Through his many years of public and private service, Mel has extensive experience in leadership and teamwork.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>In addition to his various positions in public office, Mel has over 10 years of banking, mortgage, and financial services experience, achieving national recognition.\u00a0 As an Association Executive, he serves the Association Board and is responsible for managing a Realtor Association of over 5,400 members within the Association\u2019s Okaloosa and Walton County footprint.<\/p>\n<p>As a State Representative, Mel was honored to serve as Chair of Children, Families, and Seniors Subcommittee, Vice Chair of Higher Education Appropriations Subcommittee, and Deputy Whip within the House Majority Office.\u00a0 As a Commissioner, Mel had the honor to serve as Board Chair in 2022, Vice Chair in 2021, and as county liaison to several other Boards and Committees through his Commissioner role, including the Okaloosa-Walton Transportation Planning Organization (Vice Chair in 2021-2022), Youth Leadership Council, Choctawhatchee Bay Estuary Coalition, and Affordable Housing Advisory Committee.<\/p>\n<p>While serving as a State Representative, Mel was honored as the Florida College System Council of Presidents Legislator of the Year.\u00a0 He carried HB 75, which authorized Florida\u2019s State Colleges to waive specific fees for active-duty military.\u00a0 He was also honored as the Florida League of Cities Defender of Home Rule, and Northwest Florida League of Cities Legislator of the Year.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Mel was appointed in 2022 and reappointed in 2023 by Governor Ron DeSantis to serve on the CareerSource Florida Board of Directors.\u00a0 He was also an at-large selection to serve on the Florida Association of Counties Board of Directors and a Speaker of the House appointee to serve on the Florida Faith-Based and Community-Based Advisory Council.\u00a0 Through his role with the Florida Association of Counties, Mel served on the Finance, Tax, and Administration Policy Committee and as Co-Vice Chairman of the Presidential Select Committee on Preemption.<\/p>\n<p>A 3<sup>rd<\/sup> generation Floridian, Mel was born and raised in Ocala, Florida.\u00a0 He received a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance from Florida State University.\u00a0 Mel has been married to his wife Mona for 33 years, and they have three children: Preston, Casey, and Grace.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><a href=\"\/presidential-search\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Melvin-P.-Mel-Ponder-CV-1.pdf\">Resume<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/presidential-search\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/IMG_3164.jpeg\" alt=\"\"><\/p>\n<h3>Dr. James Walter Ross<\/h3>\n<div>\n<p><span class=\"s7\">Dr. James Walter Ross<\/span><span class=\"s7\"> <\/span><span class=\"s7\">has 25 years of executive leadership experience in higher education<\/span><span class=\"s7\"> that has resulted in extraordinary national recognition for <\/span><span class=\"s7\">student success and overall college <\/span><span class=\"s7\">excellence. <\/span><span class=\"s7\">Fourteen of these years were in <\/span><span class=\"s7\">executive <\/span><span class=\"s7\">leadership at Eastern Florida State College, a large <\/span><span class=\"s7\">Florida <\/span><span class=\"s7\">college with 25,000 students, <\/span><span class=\"s7\">where he served with distinction<\/span><span class=\"s7\"> in <\/span><span class=\"s7\">leading <\/span><span class=\"s7\">extensive improvements <\/span><span class=\"s7\">while <\/span><span class=\"s7\">overseeing 184 full-time employees and more than half of <\/span><span class=\"s7\">all <\/span><span class=\"s7\">college departments while also earning praise for dramatically improving communications and relations between faculty and the administration <\/span><span class=\"s7\">as well as between the college and the community. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"s7\">This provided excellent preparation for <\/span><span class=\"s7\">Dr. Ross to become <\/span><span class=\"s7\">a <\/span><span class=\"s7\">highly-successful<\/span><span class=\"s7\"> college President<\/span><span class=\"s7\">. Dr. Ross<\/span><span class=\"s7\"> achieved <\/span><span class=\"s7\">this <\/span><span class=\"s7\">at Pamlico Community College as he led efforts that dramatically increased high morale to an unheard of 95% and <\/span><span class=\"s7\">brought an unlikely <\/span><span class=\"s7\">shared vision among employees to <\/span><span class=\"s7\">create <\/span><span class=\"s7\">the very best <\/span><span class=\"s7\">community college <\/span><span class=\"s7\">in the nation. He led a dramatic culture change that made employees want to become the <\/span><span class=\"s7\">very <\/span><span class=\"s7\">best after never achieving national recognition for excellence in any category. \u00a0 \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"s7\">In his seven years as President, Dr. Ross <\/span><span class=\"s7\">envisioned, <\/span><span class=\"s7\">inspired, planned, <\/span><span class=\"s7\">implemented, and <\/span><span class=\"s7\">oversaw one of the greatest <\/span><span class=\"s7\">team<\/span><span class=\"s7\">-oriented <\/span><span class=\"s7\">improvements in higher education in modern history. The college twice during Dr. Ross\u2019 service achieved the number 1 ranking for student success among all community colleges in America. This ranking as America\u2019s best in student education outcomes came from WalletHub from analysis it conducted of all <\/span><span class=\"s7\">the h<\/span><span class=\"s7\">undreds of <\/span><span class=\"s7\">community colleges across the<\/span><span class=\"s7\"> nation using data from the U.S. Department.<\/span><span class=\"s7\"><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"s7\">Pamlico Community College <\/span><span class=\"s7\">likewise earned outstanding <\/span><span class=\"s7\">national recognition for excellence of the overall college. In fact, <\/span><span class=\"s7\">SmartAsset<\/span><span class=\"s7\"> named Pamlico Community College the number 2-best community college in America. It <\/span><span class=\"s7\">examined <\/span><span class=\"s7\">data from <\/span><span class=\"s7\">all community colleges across America as provided by the U.S. Department of Education to make its rankings. In two of the years of Dr. Ross\u2019 service, Pamlico was ranked number 2 among the hundreds of great community colleges that exist today in the U.S.<\/span><span class=\"s7\"> The college also earned <\/span><span class=\"s7\">many other national and state<\/span><span class=\"s7\"> recognitions <\/span><span class=\"s7\">for excellence during these past seven years. <\/span><span class=\"s7\"><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"s7\">Dr. Ross attributes the <\/span><span class=\"s7\">experience he gained at Eastern Florida State College <\/span><span class=\"s7\">as <\/span><span class=\"s7\">being instrumental in preparing him for <\/span><span class=\"s7\">the <\/span><span class=\"s7\">exceptional success <\/span><span class=\"s7\">he has enjoyed <\/span><span class=\"s7\">as a President<\/span><span class=\"s7\">.<\/span><span class=\"s7\"> <\/span><span class=\"s7\">He served<\/span><span class=\"s7\"> <\/span><span class=\"s7\">as Vice President of Advancement and Public Affairs at Eastern Florida State College, a large college with 25,000 students and four campuses on Florida\u2019s Space Coast. In addition to initially overseeing communications, the foundation, external funding, and legislative affairs, responsibilities were expanded dramatically to oversee more than half of all college departments. These additions included human resources; enrollment management; student services; athletics; registrar; IT; workforce development; the King Center for the Performing Arts; five child-care centers; international education; and dual enrollment\/early admissions. \u00a0<\/span><span class=\"s7\">At EFSC he supervised directly or indirectly 184 full-time employees and was responsible for overseeing more than half the departments of the college. <\/span><span class=\"s7\">He al<\/span><span class=\"s7\">so enjoyed outstanding relationships <\/span><span class=\"s7\">with the two <\/span><span class=\"s7\">excellent <\/span><span class=\"s7\">presidents he served under in his 14 years of service there. <\/span><span class=\"s7\">Dr. Maxwell C. King considered Dr. Ross the conscience of the college<\/span><span class=\"s7\"> and <\/span><span class=\"s7\">often included him in his meetings on critica<\/span><span class=\"s7\">l <\/span><span class=\"s7\">matters<\/span><span class=\"s7\">, and<\/span><span class=\"s7\"> <\/span><span class=\"s7\">Dr. Jim Drake included Dr. Ross <\/span><span class=\"s7\">in nearly all his <\/span><span class=\"s7\">meetings<\/span><span class=\"s7\"> and <\/span><span class=\"s7\">they <\/span><span class=\"s7\">enjoyed an outstanding <\/span><span class=\"s7\">working relationship.<\/span><span class=\"s7\"> <\/span><span class=\"s7\"><\/span><span class=\"s7\">\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"s7\">Dr. Ross wrote his doctoral dissertation <\/span><span class=\"s7\">on best practices of Florida community colleges in using entrepreneurial leadership to overcome <\/span><span class=\"s7\">state budget reductions. One of the most important ways is to <\/span><span class=\"s7\">be proficient in fundraisin<\/span><span class=\"s7\">g. <\/span><span class=\"s7\">His research showed, however, that few presidents <\/span><span class=\"s7\">have the expertise and record of success <\/span><span class=\"s7\">in fundraising <\/span><span class=\"s7\">needed to protect their colleges in years to come. <\/span><span class=\"s7\">Dr. Ross in contrast has had an unusual background<\/span><span class=\"s7\"> that has allowed him to achieve enormous success in fundraising <\/span><span class=\"s7\">in higher education and at Crosswinds Youth Services. <\/span><span class=\"s7\">His success is a model for the nation among community college presidents<\/span><span class=\"s7\">. <\/span><span class=\"s7\">He has r<\/span><span class=\"s7\">aised <\/span><span class=\"s7\">$<\/span><span class=\"s7\">55 million in all types of fundraising. <\/span><span class=\"s7\">He has g<\/span><span class=\"s7\">ained <\/span><span class=\"s7\">exceptional <\/span><span class=\"s7\">success in capital campaigns, major gifts, planned giving,<\/span><span class=\"s7\"> <\/span><span class=\"s7\">and annual campaigns. This includes<\/span><span class=\"s7\"> <\/span><span class=\"s7\">leading <\/span><span class=\"s7\">three<\/span><span class=\"s7\"> <\/span><span class=\"s7\">successful<\/span><span class=\"s7\"> <\/span><span class=\"s7\">capital<\/span><span class=\"s7\"> <\/span><span class=\"s7\">campaigns;<\/span><span class=\"s7\"> <\/span><span class=\"s7\">making the ask that gained <\/span><span class=\"s7\">six gifts of one million dollars or more; planned giving successes that include <\/span><span class=\"s7\">receiving <\/span><span class=\"s7\">a $20 million planned gift; <\/span><span class=\"s7\">leading <\/span><span class=\"s7\">record-setting annual campaigns; <\/span><span class=\"s7\">and <\/span><span class=\"s7\">establishing two <\/span><span class=\"s7\">colleges\u2019 <\/span><span class=\"s7\">alumni associations<\/span><span class=\"s7\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"s7\">He also has <\/span><span class=\"s7\">gained <\/span><span class=\"s7\">another critical skill <\/span><span class=\"s7\">he identified as necessary for presidents in dealing<\/span><span class=\"s7\"> with inevitable <\/span><span class=\"s7\">fiscal crises to come. <\/span><span class=\"s7\">With extensive <\/span><span class=\"s7\">local, state, and national governmental <\/span><span class=\"s7\">and political experience, and as<\/span><span class=\"s7\"> a former U.S. Congress Staff Member, <\/span><span class=\"s7\">he has<\/span><span class=\"s7\"> since excelled<\/span><span class=\"s7\"> <\/span><span class=\"s7\">in developing extremely strong relationships with elected officials and <\/span><span class=\"s7\">in <\/span><span class=\"s7\">utilizing <\/span><span class=\"s7\">the <\/span><span class=\"s7\">expertise <\/span><span class=\"s7\">he has <\/span><span class=\"s7\">gained in legislative funding to secure $40 million in special state governmental appropriations. With that and $55 million in fundraising, he has raised nearly $100 million in external funding that has been used to significantly benefit students and strengthen communities. \u00a0 \u00a0 <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"s7\">Other factors that have contributed to Dr. Ross\u2019 record of success <\/span><span class=\"s7\">include his family background. <\/span><span class=\"s7\">Dr. Ross <\/span><span class=\"s7\">comes from <\/span><span class=\"s7\">Slippery Rock, Pa.<\/span><span class=\"s7\"> with <\/span><span class=\"s7\">a <\/span><span class=\"s7\">child<\/span><span class=\"s7\">hood<\/span><span class=\"s7\"> <\/span><span class=\"s7\">that <\/span><span class=\"s7\">was filled with love <\/span><span class=\"s7\">and joy <\/span><span class=\"s7\">from two wonderful parents<\/span><span class=\"s7\"> and lots of fun with siblings and cousins<\/span><span class=\"s7\">. His mother <\/span><span class=\"s7\">was a loving homemaker who <\/span><span class=\"s7\">emphasized <\/span><span class=\"s7\">reading early on to each child and constantly <\/span><span class=\"s7\">cited the importance of education.<\/span><span class=\"s7\"> <\/span><span class=\"s7\">She read daily to all five children <\/span><span class=\"s7\">on her lap. She also continually <\/span><span class=\"s7\">provided encou<\/span><span class=\"s7\">rage<\/span><span class=\"s7\">ment<\/span><span class=\"s7\"> to go to college.<\/span><span class=\"s7\"> <\/span><span class=\"s7\">Her encouragement was a critical factor in Dr. Ross going to college. <\/span><span class=\"s7\">Dr. Ross<\/span><span class=\"s7\"> later dedicated his dissertation to his mother for this reason.<\/span><span class=\"s7\"> <\/span><span class=\"s7\">She a<\/span><span class=\"s7\">lso <\/span><span class=\"s7\">encouraged the kids to go to church at an early age <\/span><span class=\"s7\">and played a role in making faith a priority for the kids<\/span><span class=\"s7\"> as a lifelong prac<\/span><span class=\"s7\">t<\/span><span class=\"s7\">ice. <\/span><span class=\"s7\">Dr. Ross<\/span><span class=\"s7\">\u2019 <\/span><span class=\"s7\">father worke<\/span><span class=\"s7\">d<\/span><span class=\"s7\"> <\/span><span class=\"s7\">in a factory and taught by example the joys of hard work and striving for excellence.<\/span><span class=\"s7\"> He also was a combat veteran who taught a love of country and an appreciation of <\/span><span class=\"s7\">veterans who have preserved our freedoms.<\/span><span class=\"s7\"> He was also commander of the local VFW <\/span><span class=\"s7\">and <\/span><span class=\"s7\">Dr. Ross<\/span><span class=\"s7\"> has very pleasant memories of going with his father to put flags on graves of <\/span><span class=\"s7\">veterans.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"s7\">One part of Dr. Ross\u2019 background <\/span><span class=\"s7\">is important in understanding why it is so important to him to continue <\/span><span class=\"s7\">serving others as a college President who makes lives better. The Ross joyful <\/span><span class=\"s7\">household and family existence was <\/span><span class=\"s7\">jolted by Dr. Ross\u2019 father <\/span><span class=\"s7\">being unable to work for more than a year <\/span><span class=\"s7\">through no fault of his own.<\/span><span class=\"s7\"> While the Ross family was never wealthy<\/span><span class=\"s7\">, this lack of work and income <\/span><span class=\"s7\">shook the very foundation of the family<\/span><span class=\"s7\">. Dr, Ross <\/span><span class=\"s7\">r<\/span><span class=\"s7\">emembers vividly<\/span><span class=\"s7\"> riding with his father to go get surplus food and the fact <\/span><span class=\"s7\">that no one else would go with him due to embarrassment. <\/span><span class=\"s7\">The family <\/span><span class=\"s7\">received public assistance for about a year<\/span><span class=\"s7\"> and each member <\/span><span class=\"s7\">felt in different degrees a sense of <\/span><span class=\"s7\">constant uncertainty and <\/span><span class=\"s7\">stress. <\/span><span class=\"s7\">Dr. Ross went to college and <\/span><span class=\"s7\">earned his bachelor\u2019s degree <\/span><span class=\"s7\">because he wanted to have a brighter financial future. He went on to earn his master<\/span><span class=\"s7\">\u2019s degree<\/span><span class=\"s7\"> and <\/span><span class=\"s7\">doctorate degree<\/span><span class=\"s7\"> so he could help others get their degrees and have better lives. <\/span><span class=\"s7\">He completed the Harvard leadership program so that he could make a great difference <\/span><span class=\"s7\">in people\u2019s lives <\/span><span class=\"s7\">as one of the best leaders in <\/span><span class=\"s7\">higher <\/span><span class=\"s7\">education <\/span><span class=\"s7\">in the nation. <\/span><span class=\"s7\"><\/span><span class=\"s7\"><\/span><span class=\"s7\"><\/span><span class=\"s7\"><\/span><span class=\"s7\"><\/span><span class=\"s7\"><\/span><span class=\"s7\"><\/span><span class=\"s7\"><\/span><span class=\"s7\"><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"s7\">Dr. Ross<\/span><span class=\"s7\"> <\/span><span class=\"s7\">is married to the former Pam Cranmer, who grew up on a farm in West Sunberry, Pa. She and Dr. Ross met when he was a candidate for the U.S. Congress. Their first date was going out to hand out campaign pamphlets at a mall<\/span><span class=\"s7\">.<\/span><span class=\"s7\"> <\/span><span class=\"s7\">One year later they were engaged to be <\/span><span class=\"s7\">married and six months after that <\/span><span class=\"s7\">husband<\/span><span class=\"s7\"> and wife. <\/span><span class=\"s7\">They enjoyed extraordinary blessings throughout their marriage with two <\/span><span class=\"s7\">incredible kids, Bobby and Christine. <\/span><span class=\"s7\">They built a successful publishing company and enjoyed traveling the nation to promote a book that Dr. Ross wrote<\/span><span class=\"s7\">. <\/span><span class=\"s7\">They<\/span><span class=\"s7\"> cheered their son on as he went to Yale and earned <\/span><span class=\"s7\">two advanced degrees in earning a <\/span><span class=\"s7\">Ph.D<\/span><span class=\"s7\"> and also an M.D.<\/span><span class=\"s7\"> in his quest to make the world better. <\/span><span class=\"s7\">They comforted <\/span><span class=\"s7\">and supported <\/span><span class=\"s7\">Bobby as he learned he had ALS<\/span><span class=\"s7\"> and as he fought hard for six years against it. They held him in their arms <\/span><span class=\"s7\">and prayed <\/span><span class=\"s7\">together <\/span><span class=\"s7\">three years ago as<\/span><span class=\"s7\"> <\/span><span class=\"s7\">he went to Heaven. <\/span><span class=\"s7\">Two years <\/span><span class=\"s7\">ago<\/span><span class=\"s7\">they <\/span><span class=\"s7\">embarked on a battle to save Mrs. Ross\u2019 life<\/span><span class=\"s7\"> after a diagnosis <\/span><span class=\"s7\">of six months to live<\/span><span class=\"s7\">.<\/span><span class=\"s7\"> <\/span><span class=\"s7\">T<\/span><span class=\"s7\">oday they celebrate <\/span><span class=\"s7\">the <\/span><span class=\"s7\">amazing<\/span><span class=\"s7\"> blessing tha<\/span><span class=\"s7\">t<\/span><span class=\"s7\"> Pam is <\/span><span class=\"s7\">now <\/span><span class=\"s7\">cancer-free<\/span><span class=\"s7\">. <\/span><span class=\"s7\">Dr. Ross believes the best thing he has ever done in this life is marry Pam as only good has come from it every day. They have a<\/span><span class=\"s7\">n amazing <\/span><span class=\"s7\">daughter, Christine, who with her husband Regi<\/span><span class=\"s7\">,<\/span><span class=\"s7\"> <\/span><span class=\"s7\">is<\/span><span class=\"s7\"> raising two adorable daughters<\/span><span class=\"s7\">,<\/span><span class=\"s7\"> Charlotte and <\/span><span class=\"s7\">Reig<\/span><span class=\"s7\">ny<\/span><span class=\"s7\">. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"s7\">Dr. Ross <\/span><span class=\"s7\">has a <\/span><span class=\"s7\">deep desire to <\/span><span class=\"s7\">return to service as a college President so he can <\/span><span class=\"s7\">use his talents and expe<\/span><span class=\"s7\">rience <\/span><span class=\"s7\">that he has been blessed with to make a giant difference <\/span><span class=\"s7\">in our world by making lives better in bold and noble ways. <\/span><span class=\"s7\">He loved his work <\/span><span class=\"s7\">as a college President<\/span><span class=\"s7\"> <\/span><span class=\"s7\">so very much<\/span><span class=\"s7\"> and <\/span><span class=\"s7\">is so thankful for the wo<\/span><span class=\"s7\">nd<\/span><span class=\"s7\">erful people he <\/span><span class=\"s7\">has <\/span><span class=\"s7\">worked <\/span><span class=\"s7\">with. <\/span><span class=\"s7\">He thanks God for all the lives that have been made better by the inspired team <\/span><span class=\"s7\">excellence and his leadership role in it. <\/span><span class=\"s7\">His mission <\/span><span class=\"s7\">is far from complete<\/span><span class=\"s7\">\u2026<\/span><span class=\"s7\"> and he is eager <\/span><span class=\"s7\">to begin anew<\/span><span class=\"s7\"> to serve.<\/span><span class=\"s7\"><\/span><span class=\"s7\"><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"s7\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><a href=\"\/presidential-search\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Dr.-James-Walter-Ross-October-28-NWFSC-Resume-2024.pdf\">Resume<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/presidential-search\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Headshot-2024.png\" alt=\"\"><\/p>\n<h3>Dr. Mark F. Strickland<\/h3>\n<div>\n<p>Dr. Mark F. Strickland, Jr., has since 2015, served as Provost and Chief Campus Officer of the Seminole Campus of St. Petersburg College. In addition to his role at the Seminole Campus, in 2022, Mark was given the additional responsibility of overseeing the Health Education and Vet Tech Centers. Mark has and continues to be a major contributor in the implementation and success of the College and Student Experience. Mark has chaired, assisted, and served on numerous college initiatives, along with statewide committees, and presented at several national conferences.<\/p>\n<p>Mark joined St. Petersburg College in 2000 as a College Recruiter. In 2003, Mark was promoted to Coordinator of Enrollment Management and soon thereafter became the Director. Mark departed Enrollment Management in 2011 to become the Associate Provost at the Downtown Campus. In addition to his contributions as an Associate Provost, he also served as the Athletic Director until 2015. Mark also has been an Adjunct Instructor for St. Petersburg College, Barry University, and the University of Tampa.<\/p>\n<p>Mark\u2019s upbringing, as a military dependent, allowed for him to live in multiple countries such as: Egypt, Italy, and Germany. In addition to his time overseas, Mark also lived in Georgia, Oklahoma, Alabama, Virginia, and Florida.<\/p>\n<p>As a late teen, Mark settled in nicely in Seminole, Florida, at the conclusion of his father\u2019s military career and considers Florida to be his home. Mark went on to earn an Associate in Arts degree from St. Petersburg College, a Bachelor\u2019s degree from the University of South Florida, a Master\u2019s degree from Nova Southeastern, and a Doctorate in Leadership and Management from St. Thomas University. Mark is married to wife, Wendy, and they have two children, Elle (19) and Ty (16).<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><a href=\"\/presidential-search\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Mark-Strickland-CV-2024.pdf\">Resume<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><!--more--><br \/>\n<!-- {\"type\":\"layout\",\"children\":[{\"type\":\"section\",\"props\":{\"image_position\":\"center-center\",\"padding\":\"xsmall\",\"style\":\"primary\",\"title_breakpoint\":\"xl\",\"title_position\":\"top-left\",\"title_rotation\":\"left\",\"vertical_align\":\"\",\"width\":\"expand\"},\"children\":[{\"type\":\"row\",\"children\":[{\"type\":\"column\",\"props\":{\"image_position\":\"center-center\",\"position_sticky_breakpoint\":\"m\"},\"children\":[{\"type\":\"subnav\",\"props\":{\"css\":\".el-link {\\n    color: white;\\n}\",\"subnav_style\":\"divider\"},\"children\":[{\"type\":\"subnav_item\",\"props\":{\"content\":\"Home\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.nwfsc.edu\\\/\"}},{\"type\":\"subnav_item\",\"props\":{\"content\":\"Board of Trustees\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.nwfsc.edu\\\/about\\\/leadership\\\/board-of-trustees\\\/\"}},{\"type\":\"subnav_item\",\"props\":{\"content\":\"Presidential Search\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.nwfsc.edu\\\/presidential-search\\\/\"}}]}]}],\"props\":{\"margin_remove_bottom\":false,\"margin_remove_top\":false}}],\"name\":\"Top Menu Bar\"},{\"type\":\"section\",\"props\":{\"image\":\"wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/07\\\/AF8I9411-scaled.jpg\",\"image_position\":\"center-center\",\"image_size\":\"cover\",\"media_focal_point\":\"bottom-center\",\"media_overlay\":\"rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.29)\",\"padding\":\"xlarge\",\"style\":\"default\",\"text_color\":\"light\",\"title_breakpoint\":\"xl\",\"title_position\":\"top-left\",\"title_rotation\":\"left\",\"vertical_align\":\"\",\"width\":\"default\"},\"children\":[{\"type\":\"row\",\"children\":[{\"type\":\"column\",\"props\":{\"image_position\":\"center-center\",\"position_sticky_breakpoint\":\"m\"},\"children\":[{\"type\":\"headline\",\"props\":{\"content\":\"<span><span>Finalists<\\\/span><\\\/span>\",\"text_align\":\"center\",\"title_element\":\"h1\"}}]}]}],\"name\":\"Hero\"},{\"type\":\"section\",\"props\":{\"image_position\":\"center-center\",\"padding\":\"xsmall\",\"style\":\"primary\",\"title_breakpoint\":\"xl\",\"title_position\":\"top-left\",\"title_rotation\":\"left\",\"vertical_align\":\"\",\"width\":\"expand\"},\"children\":[{\"type\":\"row\",\"children\":[{\"type\":\"column\",\"props\":{\"image_position\":\"center-center\",\"position_sticky_breakpoint\":\"m\"},\"children\":[{\"type\":\"subnav\",\"props\":{\"css\":\".el-link {\\n    color: white;\\n}\\n\\n.el-element {\\n    color: white;\\n}\\n\",\"subnav_style\":\"divider\",\"text_align\":\"center\"},\"children\":[{\"type\":\"subnav_item\",\"props\":{\"content\":\"Overview\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.nwfsc.edu\\\/presidential-search\\\/\"}},{\"type\":\"subnav_item\",\"props\":{\"content\":\"Meetings\",\"link\":\"upcoming-meetings\\\/\"}},{\"type\":\"subnav_item\",\"props\":{\"content\":\"Search Committee\",\"link\":\"search-committee\\\/\"}},{\"type\":\"subnav_item\",\"props\":{\"content\":\"Communications\",\"link\":\"communications\\\/\"}},{\"type\":\"subnav_item\",\"props\":{\"content\":\"Application Process\",\"link\":\"application-process\\\/\"}},{\"type\":\"subnav_item\",\"props\":{\"content\":\"Finalists\",\"link\":\"finalists\\\/\"}},{\"type\":\"subnav_item\",\"props\":{\"content\":\"Finalist Schedules\",\"link\":\"interview-schedules\\\/\"}}]}]}],\"props\":{\"margin_remove_bottom\":false,\"margin_remove_top\":false}}],\"name\":\"Bottom Nav Bar\"},{\"type\":\"section\",\"props\":{\"image_position\":\"center-center\",\"style\":\"default\",\"title_breakpoint\":\"xl\",\"title_position\":\"top-left\",\"title_rotation\":\"left\",\"vertical_align\":\"\",\"width\":\"default\"},\"children\":[{\"type\":\"row\",\"children\":[{\"type\":\"column\",\"props\":{\"image_position\":\"center-center\",\"position_sticky_breakpoint\":\"m\"},\"children\":[{\"name\":\"Gallery Hover Image\",\"type\":\"gallery\",\"children\":[{\"type\":\"gallery_item\",\"props\":{\"hover_image\":\"\",\"image\":\"wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/10\\\/Armfield-pic.jpg\",\"link\":\"#armfield\",\"meta\":\"Finalist\",\"title\":\"R. Gwyn Armfield, Brigadier General, US Air Force (ret.)\"}},{\"type\":\"gallery_item\",\"props\":{\"hover_image\":\"\",\"image\":\"wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/10\\\/Mel-Ponder.Headshot-.jpg\",\"link\":\"#ponder\",\"meta\":\"Finalist\",\"title\":\"Commissioner Melvin P. \\u201cMel\\u201d Ponder\"}},{\"type\":\"gallery_item\",\"props\":{\"hover_image\":\"\",\"image\":\"wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/10\\\/IMG_3164.jpeg\",\"link\":\"#ross\",\"meta\":\"Finalist\",\"title\":\"Dr. James Walter Ross\"}},{\"type\":\"gallery_item\",\"props\":{\"hover_image\":\"\",\"image\":\"wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/10\\\/Headshot-2024.png\",\"link\":\"#strickland\",\"meta\":\"Finalist\",\"title\":\"Dr. Mark F. Strickland, Jr.\"}}],\"props\":{\"css\":\"h3 {\\n  color: white; \\\/* Sets text color to white *\\\/\\n  text-shadow: 2px 2px 4px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9); \\\/* Creates a black shadow effect *\\\/\\n}\\n\",\"filter_align\":\"left\",\"filter_all\":true,\"filter_grid_breakpoint\":\"m\",\"filter_grid_width\":\"auto\",\"filter_position\":\"top\",\"filter_style\":\"tab\",\"grid_column_gap\":\"medium\",\"grid_default\":\"1\",\"grid_medium\":\"2\",\"grid_row_gap\":\"medium\",\"image_height\":\"1061\",\"image_min_height\":\"490\",\"image_width\":\"900\",\"item_animation\":true,\"lightbox\":false,\"link_margin\":\"medium\",\"link_style\":\"primary\",\"link_text\":\"Read more\",\"margin\":\"default\",\"meta_align\":\"above-title\",\"meta_element\":\"div\",\"meta_style\":\"h5\",\"overlay_hover\":false,\"overlay_link\":true,\"overlay_maxwidth\":\"large\",\"overlay_mode\":\"cover\",\"overlay_position\":\"bottom-left\",\"overlay_style\":\"\",\"overlay_transition\":\"fade\",\"parallax_easing\":\"1\",\"show_content\":true,\"show_hover_image\":true,\"show_hover_video\":true,\"show_link\":true,\"show_meta\":true,\"show_title\":true,\"text_align\":\"left\",\"text_color\":\"light\",\"title_element\":\"h3\",\"title_hover_style\":\"reset\",\"title_style\":\"h2\"}}]}]}]},{\"type\":\"section\",\"props\":{\"css\":\".uk-accordion-title {\\n  display: block;\\n  font-size: 38px;\\n  line-height: 1.4;\\n  color: #2d2e33;\\n  overflow: hidden;\\n  font-family: \\\"Helvetica Neue\\\",Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;\\n}\",\"image_position\":\"center-center\",\"style\":\"default\",\"title_breakpoint\":\"xl\",\"title_position\":\"top-left\",\"title_rotation\":\"left\",\"vertical_align\":\"middle\",\"width\":\"default\"},\"children\":[{\"type\":\"row\",\"children\":[{\"type\":\"column\",\"props\":{\"image_position\":\"center-center\",\"position_sticky_breakpoint\":\"m\"},\"children\":[{\"name\":\"Armfield\",\"type\":\"accordion\",\"children\":[{\"type\":\"accordion_item\",\"props\":{\"content\":\"\n\n<p>Gwyn is the Founder and Managing Director of RGA Consulting Group, LLC, a national consulting business providing strategic planning services focused on growing profitability for its clients by applying effective and ethical business approaches.<\\\/p>\\n\n\n<p>A 28-year Air Force veteran, Gwyn served around the world, rising through the ranks to retire as a Brigadier General. Throughout his career, Gwyn successfully led diverse organizations with complex financial budgets in demanding environments by establishing trust and creating a shared vision of success with stakeholders. From leading over 30,000 US, NATO and Afghan special operations personnel in Afghanistan to commanding small-teams engaged in some of our nation\\u2019s most sensitive and complex missions, Gwyn\\u2019s passion is building and leading diverse groups to accomplish their missions while solving their organizations\\u2019 most pressing problems. The Air Force recognized Gwyn with their highest leadership honor - the Lance P. Sijan Leadership Award.<\\\/p>\\n\n\n<p>Gwyn is the co-author of Lead to Serve and Serve to Lead: Leading Well in Turbulent Times with Air Force Lieutenant General (ret) Bruce Fister and is a frequent speaker at corporate, non-profit, and government events. A distinguished ROTC graduate from The Citadel, Gwyn earned a Master\\u2019s degree from the Air Command and Staff College and was a national security fellow at Harvard University\\u2019s Kennedy School of Government.<\\\/p>\\n\n\n<p>Gwyn\\u2019s service to the northwest Florida community dates back to his time as Commander of Hurlburt Field\\u2019s 24th Special Operations Wing where he led over 2,000 personnel spread across the globe. Gwyn continues to serve on a variety of boards and is the chairman of an international aviation industry committee with over 130 corporate members. He is also the vice president of the Air Commando Heritage Foundation, is active in his local church, and leads a non-profit mentoring and academic tutoring program for at-risk young men in his community.<\\\/p>\\n\n\n<p>Gwyn is married to his wonderful wife of 30+ years and they have three adult children.<\\\/p>\",\"image\":\"wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/10\\\/Armfield-pic.jpg\",\"link\":\"wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/10\\\/Resume-Armfield-Oct-26-2024.pdf\",\"link_text\":\"Resume\",\"title\":\"R. Gwyn Armfield, Brigadier General, US Air Force (ret.)\"}}],\"props\":{\"collapsible\":false,\"content_column_breakpoint\":\"m\",\"content_dropcap\":false,\"id\":\"armfield\",\"image_align\":\"left\",\"image_grid_breakpoint\":\"m\",\"image_grid_width\":\"1-4\",\"image_svg_color\":\"emphasis\",\"image_width\":\"300\",\"link_fullwidth\":true,\"link_size\":\"large\",\"link_style\":\"secondary\",\"link_text\":\"Read more\",\"multiple\":false,\"show_image\":true,\"show_link\":true,\"title_element\":\"h3\"}},{\"type\":\"totop\",\"props\":{\"margin\":\"default\",\"title\":\"Back to Top\",\"title_grid_column_gap\":\"small\",\"title_grid_row_gap\":\"small\"}}]}],\"props\":{\"divider\":true}},{\"type\":\"row\",\"children\":[{\"type\":\"column\",\"props\":{\"image_position\":\"center-center\",\"position_sticky_breakpoint\":\"m\"}}]},{\"type\":\"row\",\"children\":[{\"type\":\"column\",\"props\":{\"image_position\":\"center-center\",\"position_sticky_breakpoint\":\"m\"},\"children\":[{\"name\":\"Ponder\",\"type\":\"accordion\",\"children\":[{\"type\":\"accordion_item\",\"props\":{\"content\":\"\n\n<p>Mel 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.\\u00a0 Previously, Mel was honored to serve as Mayor of the City of Destin, a Destin City Councilman, and served in the Florida House of Representatives.\\u00a0 Through his many years of public and private service, Mel has extensive experience in leadership and teamwork.\\u00a0\\u00a0\\u00a0<\\\/p>\\n\n\n<p>In addition to his various positions in public office, Mel has over 10 years of banking, mortgage, and financial services experience, achieving national recognition.\\u00a0 As an Association Executive, he serves the Association Board and is responsible for managing a Realtor Association of over 5,400 members within the Association\\u2019s Okaloosa and Walton County footprint.<\\\/p>\\n\n\n<p>As a State Representative, Mel was honored to serve as Chair of Children, Families, and Seniors Subcommittee, Vice Chair of Higher Education Appropriations Subcommittee, and Deputy Whip within the House Majority Office.\\u00a0 As a Commissioner, Mel had the honor to serve as Board Chair in 2022, Vice Chair in 2021, and as county liaison to several other Boards and Committees through his Commissioner role, including the Okaloosa-Walton Transportation Planning Organization (Vice Chair in 2021-2022), Youth Leadership Council, Choctawhatchee Bay Estuary Coalition, and Affordable Housing Advisory Committee.<\\\/p>\\n\n\n<p>While serving as a State Representative, Mel was honored as the Florida College System Council of Presidents Legislator of the Year.\\u00a0 He carried HB 75, which authorized Florida\\u2019s State Colleges to waive specific fees for active-duty military.\\u00a0 He was also honored as the Florida League of Cities Defender of Home Rule, and Northwest Florida League of Cities Legislator of the Year.\\u00a0<\\\/p>\\n\n\n<p>Mel was appointed in 2022 and reappointed in 2023 by Governor Ron DeSantis to serve on the CareerSource Florida Board of Directors.\\u00a0 He was also an at-large selection to serve on the Florida Association of Counties Board of Directors and a Speaker of the House appointee to serve on the Florida Faith-Based and Community-Based Advisory Council.\\u00a0 Through his role with the Florida Association of Counties, Mel served on the Finance, Tax, and Administration Policy Committee and as Co-Vice Chairman of the Presidential Select Committee on Preemption.<\\\/p>\\n\n\n<p>A 3<sup>rd<\\\/sup> generation Floridian, Mel was born and raised in Ocala, Florida.\\u00a0 He received a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance from Florida State University.\\u00a0 Mel has been married to his wife Mona for 33 years, and they have three children: Preston, Casey, and Grace.<\\\/p>\",\"image\":\"wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/10\\\/Mel-Ponder.Headshot-.jpg\",\"image_alt\":\"Commissioner Melvin P. \\u201cMel\\u201d Ponder\",\"link\":\"wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/10\\\/Melvin-P.-Mel-Ponder-CV-1.pdf\",\"link_text\":\"Resume\",\"title\":\"Commissioner Melvin P. \\u201cMel\\u201d Ponder\"}}],\"props\":{\"collapsible\":false,\"content_column_breakpoint\":\"m\",\"content_dropcap\":false,\"id\":\"ponder\",\"image_align\":\"left\",\"image_grid_breakpoint\":\"m\",\"image_grid_width\":\"1-4\",\"image_svg_color\":\"emphasis\",\"image_width\":\"300\",\"link_fullwidth\":true,\"link_size\":\"large\",\"link_style\":\"secondary\",\"link_text\":\"Read more\",\"multiple\":false,\"show_image\":true,\"show_link\":true,\"title_element\":\"h3\"}}]}]},{\"type\":\"row\",\"children\":[{\"type\":\"column\",\"props\":{\"image_position\":\"center-center\",\"position_sticky_breakpoint\":\"m\"}}]},{\"type\":\"row\",\"children\":[{\"type\":\"column\",\"props\":{\"image_position\":\"center-center\",\"position_sticky_breakpoint\":\"m\"},\"children\":[{\"name\":\"Ross\",\"type\":\"accordion\",\"children\":[{\"type\":\"accordion_item\",\"props\":{\"content\":\"\n\n<p><span class=\\\"s7\\\">Dr. James Walter Ross<\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\"> <\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">has 25 years of executive leadership experience in higher education<\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\"> that has resulted in extraordinary national recognition for <\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">student success and overall college <\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">excellence. <\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">Fourteen of these years were in <\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">executive <\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">leadership at Eastern Florida State College, a large <\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">Florida <\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">college with 25,000 students, <\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">where he served with distinction<\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\"> in <\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">leading <\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">extensive improvements <\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">while <\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">overseeing 184 full-time employees and more than half of <\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">all <\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">college departments while also earning praise for dramatically improving communications and relations between faculty and the administration <\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">as well as between the college and the community. <\\\/span><\\\/p>\\n\n\n<p><span class=\\\"s7\\\">This provided excellent preparation for <\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">Dr. Ross to become <\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">a <\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">highly-successful<\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\"> college President<\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">. Dr. Ross<\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\"> achieved <\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">this <\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">at Pamlico Community College as he led efforts that dramatically increased high morale to an unheard of 95% and <\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">brought an unlikely <\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">shared vision among employees to <\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">create <\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">the very best <\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">community college <\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">in the nation. He led a dramatic culture change that made employees want to become the <\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">very <\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">best after never achieving national recognition for excellence in any category. \\u00a0 \\u00a0<\\\/span><\\\/p>\\n\n\n<p><span class=\\\"s7\\\">In his seven years as President, Dr. Ross <\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">envisioned, <\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">inspired, planned, <\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">implemented, and <\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">oversaw one of the greatest <\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">team<\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">-oriented <\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">improvements in higher education in modern history. The college twice during Dr. Ross\\u2019 service achieved the number 1 ranking for student success among all community colleges in America. This ranking as America\\u2019s best in student education outcomes came from WalletHub from analysis it conducted of all <\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">the h<\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">undreds of <\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">community colleges across the<\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\"> nation using data from the U.S. Department.<\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\"><\\\/span><\\\/p>\\n\n\n<p><span class=\\\"s7\\\">Pamlico Community College <\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">likewise earned outstanding <\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">national recognition for excellence of the overall college. In fact, <\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">SmartAsset<\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\"> named Pamlico Community College the number 2-best community college in America. It <\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">examined <\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">data from <\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">all community colleges across America as provided by the U.S. Department of Education to make its rankings. In two of the years of Dr. Ross\\u2019 service, Pamlico was ranked number 2 among the hundreds of great community colleges that exist today in the U.S.<\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\"> The college also earned <\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">many other national and state<\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\"> recognitions <\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">for excellence during these past seven years. <\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\"><\\\/span><\\\/p>\\n\n\n<p><span class=\\\"s7\\\">Dr. Ross attributes the <\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">experience he gained at Eastern Florida State College <\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">as <\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">being instrumental in preparing him for <\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">the <\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">exceptional success <\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">he has enjoyed <\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">as a President<\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">.<\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\"> <\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">He served<\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\"> <\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">as Vice President of Advancement and Public Affairs at Eastern Florida State College, a large college with 25,000 students and four campuses on Florida\\u2019s Space Coast. In addition to initially overseeing communications, the foundation, external funding, and legislative affairs, responsibilities were expanded dramatically to oversee more than half of all college departments. These additions included human resources; enrollment management; student services; athletics; registrar; IT; workforce development; the King Center for the Performing Arts; five child-care centers; international education; and dual enrollment\\\/early admissions. \\u00a0<\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">At EFSC he supervised directly or indirectly 184 full-time employees and was responsible for overseeing more than half the departments of the college. <\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">He al<\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">so enjoyed outstanding relationships <\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">with the two <\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">excellent <\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">presidents he served under in his 14 years of service there. <\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">Dr. Maxwell C. King considered Dr. Ross the conscience of the college<\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\"> and <\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">often included him in his meetings on critica<\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">l <\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">matters<\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">, and<\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\"> <\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">Dr. Jim Drake included Dr. Ross <\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">in nearly all his <\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">meetings<\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\"> and <\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">they <\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">enjoyed an outstanding <\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">working relationship.<\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\"> <\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\"><\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">\\u00a0 \\u00a0 \\u00a0 \\u00a0<\\\/span><\\\/p>\\n\n\n<p><span class=\\\"s7\\\">Dr. Ross wrote his doctoral dissertation <\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">on best practices of Florida community colleges in using entrepreneurial leadership to overcome <\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">state budget reductions. One of the most important ways is to <\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">be proficient in fundraisin<\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">g. <\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">His research showed, however, that few presidents <\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">have the expertise and record of success <\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">in fundraising <\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">needed to protect their colleges in years to come. <\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">Dr. Ross in contrast has had an unusual background<\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\"> that has allowed him to achieve enormous success in fundraising <\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">in higher education and at Crosswinds Youth Services. <\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">His success is a model for the nation among community college presidents<\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">. <\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">He has r<\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">aised <\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">$<\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">55 million in all types of fundraising. <\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">He has g<\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">ained <\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">exceptional <\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">success in capital campaigns, major gifts, planned giving,<\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\"> <\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">and annual campaigns. This includes<\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\"> <\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">leading <\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">three<\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\"> <\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">successful<\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\"> <\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">capital<\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\"> <\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">campaigns;<\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\"> <\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">making the ask that gained <\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">six gifts of one million dollars or more; planned giving successes that include <\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">receiving <\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">a $20 million planned gift; <\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">leading <\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">record-setting annual campaigns; <\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">and <\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">establishing two <\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">colleges\\u2019 <\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">alumni associations<\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">.<\\\/span><\\\/p>\\n\n\n<p><span class=\\\"s7\\\">He also has <\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">gained <\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">another critical skill <\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">he identified as necessary for presidents in dealing<\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\"> with inevitable <\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">fiscal crises to come. <\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">With extensive <\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">local, state, and national governmental <\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">and political experience, and as<\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\"> a former U.S. Congress Staff Member, <\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">he has<\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\"> since excelled<\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\"> <\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">in developing extremely strong relationships with elected officials and <\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">in <\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">utilizing <\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">the <\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">expertise <\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">he has <\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">gained in legislative funding to secure $40 million in special state governmental appropriations. With that and $55 million in fundraising, he has raised nearly $100 million in external funding that has been used to significantly benefit students and strengthen communities. \\u00a0 \\u00a0 <\\\/span><\\\/p>\\n\n\n<p><span class=\\\"s7\\\">Other factors that have contributed to Dr. Ross\\u2019 record of success <\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">include his family background. <\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">Dr. Ross <\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">comes from <\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">Slippery Rock, Pa.<\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\"> with <\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">a <\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">child<\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">hood<\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\"> <\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">that <\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">was filled with love <\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">and joy <\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">from two wonderful parents<\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\"> and lots of fun with siblings and cousins<\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">. His mother <\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">was a loving homemaker who <\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">emphasized <\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">reading early on to each child and constantly <\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">cited the importance of education.<\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\"> <\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">She read daily to all five children <\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">on her lap. She also continually <\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">provided encou<\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">rage<\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">ment<\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\"> to go to college.<\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\"> <\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">Her encouragement was a critical factor in Dr. Ross going to college. <\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">Dr. Ross<\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\"> later dedicated his dissertation to his mother for this reason.<\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\"> <\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">She a<\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">lso <\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">encouraged the kids to go to church at an early age <\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">and played a role in making faith a priority for the kids<\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\"> as a lifelong prac<\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">t<\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">ice. <\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">Dr. Ross<\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">\\u2019 <\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">father worke<\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">d<\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\"> <\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">in a factory and taught by example the joys of hard work and striving for excellence.<\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\"> He also was a combat veteran who taught a love of country and an appreciation of <\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">veterans who have preserved our freedoms.<\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\"> He was also commander of the local VFW <\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">and <\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">Dr. Ross<\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\"> has very pleasant memories of going with his father to put flags on graves of <\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">veterans.<\\\/span><\\\/p>\\n\n\n<p><span class=\\\"s7\\\">One part of Dr. Ross\\u2019 background <\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">is important in understanding why it is so important to him to continue <\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">serving others as a college President who makes lives better. The Ross joyful <\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">household and family existence was <\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">jolted by Dr. Ross\\u2019 father <\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">being unable to work for more than a year <\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">through no fault of his own.<\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\"> While the Ross family was never wealthy<\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">, this lack of work and income <\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">shook the very foundation of the family<\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">. Dr, Ross <\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">r<\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">emembers vividly<\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\"> riding with his father to go get surplus food and the fact <\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">that no one else would go with him due to embarrassment. <\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">The family <\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">received public assistance for about a year<\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\"> and each member <\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">felt in different degrees a sense of <\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">constant uncertainty and <\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">stress. <\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">Dr. Ross went to college and <\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">earned his bachelor\\u2019s degree <\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">because he wanted to have a brighter financial future. He went on to earn his master<\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">\\u2019s degree<\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\"> and <\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">doctorate degree<\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\"> so he could help others get their degrees and have better lives. <\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">He completed the Harvard leadership program so that he could make a great difference <\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">in people\\u2019s lives <\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">as one of the best leaders in <\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">higher <\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">education <\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">in the nation. <\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\"><\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\"><\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\"><\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\"><\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\"><\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\"><\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\"><\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\"><\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\"><\\\/span><\\\/p>\\n\n\n<p><span class=\\\"s7\\\">Dr. Ross<\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\"> <\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">is married to the former Pam Cranmer, who grew up on a farm in West Sunberry, Pa. She and Dr. Ross met when he was a candidate for the U.S. Congress. Their first date was going out to hand out campaign pamphlets at a mall<\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">.<\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\"> <\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">One year later they were engaged to be <\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">married and six months after that <\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">husband<\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\"> and wife. <\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">They enjoyed extraordinary blessings throughout their marriage with two <\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">incredible kids, Bobby and Christine. <\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">They built a successful publishing company and enjoyed traveling the nation to promote a book that Dr. Ross wrote<\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">. <\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">They<\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\"> cheered their son on as he went to Yale and earned <\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">two advanced degrees in earning a <\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">Ph.D<\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\"> and also an M.D.<\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\"> in his quest to make the world better. <\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">They comforted <\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">and supported <\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">Bobby as he learned he had ALS<\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\"> and as he fought hard for six years against it. They held him in their arms <\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">and prayed <\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">together <\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">three years ago as<\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\"> <\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">he went to Heaven. <\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">Two years <\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">ago<\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">they <\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">embarked on a battle to save Mrs. Ross\\u2019 life<\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\"> after a diagnosis <\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">of six months to live<\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">.<\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\"> <\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">T<\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">oday they celebrate <\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">the <\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">amazing<\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\"> blessing tha<\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">t<\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\"> Pam is <\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">now <\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">cancer-free<\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">. <\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">Dr. Ross believes the best thing he has ever done in this life is marry Pam as only good has come from it every day. They have a<\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">n amazing <\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">daughter, Christine, who with her husband Regi<\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">,<\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\"> <\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">is<\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\"> raising two adorable daughters<\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">,<\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\"> Charlotte and <\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">Reig<\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">ny<\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">. <\\\/span><\\\/p>\\n\n\n<p><span class=\\\"s7\\\">Dr. Ross <\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">has a <\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">deep desire to <\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">return to service as a college President so he can <\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">use his talents and expe<\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">rience <\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">that he has been blessed with to make a giant difference <\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">in our world by making lives better in bold and noble ways. <\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">He loved his work <\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">as a college President<\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\"> <\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">so very much<\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\"> and <\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">is so thankful for the wo<\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">nd<\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">erful people he <\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">has <\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">worked <\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">with. <\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">He thanks God for all the lives that have been made better by the inspired team <\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">excellence and his leadership role in it. <\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">His mission <\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">is far from complete<\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">\\u2026<\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\"> and he is eager <\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\">to begin anew<\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\"> to serve.<\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\"><\\\/span><span class=\\\"s7\\\"><\\\/span><\\\/p>\\n\n\n<p><span class=\\\"s7\\\">\\u00a0<\\\/span><\\\/p>\",\"image\":\"wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/10\\\/IMG_3164.jpeg\",\"link\":\"wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/10\\\/Dr.-James-Walter-Ross-October-28-NWFSC-Resume-2024.pdf\",\"link_text\":\"Resume\",\"title\":\"Dr. James Walter Ross\"}}],\"props\":{\"collapsible\":false,\"content_column_breakpoint\":\"m\",\"content_dropcap\":false,\"id\":\"ross\",\"image_align\":\"left\",\"image_grid_breakpoint\":\"m\",\"image_grid_width\":\"1-4\",\"image_svg_color\":\"emphasis\",\"image_width\":\"300\",\"link_fullwidth\":true,\"link_size\":\"large\",\"link_style\":\"secondary\",\"link_text\":\"Read more\",\"multiple\":false,\"show_image\":true,\"show_link\":true,\"title_element\":\"h3\"}}]}]},{\"type\":\"row\",\"children\":[{\"type\":\"column\",\"props\":{\"image_position\":\"center-center\",\"position_sticky_breakpoint\":\"m\"}}]},{\"type\":\"row\",\"children\":[{\"type\":\"column\",\"props\":{\"image_position\":\"center-center\",\"position_sticky_breakpoint\":\"m\"},\"children\":[{\"name\":\"Strickland\",\"type\":\"accordion\",\"children\":[{\"type\":\"accordion_item\",\"props\":{\"content\":\"\n\n<p>Dr. Mark F. Strickland, Jr., has since 2015, served as Provost and Chief Campus Officer of the Seminole Campus of St. Petersburg College. In addition to his role at the Seminole Campus, in 2022, Mark was given the additional responsibility of overseeing the Health Education and Vet Tech Centers. Mark has and continues to be a major contributor in the implementation and success of the College and Student Experience. Mark has chaired, assisted, and served on numerous college initiatives, along with statewide committees, and presented at several national conferences.<\\\/p>\\n\n\n<p>Mark joined St. Petersburg College in 2000 as a College Recruiter. In 2003, Mark was promoted to Coordinator of Enrollment Management and soon thereafter became the Director. Mark departed Enrollment Management in 2011 to become the Associate Provost at the Downtown Campus. In addition to his contributions as an Associate Provost, he also served as the Athletic Director until 2015. Mark also has been an Adjunct Instructor for St. Petersburg College, Barry University, and the University of Tampa.<\\\/p>\\n\n\n<p>Mark\\u2019s upbringing, as a military dependent, allowed for him to live in multiple countries such as: Egypt, Italy, and Germany. In addition to his time overseas, Mark also lived in Georgia, Oklahoma, Alabama, Virginia, and Florida.<\\\/p>\\n\n\n<p>As a late teen, Mark settled in nicely in Seminole, Florida, at the conclusion of his father\\u2019s military career and considers Florida to be his home. Mark went on to earn an Associate in Arts degree from St. Petersburg College, a Bachelor\\u2019s degree from the University of South Florida, a Master\\u2019s degree from Nova Southeastern, and a Doctorate in Leadership and Management from St. Thomas University. Mark is married to wife, Wendy, and they have two children, Elle (19) and Ty (16).<\\\/p>\",\"image\":\"wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/10\\\/Headshot-2024.png\",\"link\":\"wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/10\\\/Mark-Strickland-CV-2024.pdf\",\"link_text\":\"Resume\",\"title\":\"Dr. Mark F. Strickland\"}}],\"props\":{\"collapsible\":false,\"content_column_breakpoint\":\"m\",\"content_dropcap\":false,\"id\":\"strickland\",\"image_align\":\"left\",\"image_grid_breakpoint\":\"m\",\"image_grid_width\":\"1-4\",\"image_svg_color\":\"emphasis\",\"image_width\":\"300\",\"link_fullwidth\":true,\"link_size\":\"large\",\"link_style\":\"secondary\",\"link_text\":\"Read more\",\"multiple\":false,\"show_image\":true,\"show_link\":true,\"title_element\":\"h3\"}}]}]}]},{\"type\":\"section\",\"props\":{\"image_position\":\"center-center\",\"style\":\"default\",\"title_breakpoint\":\"xl\",\"title_position\":\"top-left\",\"title_rotation\":\"left\",\"vertical_align\":\"middle\",\"width\":\"default\"},\"children\":[{\"type\":\"row\",\"children\":[{\"type\":\"column\",\"props\":{\"image_position\":\"center-center\",\"position_sticky_breakpoint\":\"m\"}}]}]}],\"version\":\"4.4.11\"} --><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Home Board of Trustees Presidential Search Finalists Overview Meetings Search Committee Communications Application Process Finalists Finalist Schedules R. Gwyn Armfield, Brigadier General, US Air Force (ret.) Finalist Read more Commissioner Melvin P. \u201cMel\u201d Ponder Finalist Read more Dr. James Walter Ross Finalist Read more Dr. Mark F. Strickland, Jr. Finalist Read more R. Gwyn Armfield, [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-440","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.3 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Finalists - NWFSC Presidential Search<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nwfsc.edu\/presidential-search\/finalists\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Finalists - NWFSC Presidential Search\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Home Board of Trustees Presidential Search Finalists Overview Meetings Search Committee Communications Application Process Finalists Finalist Schedules R. 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Gwyn Armfield, Brigadier General, US Air Force (ret.) Finalist Read more Commissioner Melvin P. \u201cMel\u201d Ponder Finalist Read more Dr. James Walter Ross Finalist Read more Dr. Mark F. Strickland, Jr. Finalist Read more R. 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