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EFSC Board Extends College Presidents Contract to 2031 February 02, 2026 The Eastern Florida State College (EFSC) Board of Trustees has extended the contractof College President Dr. Jim Richey through 2031, praising his leadership and long-termvision for the institutions future. The unanimous vote occurred Monday during Richeys 2025 performance review. Dr. Jim Richey has been an extraordinary force for this college and for our entirecommunity, and the accomplishments achieved this past year are proof, said BoardChair Ronald Howse. His leadership has been both flexible and forward-thinking, groundedin a wise understanding of what our region needs today and what our workforce willrequire tomorrow. Through responsive management and the ability to build a strong,unified team, he has transformed EFSC into a model of innovation and opportunity. Vice Chair Dr. Edgar Figueroa agreed, adding, Its incredible to see the growth anddevelopment of this college since I began my service on this board. Most places plateau,but not EFSC. Employers are eager for the workforce we producegraduates who are trainedand ready to go. We expect more from you each year, and you continue to raise thebar. President Richeys review included a 42 - page report outlining EFSCs major accomplishments in 2025, including: Opening of the Center for Innovative Technology Education (CITE) on the MelbourneCampus, a state-of - the - art facility designed to prepare the future workforce of Floridas Space Coast. Launch of the Tigers to Titans program, a strategic alliance with Brevard Public Schoolsthat provides Cocoa High School students a no-cost, dual enrollment pathway into EFSCsWelding Technology certificate program, enabling graduates to enter the workforcewith in demand credentials. Development of a new five - year strategic plan focused on enhancing the collegiate experience, fostering studentsuccess, strengthening workforce readiness, and cultivating collaboration and financialstability. Progress toward new institutional accreditation in response to Florida Senate Bill7044 (2022). With Board approval, EFSC selected the Higher Learning Commission (HLC)as its next accrediting partner. The accelerated application process advanced significantlyin 2025, with a preliminary review expected in early spring 2026 and a comprehensiveevaluation and site visit anticipated in fall 2026 or spring 2027. Expansion of the Colleges Work-Study Program, nearly tripling student opportunitiesacross various academic disciplines. Successful transition of employee insurance programs to align with the States PeopleFirst benefits plan, improving coverage and consistency for faculty and staff. Continued commitment to affordability, marking the 14th consecutive year without atuition increase. EFSC awarded a record $1,230,000 in scholarships to 1,047 students,established 13 new scholarships, and welcomed 221 new donors contributing $256,000. A new partnership with CareerSource Brevard Flagler Volusia, co-locating its TalentHub with EFSC Career Services on the Cocoa Campus to expand career support for students. A major initiative to expand dental hygiene and dental assisting programs on the CocoaCampus is now underway, strengthening services for students and residents across theSpace Coast with strong community support. Dr. Kristine Zonka, appointed in October 2025 by Gov. Ron DeSantis, shared her personalconnection to the college through her sons dual enrollment experience. He has hadsuch a positive experience in his classes and with the instructors, she said. Weneed to tell our story even more so others can see how great EFSC really is and theeffort that takes place day after day to meet workforce needs. We need to celebrateit with our community. Dr. Richey expressed gratitude to the trustees for their unwavering support duringhis 14 years as president. I also want to thank every employeefaculty, staff, andcommunity volunteersfor their hard work and dedication, he said. Your contributionsmake this college special and provide the educational foundation our students needto succeed. I am honored to continue serving as College President as we work togetherto make EFSC even more impactful for our students and our community. He also thanked Gov. Ron DeSantis and Florida Commissioner of Education Stasi Kamoutsasfor their leadership and support, noting that your impact allows us to serve theneeds of our highly valued community. The next meeting of the EFSC Board of Trustees is scheduled for Monday, April 13. For more information about Eastern Florida State College, visit easternflorida.eduor call 321-632-1111. To view the EFSC 2025 Accomplishments Report, visit . Respiratory Care Program Open House Planned February 2026 EFSC Foundation to Host 10th Annual Backyard BBQ & Family Fest #J-18808-Ljbffr