EFSC President’s Contract Extended for Superb Performance
February 6, 2023 – 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.
