Enjoy athletics and arts at this Florida Panhandle community college, where student and community needs are nicely served in a lovely campus setting.
Northwest Florida State College is one of the state’s best public community colleges, with annual enrollment of over 9,000 students. The school offers more than 100 degrees and certificates, in subjects ranging from child development to engineering technology and welding. Even if you’re not a prospective student, visit the Northwest Florida State College campus to enjoy its excellent arts and athletic programs.
Walk through the campus to see its different facilities. Academic and administrative buildings and services are located in the center of campus. This includes the collegiate high school, in which students earn high school diplomas plus associates degrees or transferable credits. Look for the impressive glass-fronted student services building that also serves continuing education needs. Across a pretty courtyard, a renovated building holds the bookstore, café and game room.
Watch a performance at the Mattie Kelly Arts Center Theater on the eastern side of campus. Events include arts exhibitions, tribute bands, touring Broadway shows, opera, dance and the Northwest Florida Symphony Orchestra. The president’s speaker series features guest lectures from astronauts, sports stars and motivational speakers.
On the western side of campus, visit fields for Raiders men’s baseball and women’s softball teams and the Raider Arena for men’s and women’s basketball. A large driving range and observatory are also here.
Find Northwest Florida State College’s main campus in Niceville about a 2-hour drive west of Tallahassee or 1-hour drive east of Pensacola. Arrive by plane via Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport, with over 50 daily nonstop flights from cities as far away as Denver and Newark. Five other campus locations are located across Okaloosa and Walton counties.
While in Niceville, tour the Heritage Museum of Northwest Florida and the Air Force Armament Museumwith 30 aircraft with varied weapons. Enjoy outdoor activities at Turkey Creek Park, Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou State Park, Lions Park and Eglin Golf Course. Henderson Beach State Park on the Gulf of Mexico is about a 25-minute drive away. Arrange a fishing charter on Choctawhatchee Bay or the ocean.
