EFSC Board of Trustees Extend College President’s Contract Through 2031

The Eastern Florida State College (EFSC) Board of Trustees has extended the contract of College President Dr. Jim Richey through 2031, praising his leadership and long-term vision for the institution’s future.

The unanimous vote occurred Monday during Richey’s 2025 performance review.

“Dr. Jim Richey has been an extraordinary force for this college and for our entire community, and the accomplishments achieved this past year are proof,” said Board Chair Ronald Howse. “His leadership has been both flexible and forward-thinking, grounded in a wise understanding of what our region needs today and what our workforce will require 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, “It’s incredible to see the growth and development of this college since I began my service on this board. Most places plateau, but not EFSC. Employers are eager for the workforce we produce—graduates who are trained and ready to go. We expect more from you each year, and you continue to raise the bar.”

President Richey’s review included a 42-page report outlining EFSC’s major accomplishments in 2025, including:

• Opening of the Center for Innovative Technology Education (CITE) on the Melbourne Campus, a state-of-the-art facility designed to prepare the future workforce of Florida’s Space Coast.
• Launch of the Tigers to Titans program, a strategic alliance with Brevard Public Schools that provides Cocoa High School students a no-cost, dual enrollment pathway into EFSC’s Welding Technology certificate program, enabling graduates to enter the workforce with in demand credentials.
• Development of a new five-year strategic plan focused on enhancing the collegiate experience, fostering student success, strengthening workforce readiness, and cultivating collaboration and financial stability.
• Progress toward new institutional accreditation in response to Florida Senate Bill 7044 (2022). With Board approval, EFSC selected the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) as its next accrediting partner. The accelerated application process advanced significantly in 2025, with a preliminary review expected in early spring 2026 and a comprehensive evaluation and site visit anticipated in fall 2026 or spring 2027.
• Expansion of the College’s Work-Study Program, nearly tripling student opportunities across various academic disciplines.
• Successful transition of employee insurance programs to align with the State’s People First benefits plan, improving coverage and consistency for faculty and staff.
• Continued commitment to affordability, marking the 14th consecutive year without a tuition 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 Talent Hub 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 Cocoa Campus is now underway, strengthening services for students and residents across the Space Coast with strong community support.

Dr. Kristine Zonka, appointed in October 2025 by Gov. Ron DeSantis, shared her personal connection to the college through her son’s dual enrollment experience. “He has had such a positive experience in his classes and with the instructors,” she said. “We need to tell our story even more so others can see how great EFSC really is and the effort that takes place day after day to meet workforce needs. We need to celebrate it with our community.”

Dr. Richey expressed gratitude to the trustees for their unwavering support during his 14 years as president. “I also want to thank every employee—faculty, staff, and community volunteers—for their hard work and dedication,” he said. “Your contributions make this college special and provide the educational foundation our students need to succeed. I am honored to continue serving as College President as we work together to make EFSC even more impactful for our students and our community.”

He also thanked Gov. Ron DeSantis and Florida Commissioner of Education Stasi Kamoutsas for their leadership and support, noting that “your impact allows us to serve the needs 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.edu or call 321-632-1111. To view the EFSC 2025 Accomplishments Report, visit https://joom.ag/lwEd.

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