Adobe Reader is needed in order to view PDF files. Most computers already have it, but if you don't, you may download it for free here.
College President
Northwest Florida State College History: 1960's | 1970's | 1980's | 1990's | 2000+ | Home
Dr. James Richburg
Dr. James R. Richburg has been president of Northwest Florida State College since August 17, 1987. The college is accredited to award bachelor's and associate degrees, certificates and diplomas and serves an annual enrollment of 15,000. It has six campuses and centers including a main campus in Niceville, a joint campus with the University of West Florida in Fort Walton Beach, and centers in Crestview, DeFuniak Springs, Eglin Air Force Base and Hurlburt Field. A center in South Walton County is slated for future development.
During Richburg’s tenure, Northwest Florida State College has experienced major growth including more than $100 million in state-funded capital construction and a 58% increase in the college’s full-time equivalent enrollment. The campus in Fort Walton Beach, a $22 million center for the fine and performing arts in Niceville (which houses the joint AA to BA degree program in the Interdisciplinary Arts with UWF), a Registered Nursing and Health Technologies program, a Collegiate High School, a college Foundation which holds more than $36 million in assets, and a comprehensive athletic program with teams in men’s and women’s basketball, baseball, and softball, were all established under Richburg’s leadership.
Richburg holds an Ed.D. degree in Education/Anthropology and an MA in Anthropology from the University of Georgia. His previous educational leadership positions include the presidency of Chipola Junior College in Marianna, vice president and dean at Valencia Community College in Orlando, Division Chairman at Florida Junior College in Jacksonville and instructor at the University of Georgia.
Richburg was a member of the Executive Committee of the Commission on Colleges for the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools from 1995 to1999.
| College Leadership Position | Institution | Dates |
| President | Northwest Florida State College | 1987-Present |
| President | Chipola Junior College | 1981-1987 |
| Vice President, Institutional Services | Valencia Community College | 1977-1981 |
| Dean, West Campus | Valencia Community College | 1976-1977 |
| Dean, Academic Affairs | Valencia Community College | 1974-1976 |
| Division Chair, Social Science | Florida Junior College at Jacksonville | 1972-1974 |
| Instructor | University of Georgia | 1970-1972 |
| Educational BackgroundInstitution | Degree | Date | Major |
| Columbus College | A.A. | 1965 | Liberal Arts |
| University of Georgia | B.A. | 1967 | Political Science/Education |
| University of Georgia | M.A. | 1970 | Anthropology |
| University of Georgia | Ed.D.* | 1972 | Education/Anthopology |
| *Dissertation: | An Ethnographic Description of the Implementation of the Choctaw Follow Through Program (Based on 14 months field work). |
| Program Emphasis: | Anthropology and Educational Research Methods. |