Northwest Florida State College Announces Chancellor Henry Mack as 56th Commencement Keynote Speaker

In efforts to create a safe and memorable commencement experience for our Raider graduates, their family members and guests, the 56th Commencement Ceremony will be partially virtual with an in-person experience. In-person commencement ceremonies and conferring of credentials will take place throughout the day on May 8, in groups of 50-75 students, so that family members and guests can comfortably and safely watch their graduate receive his/her credential. Graduates from 2020 who participated in last year’s virtual ceremony will be the first group to walk the stage at 9 a.m. in this year’s ceremony.

All 2021 graduates will receive a pre-recorded message from President Stephenson and the keynote speaker, Chancellor Henry Mack, who currently serves as Chancellor at the Florida Department of Education, overseeing the Division of Career, Technical, and Adult Education. As Chancellor, he leads all workforce education programs and economic development initiatives for the Department, helping to oversee a system of 48 technical centers and colleges, 28 state community colleges, and a K-12 career and technical education system – a combined enrollment of over 1 million students, annually. He is also responsible for the state offices of apprenticeship, adult education, and articulation and career education policy. 

Prior to serving as Chancellor, he was the Associate Vice President for Workforce Education at Broward College – responsible for a variety of workforce education initiatives, including overseeing the college’s career and technical education programs, the development of new baccalaureate degrees, and the college’s business incubator and accelerator. He also served as a Visiting Lecturer in the Department of Religious Studies at the University of Miami where he instructed courses in philosophical theology and topics related to science and religion. 

Since 2004, he has held various teaching positions at Florida International University, teaching philosophy, communication, and the history of ideas. Recognized as 2019’s South Florida’s 40 under 40, Henry frequently lectures on the future of the workforce, economic development, entrepreneurship, the value of a higher education, and issues related to ethics, religion and politics.

Congratulations to all of Northwest Florida State College’s 2021 graduates! For more information regarding the 56th Annual Commencement Ceremony, please visit www.nwfsc.edu/commencement or email stratcomm@nwfsc.edu.