MADISON, FL – North Florida College marked a distinguished milestone on Tuesday, November 18, as faculty, staff, students, alumni and state and community leaders gathered in the Van H. Priest Auditorium for the formal Investiture Ceremony of Dr. Jennifer Humbles Page, the ninth president of the institution. Steeped in academic tradition, the investiture affirmed both the continuity of leadership and the College’s enduring commitment to intellectual rigor, student success and service to North Florida’s six county service area.
The ceremony opened with a solemn processional led by Grand Marshall and Mathematics
Instructor Daniel Harris, followed by a welcome from Faculty Senate President Jay
Welch. An invocation delivered by Delvin Boatman and a dignified performance of the
National Anthem by Madison Hallmark set an atmosphere of reverence for the College’s
academic mission.
Honoring Legacy, Scholarship and Service
Central to the afternoon’s program was a tribute to President Dr. John Grosskopf,
who guided NFC for 17 years through historic expansion and transformation. During
the Presentation of Gratitude, introduced by Chief Academic Officer and Dean of Workforce
and Economic Initiatives David Dunkle, Student Government Association President Lillian
Clay presented a symbolic token honoring Dr. Grosskopf’s leadership and his deep commitment
to academic excellence.
“For 17 years, President John Grosskopf has served as the heart and compass of this
institution,” said Dean of Workforce and Economic Initiatives/Chief Academic Officer
David Dunkle. “His leadership has been marked by innovation and a steadfast commitment
to student success.”
A Ceremony Anchored in Academic Tradition
NFC Board of Trustee Vice Chair Billy Washington introduced guest speaker Florida
College System Chancellor Kathryn S. Hebda, whose address underscored the critical
role of Florida’s colleges in advancing economic mobility and educational opportunity.
Her remarks placed NFC firmly within the state’s broader academic landscape as an
institution that not only educates but elevates.
Throughout the program, speakers emphasized the scholarly values that define NFC:
intellectual curiosity, student-centered teaching, community engagement and a dedication
to academic and workforce pathways aligned with industry and regional needs.
Presentation of the Official Charge and Presidential Regalia
A defining moment of the ceremony came with the Presentation of the Official Charge
of Office by Board Chair Ricky Lyons.
“Dr. Page, we charge you to lead with purpose, to serve with honor, and to inspire
with vision,” said Chair Lyons. “May your tenure be marked by wisdom, collaboration,
and a deep commitment to the ideals that define and sustain this great institution.”
The formal Presentation of Presidential Regalia honored the traditional academic symbols
that signify the authority, responsibility and scholarly heritage of the office. With
assistance from Dr. Grosskopf, Dr. Page received the regalia and then stepped to the
podium to deliver her first official Presidential Remarks.
A Scholar, Educator and Advocate for Rural Communities
A native of Suwannee County and an alumna of North Florida College, Dr. Page embodies
the transformative power of accessible education. After earning her associate in arts
degree at NFC, she pursued a bachelor’s degree in English education at Florida State
University, a master’s in secondary education at the University of North Florida and
a doctorate in higher education leadership from Aspen University.
Her 15-year career at NFC includes service as a faculty member, director of curriculum
and instruction, dean of academic affairs and vice president of academic and student
affairs. She has also contributed to statewide academic leadership through service
on the Florida College System Council on Instructional Affairs, the Florida Virtual
Campus Member Council and participation in the Florida Chancellor’s Leadership Seminar
and the Chair Academy for Leadership and Development in Higher Education.
A Vision Anchored in Scholarship and Opportunity
In her remarks, Dr. Page expressed a clear and aspirational vision for NFC’s future.
“This presidency is not about me,” said Dr. Page. “It is about the people we serve
and the region we call home. And that is our mission, to be the college that changes
what is possible for the people of this region.”
Her presidential priorities include:
- Expanding academic and workforce pathways that lead to high-wage, high-demand careers
- Strengthening student support systems grounded in evidence-based practices that advance equity and success
- Cultivating community and industry partnerships that connect educational attainment to regional prosperity
“We may be the smallest college in the state, but our size is our strength,” said
Dr. Page. “We operate as a true team: adaptive, connected, and fully committed to
our mission. And we prove every day that small colleges can do extraordinary things.”
The ceremony concluded with a benediction by Delvin Boatman and a recessional led
by Instructor Harris. A reception followed, reflecting the strong sense of community
and shared purpose that continues to define NFC.
North Florida College is a member of the Florida College System and accredited by
the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. NFC proudly
serves the educational needs of its six-county district including Hamilton, Jefferson,
Lafayette, Madison, Suwannee and Taylor counties and beyond. For more information,
visit www.nfc.edu or contact news@nfc.edu.
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President Jennifer Humbles Page, Ed.D., is officially installed as the ninth President
of North Florida College
President Jennifer Humbles Page, Ed.D. addresses audience
Dr. John Grosskopf and NFC SGA President present a commemorative plaque
President Jennifer Humbles Page, Ed.D. with Florida College System Chancellor Kathryn
S. Hebda
President Jennifer Humbles Page, Ed.D. with family