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Northwest Florida State College set to open first on-campus housing

The new Raider Village features modern residential facilities with four-bedroom units, each with private bathrooms, marking the college's first venture into on-campus student housing.

Ashley Ward

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Northwest Florida State College (NWFSC) will celebrate the grand opening of its first-ever on-campus student housing facility, Raider Village, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on February 18 beginning at 5 p.m.

The new residential complex offers students private bedrooms and bathrooms in two and four-bedroom units, complete with kitchen and laundry facilities. Each floor includes lobby and lounge areas designed to foster student community.

NWFSC alumnus Jay Odom, who led the project’s development, drew inspiration from his own experience as a student at the college in 1976.

“I arrived on campus in 1976 with a beat-up Volkswagen that couldn’t even go in reverse, but NWFSC provided me the opportunity to build my future,” said Odom, developer and CEO of The Jay Odom Group. “Now, it’s an honor to help create a space where today’s students can thrive.”

The project, which broke ground in August 2023, aims to enhance the overall student experience through modern residential facilities, collaborative study areas, and recreational spaces.

“This is a transformative moment for both our college and our students,” said NWFSC President Mel Ponder. “Raider Village embodies our commitment to providing a dynamic, engaging campus experience, ensuring students have the resources they need to thrive, both inside and outside the classroom.”

The grand opening celebration will include guided tours of the facilities, remarks from college leadership, and a community reception. The public is invited to attend the event at 102 E. College Blvd, Niceville.

For more information about Raider Village, visit raidervillage.com.

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