Spring Commencement

Disclaimer: We are promoting this event on behalf of a local chamber member. This event is not managed or sponsored by the Destin Chamber.

Northwest Florida State College has announced that Florida Department of Law Enforcement Commissioner Mark Glass will serve as the Spring Commencement speaker on May 9, 2025. This is a homecoming for Commissioner Glass, who is an alumnus of NWFSC.

“Northwest Florida State College is proud to welcome home Commissioner Glass, and we all look forward to hearing his inspired words to a new generation of Raider alumni,” said NWFSC President Mel Ponder. “Our graduates leave here to make their mark on the world, and it’s so incredible to have an alumnus return and share how NWFSC prepared them for the journey ahead.”

A 1991 graduate of NWFSC, Commissioner Glass has over 32 years of combined federal and state service, he has served as a law enforcement officer, military officer, national intelligence officer, federal civilian supervisor and senior executive.

He is a 30-year veteran of the United States Armed Forces, serving in the U.S. Army as a UH-60 Blackhawk pilot and in the U.S. Coast Guard as a Jayhawk pilot. Commissioner Glass served honorably in various command roles throughout his military career including with the Florida Army National Guard, the District of Columbia National Guard and the U.S. Army, eventually retiring from the home of Army aviation at Fort Rucker, Alabama. He is a master aviator and received two meritorious service medals.

Before he was appointed commissioner, Glass served as director of Florida Capitol Police, and director of security for the Florida Lottery.

Commissioner Glass has also served as a member of the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force, the U.S. Attorney’s Anti-Terrorism Advisory Council and as the lead Office of Intelligence and Analysis representative to Florida, where he was the Department of Homeland Security representative to the State of Florida, the Executive Office of the Governor and the Florida Legislature, and Homeland Security adviser through the Florida Fusion Center. He also served as a senior intelligence analyst supporting the National Operations Center and the chief intelligence officer.

In addition to his degree from NWFSC, Commissioner Glass holds a Bachelor of Science degree in criminology from Florida State University. Commissioner Glass also serves on the Florida Board of Directors for the American Legion Boys State.

Northwest Florida State College recognized Commissioner Glass’ service to the State of Florida when it presented him with the College’s Distinguished Alumni Award in 2018.

Because of the large number of graduates, NWFSC will hold two commencement ceremonies on Friday, May 9. The first one begins at 10:00 a.m. and the second at 2:00 p.m. Both will be held at Raider Arena. No ticket is required to attend either ceremony.