Honoring a Tradition of Excellence
Recognizing outstanding alumni is one way Northwest Florida State College Foundation shows its commitment to showcasing the impact of NWFSC on the personal and professional lives of its graduates and the community in which it serves.
These honorees represent the thousands of alumni who contribute in countless ways to business, education, the arts and society.
We honor Distinguished Alumni because they personify the College’s tradition of excellence, bringing distinction to themselves and to NWF through their outstanding achievements.
2024 Distinguished Alumni Award Winners
Ms. Erin Rainey
Erin, a 2001 OWCC graduate, serves as the Director of Conservation and External Relations for the Fish and Wildlife Foundation. Having earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from FSU, it is Erin’s passion for understanding human behavior and her deep-rooted respect for the natural world that paved the way for her 21+ year career with the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission. The intersection of people and conservation has been the backdrop of her work, and she has served in various executive roles within the state agency, including shattering the “glass ceiling” and becoming the first female Director of Strategic Initiatives (overseeing Everglades restoration projects) and Chief Communications Officer for FWC. Outside of her profession, Erin is a dedicated wife and mother to two kids, belongs to her local church, and is a respected community member who always volunteers her time to good causes.
Dr. Michael Williams
Dr. Michael Williams, an Emergency Room Physician, attended OWCC in 1991, before heading to the University of South Alabama and Memorial Health University where he earned his Doctorate. Dr. Williams has numerous accomplishments and achievements, including being the Intramural Brain Bowl Winner Math & Science in 1991 for OWCC, Dr. Williams served as the Chief of Emergency Medicine for Fort Walton Beach Medical Center and has delivered top-notch emergency medicine services to the FWB-Destin area for 21 years. Dr. Williams is a compassionate physician and is passionate about our community. Co-owning Jake and Henry’s is just one example of the many ways Michael advocates for the restoration and rejuvenation of downtown Fort Walton Beach. Dr. Williams also won the 1992 Gulf Coast D.J. Spinoff competition featuring DJ’s from FL to LA, and he has continued his love for music by MC-ing for the halftime performances at Destin Middle School where he is also heavily involved with the Destin Dazzlers in support of his twin daughters and the team. Michael cares greatly about this community and invests his time, talents, and finances back into it.
Mr. Tom Rice
- Hometown Hero
Tom, a Fort Walton Beach native, received his Associate of Arts degree from Okaloosa-Walton Community College in 1980. A veteran and retired First Sergeant from the United States Army, Tom served with honor and distinction
for 39 years and was awarded numerous decorations. Following retirement, Tom followed his dream and opened the doors to the ever-popular Magnolia Grill in 1996. Tom was a long-time member of the Northwest Florida State College Foundation Board of Directors and he continues to share his passion for the college, veterans, and the arts daily. Kelly Humphrey, a past writer for The Daily News said it best, “if you live in Okaloosa County, your life’s been touched by Tom Rice.”
Mr. Bobby Parker
- Rising Star
Bobby Parker earned his Associate of Arts, in General Studies, back in 2009. As the innovative mind behind Parker Gene Creative, Bobby has revolutionized the realm of marketing and public relations, breathing life into the missions of nonprofits and small businesses alike. Amidst his countless accolades, Bobby remains grounded in his passion for nurturing talent and fostering community connections with his involvement in the Destin Chamber of Commerce and Young Professionals of Northwest Florida. From his humble beginnings as an educator to his meteoric rise as a marketing maven and community leader, Bobby embodies the spirit of excellence that defines Northwest Florida State College
Mr. Matthew Dowell
- Against the Odds
At 18, Matthew Dowell had the ambition to start his own company taking on Autotrader and revolutionizing the online car classifieds space. After three years of solid effort, Matthew was forced to accept his failure and turned to OWJC to earn his Associate in Business degree before transferring to The University of Florida to earn his bachelor’s degree where he became first in his class. All while juggling his battle with Crohn’s disease. A few years later, Matthew moved to New York as a table busser, before landing an opportunity to be a Project Associate with Bridgewater Associates. Matthew then moved on to become an Investment Banking Associate with Guggenheim Partners before being recruited away to join Carl Marks Advisors as a VP in the Operational Restructuring business unit where he remains to this day.
