North Florida Community College is a public community college, located in Madison, Florida. This is a Coeducational comprehensive institution that offers associates degrees and vocational certificates. The college serves six rural counties in north Florida: Hamilton, Lafayette, Jefferson, Madison, Suwannee, and Taylor. In 2007 the college began a registered nurse program. The Public Safety Academy provides correctional officer, fire fighter, EMT, Paramedic and law enforcement training. In 1957 the Florida Legislature authorized North Florida Junior College. In March 1958, Dr. Marshall W. Hamilton was appointed President of North Florida Junior College. In September 1958, the first North Florida Junior College classes were organized. North Florida Junior College and Suwannee River Junior College, one of Florida's twelve black community colleges, were merged in 1966 after Congress passed the 1964 Civil Rights Act. In July 1995, the District Board of Trustees changed the name of the College from North Florida Junior College to North Florida Community College.