Florida College logo

Florida College

Temple Terrace, FL

private nonprofitbachelors

Quick Facts

“Learning, Living, Leading His Way”

1946
Founded
Private college
Type
591
Total Students
$11M
Endowment
Baccalaureate/Associate's Colleges
Classification
President: John B. Weaver

Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education

About Florida College

Experience faith-based learning and leadership at a historic private college.

Florida College, a distinctive private institution nestled along the Hillsborough River in Temple Terrace, offers a unique educational journey for its 591 students. Guided by the motto "Learning, Living, Leading His Way," the college fosters a close-knit, faith-based community. It stands out for its self-sufficiency, operating entirely on individual donations and student tuition, a model that underscores its commitment to independence from institutional church funding.

Deeply rooted in history, the college's campus is a living testament to its past. Established in 1946 as Florida Christian College, it occupies land originally part of the exclusive Temple Terrace Golf and Country Club, a groundbreaking Mediterranean Revival planned community from the 1920s. Its iconic Sutton Hall, dating back to 1922, served as the club's original clubhouse. The college's founding reflected a unique stance within the Churches of Christ, advocating for non-institutionalism and becoming a crucial training ground for leaders adhering to this perspective. The name was officially changed to Florida College in 1963, signaling an evolving identity while maintaining its core values.

Academically, Florida College upholds a strong commitment to quality, holding full accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools since 1954, a testament to its consistent educational standards. The picturesque campus, with its blend of historic architecture and natural beauty, provides an inspiring backdrop for learning. While its student body has diversified over the decades, it continues to attract individuals from the Churches of Christ seeking a values-driven education in a supportive and engaged environment. The college is currently led by its sixth president, John B. Weaver, ensuring a continued legacy of learning and leadership.

Key Highlights

  • ✦A private college founded in 1946, currently serving 591 students.
  • ✦Operates uniquely through individual donations and student tuition, refusing funding from churches.
  • ✦Fully accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools since 1954, with reaffirmation in 2017.
  • ✦Campus features historic 1920s Mediterranean Revival architecture, including Sutton Hall (1922).
  • ✦Motto: "Learning, Living, Leading His Way," emphasizing faith-based education.
  • ✦Known for its distinctive role in the non-institutional Churches of Christ tradition.

Timeline

1921
Temple Terrace Estates, a Mediterranean Revival golf course community, begins development.
1922
Sutton Hall, originally the Temple Terrace Golf and Country Club clubhouse, is built.
Late 1930s
Property acquired by the Florida Bible Institute from the City of Temple Terrace.
1944
The college charter for Florida Christian College is drafted.
1946
Opened as Florida Christian College with 100 students.
1954
Granted full accreditation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
1963
Name changed from Florida Christian College to Florida College.
2017
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools reaffirms accreditation; college receives an exemption to Title IX.
2018
The historic Club Morocco Nightclub and Casino, formerly the student center, is razed.
2023
John B. Weaver is named the sixth president of Florida College.
🏛️
80 Years
of Excellence

Leadership

Data from Wikipedia – CC BY-SA 4.0

Find Scholarships at Florida College

Sign up free to discover grants and scholarships you qualify for at this school and thousands more.

Start Your Free Search