Florida Southern College

Lakeland, FL

private nonprofitgraduate

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Quick Facts

“Lux Sapientia Lex (Latin) Light, Wisdom, Law”

1883

Founded

Private college

Type

113 acres

Campus

3,074

Total Students

2,633

Undergrad

$105M

Endowment

(2024)

Master's Colleges & Universities

Classification

President: Jeremy P. Martin

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

About Florida Southern College

Experience a vibrant private college renowned for unique programs, rich history, and engaged learning.

Nestled in Lakeland, Florida Southern College offers a distinctive educational journey for over 3,000 students. As a private institution guided by its motto, "Lux Sapientia Lex" (Light, Wisdom, Law), FSC fosters an environment where academic rigor meets a supportive community. Prospective students and families will find a college dedicated to personal growth, innovative learning, and a rich history that has shaped its enduring legacy.

The college's story began as the South Florida Institute in Orlando in 1883, moving and evolving through several names and locations before finding its permanent home in Lakeland in 1922, and becoming Florida Southern College in 1935. This journey of adaptation and growth includes a significant milestone in 1966 when it proudly welcomed its first Black student, Gwendolyn Gibson High, marking an important step in its commitment to inclusivity and progress.

Academically, Florida Southern shines with its diverse offerings, particularly within the School of Arts and Sciences. Students can explore traditional disciplines alongside interdisciplinary studies, even designing their own major through the innovative "Venture into Adventure" program. A standout is the nation's only citrus bachelor's degree program, offering unparalleled industry-led instruction. The Division of Biology also provides hands-on research opportunities, culminating in presentations at the semiannual Department of Natural Sciences Poster Competition, ensuring students gain valuable, practical experience.

Key Highlights

✦Founded in 1883, making it one of Florida's oldest institutions.
✦Features the nation's only citrus bachelor's degree program, with courses taught by industry leaders.
✦Offers the "Venture into Adventure" program, allowing students to design their own majors.
✦Supports over 3,000 students with a strong faculty-to-student ratio in a private college setting.
✦Holds an endowment of $0.1 billion, supporting institutional growth and student resources.
✦Biology students are required to conduct and present research at a semiannual competition.

Timeline

1883

Founded as South Florida Institute in Orlando

1885

Moved to Leesburg and formally established as Florida Conference College, sponsored by the United Methodist Church

1901

Moved to Sutherland (now Palm Harbor)

1906

Changed its name to Southern College

1922

Permanently moved to its current location in Lakeland

1935

Renamed Florida Southern College

1966

Enrolled its first Black student, Gwendolyn Gibson High

🏛️

143 Years

of Excellence

Schools & Colleges

2 notable schools within Florida Southern College

🎭

School of Arts and Sciences

Comprises five primary disciplines: communications, fine and performing arts, humanities, natural science and mathematics, and social and behavioral sciences. Known for interdisciplinary studies and the unique 'Venture into Adventure' program.

🏫

Division of Biology

Offers Bachelor of Science degrees in biology, biochemistry and molecular biology, environmental studies, integrative biology, and marine biology, with required research courses and a semiannual poster competition.

Leadership

Jeremy P. Martin

President

Data from Wikipedia – CC BY-SA 4.0

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