Johnson University Florida, formerly Florida Christian College, is a higher education institution located in Kissimmee, Florida affiliated with the Independent Christian Church and is part of the Johnson University system. The college awards four year bachelor's degrees and contains eight different schools.
History
Johnson University Florida was founded in 1976 as Central Florida Bible College. Following a move to its current main campus in 1985, the name changed to Florida Christian College. In 2013, after completing a merger with Johnson University, the school became Johnson University Florida.
Accreditation
Johnson University Florida has been nationally accredited by the Association for Biblical Higher Education since 1985 and was regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools from 1995 to 2012. It operates and grants degrees under a license granted by means of accreditation by the Commission for Independent Education with the Florida Board of Education. It is a member of the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities and the Florida Association of Colleges and Universities.
Merger with Johnson University
In its last decade operating as Florida Christian College, the campus was continually plagued with increasing financial challenges. Those challenges were greatly exacerbated by the onset of the Great Recession in 2008. On December 10, 2012, SACS leadership elected to revoke Florida Christian College's regional accreditation, effectively terminating the college's ability to function independently. Although the college appealed the committee's decision, SACS denied the appeal in February 2013. Under the administrative guidance of Johnson University, the college sought an injunction against SACS in order to restore its regional accreditation and proceed with a planned merger between the two schools. On March 8, 2013, the U.S. District Court of Northern Georgia granted the injunction restoring probationary status of FCC as a member of SACS. During this transition period, a number of significant events took place. First, the University purchased the Florida campus, simultaneously permitting financial oversight of the college and erasing its debt. Next, FCC President Bill Behrman stepped down and David L. Eubanks, former president of Johnson University, became the Chief Operating Officer. Lastly, the trustees of Johnson University voted to incorporate the Florida property into its system, and the campus officially became Johnson University Florida on July 1, 2013.
Curriculum
The curriculum offers courses that focus on preparing students for church-related vocations. All students are required to double major, in Bible and ministry along with their chosen major. The college offers six undergraduate programs: a one-year Certificate program, a 2-year Associate of Arts and Associate of Applied Science programs, and four-year Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science programs as well as a five-year Bachelor of Theology program.
Athletics
Johnson University's athletics teams are known as the Suns. Johnson University Florida participates in the National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA), Division 2 intercollegiate sports for:
- Men's and Women's Soccer
- Men's and Women's Cross Country
- Men's Basketball
- Women's Volleyball
The Men's Baseball team earned second place in the 2012 NCCAA DII National Championship and third place in the 2013 National Championship.
The Men's Basketball team won the 2012 NCCAA DII southwest regional championship.
Notable people
- Terry Bradds - Jazz Guitarist (Advanced guitar instructor)
- David L. Eubanks - Former President of Johnson University and Chief Operating Officer of Johnson University Florida from 2013-2015
- Andrew Peterson - Christian author and recording artist (Class of 1997)
- Fred Smith Jr. - College Founder
- James E. Smith - Bible Scholar (Professor Emeritus)
- Mandy Harvey - Jazz Singer and finalist on America's Got Talent season 12 (daughter of JUFL Professor Dr. Joe Harvey)
Images
References
External links
- Official website
- Official Athletics Website