Johnson University Florida

Johnson University Florida is a private Christian university in Kissimmee, Florida. It is part of the Johnson University system with its main campus outside Knoxville Tennessee and an online campus. It is affiliated with the Independent Christian Church of the Restoration Movement. The campus will be closing in 2024.[2]

For another, unrelated institution which also formerly used the name Florida Christian College, see Florida College.
Johnson University Florida
Former names
Central Florida Bible College (1975–1986)
Florida Christian College (1986–2013)
MottoFaith, Prayer, Work
TypePrivate university
Established1976
PresidentTommy Smith
ProvostGregory Linton
Academic staff
25
Administrative staff
31
Students188[1]
Location
Kissimmee
,
Florida
,
United States
CampusSuburban, 44 acres
Colors     
Navy Blue, Orange and White
NicknameSuns
Sporting affiliations
NCCAA – Division II South
Websitewww.JohnsonU.edu

History

Johnson University Florida was founded in 1975 as Central Florida Bible College. Following a move to its current main campus in 1986, the name changed to Florida Christian College. In 2013, after completing a merger with Johnson University, the school became Johnson University Florida.[3]

2013 Acquisition by 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.[4] Although the college appealed the committee's decision, SACS denied the appeal in February 2013.[5] 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.[6] 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.[7] 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.[8] 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.

Closure

On July 7, 2023, Johnson University announced that its Florida campus would be closing on June 30, 2024. The university cited a failure to increase enrollment after the creation of a "turnaround plan" in 2021 that attempted to revitalize enrollment, retention, and income.[9] The university offered students the opportunity to transfer to the Tennessee campus, complete their degree online, or transfer to nearby universities in Florida.

Academics

The curriculum offers courses in a variety of majors. All students are required to take a core of Bible and theology classes along with their chosen major. The college offers multiple undergraduate programs, including certificates, Associate of Arts and Associate of Applied Science programs, Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science programs, and a Master of Strategic Ministry program.

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 (SACS) from 1995 to 2012.[10] After losing its accreditation with SACS, it was acquired by Johnson University and is now once again regionally accredited. It is a member of the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities and the Florida Association of Colleges and Universities.

The university is organized into eight schools:

  • School of Arts & Sciences
  • School of Bible & Theology
  • School of Business & Public Leadership
  • School of Communication & Creative Arts
  • School of Congregational Ministry
  • Templar School of Education
  • School of Intercultural Studies
  • School of Social & Behavioral Sciences

Athletics

The athletic teams of the Johnson–Florida (JUFL) campus are called the Suns. The campus is a member of the National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA), primarily competing as an independent in the South Region of the Division II level.

JUFL competes in five intercollegiate varsity sports: Men's sports include basketball and soccer; while women's sports include basketball, soccer and volleyball.

Accomplishments

The men's baseball team earned second place in the 2012 NCCAA D-II National Championship and third place in the 2013 National Championship.[11][12]

The men's basketball team won the 2012 NCCAA D-II South Regional Championship.[13]

Notable people

Images
  • Aerial view of JUFL campus.
    Aerial view of JUFL campus.
  • The Chapman Center, main building of JUFL.
    The Chapman Center, main building of JUFL.
  • Old Florida Christian College logo.
    Old Florida Christian College logo.
  • Swing overlooking lake at JUFL.
    Swing overlooking lake at JUFL.

References
  1. "Fast Facts" (PDF). Retrieved 30 October 2018.
  2. "Announcement of JUFL Campus Closure". Johnson University.
  3. "Archived copy" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2013-10-08. Retrieved 2013-07-01.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  4. Doug Lederman (December 12, 2012). "Headline-Driven Accreditation". Inside Higher Ed. Retrieved December 19, 2012.
  5. "SACS Disclosure Statement". SACSCOC. Retrieved Dec 29, 2012.
  6. "Archived copy" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2013-08-27. Retrieved 2013-04-06.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  7. "Archived copy" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2013-05-03. Retrieved 2013-05-21.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  8. "Johnson University - Dr. Eubanks to Florida Christian College". Archived from the original on 2013-04-03. Retrieved 2013-04-06.
  9. "Announcement of JUFL Campus Closure". Johnson University.
  10. "SACSCOC List of Accredited Schools" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2011-07-22.
  11. http://www.thenccaa.org/custompages/History%20PDF%20Files/Baseball%20DII%20History.pdf
  12. "National Christian College Athletic Association Division II Baseball National Championship – May 8-11, 2013" (PDF). National Christian College Athletic Association. May 11, 2013. Retrieved March 23, 2016.
  13. http://www.thenccaa.org/custompages/History%20PDF%20Files/Men%27s%20Basketball%20DII%20Archives.pdf

28°18′10.1″N 81°21′45″W

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