Seminole State College of Florida

"Seminole State" redirects here. For the public college in Oklahoma, see Seminole State College (Oklahoma).

Seminole State College of Florida is a public college based in Sanford, Florida, United States. It is part of the Florida College System.

Seminole State College of Florida

Former names	Seminole Junior College (1965–1975) Seminole Community College (1975–2009)
Type	Public college
Established	1965; 60 years ago (1965)
Parent institution	Florida College System
Accreditation	SACS
Endowment	$12.5 million (2024)[1]
Budget	$95.6 million (2024)[2]
President	Georgia L. Lorenz
Academic staff	202 (full-time)[3] 360 (part-time)[3]
Undergraduates	14,323 (fall 2022)[3]
Location	Sanford , Florida , United States 28.7444°N 81.3055°W / 28.7444; -81.3055
Campus	Large suburb[3]
Colors	Dark blue and bright gold
Nickname	Raiders
Sporting affiliations	NJCAA Region 8 – Mid-Florida Conference
Mascot	Rally Raider
Website	www.seminolestate.edu

History

The SCC logo circa 1997–2009

Established by the Florida Legislature in 1965 as Seminole Junior College, the school began operations in August 1966 with 700 students. The original campus was situated on an 80-acre (32 ha) site previously used for citrus cultivation in Sanford.^[4]

In 1975, the institution was renamed Seminole Community College. By 2006, it partnered with the University of Central Florida to launch "DirectConnect to UCF," guaranteeing admission to UCF for Seminole State graduates. In 2009, the college was renamed "Seminole State College of Florida" to reflect its expanded degree offerings, including its first bachelor's degree program.^[5]

Campuses

The main campus is located in Sanford, adjacent to Lake Mary, and provides a variety of academic programs and includes the Grindle Honors Institute, a fine arts theater, planetarium, and the Center for Public Safety. The Oviedo campus supports students aiming to transfer to the University of Central Florida through the DirectConnect program. The Altamonte Springs campus offers programs in healthcare, general education, and adult education. The Center for Economic Development in Heathrow focuses on workforce training and supporting local technology industries in collaboration with regional businesses.

Academics

View of a few buildings at Seminole State College

Seminole State is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. It offers a range of associate and bachelor's degrees, with specific program accreditations including the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs, and the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing.

Seminole State offers several online associate and baccalaureate degrees, as well as many certificate programs.

Notable alumni

Dee Gordon

• Wendy Bruce, retired gymnast
• Mike Clevinger, professional baseball player
• Rob Ducey, professional baseball player and member of 2004 Canadian Olympic team
• Dee Gordon, professional baseball player
• John Hart, professional baseball manager
• Ed Hickox, professional baseball umpire
• Norm Lewis, Broadway actor
• Doug Marlette, cartoonist
• Preston McGann, professional football player
• Brett Oberholtzer, professional baseball player
• Paula Pell, comedy and screenwriter
• Mikael Pernfors, professional tennis player
• Hardy Rawls, actor
• Bobby Thigpen, professional baseball player
• George Zimmerman, man who fatally shot Trayvon Martin^[6]