FCCJ to become state college, name change likely

[uptowngirl]

As long as it stays affordable it will still meet the needs of the "downtrodden". Come on folks a four year downtown, that is going to spur development for sure!

Aren't they doing an expansion now?

[ProjectMaximus]

It would be awesome if the Downtown location were large enough to warrant housing on campus. St Petersburg College has no dorms on any campus despite their name change, but I don't know if any of the other 9 pilot colleges have initiated any form of housing.

Seems to me that FCCJ is extremely large and should be able to support on campus housing somewhere (though whether that is downtown remains to be seen).

In any case, I think we're getting a bit ahead of ourselves...the school is beginning to award a few 4-year degrees beginning this fall and I think they're mainly focused on how that goes. I heard from my parents (both professors at FCCJ) that a decision on the state college designation probably won't be made for awhile.

[Charles Hunter]

How 'bout First Coast College of Jacksonville - won't even have to change the initials.
I think the current downtown construction at FCCJ is to fancy-up their State Street entrance.  But a full-fledged downtown college, with dorms, would be great.  UNF could have had that, until the State was given 1000 acres out in the boonies.  And they should concentrate the 4-year program on an expanded (vertically) downtown campus.

[rjp2008]

"First Coast College" - that sounds great.

By the way - drove down there today. That area has terrific potential to be a beautiful campus. An abundance of parks nearby, lake, stream, etc. Vacant land nearby would be easy to acquire for expansion.

[thelakelander]

It could really turn around the whole Hogan's Creek/State & Union corridor between Downtown and Springfield in the long run.

[blizz01]

Assuming this happened, would ALL locations continue to be utilized?  Also, would there not be a need for a "community college" anymore?  Seems to me that Kent campus or downtown would be the most viable options for expansion and/or on-site quarters.

[copperfiend]

"First Coast College" - that sounds great.

By the way - drove down there today. That area has terrific potential to be a beautiful campus. An abundance of parks nearby, lake, stream, etc. Vacant land nearby would be easy to acquire for expansion.

I go to the First Florida CU down in that area. I usually make a point to drive by FCCJ. There is definitely potential to make it a great urban campus. You could easily have student housing.

[BridgeTroll]

How 'bout First Coast College of Jacksonville - won't even have to change the initials.
I think the current downtown construction at FCCJ is to fancy-up their State Street entrance.  But a full-fledged downtown college, with dorms, would be great.  UNF could have had that, until the State was given 1000 acres out in the boonies.  And they should concentrate the 4-year program on an expanded (vertically) downtown campus.

Good one...!  I like it!

[urbanlibertarian]

John T. Alsop College, Fuller Warren College, A. Phillip Randolf College, John Matthews College, Bob Hayes College, Wolfson College, Clara White College...

[JaxByDefault]

John T. Alsop College, Fuller Warren College, A. Phillip Randolf College, John Matthews College, Bob Hayes College, Wolfson College, Clara White College...

Or...John Peyton College.  What? No takers?

[Bewler]

This might have been mentioned before, but I would personally rather see off campus downtown dorms that are walking distance from either FCCJ itself or any of the Skyway stations. Students could just ride the monorail to get to class plus more renovations for our existing buildings rather than new construction on the actual campus. Not sure what the likely hood of this happening would actually be though.

[Seraphs]

Frist Coast College of Jacksonville - Good one, Charles Hunter.

[bross3487]

Why not just make it a satellite campus of the University of Florida especially since UF already does a lot with Shands here in Jacksonville. 
University of Florida - Jacksonville.
This satellite campus could offer more workforce type degrees rather than typical university degrees that are usually broad which could be offerred by the Gainesville campus.

[apvbguy]

considering the state already has massive financial problems I don't understand the need to spend money on this, we already have a state university here, UNF, why do we need another one? As another has noted JAX needs a low level, low cost school like FCCJ

[JeffreyS]

FCCJ remains commited to filling the role it plays in the community with low cost entry level education. They also want to add to the four year programs they offer and the new status requires a name change.  FCCJ is run so well I tend to trust them. This is an expansion not and not just another UNF.