Record number of graduates at Baptist College of Florida

GRACEVILLE (FBW)—One of the largest graduating classes in its 65 year history walked across the stage at The Baptist College of Florida in Graceville May 11.

"Graduation continues to be the story of God's amazing love and fulfilled dreams," a college spokesperson said in a news release.

Fulfilling a lifelong dream of her own, Marion Bette Jackson of Miami, who grew up in the Bahamas, said she always wanted to attend a Bible college. She put this dream aside as she married, had a son and daughter, and taught elementary school in Dade County for 28 years.

Jackson said she eventually felt God calling her to retire early so she could attend Bible school. After a long journey, she ended up at the BCF extension site in Miami. Unfortunately, the site closed soon after Jackson enrolled, so she transferred to the BCF extension in Orlando.

Every Wednesday for three years Jackson would board a Greyhound bus at midnight, ride it to Orlando, and take classes on Thursday, arriving home at 4:30 a.m. Friday. Before graduation Jackson said , in spite of her many challenges and trials, "it's been a joyous journey."

In addition to the landmark number of graduates for the year, the ceremony also witnessed the signing of the school's articles of faith by Richard Elligson and Ed Scott, the newest members of the BCF faculty. For Scott the occasion was highlighted when he awarded his daughter Meagan her bachelors degree in Christian counseling.

The school's president, Thomas A. Kinchen, in his address referenced scripture in Numbers 9 where the children of Israel followed God wherever and whenever He told them to go.

As such, BCF graduates can relate to and ask the same three questions that faced the Israelites; where do I go, when do I go, and how long do I stay? said Kinchen.

"The answer is still the same," Kinchen said. "Wherever He leads! Whenever He moves! And stay as long as God leads." Kinchen told the graduates to "enjoy the great journey in the service of the Most High God."

Graduating from college is not only a dream for many; it is a significant personal achievement. To learn more about how The Baptist College of Florida can help fulfill educational goals, contact the BCF Admissions Office at 800-328-2660 ext. 460.

The school began in 1943 as the dream of Frank Faris who saw a need for Christian education in Florida. That dream took the shape of Florida Baptist Institute (FBI), graduating its first two students in 1946. The next year the school graduated four men, all educated in spare classrooms at the First Baptist Church of Lakeland. The school relocated to Graceville in 1953 and was given its current name in 2000.

Over 125 men and women graduated this academic year combining the December and May graduating classes. From 20 to 60 years old, graduates received degrees in music, divinity, Christian education, biblical studies, Christian counseling, Christian education, church music, elementary education, leadership, ministry, missions, and theology.