Florida Southern College History
The history of Florida Southern College is told through the lives of students, alumni,
faculty, and staff. These exhibits feature stories about the people, events, and spaces
that have made the college what it is today.
Alumnae Florida Citrus Queen and Miss Florida Citrus Winners:
Throughout the years, multiple Florida Southern College alumnae have won the pageant as both Florida Citrus Queen and Miss Florida Citrus.
Alumni Legislators in the Florida House of Representatives and Senate:
Throughout Florida Southern College history, multiple graduates, former students, and honorary alumni have gone on to serve the legislative branch of the Florida government in both the Florida House of Representatives and Florida Senate. This is their story.
Athletics, 1908 to Present:
A decade-by-decade chart of the sports and sporting events that have been present at Florida Southern College.
Athletics: Football:
Many years ago, FSC did indeed field a football team. They even beat UF!
Athletics: Mascots:
A look through all the different mascots the College has had throughout the years
Athletics: Road to the Triple Crown: 1980-1981:
In the 1980-1981 season, Florida Southern College Athletics won three NCAA Division II Championships in Men’s Basketball, Men’s Golf, and Baseball for the first and only time in college history.
Campus Buildings and Grounds:
The history of the College during its over 100-year tenure in Lakeland can be seen through the development of its physical space over the years.
College Seals:
The evolution of the official seal.
Dr. Boris Sokoloff:
Refugee of the Soviet Regime and a noted professor.
Freshman Proverbs:
Words of wisdom from 1912!
FSC History Sources:
Books that have been written about Florida Southern College.
FSC Off-Campus Properties:
A "then and now" StoryMap exhibit of the properties around the Lakeland area that have been or are currently owned by the college.
FSC Press:
A list of books published under the auspices of the FSC Press.
Graduates of Southern College, 1890 to 1934:
Some of the earliest graduating classes of Southern College. My, how we have grown!
Homecoming 1974: Your Four Years at Florida Southern College!:
An exhibit created in 2024 to celebrate The Golden Mocs of '74.
Honorary Chancellors:
Every year, FSC gives special recognition to an individual who has made extraordinary contributions in their field. 1934-present.
Honorary Degrees & Citations:
A list of individuals who have received honorary degrees or citations from the college, 1891-present.
Library Bookplates:
An exhibit featuring the different bookplates used by the E.T. Roux Library.
Main Campus Locations:
FSC was founded in 1883, but has only been in Lakeland since 1922. Take a look at some of our other addresses over the years.
Olympic Mocs:
To date, twelve alumni have participated in the Olympics in some form, whether it be as an athlete, athletic trainer, coach, or journalist.
The Pipkin Family:
The story of one of Lakeland's most famous families and their long relationship with the college.
Poems:
One student's ode to Southern College, c.1912.
Presidents of Florida Southern College:
A list with brief biographies of our presidents, 1883-present.
Satellite Programs:
An interactive StoryMap exhibit that explores some of the offsite programs administered by Florida Southern College over the years.
Southern Voices Oral History Project:
The Southern Voices Oral History Project is part of the oral history program of the McKay Archives Center. Are you a Florida Southern College alum? Would you like to tell your story? Contact the archives at archives@flsouthern.edu for more information on sharing your legacy with FSC.
Thomas Mack:
Professor and founder of the Citrus Institute at Florida Southern College.