United Methodist Higher Education Foundation
The UMHEF offers scholarships specifically for United Methodist students attending UMC-affiliated colleges and universities, including Florida Southern. Awards are merit-based and vary by program.
Office of Church Relations
Celebrating Our Connection
Florida Southern College was founded in 1883 by the Florida Conference of the Methodist Church, and that relationship remains one of the defining threads of who we are as an institution. The Office of Church Relations was established to enhance and strengthen the bond between Florida Southern and the United Methodist Church, particularly the Florida Annual Conference, serving as a bridge between the College and UMC communities across the region.
The office serves United Methodist churches and their members by providing programs on campus and in individual congregations, assisting and encouraging United Methodist young people to consider FSC, and serving as a resource center for the Conference.
Bishop in Residence
Bishop Robert E. Fannin, a 1958 FSC graduate, serves as Bishop in Residence at Florida Southern College. A former senior minister of First United Methodist Church of Lakeland, Bishop Fannin completed his graduate and doctoral studies at Candler School of Theology at Emory University and went on to serve across the Florida Annual Conference before his election to the Episcopacy in July 1992 at the Southeastern Jurisdictional Conference.
During his distinguished career, Bishop Fannin served as a delegate to the General and Jurisdictional Conference in 1984, 1988, and 1992, and to the World Methodist Conference in 1986, 1992, 1997, and 2002. He has served on numerous national boards and agencies of the UMC, including the General Council on Ministries and the Board of Higher Education and Ministry, and as a board member of Birmingham-Southern College, Bethune-Cookman College, and Huntingdon College. Metropolitan Dade County declared June 9, 1991 Dr. Robert E. Fannin Day in recognition of his community leadership.
His presence on campus reflects FSC's deep and continuing connection to the United Methodist tradition and its commitment to forming leaders of faith and character.
UMC Scholarships
United Methodist students attending Florida Southern College may be eligible for scholarship support through the United Methodist Church and its affiliated organizations. These scholarships are available in addition to FSC's own financial aid programs and can make a meaningful difference in the affordability of your education.
United Methodist Higher Education Foundation
The UMHEF offers scholarships specifically for United Methodist students attending UMC-affiliated colleges and universities, including Florida Southern. Awards are merit-based and vary by program.
Florida Annual Conference Scholarships
The Florida Conference of The United Methodist Church offers scholarship support for United Methodist students pursuing higher education within the Conference's geographic area.
Campus Ministry and Spiritual Life
Students gather weekly for student-led worship through Beyond, the largest student organization on campus, share a monthly meal and Holy Communion at The Feast, and find community in student-led groups representing Catholic, Jewish, Muslim, and interdenominational traditions. The Chaplain's Office adds programming open to every student regardless of background, free and confidential pastoral counseling, and a Sunday Worship Shuttle that connects students with congregations across Lakeland.
Christmas Gala
Each year United Methodist churches from across the Florida Annual Conference are invited to bring groups to the FSC Christmas Gala, a spectacular showcase of instrumental and vocal talent from the Department of Music that has become a beloved tradition for church groups beginning their Christmas season. Lunch is included.
For tickets and group reservations, contact the Office of Church Relations.
Church Relations
Get in Touch
Florida Southern's connection to the United Methodist Church is one of our oldest and most treasured. If you're looking to strengthen that connection, as a student, a congregation, or a community partner, the Office of Church Relations are here to help.
