BCF Trustees Approve Schedule for Lakeland Location and Launch New Building Program in Graceville
GRACEVILLE–Steps toward the launching of a second location in Lakeland, dedication of a new pavilion and the groundbreaking for two new housing units highlighted the Oct. 17-18 meeting of The Baptist College of Florida’s (BCF) Board of Trustees in Graceville.
The actions come at “an absolutely pivotal time in the life of the college,” according to BCF President Thomas A. Kinchen.
“Launching the new work in Lakeland will give us the opportunity to provide top-quality Christian higher education in a high population growth area of the state,” he said. “Also, the new facilities being provided in Graceville will ensure that the same top-quality education will continue to be offered in northwest Florida.”
Trustees received reports on the progress of negotiations relating to insurance settlements for damages from Hurricane Michael. The college is still involved in negotiations between its insurance carrier and the public adjusters hired by the college.
“We are closer than we have been in the negotiations, but we still have a long way to go,” said Kinchen. The college made some vital repairs on the campus, but the majority of the needed repairs are still on hold.
Progress on the sale of the Blue Springs property in Graceville was also discussed during the meeting. Trustees learned that a great deal of cleanup work has been completed on the property and that the college has begun the process of renovating space on the Graceville campus for future camping and conference programs.
Over the years, the college’s administration has purchased more than 100 acres adjacent to the original campus. This land will provide enough space to relocate the programming from the Blue Springs location without purchasing additional space.
The dedication of “Grand Bobbie’s Pavilion” marked the completion of a project to honor the memory of a beloved friend of the college. Bobbie Wyrick was a long-time supporter of the school who loved visiting the campus and especially enjoyed events at the Heritage Village. After her death, Wyrick’s family desired to honor her with a physical memorial on the campus.
“Grand Bobbie’s Pavilion is well named,” said Kinchen. “Grand Bobbie was the title that her grandchildren called Mrs. Wyrick. It is especially appropriate for the pavilion because she was a grand lady and the pavilion is a grand facility. It will be used by countless generations at the college.”
Groundbreaking for two new housing units marks the beginning of a new community housing model for the college. Currently, married student housing is located in a section of the campus with housing for retirees and staff in another area.
“With the new housing units, we will have true community with married students, retirees and staff members all living in an intergenerational setting,” said Kinchen.
This will add to the strong sense of community on the BCF campus.”
For more information on upcoming events or BCF degree programs, please call 800.328.2660 or visit the website at www.baptistcollege.edu.
