During their Pre-Convention meeting on October 18, 2022, the Board of Trustees of The Baptist College of Florida (BCF) in Graceville received reports from each of the committees outlining the significant work being done in each area. The executive committee informed the board of the sale of the clinic building and the re-lease agreement with the Tri-County Airport Authority.
Based on a recommendation from the administrative committee, the Trustees voted to name the BCF School of Business after Ted Spangenberg for his dedication to the Lord, to the college, and continued support of business leadership.
The building and maintenance committee acknowledged and commended the hard work completed by the volunteers from several churches over the summer and announced the demolition of the Eastlake House within the next few days. Repairs are still being made to housing units due to the damage from Hurricane Michael. Funds for repairs are expected from the insurance negotiations according to the legal team member that addressed the board.
There were no changes or updates presented by the curriculum committee other than referencing the strong interest and excitement in South Florida for the establishment of a program of study. The desire for a Christ-centered, Bible-based, accredited, and affordable program at the Southeast Florida Center of the Florida Baptist Convention in Hialeah has met with the most positive response from area leadership and prospective students.
The finance committee presented a report with no long-term debt and board members received an update from the BCF Financial Advisor Pete Chamberlain on holdings, etc. The publicity and promotions chair shared his heart for the idea of churches pledging to give to the college monthly and quickly added that he was able to add that pledge amount into their associational budget.
During the meeting, the Board of Trustees were able to take a break and gather in the R. G. Lee Chapel to hear President Elect Clayton Cloer preach during the BCF Annual Missions Conference held on the campus. Cloer boldly challenged participants to not let their “Go begin to Slow” in sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
At the conclusion of the October meeting, BCF President Thomas A. Kinchen presented plaques to members rotating off the board and thanked them for their dedicated years of service to the college. Kinchen then invited everyone to join him and Cloer for the alumni and friends of the college breakfast at the Florida Baptist State Convention in Pensacola on Monday, November 14. The Trustee Meeting adjourned the same way it began, with a heartfelt prayer for the college that trains students to change the world. The next board meeting will be held on January 19, 2023.