Overview

About this Catalog

Welcome to the Baptist University of Florida! You can be sure that we, the faculty, staff, and administration, are dedicated to supporting you in every way possible as you pursue your education.

If this is your first experience with college or university study, you may come across terms that are unclear as you review this catalog, such as those terms related to academic requirements. For that reason, we have included a glossary. Whenever you see a term that puzzles you, please refer to this section.

For students of BUF, the catalog is a guide concerning university policies, regulations, and requirements. It communicates academic regulations, requirements, curricula, and courses. Like all colleges and universities, BUF has determined specific criteria that students must meet in order to earn degrees. In this publication, you will find these criteria.

Although you are responsible for understanding and complying with the requirements related to your program of study, the university’s academic advisors will be glad to assist you in planning an academic program that will lead to graduation and the degree of your choice.

Here you will also find full details about university expenses and financial aid, as well as the annual calendar, a resource directory, and other important information. This catalog is a useful resource. We suggest you keep it handy and refer to it often as you continue to equip yourself for the ministry to which God has called you.

Mission

Baptist University of Florida exists to serve Florida Baptists and the wider Christian community by providing premier Christian higher education and programs of study from a Christian worldview at the certificate, associate, baccalaureate, and graduate levels in a co-educational post-secondary setting. The mission is to educate and prepare Christian leaders for Kingdom service.

History

In the early 1940’s, a group of concerned pastors joined together with a common burden and vision. Their burden was to help those pastors and other church leaders who did not have college degrees but who needed seminary-type training. Their vision was to establish a school that would provide a mixture of Bible and general education courses for these God-called men and women. The result, in 1943, was the founding of Florida Baptist Institute in Lakeland, Florida. Two years later the name was changed to Baptist Bible Institute (BBI).

In 1953, BBI leaders moved the school to Graceville, Florida, and in 1957 the Florida Baptist State Convention assumed ownership and control. Over the years, the university’s leaders have continued to expand and strengthen academic resources.

Throughout its history, the university has never lost sight of its original target group - those men and women, frequently called later in life, who seek college training that leads directly to Christian ministry. To ensure them acceptable credentials in the churches and to broaden the base of study, the baccalaureate degree program was added in 1976. Associate degrees were added in 1988. By then the school had long surpassed its earlier academic composition and the name of the institution was changed in 1988 to Florida Baptist Theological College. Growth has continued in all areas of the university with the addition of numerous degree programs, areas of study and delivery systems. Therefore, as a more accurate reflection of the college’s academic character, the name of the institution was changed in 2000 to The Baptist College of Florida. In 2010, The Baptist College of Florida was approved to offer graduate degrees. In 2023, the name was changed to Baptist University of Florida. In 2025, the University became a Level V institution, offering the Education Specialist degree and Doctoral degrees.

Accreditations and Memberships

Baptist University of Florida is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate, baccalaureate, master, education specialist, and doctoral degrees. Baptist University of Florida also offers credentials such as certificates at approved degree levels. Questions about the accreditation of Baptist University of Florida may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org).

BUF holds membership in the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities, the International Association of Baptist Colleges and Universities, and the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements. The university athletics holds membership with the National Christian College Athletic Association. The university is authorized under federal law to enroll nonimmigrant students.

Doctrinal Statement

At the Baptist University of Florida, we believe:

I.  The Bible is the divinely inspired and revealed Word of God.

II.  God is the Holy Trinity: God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Spirit.

III.  Jesus is the Christ, the eternal Son of the living God, the Savior of men, born of a virgin, equal with the Father in every divine perfection, and the Lord of every Christian. The Lord Jesus Christ died on the cross, was buried, rose again the third day, and ascended to the right hand of God the Father, where he now sits in heaven as our Mediator. The return of the Lord Jesus Christ will be visible and personal. He has taught us to live in readiness to meet Him.

IV.  The Holy Spirit is a person, equal with the Father and the Son in every divine perfection, who convicts of sin, regenerates, enlightens, endues for service, comforts, and guides believers.

V.  All have sinned, and therefore, are in need of salvation.

VI.  Salvation is by grace alone. Salvation is free to all who, through repentance and faith, surrender to the Lord Jesus Christ. All who have been born again are eternally secure and will persevere to the end.

VII.  Salvation precedes Scriptural baptism and church membership. Christ personally instituted the church, which He commissioned to make disciples of all nations, to baptize believers, and to teach them to do all things that He had commanded. There are only two Scriptural ordinances: believer’s baptism and the Lord’s Supper.

VIII.  There are only two classes in God’s sight:  saved and lost. The saved shall live eternally in conscious blessedness in heaven; the unsaved shall live eternally in conscious punishment in hell forever.

IX.  We hold these distinctive Baptist principles: “the absolute Lordship of Christ,” “the supreme authority of the Holy Scriptures,” “the competency of the individual soul,” “the necessity of regeneration for church membership,” “the complete separation of church and state,” and “the autonomy of the local church.”

Biblical Worldview

The Baptist University of Florida espouses the worldview set forth in Scripture. This position is reflected throughout both the curriculum and extra-curricular activities of the university. Every student completing a degree graduates with a minimum of 15 semester hours of Biblical/Theological Foundation courses. All courses are taught from the perspective of the biblical worldview as opposed to the perspective of other worldviews such as postmodernism, existentialism, deism, and naturalism. Furthermore, a number of courses are significant requirements in some degree programs and electives in others for those individuals who may desire more depth in worldview studies. Examples of such courses include the following:

PHI 201. Introduction to Christian Worldview

PHI 301. Problems in Philosophy

PHI 402. Contemporary Ethical Issues

TH 301, TH 302. Christian Doctrine

TH 403. Apologetics

MI 404. World Religions

Faculty

Compared with other educational institutions of this type, the university’s highly qualified faculty is second to none in credentials, commitment, and experience. Since the university is affiliated with the Florida Baptist Convention, it will only hire Southern Baptists for faculty positions in the School of Theology and Ministry. The university will strive to hire Southern Baptists for all other faculty positions. The institution will consider candidates from different denominational backgrounds if they affirm the university’s statement of faith and are willing to teach from a biblical and evangelical Christian worldview. Over two-thirds of the university’s professors hold doctorates. Most gained significant practical experience in a church-related ministry before joining the faculty.

Distance-Online Education

The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges has approved Baptist University of Florida to offer all degrees and majors online. Through National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA) membership, Baptist University of Florida is authorized to provide online courses and degrees to students across the nation with few restrictions. For more information, see the NC-SARA website: http://nc-sara.org or contact the Provost’s office.

As required by Section 6E-2.0041 (11) of the Florida Administrative Code, student records and transcripts for credit awarded through accredited traditional, online, distance, or directed individual instruction are recorded and maintained at the institution and made available to the Commission for Independent Education, Florida Department of Education on request.

Completing a course or program in a Language other than English may reduce employability where English is required.

Organizational Structure

BUF Organizational Structure

President, Dr. Clayton Cloer, ccloer@buf.edu            

 

Cabinet

• Dr. Melodee Davis, Provost and Director of Accreditation & Compliance, mdavis@buf.edu
• Sharal Henderson, Chief Financial Officer, EVP for Efficiency, and In-House Counsel, shenderson@buf.edu
• Dr. Israel Martin, President, BUF Global, imartin@buf.edu

 

BUF Academic Structure (English and Online)

Provost, Dr. Melodee Davis, mdavis@buf.edu

 

Deans

• School of Arts & Sciences, Dr. Tonya Gardner, tgardner@buf.edu
• Spangenberg School of Business (interim), Matthew Fredryk, mfredryk@buf.edu
• School of Education, Kristy Lindamood, klindamood@buf.edu
• School of Music & Worship, Joseph Lindamood, jlindamood@buf.edu
• School of Nursing, Melissa Finch, mfinch@buf.edu
• School of Theology & Ministry, Dr. Shawn Buice, sbuice@buf.edu

 

BUF Global Academic Structure (Hispano, Portuguese, French, Filipino, Bilingual)

Dr. Israel Martin, President, BUF Global, imartin@buf.edu

Provost, Daniel Martin, dmartin@buf.edu

 

Deans:

• School of Arts & Sciences, Daniel Martin, dmartin@buf.edu
• Spangenberg School of Business, Dr. Jennifer Maceo, jmaceohernandez@buf.edu
• School of Education, Dr. Yaniel Marrero, ymarrero@buf.edu
• School of Music & Worship, Dr. Samuel Robles, srobles@buf.edu
• School of Theology & Ministry, Dr. Eliezer Villalobos, evillaloboscarbajo@buf.edu

Contact Information

Contact Information

Graceville (Main) Campus

5400 College Drive, Graceville, FL  32440

Phone: 800-328-2660 

 

Online Undergraduate Programs

5400 College Drive, Graceville, FL  32440

Phone: 800-328-2660 

 

English Graduate Programs

School of Arts & Sciences Contact Information: Dr. Tonya Gardner, Dean

Email: tgardner@buf.edu

Phone: 800-328-2660 x. 489

 

Spangenberg School of Business Contact Information: Matthew Fredryk, Interim Dean

Email: mfredryk@buf.edu

Phone: 800-328-2660 x. 418 

 

School of Education Contact Information: Kristy Lindamood, Dean

Email: klindamood@buf.edu

Phone: 800-328-2660 x. 430

 

School of Music & Worship Contact Information: Joseph Lindamood, Dean

Email: jlindamood@buf.edu

Phone: 800-328-2660 x. 465

 

School of Theology & Ministry Contact Information: Dr. Shawn Buice, Dean

Email: sbuice@buf.edu

Phone: 800-328-2660 x. 415

 

 

BUF Global Programs – Hispano, Portuguese, French, Filipino, Bilingual

Information Contact: Dr. Israel Martin, President BUF Global

Email: imartin@buf.edu

Phone: 407-514-4426

 

Miami-Hialeah Campus OCIS

Florida Baptist Convention, Southeast Center

631 East 1st Avenue, Hialeah, FL 33010

 

West Palm Beach Campus OCIS

5780 W. Atlantic Ave, Delray Beach, FL 33484

 

Miami-Emmanuel Campus OCIS

Haitian Emmanuel Baptist Church- Miami

7321 NE 2nd Ave, Miami, FL 33138

 

Orlando Campus OCIS

FBC Orlando

3000 South John Young Parkway, Orlando, FL 32805

Faith Hall (FH) Building, Rooms 301 A-D

 

Broward Campus OCIS

5600 Coral Ridge Drive, Coral Springs, FL 33076

 

 

Campus and Facilities

Graceville Campus and Facilities

The main campus of the university occupies a beautiful, approximately 200-acre campus in Graceville, a town located in the Florida panhandle. All campus buildings are grouped together and are within a five-minute walk of each other. Students with disabilities have easy access to campus facilities.

Administration Building

Completed in December of 2008, the Administration Building houses senior administration on the upper floor, including the President. The Business Office and Financial Aid Office can be found on the lower floor. 

Brackin-Chandler Hall

Built in 1985, this residence hall is named for two Dothan Baptist businessmen, Carl Brackin and Dan Chandler, who are consistent financial supporters of the university. It has been newly renovated and holds up to 32 residents. 

Carlton Hall

Carlton Hall is the home of our School of Music & Worship and the Ida J. McMillan Library. 

Clark House

Serving as a part of the institution’s history repository, the Clark House contains the John Sullivan Collection, the President’s Room, and other significant pieces of history. 

Conner Chapel

Completed in 2008, the Conner Chapel is set off the rear of the R.G. Lee Chapel. Built with a gift from First Baptist Church of Panama City, the chapel is open from 6:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m. for prayer. 

Conrad Court

Completed in 2009, Conrad Court is a collection of homes for students built in memory of Thomas B. Conrad for a lifetime of dedicated Christian Service. It is a community-oriented housing style for single students. It holds up to 48 residents. 

Deese Center

Completed in 2015, the Deese Center houses the food service for the campus. Mr. and Mrs. George Deese donated the building in memory of their deceased son. 

Ed Solomon Hall

This classroom facility was constructed in 1964 and named in honor of the late editor of the Florida Baptist Witness. It contains five classrooms. 

Ezell Street Apartments

Built and dedicated in 1991, these three-bedroom, two bath apartments serve as on campus dormitories. They can hold up to 24 residents.

Frank Farris Student Center

Constructed in 1969, the Student Center houses the Admissions Office, the Student Life Office, King’s Cup Coffee Shop and Bistro, Izzy’s Isle Campus Store, student mailboxes, and the President’s Conference Room. 

Florida Baptist History and Heritage Center

Dedicated in 2017, the center is the home of the archives of the Florida Baptist Convention and the Baptist University of Florida. 

Graceville Hall

This facility was built in 1964 and houses faculty offices as well as the Registrar and IT. 

Grand Bobbie’s Pavilion

Built in 2019, provided by and named for a beloved donor, the pavilion provides a covered space for the baseball and softball teams to practice. 

Ida J. McMillan Library

The Library is located in Carlton Hall and is the resource center which provides educational materials and services for faculty and students. The Director of Library Services and the library staff are available to offer assistance to students and faculty in locating materials and providing other library services. 

Kinchen Center

Opened in 2018, the Kinchen Center was built in the style of the 19th century schoolhouse, a reminder of our Baptist Heritage in Education. It was named and dedicated in honor of former BUF President and First Lady, Dr. Thomas A. Kinchen and Mrs. Ruth Ann Kinchen. 

Lakeside Hall

This residence hall was completed and first occupied fall semester 1994. It has been newly renovated and holds up to 48 residents. 

Lakeview Court

Built over the years, this complex contains two- and three-bedroom individual apartments. Many of the housing units are gifts. 

McRae-Morrow Hall

Constructed in 1981, this facility is named for two Graceville families who have been devoted supporters of the university. This building houses the Athletic Coach offices.

Napier Hall

Built in 1999, this residence hall holds up to 46 residents and is named in honor of Joe Napier, long-time supporter and friend of the university. 

Pod Residence Hall

Built in 2007, the Pod Residence Hall consists of five rooms and holds up to 10 residents. 

R.C. Mills Center for Evangelism and Missions

Completed in 2010, this is a 6000 square foot classroom facility that houses two large classrooms, a 152-seat auditorium, and offices for faculty.  

Robert G. Lee Chapel

Built in 1958, the chapel is named for a former pastor of Bellevue Baptist Church in Memphis, Tennessee. Stained glass windows were added to the chapel in 1993, the interior was renovated in 2000, and the exterior was renovated in 2006. The stage was renovated in 2026.

Smith Hall

Built in 1990, this facility is named in honor of Mrs. Jean Smith Chandler, and in memory of her grandmother, Mrs. Lena Spivey Smith. It holds up to 32 residents. 

Taylor House

Completed in 2009, the Taylor House is a duplex apartment named in honor of Rev. Lanis E. Taylor recognizing his lifetime of dedicated Christian Service. Each of the two units offers 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. This house currently serves as a dormitory for 12 students.

Wellness Center

Constructed in 1998 and enlarged in 2012, this facility offers over 27,000 square feet of floor space in two stories. The Wellness Center was completely renovated in 2024 with new competitive basketball and volleyball courts, state-of-the-art weight room, locker rooms, training rooms, and offices.

 

 

NOTE: FOR INFORMATION ABOUT STUDENT HOUSING, SEE THE STUDENT HANDBOOK.

Campus Map