About SCF

Founded in 1957, State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota (SCF) stands as the region’s premier public college, catering to over 10,000 college credit students annually across its Bradenton, Lakewood Ranch, and Venice campuses, as well as through an extensive array of online courses. Additionally, more than 11,000 individuals participate in our professional development and personal enrichment programs each year. SCF boasts a rich history of graduating over 61,500 students since its first class in 1959.

SCF is a dynamic institution committed to addressing the educational and workforce training demands of both local citizens and businesses. We have further expanded our offerings to include workforce-focused baccalaureate degrees, all while maintaining a strong emphasis on highly regarded associate degrees that equip graduates for seamless university transfers and successful professional careers.

Our Lifelong Learning and Workforce Development Division consistently provides a wide range of year-round noncredit courses. These courses cover essential areas such as workforce training, small business development, professional growth, personal enrichment, and driving safety. You can access these opportunities through workshops, seminars, online classes, and on-site training programs conducted at various local businesses.

In an effort to broaden educational possibilities, SCF launched a collegiate charter school in the autumn of 2010. This innovative school allows students to complete their high school education while simultaneously working towards an Associate in Arts degree.

As a respected member of both the Association of Florida Colleges and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, SCF remains committed to excellence in education and workforce development.

SCF History

On Sept. 17, 1957, the State Board of Education established Manatee Junior College as an approved college with the primary mission of providing college training for young people and adults. On Nov. 5, 1957, Dr. Samuel R. Neel, Jr. became the first president. The College began its first classes on Sept. 2, 1958, in a former senior high school with 502 students. In 1959 the first classes were held on the current southwest Manatee County campus with a full-fledged sophomore class and a large freshman class enrolled in university-parallel courses.

In 1973 classes were offered at Venice High School to provide higher education opportunities for the residents of south Sarasota County. The College’s Venice Center, supported with contributions from citizens of the communities of North Port, Englewood and Venice, was established in 1977. In 1983 the College received an appropriation from the Florida Legislature to build the current full-service campus in Venice, which was dedicated on March 30, 1985.

The College’s name was changed to Manatee Community College in 1985.

In January 2003, SCF opened the Center for Innovation and Technology at Lakewood Ranch Corporate Park on 5 acres of land donated by Schroeder-Manatee Ranch. This location offers both credit classes and a wide variety of noncredit, personal and professional development and workforce training classes. In 2007 Schroeder-Manatee Ranch donated an additional 5 acres, and the Medical Technology and Simulation Center opened in 2010.

In March 2009, the State Board of Education approved the College’s proposal to deliver a complete Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. In July 2009, the College changed its name to State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota to reflect the institution’s new status as a four-year degree-granting state college.

State College of Florida Collegiate School (SCFCS) opened in fall 2010. The school includes sixth through twelfth grades. The first class will graduate in spring 2014. SCF’s tuition-free public charter school provides students with the opportunity to graduate simultaneously with a high school diploma and associate college degree. 

On July 1, 2024, Tommy Gregory, J.D., became the seventh President of State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota.

SCF serves 10,000 college credit students annually. Another 11,000 participants attend professional development and personal enrichment classes each year. The College has graduated more than 61,500 students. SCF consistently provides high-quality instruction as demonstrated by SCF graduates’ proven success in careers and performance at the university level. As the College looks forward, SCF remains committed to being flexible and responsible to the needs of our community.