Why FGC?
Why FGC?
At Florida Gateway College, we distinguish ourselves through our unique approach to education, with students at the center of everything we do. Every program, every service, and every decision is made with you in mind, ensuring you are empowered to achieve your academic and professional goals in a supportive and dynamic environment. With a history of academic excellence and a strong emphasis on hands-on learning, we offer diverse programs to prepare you for success. Whether just beginning your educational journey or looking to advance your career, Florida Gateway College provides the resources, guidance, and community you need to thrive. We want to help you unlock your fullest potential and improve your life for many years to come. Embrace this opportunity and take the first step toward a future filled with possibilities!
Student Experience
At FGC, our programs are tailored to fit your lifestyle and needs. We offer personal, one-on-one support through small class sizes and flexible courses that accommodate you.
Student Support
From our staff to the President, we are here for you. We help guide you through the enrollment process, succeed in your classes, and find your niche outside the classroom.
Tight Knit Classes
Small class sizes allow you to have more focus and the opportunity to make more meaningful connections with your instructors and peers.
Flexible Course Offerings
We realize our students have many obligations in life and work. That’s why we offer online learning, varying class times, and multiple start dates to accommodate any schedule.
Student Life Perks
We strive to offer useful services and a fun atmosphere. Between classes, you can find recreation in The Hall, work out in our fitness center, grab a bite to eat at the Gateway Grill, and participate in a student club. We host picnics, festivals, intramural sports, faculty/staff vs. student games, and much more!
Learn More About Student LifeThe FGC Community
Florida Gateway College is uniquely situated on the outskirts of Lake City, a rapidly developing area with a diverse range of entertainment, retail, and dining options. From local businesses to popular chains, residents have a wealth of choices. The area's popular spots, including a movie theater, bowling alley, shopping venues, and some great coffee companies, cater to a variety of interests. Lake City also offers numerous civic and religious opportunities, adding to the rich tapestry of the community.
This area of North Florida is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a diverse range of recreational activities. With its abundant lakes and rivers, parks, and festivals, there's something for everyone. We boast two golf courses, two local race tracks, and the Columbia Aquatic Complex. You can embark on a day trip to Stephen Foster State Park, Oleno State Park, Ichetucknee Springs State Park, and more. Alligator Lake Park, just 10 minutes from campus, beckons with its excellent hiking trails and fishing spots. Every year, Lake City comes alive with the Olustee Battle Festival and Re-enactment, the Columbia County Fair, the Fourth of July celebration, Snow Day, the Annual Christmas parade, and much more.
Located in close proximity to major cities like Jacksonville, Gainesville, and Tallahassee, Florida Gateway College offers the best of both worlds-a serene campus environment and easy access to urban centers. For more information about the area and its offerings, visit Lake City's Chamber of Commerce website.
At Florida Gateway College, we are committed to going further together with our students and the communities we serve. Our mission is to elevate our communities with an educated workforce and enrichment opportunities, such as cultural experiences at our Performing Arts Center. We understand that our connection with our communities is a two-way street. We can support students and deliver many of our programs and services because of the generous contributions from our Foundation and the services offered by our community members. Moreover, area vendors play a crucial role in FGC's operations. Explore FGC's Community Resource Manual to learn more about our mission and how you can be a part of it.
Our History
Florida Gateway College provides affordable, high-quality postsecondary educational opportunities to the North Central Florida community.
What began as a school of Forestry in 1947 has become a comprehensive, public community college serving more than 6,000 students annually.The College's district encompasses five North Central Florida counties: Baker, Columbia, Dixie, Gilchrist, and Union. This 2,683-square-mile region is commonly referred to as "Florida's Crown," and the "Gateway to Florida" and would generally be considered rural and is twice the size of Rhode Island. The college district is midway between the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of America. The moderate climate, hospitality of the community, and beauty of the adjacent recreational areas draw visitors and newcomers from around the world.
Florida Gateway College's main campus, is located approximately six miles east on Highway 90 from downtown Lake City, Florida, with sites in Baker (Olustee), Dixie, and Gilchrist counties.
The College's journey can be traced back to the Forest Ranger School, which utilized structures from a World War II-era naval air station. In 1961, when the state of Florida created Lake City Junior College on the campus of the old forestry school, the College became one of 28 two-year institutions envisioned in the state's master plan. In those early days, Lake City Junior College had fewer than 400 students.
The inclusion in 1970 of "community" in the College's title emphasizes the broad spectrum of transfer and occupational programs offered in addition to continuing education and community service courses.
Lake City Community College officially became Florida Gateway College on July 1, 2010, marking a significant milestone in our growth.
Florida Gateway College offers a rich array of programs, catering to diverse interests and career paths.
The College's outstanding programs in the liberal arts and sciences have seen many students begin their college career and earn associate degrees, then successfully transfer to senior institutions where they maintain superior records compared to their university counterparts.
The College also offers outstanding opportunities in diverse occupational programs, such as business administration, computer programming, water/wastewater, landscape technology, and cosmetology. The comprehensive training in Nursing & Health Science fields, such as registered nursing, practical nursing, emergency medical services, physical therapy, patient care, and others, further adds to the diversity of our offerings. Each year, the College maintains its search for excellence by offering new programs that meet the needs of its district.
In 2012, Florida Gateway College launched its inaugural four-year program, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, followed by a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education in Fall 2014 and a Bachelor of Applied Science in Water Resources Management in Spring 2015.
From Our President
Thank you for visiting FGC's website. Please consider pursuing your goals at Florida Gateway College. Florida Gateway College's mission is to provide superior instruction, nurture individual development, and enrich the diverse communities it serves through affordable, quality higher education programs and lifelong learning opportunities.
With a wide variety of academic programs, courses, and dedicated services for students, we offer something for every individual. Our culture is unique with its emphasis on personalized student service. More importantly, we are deeply committed to your success, supporting you through your time here and beyond, helping you achieve your academic and professional goals.
We invite you to visit our campus and connect with our staff to learn more about FGC. We are here because of individuals like you who have decided to take that first step to accomplish great things with us. Let's go further together at FGC!
Best wishes in your future endeavors, and we eagerly look forward to welcoming you to
our campus!
Sincerely,
Lawrence Barrett, ED.D.
President
Why I Chose FGC
We are sharing and looking for inspirational stories from our students, staff, faculty, board members, donors, and community partners on why you have chosen FGC. Your stories are not just personal narratives, but they are the building blocks of our future. Tell us why you’ve decided to attend and why you chose to teach, work, give, or support FGC. We will then share your incredible story in print ads, on social media, in the community, and through other communications to prospective FGC students, empowering them to shape the future of our community.
