About AFC
The Association of Florida Colleges was founded in 1949 as the Florida Association of Public Junior Colleges by the presidents of Florida's first four public junior colleges. Chipola Junior College was one of the founding institutions.
AFC's mission was to unite the colleges for the purposes of helping the Florida Legislature understand the junior college mission and to advocate for Florida's public junior colleges in the development of the state's long-range plan for higher education.
Since 1949, the Association's mission and purposes have grown in scope as has the Association itself. In 1971, the Association became the Florida Association of Community Colleges. The Association changed its name to the Association of Florida Colleges in 2010 to reflect the growth in many colleges to include baccalaureate degree programs and institutional name changes.
It has become the most inclusive higher education organization serving any college system in the nation. The AFC is the only organization which represents all employees, presidents, and trustees associated with a college system. Today, all 28 of the state's colleges support the work of the Association through institutional dues as do nearly 7,500 regular and retired members through the sharing of their talents, time and energy.
For a complete history of the Florida College System and the Association of Florida Colleges written by Dr. James Wattenbarger and Dr. Harry Albertson, with an update by Dr. Willis Holcombe, History of the Florida College System.
Matt White, 2020 State President
Greetings Association Members, Colleagues and Friends!
As a product of the Florida College System, I am humbled and honored to serve this year as the 2020 President of the Association of Florida Colleges. I am grateful for this opportunity to represent our awesome association!
Our Mission and Values
Our mission is to actively promote, represent, and support members and institutions as they provide their students and the citizens of Florida with a world-class college system. The Association is guided by bylaws and organized through a network of college chapters, commissions, and regions. The AFC is governed by an executive committee and a board of directors. A full-time staff administers the day-to-day operations, maintains membership records and coordinates communications and professional development opportunities.
OUR VALUES
1. Professional Growth and Development
2. Advocacy
3. Leadership
4. Community
5. Innovation
6. Networking