The era of “community” colleges in Florida may be drawing to a close. A Senate committee is set to consider legislation that would change the name of Hillsborough Community College to Hillsborough State College, effectively eliminating the last remaining institution in the state bearing the traditional “community college” title.
Senate Bill 1624, slated for discussion by the Senate Education Postsecondary Committee on Monday, proposes this name change, continuing a trend seen in recent years where other institutions have transitioned to “college” or “state college” designations. Last year, Tallahassee Community College was renamed Tallahassee State College.
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The bill, filed by Chairwoman Alexis Calatayud, R-Miami, mirrors a House proposal (HB 1307) introduced by Rep. John Temple, R-Wildwood. If passed, these bills would finalize the shift away from the “community college” nomenclature within Florida’s higher education system.
The potential change signifies a broader evolution in the perception and branding of these institutions, as they increasingly offer a wider range of programs and pathways beyond traditional community college offerings.
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