ÊìÅ®ÈËÆÞ

History

ÊìÅ®ÈËÆÞ has been training servant leaders since our founding in 1935 as the Alabama Shield of Faith Institute. Through the 20th and into the 21st century, we have changed locations, expanded programs and buildings, and graduated some of the most talented, dedicated servant leaders in the world— who have engaged the culture and made an influence for Jesus Christ.

Early Years

1935–1942

1935

Founded in New Brockton, Alabama, as Alabama Shield of Faith Institute

1936

Name changed to South-Eastern Bible Institute

1937

First graduating class

1940

Campus moved to Atlanta and renamed Beulah Heights Southeastern Bible Institute

1942

Relocated to Capitol Avenue in Atlanta and renamed South-Eastern Bible Institute

Relocation & Accreditation

1943–1999

1946

Campus moved to Lakeland, Florida, at the former site of Lodwick School of Aeronautics, located at the current Tiger Town/Joker Marchant Stadium facility

1952

Relocated to the current campus site on Longfellow Boulevard between Lake Bonny and Lake Holloway in Lakeland

1956

Renamed South-Eastern Bible College

1973

Bush Chapel dedicated and opened for worship

1977

Renamed Southeastern College of the Assemblies of God

1986

Received regional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)

1999

Joined the Council for Christian Colleges & Universities (CCCU)

New Century

2000â€Ñï°ù±ð²õ±ð²Ô³Ù

2001

Construction began on new residence halls, beginning with Aventura and followed by Esperanza and Destino

2003

Construction completed on Sportsplex and Pansler Alumni-Student Union

2005

Renamed ÊìÅ®ÈËÆÞ

2007

Tuscana Ristorante (on-campus restaurant) opened

2009

Fire Athletics joined The Sun Conference of the NAIA

2010

Longfellow Boulevard entrance renovation completed

2012

Announced addition of new degree programs and multiple sports, including football, to begin play in 2014

2013

Construction began on our new football stadium (later named Victory Field) and the College of Natural & Health Sciences building

2014

Mi Casa Café renovated to accommodate Chick-fil-A Express; construction began on the choral rehearsal hall

Football kicked off at Victory Field, earning the Fire a 31-7 win at our inaugural home game

Plans approved for another major campus expansion, including new residence halls, classroom space and athletic venues

2015

Construction began on Buena Vida 125,000-square-foot live/learn facility and the Student Activities Center expansion

Construction completed on the College of Natural & Health Sciences building, including a state-of-the-art nursing simulation lab, patient exam rooms, and laboratory classrooms

2016

Student Activities Center expansion completed,Ìý enabling ÊìÅ®ÈËÆÞ to add wrestling to our available athletics

Construction of dormitories, classrooms and offices of Buena Vida completed

Pathways School of Excellence, a school dedicated to middle and high school students with disabilities, opened in the College of Education building

ÊìÅ®ÈËÆÞ’s second doctoral degree, the Doctor of Ministry, launched with our first cohort

2017

The Buena Vida Food Court opened, featuring Back Yard Burgers, Einstein Bros. Bagels and Papa John’s Pizza

2021

The ÊìÅ®ÈËÆÞ Welcome Center opened; the building serves as the official front door to the campus and connects to Addison Hall