Florida Christian University
| File:FCU Building Orlando.png Florida Christian University headquarters in Orlando | |
Former name | Florida Theological Seminary |
|---|---|
| Type | Private university |
| Established | 1985 |
| Founder | Harold L. Shindoll |
Religious affiliation | Christianity |
Academic affiliations | Association for Biblical Higher Education (candidate institution) |
| Chancellor | Anthony Portigliatti |
| President | Bruno Portigliatti |
| Address | 5950 Lakehurst Drive, Suite 101, Orlando, Florida 32819 , Orlando , Florida , United States |
| Campus | Urban |
| Website | www |
Florida Christian University (FCU) is a private Christian university based in Orlando, Florida, United States. According to the university's 2025–2026 academic catalog, FCU offers programs from associate through postdoctoral levels across four academic areas—Administration, Behavioral Sciences, Education, and Theology—and delivers instruction through on-campus, online, and hybrid formats.[1]
History
Florida Christian University originated as Florida Theological Seminary, founded in 1985 by Rev. Dr. Harold L. Shindoll, who served as the institution’s first president.[1] The catalog states that the institution expanded from local campus instruction to distance education delivery, including video, independent study, and online formats.[1]
After Shindoll’s death in 1998, Floralee A. Shindoll was elected president and later became president emeritus.[1] In 1999, Anthony Portigliatti was elected president and chancellor; the catalog states that Florida Theological Seminary became Florida Christian University and expanded degree offerings to additional academic areas.[1]
Campus
The catalog lists FCU’s location as 5950 Lakehurst Drive, Suite 101, Orlando, Florida, and describes facilities and instructional technology used for in-person and distance delivery (including rooms equipped for recording and streaming).[1]
The Florida Department of Education’s Commission for Independent Education (CIE) directory lists Florida Christian University (school ID 6361) and provides licensure details and an address matching the Orlando location.[2]
Academics
Academic areas and programs
The catalog groups academic programs into four academic areas:
- Administration
- Behavioral Sciences
- Education
- Theology[1]
Credentials described in the catalog include associate, bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, and postdoctoral programs.[1]
Delivery formats
The catalog describes delivery of programs through multiple formats, including face-to-face instruction, online learning, and hybrid options.[1]
Languages of instruction
The catalog states that programs are offered in English, Portuguese, and Spanish.[1] FCU has also advertised program availability in Chinese (Mandarin) in institutional promotional materials.[3]
Administration and governance
The catalog lists Bruno Portigliatti as president and Anthony Portigliatti as chancellor and president of the advisory board, and includes additional senior administrative roles.[1] The catalog describes FCU as a private, independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation governed by a board of directors under institutional bylaws.[1]
Licensure and accreditation
The catalog states that Florida Christian University is licensed by the Florida Department of Education’s Commission for Independent Education under license number 6361.[1] CIE’s directory listing also reports licensure details for the institution.[2]
The catalog states that on February 13, 2024, FCU was approved for candidate status with the Association for Biblical Higher Education (ABHE) Commission on Accreditation (a pre-accreditation category).[1] ABHE’s directory lists Florida Christian University as a candidate institution.[4]
Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) certification
FCU is listed in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Study in the States directory as an SEVP-certified school.[5] SEVP certification allows schools to enroll eligible nonimmigrant students in F and/or M status; SEVP-certified schools generally issue Form I-20 to admitted students, who then apply for an F-1 visa through U.S. consular processes.[6]
See also
References
- ↑ 1.00 1.01 1.02 1.03 1.04 1.05 1.06 1.07 1.08 1.09 1.10 1.11 1.12 1.13 "Academic Catalog 2025–2026 (August 1, 2025 – July 31, 2026)" (PDF). Florida Christian University. Florida Christian University. pp. 7–10, 13–14, 17, 19–23, 121–122. Retrieved February 2, 2026.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 "Florida Christian University (#6361)". Florida Department of Education – Commission for Independent Education. Retrieved February 2, 2026.
- ↑ "Enrollment (institutional landing page)". Florida Christian University. Retrieved February 2, 2026.
- ↑ "Florida Christian University". ABHE Directory (Weave Accreditation). Retrieved February 2, 2026.
- ↑ "Florida Christian University (SEVP-certified school listing)". Study in the States. U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Retrieved February 2, 2026.
- ↑ "Schools and Programs (SEVP)". U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Retrieved February 2, 2026.
External links
Category:Universities and colleges in Orlando, Florida Category:Private universities and colleges in Florida Category:Christian universities and colleges in Florida Category:Christian universities and colleges in the United States Category:Educational institutions established in 1985 Category:1985 establishments in Florida
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