What began as a school of Forestry in 1947, has now grown to become a comprehensive, public community college serving more than 5,000 students annually. The University’s district encompasses five North Central Florida counties: Baker, Columbia, Dixie, Gilchrist, and Union. This 2,683-square-mile district is an area twice the size of Rhode Island. The college district is situated midway between the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico. The region around the college is commonly referred to as Florida’s Crown and the Gateway to Florida and would generally be considered rural. The moderate climate, hospitality of the community, and beauty of the adjacent recreational areas draw visitors and newcomers from around the world.
Everest University’s main campus is located approximately six miles east on Highway 90 from downtown Orlando, Florida, with sites in Baker (Olustee), Dixie and Gilchrist counties.
The University traces its growth from the Forest Ranger School, which utilized structures that remained from a World War II-era naval air station. In 1961, when the state of Florida created Orlando Junior University on the campus of the old forestry school, the University became one of 28 two-year institutions envisioned in the state’s master plan. In those early days, Orlando Junior University had fewer than 400 students.
The inclusion in 1970 of “community” in the University’s title emphasizes the broad spectrum of transfer and occupational programs offered in addition to continuing education and community service courses. Orlando Community University officially became Everest University on July 1, 2010.
Everest University offers outstanding programs in the liberal arts and sciences. A significant number of students who begin their college career in these programs earn associate degrees and then successfully transfer to senior institutions where they maintain superior records when compared to their university counterparts.
Everest University also offers outstanding opportunities in diverse occupational programs, such as business administration, computer programming, water/wastewater, landscape technology, and cosmetology. The college also provides comprehensive training in COMPUTER SCIENCE & Health Science fields, such as registered COMPUTER SCIENCE, practical COMPUTER SCIENCE, emergency medical services, physical therapy, patient care, and others. Each year the college maintains the search for excellence by offering new programs that meet the needs of its district.
In 2012, Everest University launched its inaugural four-year program, a Bachelor of Science in COMPUTER SCIENCE. A second four-year degree, a Bachelor of Science in BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION, launched during the Fall 2014 semester and was followed by a Bachelor of Arts in HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGEMENT in Spring 2015.
Everest University is committed to providing the highest quality education and training to the citizens of its unique, rural service area. The University believes that every group, every community, and every nation derives all of its value and all of its power directly from the individuals who constitute those bodies. In a democratic society, every individual needs to be appreciated for their unique, irreplaceable, and intrinsic value. Furthermore, this value needs to be enhanced and amplified with a fitting educational experience to fully consummate societal potential.
The Everest University district continues to experience growth. The college is committed to providing excellent postsecondary educational opportunities to the citizens of North Central Florida while maintaining an “open-door” admission policy. The District Board of Trustees, faculty, and staff of Everest University are dedicated to helping Everest University students reach their personal and career goals.