2022 Florida College Spring Magazine

THE UNSTOPPABLE

FORCE BEHIND

FLORIDA COLLEGE

HONORING THE LEGACY OF FLORIDA COLLEGE’S FIFTH PRESIDENT DR. H.E. “BUDDY” PAYNE, JR. 2009-2022 S PRING 2 0 22

PAGE 02

SPRING MAGAZINE 2022 PAGES 04 & 05

A FAREWELL ADDRESS

D R . H . E . “ B U D D Y ” P AY N E , J R .

PAGES 06 & 07

FROM STUDENT TO PRESIDENT: A TIMELINE PAGES 08 & 09

HUMILITY AT THE HELM

M A R I L Y N P AY N E

PAGES 10 & 11

THE FIFTH PRESIDENT

BY THE NUMBERS PAGES 12 & 13

A FATHER’S LEGACY

T H E P AY N E C H I L D R E N

PAGES 14 & 15

NEW PATHWAYS AT FLORIDA COLLEGE PAGE 17

#FCBOUND + FALCON DAYS Florida College students are making an impact in our local community, in service to God and the world.

Follow Florida College on social.

PAGES 18 & 19

MAKING HISTORY

PAGE 03

PAGES 04 & 05

A FAREWELL ADDRESS

D R . H . E . “ B U D D Y ” P AY N E , J R .

“We call upon all of you to remember those who have gone before, who have been examples of service and sacrifice under conditions much less favorable than we enjoy, and in remembering to be more resolute than ever in your commitment to the mission of Florida College.”

PAGE 04

A FA R E W E L L

ADDRESS consideration to being a part of that effort, and in 1993 made the decision to leave the employ of the College and move to Bucharest, Romania with our 13-year-old son, leaving our three daughters in America.

President Caldwell graciously offered My mind is flooded with memories

who served thousands of children

as I prepare these words of farewell

in our summer camp system, raised

— memories from 50 years of

scholarship

experiences as an employee of

special sales, events, tournaments,

Florida College beginning in 1972;

etc., hosted college groups and

memories

in

individuals in their homes, and gave

Temple Terrace beginning in 1954

sacrificially of the things with which

when Dad and Mom moved us here

God had blessed them.

from

growing

up

money

in

auctions,

to begin their work with the College; memories of great examples of

Marilyn and I experienced Florida

faith,

commitment

College as students and our lives were

from men and women who stood

forever changed. We found each other

for principle in the face of sacrifice

here, certainly one of God’s greatest

and loss to keep this school true

blessings! But more than that, we

to its mission; memories of faculty

found a greater understanding of our

members whose lives of devotion

purpose on this earth. We left here

to our Lord and passion for their

with a stronger desire to fulfill God’s

disciplines combined to strengthen

purpose in our lives. Eventually, as

the faith of hundreds of young

God opened doors, that led us back

people and better prepare them for

to this College where I would begin

service to God and their fellow man;

serving as a faculty member, and then

memories of administrators and staff

to various levels of administration.

members who went about their daily

The dramatic events of 1989, with the

tasks as humble servants showing

opening of Eastern Europe and the

loving concern for students and staff

fall of the USSR, led to a strong push

alike, whose examples adorned the

among our brethren to evangelize

Florida College experience with the

that part of the world, formerly under

beauty of holiness; memories of

the

loyal supporters around the country

Marilyn and I gave much prayerful

courage

and

domination

of

communism.

to allow me to return to the College after two years, with the understanding that I would work part-time for the College remotely and on campus during the first summer. While our years in Romania are precious to us

PAGE 05

and the value of those experiences

as He has the lives of all four of our

who have gone before, who have been

can hardly be measured, Marilyn and

children and their families. It is a

examples of service and sacrifice under

I concluded that the abilities God had

special thrill that now many of our

conditions much less favorable than we

given us could be used most fully and

grandchildren are having the Florida

enjoy, and in remembering to be more

effectively at Florida College.

College experience as well!

resolute than ever in your commitment

The

years since our return in 1995 have only verified that conclusion.

to the mission of Florida College.

The

Our fervent prayer, as we say farewell

support of our children throughout

to our Florida College family in our

all the years at the College has

roles as president and wife, is that the

been a great source of strength to

next generation will remain true to the

us.

Working side by side with so

core principles upon which our dear

many devoted Christians through

FC was built; that they will be willing

the years has been an honor and a

to sacrifice whatever is necessary

privilege. God has blessed our lives

to preserve those principles. We call

immeasurably through the College,

upon all of you to remember those

We love you dearly!

“

Our fervent prayer, as we say farewell to our Florida College family in our roles as president and wife, is that the next generation will remain true to the core principles upon which our dear FC was built.

PAGE 06

“

Buddy is an enthusiastic lifelong learner. He throws himself into the topic with incredible enthusiasm. As a board member, I have seen him look into some of the more obscure areas of the College and once he has determined he needs to understand the area, he becomes the subject matter expert. Buddy has such incredible energy and always seems to harness that energy for the betterment of those things he truly cares about—preaching God’s Word and leading Florida College for all these years.

CHARLIE NOWLIN, SR.

FROM STUDENT TO PRESIDENT Valedictorian President of K.O. Yearbook Editor Captain of Basketball Team President of SBGA

STUDENT

CHEMISTRY PROFESSOR

M AT H PROFESSOR

PAGE 07

“

“

One of the outstanding memories I have of my brother was his coming to me and resigning as Dean of the College to go spread the gospel overseas. He said his conscience was driving him and although he loved his work with the College, he just had to do what he could to impact the souls of others.

I sought a solution that would meet both his needs and ours. I asked if I held his place at FC, how long would he have to be gone. We wound up agreeing to a twoyear leave of absence (fall of 1994 through spring of 1996) and his returning to his position in administration.

God blessed us all and you know the rest of the story.

C . G . " C O L LY " C A L D W E L L

My grandad is one of the most intense people I will ever know, and I think the way he’s applied that intensity to his work, the church, and his family has made a tremendous difference.

DANIEL CHANDLER

“

If I had to choose a word to describe Buddy Payne it would be ‘devoted!’ Buddy is first and foremost devoted to God which ultimately motivates his devotion to his family and to this institution and its mission. Buddy has worked tirelessly for Florida College for 50 years to ensure that this institution will be around for future generations, without compromising the principles on which this institution was founded and for that I am truly grateful. It has been my privilege and honor to work for him for the past six years.

ROBIN OWEN

DEAN OF STUDENTS

ACADEMIC DEAN & VICE PRESIDENT

PRESIDENT

PAGE 08

HUMILITY AT THE HELM W R I T T E N

BY

M A R I LY N

PAY N E

18 years before he actually became president, the Board asked him if he was interested in applying to be president. He said, “I would not touch that job with a 10-foot pole!” In the following 18 years, he happily served as the academic dean and vice president,

Buddy is unassuming of himself but

of young people.” Thankfully, these

along with teaching calculus and

assumes the best in everyone else.

wonderful donors have come through

preaching full-time. Then when he was

He is not one who is looking for praise,

in a huge way!

64, he was approached again about

just working hard at everything he

being president and agreed to do so,

does, spending as much time as it

Buddy is an open book with no agenda,

thinking this might be the right time

takes to get the job done and done

sometimes to his own detriment and

and that he would be able to do some

correctly. He is very organized and

there have been some valleys and

good in that role.

disciplined. He spends many hours

“wee-hours” soul searching, but the

doing his homework thoroughly when

Lord has always come through for

Buddy strives for success and for the

honoring other people and many

him. I have never seen the like. He also

success of everyone around him. It is

hours preparing ahead of time when

does not hesitate to ask for advice

always “we” did this and “we” did that

he travels to meet people around

and assemble leaders around himself,

even if he happened to have done

the country to raise funds. He has

making himself vulnerable at times.

spoken often of how much he loves meeting people all over the United

He openly shares his knowledge if it is

States and how their generosity is the

helpful to others and has had student

“life blood” of Florida College. Buddy

leaders in his office to read about and

came into the presidency never

discuss leadership qualities. He and I

having been a fundraiser, but has said

both have loved watching students grow

many times, “I make no apology for

during the years and seeing couples

asking for help for Florida College. It

that wind up getting married from their

is a spiritual mission to help hundreds

associations with Florida College.

PAGE 09

it all—something I have witnessed many times! He just has never been concerned about who gets the credit.

His great work ethic and concern for pleasing the Lord has taken him in many unexpected directions.

Buddy does not complain, and he is a great listener, paying close attention to the person at hand. He has been known for his great smile and boundless energy through his years at FC. He has never been “too good” for nitty gritty work from painting the outsides of county school buildings in the summer for extra income to voluntarily pressure washing Florida College buildings and staining big ceiling beams in the old Student Center, to changing diapers

him not to preach full-time so he could

and being helpful at home, and has

travel for Florida College.

been available to help when we had His unassuming qualities, great work

events in our home.

and study ethic landed him at Harvard Buddy loves his family very deeply and

when he was not seeking to be there.

has been a great spiritual example. He

Buddy couldn’t understand why he got

has always been a serious Bible student

a letter asking him to apply for a full

but had told me when we married,

scholarship for his master’s degree at

“I am never going to be a preacher!”

Harvard. It stated that if he applied and

Well, he began his full-time preaching

won the scholarship but chose not to go,

by accident! He was a high school

he would win $100. We were married

chemistry teacher and filling in while

students at that time; so, he applied

Skyview looked for a full-time preacher.

just to get the $100 because that

They eventually decided to have him

would pay two months of rent for us!

be that preacher. We are all so thankful to have sat at his feet all those years!

In 1967, Buddy wound up receiving that scholarship to represent the state of

he

Florida out of all the Florida universities.

with

We discussed it and decided it might

an

be an adventure. He found out that his

administrator and teaching calculus

FSU science professors had chosen

and chemistry at Florida College. When

him and sent his name to Harvard.

he became president, the Board asked

That was serendipitous because he

Before

he

continued his

became

president,

preaching

along

responsibilities

of

being

“

His great work ethic and concern for pleasing the Lord has taken him in many unexpected directions.

had been one of three valedictorians in 1963 at King High School and was offered multiple “free rides” to several universities, but, though tempted, chose to attend Florida College at the chagrin of his high school teachers.

Harvard gave him a stipend for being married, on top his scholarship.

To sum it up, I would never have known a man could be so unassuming but at the same time a fabulous leader, great pianist, academician and yet humble enough to do “dirty” jobs but also willing to listen at home and on the job. His early morning prayer time with the Lord has, I believe, led him many unexpected places in this world.

I thank God for him and our family everyday; and our prayer is that Florida College will continue to thrive!

PAGE 10

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PAGE 11

D UR IN G P R ES ID E N T PAY N E’S T EN U R E , A S T R O N G EM P H A S I S WAS M AD E ON EN H AN C I N G FLO R IDA CO LLEG E ’S FO UR -Y EAR D EG R E E P R O GR A MS .

745

STUDENTS G R A D U AT E D WITH BACHELOR’S DEGREES

The Florida College Society Senior Legacy Coin Ceremony

FOUR & SEVEN CHILDREN GRANDCHILDREN

ATTENDED FLORIDA COLLEGE

PAGE 12

A FATHER’S LEGACY

P E N N E D

BY T H E

PAY N E

JOYFUL

CH I L D R E N

everything is, especially numbers

that were way too low, was a

and the mathematical mysteries

riot, and we enjoyed their corny

of the universe.

barbershop humor.

“Rise and shine! It’s a beautiful

When Dad came home in

My father’s joy, perseverance,

morning!”

the evening, we often heard

and love of life are a reflection of

startled awake by the happy

marvelous

exhilarating

His relationship with Christ and

greeting. Then I heard the tune,

music coming from our Klutz

his obedience to His words. In

“Oh What a Beautiful Morning!”

Brothers rebuilt piano as Dad

faith, Dad continually chooses

wafting down the hall from a

practiced Chopin and Gershwin

to focus on whatsoever things

very pleasant baritone voice. At

pieces until they were perfect

are pure and holy and of good

breakfast, my father continued

and breathtaking. Even more

report. He holds fast to the

his exuberance by talking about

entertaining

dad’s

promise of God which says, “He

the GREAT day we were all

barbershop quartet group, the

can do exceedingly abundantly

going to have. More positivity

"Hi-Los,” who also performed

above all that we ask or think,

poured forth in the car on the

regularly on the FC stage. While

according to the Power that

way to school. Then Dad went

the “Hi-Los” were musically

works in us.”

to work, where he blessed his

outstanding, getting to

math students at Florida College

our dad and Colly Caldwell in

with his absolute adoration of

pants that were way too high or

calculus and how truly wonderful

others like Bob Owen, in pants

I

was

somewhat

and

was

our

see

PASSIONATE I have sometimes referred to him as

rechargeable battery pack he carries

I don’t think Florida College could find a

the “human machine,” because he

with him. It’s quite an exhibit.

man more passionately devoted to its

has a seemingly endless capacity to

sustainment and future than my father.

keep going like the Energizer Bunny.

But beyond his insatiable drive to excel

Not only is he committed to excellence

I believe this has been supported by

is his faith in God and Jesus Christ,

in all the work he touches, to the point

his ability to sleep on command. This

which, I think, has been a consistent

of personal sacrifice, he continually

is not an exaggeration. If he is still for

foundation of strength for many

sets new and higher goals, and then

approximately two minutes or less,

people and the character trait for which

does what it takes to achieve them. He

he will fall asleep, and he can sleep

I am the most grateful. He is also one

has been described as the “tornado.”

through most anything. Regardless of

of the greatest teachers of the Word I

One of his favorite things in life is 2-for-

the amount of sleep, he typically gets up

have heard in my lifetime—an honest

1’s. Even better is a 3-for-1, or maybe

early and has time with God, then goes

and passionate engagement with the

a 10-for-1. He rarely goes somewhere

and goes until he sits still long enough

truth that is direct and disarming.

and does only one thing, and he usually

to fall asleep (which isn’t long). I’ve never

has a book with him so that if he’s stuck

known anyone else for whom sleeping is

he has a way to spend the time.

a superpower—it’s like his own personal

PAGE 13

HUMBLE

than his own. This has been evident

my dear mother as well. I am truly

throughout my life. An example would

grateful to God for that! I look forward

be at one of our many wonderful family

to hearing more of Dad’s stories in the

Dad never does anything halfway.

gatherings in the Smoky Mountains

coming days, Lord willing; for more

From the time Dad started working for

about eight or nine years ago; we

opportunities for me and my family

Florida College about 50 years ago, till

were having a family devotional and

“to sit at his feet,” and to glean from

taking the reins as president 13 years

he pulled each grandchild to him one

his wisdom. He hopes to write a book,

ago, he has always given 110 percent.

at a time, acknowledging their gifts

I pray he gets to!

He truly loves Florida College, what

given by God, and admonishing them

it stands for, and the people in it! My

very lovingly to stay true to God and

mom has always been there to love,

His Word. It was very touching. I know

support and help him; and to serve

that has been his desire for Florida

and show hospitality in any and every

College, to stay true

way that she could.

to God and His Word and

why

he

has

For many years I know he did not aspire

worked so hard these

to be the president of Florida College,

past 13 years.

but he felt called to it and ready when the door opened. His spirit has been

God has answered

one of faithfulness to whatever God’s

so many prayers for

will is for him. He is most concerned

my Dad’s protection

about God’s glory and legacy, rather

and health, and for

DRIVEN

roles was as the head of our

day does not go as well without

family. Looking back, I can see

it”, he would say.

that Dad made it his mission to be home in time for dinner

Dad’s joy was always on his

every evening as we were

face! When parodies of faculty

a month early on my Dad’s

growing up—that was hard to

and administration were once a

birthday, June 23, 1972 and

do given the demands of work

common occurrence, students

just a couple of months later

not just at Florida College but

who played my dad would wear

in the fall of that same year,

also as a preacher and Bible

a huge overdone smile on their

Dad started working for Florida

class teacher. I learned from

face through the whole skit.

College as a math professor.

him that prioritizing family is a

Dad’s smile was iconic. He had

One thing that stood out to me

daily choice. Dad started every

an indomitable, positive spirit

was that he never set out to be

morning at 5:30 with personal

and if you asked him how he

seen, but was driven by his love

time in God’s word and in prayer

was doing at any given time he

for the Lord and to do his best

and continues that practice

would inevitably answer with a

at whatever his hand found

today. He told me one time that

loud exuberant, “GREAT!!”

to do and he wound up with

starting his day with God keeps

many different opportunities to

everything in perspective and

serve. One of his most valued

sets the tone for his day. “The

Amy, my twin, and I were born

PAGE 14

GETTING AHEAD: DUAL ENROLLMENT PROGRAM Florida College offers high school students the opportunity to enroll in college-level courses while completing high school. Our dual enrollment courses have been developed by Christian faculty members who understand the importance of integrating faith and learning. Students can enroll in several online courses earning high school and college credit while saving an average of 80 percent on college tuition!

DUAL ENROLLMENT

STUDENTS RECEIVE: • • • • •

Free Falcon Days Admission (October Falcon Days their Junior Year) Full Library Access Supplemental Instruction, Math and Writing Lab Support College Prep Planning/Advising Session Florida College Email Address

www.floridacollege.edu/dualenroll

NOW OFFERING AN HONORS PROGRAM

Launched in spring 2021, Florida College now offers an Honors Program for highachieving students. This new program offers opportunities for students to grow in their education through academics and service as soon as they set foot on campus.

Students participate in in-depth critical thinking and research studies, intentional service and community engagement projects. Through scholarship

and

internship

opportunities,

students gain a greater ability to serve broader society. In addition, honors students will have priority consideration to join a four-week study abroad program in London that is projected for May 2023.

Ten

students

(pictured)

from

various

disciplines and academic years make up the program’s initial cohort.

PAGE 15

NEW BACHELOR’S DEGREES

MEN’S & WOMEN’S GOLF COMING TO FC The

We are pleased to announce that Florida College will now be offering the following four-year bachelor’s degrees, beginning fall 2022:

new

golf

teams

will

be

coached by Wilson Wickerham.

Wilson comes to Florida College with 20 plus years of athletic experience. Wilson has competed in golf tournaments throughout

Bachelor of Arts

the nation and pioneered the golf

PSYCHOLOGY A psychology degree helps students examine human behavior and mental processes. The mission of the psychology degree is to prepare students for graduate programs in psychology. The new degree provides a strong foundation for many career paths, including mental health counselor, or social worker.

program at his current school. He graduated from Western Kentucky University with a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology with an emphasis in physical education. Wilson has served as a counselor at the Florida We are excited to announce that

College North Carolina Camp and

men’s and women’s golf will be

comes from a family of Florida

offered starting in fall 2022. The

College supporters.

golf teams will join five other Bachelor of Science

BIOLOGY The biology degree educates students about life at its various levels from the biosphere to molecular underpinnings of complex biological systems through rigorous academic and experiential learning opportunities. The new degree will provide students with a viable path to career and advanced educational pursuits in biology such as veterinary medicine, optometry, dentistry, pharmacy, or graduate school and physician’s assistant programs.

Bachelor of Science

FINANCE A finance degree at Florida College is designed to educate students in foundational, business core, and business finance disciplines through relevant and rigorous academic and experiential learning opportunities.

The finance curriculum includes in-depth study of investment, real estate, and corporate finance.

intercollegiate sports offered at the

The teams will utilize the Temple

college including volleyball, soccer,

Terrace Golf & Country Club course,

basketball, cross country and track

located just steps from campus.

and field—all of which compete in

The course is listed in the National

the Continental Athletic Conference

Register of Historic Places by the

of the NAIA with 30 other member

National Park Service, the only

institutions across Florida, Georgia,

18-hole golf course in the state of

South Carolina and more.

Florida with this distinction.

“

“I am excited to join Florida College this fall as the men’s and women’s golf coach. I look forward to welcoming the very first golf team to the campus this fall.”

WILSON WICKERHAM

wearefc.com

PAGE 17

FUTURE FALCONS EXPERIENCE FIRST-EVER FC BOUND We hosted our first-ever, high school seniors only event, FC Bound. Seniors spent a weekend in February on

“

This weekend was exactly what I needed! It helped

relieve my anxieties about moving away, gave me a starting friend group and potential roommate, and boosted my confidence about my major plans!

FUTURE FALCON

Florida College welcomed 160 high school students and 70 parents to campus in March for the largest Falcon Days event to date.

Guests got a taste of the Florida College experience through touring campus, attending classes, jamming at the Friends Concert, and singing with hundreds of students at MOSI. It was a wonderful weekend for these future Falcons.

campus learning what it would be like as a Florida College freshman.

Over 45 students attended the event from 12 states. Seniors were given the opportunity to meet with academic department chairs, attend classes, sing hymns at Davis Island, become part of a society for a day and even spend a day at Universal Studios.

PAGE 18

MAKING HISTORY

H I G H L I G H T S F R O M T H E G R E AT E S T BA S K E T BA L L S E A S O N I N F LO R I DA C O L L E G E ’S H I S TO RY

The 2021-22 basketball season has been a season of firsts. From an undefeated conference to a thoroughly awarded team, this year will be one to remember.

First Continental Athletic Conference Champions Florida College dominated Washington Adventist University 102-82, rounding off an undefeated conference season 12-0. The Falcon’s average conference margin of victory was 30.8 points per game, making the championship trophy very much well deserved. They are the first Florida College team in the NAIA era to win their conference tournament and earn a spot in the NAIA

After neck and neck competition throughout the game, with just three

seconds

remaining,

Florida

College took the lead when Ladarron Cleveland shot a three-pointer to clinch the first ever win in an NAIA National Tournament game. Coach Chase Teichmann believes it was, “the biggest shot in school history.”

National Tournament.

The win advanced the team to the next

First Win in a NAIA National Tournament

The Falcons’ historic season came

round of the National Tournament. to an end losing to #1 seeded Loyola University in New Orleans. The loss

The Falcons rose to the challenge in

ended FC’s season one game short of

the NAIA National Tournament against

reaching Kansas City for the Sweet 16.

the higher seeded Evangel University.

Florida College ended the season 31-4.

PAGE 19

The "Red Sea” Shows Up and Shows Out The coaches and players alike say a big reason for their perfect 14-0 home game record and overall great

After winning, Senior Matt Simpson

season is thanks to the Red Sea. This

stated, “We’re bringing the trophy

year’s Student Body Government

back home to our incredible fans!” The

Association teamed up with the

Red Sea, alongside the staff and cheer

men’s basketball team to strengthen

squad, waited eagerly on the new Quad

student-player relationships. Students

for the team to arrive, holding various

brought their enthusiasm and Red Sea

posters and noisemakers. The team

shirts to every home game, waiting to

was thrilled to see them as they jumped

be “parted” during half-time.

out of the van into the cheering crowd.

When the team won the Continental

There’s no doubt—the Florida College

Athletic Conference in March, the Red

Red Sea is the most supportive of all

Sea was ready to welcome them home.

the NAIA fan sections.

MATT SIMPSON • NAIA 1st-Team All-American • CAC Player of the Year • CAC 1st Team All-Conference • CAC Most Outstanding Player • CAC All-Tournament Team • Two-Time CAC Player of the Week • FC All-Time Leading Scorer (2,265 pts)

so hard for a long time for

“

this moment. They deserve every bit of this. This is a

tremendous accomplishment for our programs and for our college.

Chase Teichmann

COACH OF THE YEAR

These guys have worked

TO P H O N O R S I N C O N F E R E N C E

AWA R D S

CHINEDU OKONKWO

NAIA All-American Honorable Mention CAC Co-Newcomer of the Year CAC First Team All-Conference CAC Player of the Week CAC All-Tournament Team

DJ DOAKES

CAC All-Tournament Team CAC Champions of Character Award

LADARRON CLEVELAND CAC All-Tournament Team CAC 2nd Team All-Conference

CHASE TEICHMANN CAC Coach of the Year

FLORIDA COLLEGE 119 N. GLEN ARVEN AVE. TEMPLE TERRACE, FL 33617

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Keith Swisher, CEO ‘93 Derek Davidson, CFO ‘09

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