[3] In November 1957, Samuel R. Neel Jr became the college's first president, and the first classes were held on September 2, 1958, in what was formerly a senior high school; enrollment in the first term was 502 students.

During this period, the center's functions were funded by the donations of residents living in the surrounding communities, which included Venice, North Port, and Englewood.

The Lakewood Ranch campus offers credit and non-credit programs of study, as well as technical and workforce development courses.

MCC obtained supplementary funding from the Florida Legislature, which was allocated for the construction of the Medical Technology and Simulation Center.

And in 2011, the college was awarded The U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Efficient Design (LEED) Gold certification for the construction of the Medical Technology & Simulation Center on its Lakewood Ranch campus.

[12] Maintaining sustainability remains a continuous effort at SCF by integrating environmental, social, and economic goals through design, planning, and operational organization to meet its current needs.

SCF is governed by the Florida Legislature and by a District Board of Trustees, consisting of eight members appointed by the Governor to oversee the college's operations.

[14] Before coming to SCF, Probstfeld served as the vice president for finance and administration and the chief financial officer and treasurer for Notre Dame de Namur University in Belmont, California, and Notre Dame College of Ohio in South Euclid, Ohio.

[15] Under her leadership, the State College of Florida Foundation launched its first Capital Campaign in 2016 to provide facilities that enhance the student experience.

[15] In the plan's first three years, SCF has purchased 74 acres (300,000 m2) of land for a new Parrish campus, added signature programs to its Venice campus, enacted multiple strategic enrollment initiatives, created a Leadership Development program to mentor its employees, and launched a comprehensive communications and marketing plan.

[18] State College of Florida's nursing program annually records one of the highest certification rates in the state of Florida, and the physical therapy assistant, occupational therapy assistant, dental hygiene, and radiography programs have a 98% percent licensure pass rate.

[15] SCF's study abroad program allows students the unique opportunity to travel to places outside of the United States.

[28] The purpose of the B2B program is to increase the number of underrepresented minority students completing a bachelor's degree in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM).

[29] Under the program, students have the opportunity to participate in research and internships through the college, local businesses, and through other partner universities.

Students can take their math and science courses at SCF and upon successful completion will be granted admission to UF's Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering.

The purpose of the Cross College Alliance (CCA) is to provide a network that expands the learning opportunities for students on the west coast of Florida.

Members of the SGA Executive Board also serve on the Student Activities Budget Review Committee (SABR), which manages and allocates funds to SCF'S 50+ clubs and organizations.

They include The Bradenton Symphony Orchestra, Symphonic band, Chamber choir, Concert choir, Big band, Jazz combo, Guitar ensemble, Keyboard studies, Presidential string quartet, Presidential jazz combo, and the Musical Theatre Ensemble.

SCF Theater alumni include American actor Dallas Roberts (The walking Dead), various Broadway performers, and many more.

[54] State College of Florida launched its intercollegiate athletics program in 1957 and adopted "The Lancers" as its mascot.

Athletics alumni include MLB players Nick Goody, Josh Lucas, and Reggie McClain.

Exhibits include a timeline of significant events in African American history, including slavery, fights for freedom, community building and education, the Harlem Renaissance, the Civil Rights Movement, Kwanzaa, and the modern era in South Africa.

[59] The Samuel R. Neel Performing Arts Center located on SCF's Bradenton campus is an 830-seat auditorium built in 1966.

The Elizabeth M. Eaton Memorial Pipe Organ, a 50-rank, 3-manual instrument built by master craftsman Charles McManis, is situated on the stage of the performing arts center.

[60] The David S. and Anne V. Howard Studio Theatre is a 116-seat performance center built in 2008 on State College of Florida's Bradenton campus.

The Fine Art Gallery on the SCF Bradenton campus features exhibits made by students and faculty, as well as various installations by local and professional artists.