Tom Dowling
(863) 297-1051

Lakeland Campus: Citrus Grove Grows Into Thriving Educational Institution

1978- PCC purchased a 130-acre orange grove adjacent to Traviss Technical Center as site of a future campus that would serve Lakeland and Bartow.
1982- Funds were authorized by the State Legislature to begin planning of the Lakeland campus. After finding a high demand for the new educational facility, the presidents of PCC and USF sent a letter to Florida’s Post-Secondary Education Planning Commission recommending a joint PCC-USF facility.
1986- Rather than hold groundbreaking ceremonies on the actual site, a dinner was held in the Lakeland Center with the theme of: “PCC/USF: An Idea That Sparks The Imagination.” Dirt from the site was brought to the Lakeland Center and piled on a raised platform where a robot dug into the ground and said, “I dig PCC-USF, Lakeland.”

1987- In the midst of a citrus grove, the first building on the Lakeland campus takes shape. Travis Technical Center is seen at the rear.

1988- The first of eight buildings - the Curtis Peterson Academic Center (named in honor of the State Senator who was instrumental in obtaining funding) opened on the Lakeland campus.
Spring, 1989- Nearly 2,000 students attended classes on the Lakeland campus (1,486 PCC students and 487 USF students). With enrollment surpassing expectations there was soon pressure for a second building.
1991- A second academic building (known as the Learning Center) was completed on the Lakeland campus. It features a large joint use library, learning labs, general classrooms, computer classrooms and faculty offices.
2003- The Florida Legislature approves funding of a third academic building on the Lakeland campus. The effort was spear headed by State Senator J.D. Alexander.
2004- Ground is broken for the $32 million Technology building and renovation of the two existing academic buildings. Construction on the Technology Building is anticipated to be complete in the fall of 2006 with occupancy in January 2007.
2007- The Lakeland Technology building opens for classes and is dedicated on Feb. 26.
The Lakeland campus has played a key role in meeting the growing needs of Polk County’s workforce and has stimulated economic growth. When this new building is complete, PCC and USF will continue to expand the educational opportunities available to the community.