University of Central Florida Brevard Branch Campus History

Florida Technological University's Continuing Education Center was located on the Brevard Community College Campus in Cocoa, Florida, and Anthony Tesori became its director in 1970. He initiated a survey that showed a demand for upper level classes to be taught locally. The university administration, the Board of Regents and the legislature supported the move, and Brevard Branch Campus was established in 1971. Classes in General Studies, Business Management and Elementary Education were offered initially. The campus became so popular that more classes were added and lack of space became a problem. Although an arrangement was made between FTU and Brevard Community College to share buildings, it did not solve the problem. In 1974, a prefabricated building was erected, which became the FTU Annex. It was 1980 before construction began on the Lifelong Learning Center by which time Tesori wished to retire as director. He consented to remain as Construction Coordinator to see the project through to its conclusion.

By 1996, continued demand for classes made additional space a necessity, and UCF began using Brevard Community College facilities in Melbourne and Palm Bay. The latter developed into the Palm Bay Center in 2000. The demand for education away from the main campus continued to increase and in 2001, UCF began to partner with Lake Sumter, Seminole and Valencia Community Colleges. Michael Sweeney was appointed Vice Provost for UCF Area Campuses in 2003 at which time UCF offered classes in an eleven county area. Brevard county remained important and classes were also offered at the Kennedy Space Center. In 2004, the campuses were renamed as Regional Campuses, and in 2005 a new UCF Regional campus Vice Provost was appointed, David Harrison. As space restrictions at the main campus prevent further expansion, UCF regional campuses can only become more significant in the future.