MELBOURNE, Fla. – Brevard Community College's new name will soon become Eastern Florida State College.
The BCC Board of Trustees unanimously voted in the name Monday morning, reflecting the college's new, expanded mission that includes four-year degrees. The college's name will transition July 1.
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"It's a good name," trustee Myra Haley said.
In addition, trustees voted in a new mission statement: Explore. Achieve. Succeed.
"I'm excited about the future of our college and our community, and I'm excited about building upon the reputation as an outstanding college and helping our students to explore, achieve and succeed," BCC president Jim Richey said.
BCC officials hired strategic communications firm Curley & Pynn this fall to assist in a process to gauge community input in choosing a new name, Local 6 News partner Florida Today reported.
Researchers found there was an interest including "Space," "Space Coast" and "Brevard" in the name, as well as having one with a regional or geographic approach. Students, especially, wanted something with a regional or global impact.
As one student put it: "I already went to Space Coast High School. I don't want to go to a college by the same name."
The college also considered names including "Coast" or "Coastal," but focus groups revealed it created more confusion than clarity.
Research also indicated the use of "Florida" in the name was important because Florida college and universities have gained prominence on the national stage.
In addition, the use of "state" was important because it implies the college is connected to a larger public system of higher education and higher degree of educational offerings.
"While our name must change, our role as a community college will continue to be our primary mission," Richey said.
A limitation officials ran into with the name change was names already in use by other institutions, and websites no longer available. Officials wanted a name that could be used in a simple and easily to remember web address.
The college's website will soon change to easternflorida.edu.
The process to change the name included gathering feedback from 140 individuals by phone or email surveys, and speaking with 40 prospective students, business and community leaders in focus groups.
It also included listening to feedback from faculty and staff representatives, current students and representatives of alumni.