When you speak with a Trinity College of Florida graduate like James “Jim” Damron, you don’t just hear memories—you feel them. They come wrapped in scripture, marked by divine appointments, and echo the unmistakable joy of a life changed by the Word. A proud 1968 graduate, Jim joins the ranks of alumni like Ken Zesinger and Silvia Wilson, early trailblazers who set the tone for what it means to be a servant-leader grounded in the Bible. “Trinity taught me the…
From Court to Calling: One Student’s Journey at Trinity College of Florida Sometimes, the most life-changing journeys start with a simple flyer. Coming out of high school, Ikareem wasn’t flooded with major basketball offers. But one of his AAU coaches handed him a flyer for a tryout at Trinity College of Florida. Intrigued, he made the two-hour drive—and that one decision sparked a life-transforming chapter. “Coach O wanted me here,” he recalled. “He just said, ‘Get to the school,’ and…
From Injury to Inspiration: Celia’s Journey to Trinity College of Florida When life takes an unexpected turn, it often leads to something even greater. That’s exactly what happened to Celia, a high school volleyball player whose dream of playing college volleyball was abruptly halted by a senior-year injury. But what seemed like a setback quickly became a stepping stone in her faith journey—one that led her straight to Trinity College of Florida. “I was just focused on playing college volleyball,”…
My Journey to Trinity: A Path to Spiritual Growth Hi my name is Vince, and my journey to Trinity started at Southeastern University (SEU), where I studied for a year. At first, I thought I was on the right path, but I quickly realized that something was missing—spiritual growth. I was there for pastoral ministry, yet I wasn’t growing in the ways I needed. Instead, I felt like I was being pulled away from my faith rather than strengthened in…
Hi my name is Triston, when I started looking at Bible colleges, I knew I wanted a school that was truly biblically grounded. I applied to multiple schools, but Trinity College stood out immediately. Their response was not only quick but also aligned with everything I was looking for. Every conversation I had about Trinity confirmed that this was a place where faith was at the center, and that’s exactly what I wanted in a college. Now that I’ve been…
Hi my name is Cana, and my path to Trinity was anything but traditional. I spent a few years on the mission field, and during that time, I started looking for a college—somewhere far from where I had been sent, which was not Florida. My parents, however, were concerned about the type of credits I would earn if I studied outside the U.S. When we returned stateside, we visited a small college—what turned out to be Trinity. Initially, I had…
From Student to Registrar How did you go from being a student to becoming the registrar? It was completely a God thing. After graduating, I was invited back to speak at a women’s winter formal for alumni to encourage female students. After my speech, a professor mentioned a potential job opening and said I’d be a great fit. At the time, I had no experience in administration and wasn’t sure if it was the right path. My main goal was…
I, Steve Stewart, am a student at Trinity, enrolled in the theology program, which I’m grandfathered into after the name change from advanced theological studies. I’m about at a junior or senior level—definitely a “super senior” at this point. As a veteran, my experience here has been extremely positive. Trinity has been great for my mental health, and it’s provided a supportive environment where I’ve found brothers and sisters to trust and build relationships with. I came in with some…
I, Mark Prioleau, am a transfer student from Clarks Summit University in Pennsylvania, which recently closed due to financial struggles. My time here at Trinity has been positive so far—everyone’s very kind, the classes are good, and the faculty are supportive. I’m majoring in Pastoral Ministry, and my goal is to become a pastor. Right now, I’m interning at a local church while I continue my studies. Lord willing, I’ll be in ministry wherever God leads me. As for my…
I, Courtney Hawkins, have had a mix of ups and downs at Trinity, but overall, it was a positive experience. I have so many good memories and valuable lessons, and I’ve grown in countless ways. My experience has definitely impacted the career path I want to pursue. Initially, I thought I wanted to go into counseling, maybe with a private practice. But over time, I realized that I want to help others using what I’ve learned in counseling without necessarily…
Hello, my name is Caleb, and I’m an international student from China. I was born in Spain and raised there, so my cultural background is a mix of European warmth and Chinese roots. When I first arrived in America and came to Trinity, I knew things would be different. The American way of life, especially in terms of social interactions, is a bit more reserved than what I’m used to in Spain. However, I’ve made an effort to adapt by…
Hello, I’m Dr. Zachary Hedges, Assistant Professor of Bible and Theology and Director of the Honors Program. In my role, I aim to help students broaden their intellectual horizons by exposing them to texts and ideas that challenge their thinking. For example, this semester, we tackled works ranging from The Iliad and The Odyssey to Shakespeare. It’s not always easy, but students are encouraged to develop their reading comprehension, writing skills, and ability to engage with universal ideas that transcend…
Hello, I’m Jean, the Director of Library and Career Services at Trinity. My role involves managing the library and its various services, ensuring it’s a welcoming and organized space for students. I help students check in and out books, shelve books, and catalog donations. Beyond that, I provide academic support as an academic mentor, assisting students with their studies. This includes helping with time management, prioritization, and ensuring students fully understand assignment instructions. I also guide students through the writing…
The Enduring Power of Christian Missions: A Beacon of Hope Amid Persecution Christian missions have been an essential part of spreading the message of hope and salvation around the world for centuries. From the early church to modern-day efforts, missionary efforts have transformed lives, communities, and nations with the power of the gospel. However, the journey of Christian missions is not without challenges. The church faces intense persecution in various parts of the world, yet the gospel continues to spread,…
In a world increasingly characterized by moral ambiguity, materialism, and spiritual decline, the need for biblical education has never been more urgent. As society drifts away from God, biblical teachings offer a firm foundation to understand truth, morality, and the purpose of life. Education rooted in the Bible provides more than just knowledge; it equips individuals with wisdom to navigate the complexities of life with faith, integrity, and hope. The rise of secularism and the erosion of traditional values have…
I, Justin McConnell, am majoring in psychology, and I’m considering several career paths, though I don’t have a single answer yet. One option I’ve thought about is medical school, which could lead me to becoming a psychiatrist—essentially a doctor who prescribes medication. As for what brought me to Trinity, it’s a bit of an interesting story. I used to drive past the school every day on my way to high school, but I didn’t think much of it at the…
Hello, I’m Dr. Chris Gates, Associate Dean of the Trinity Quest Program and Assistant Professor of Bible and Theology. My role involves supporting and guiding our Quest students, who are often adults balancing careers, families, and education. I provide pastoral care, ensuring they feel seen and supported throughout their studies. I also teach Bible and theology courses, which is a passion of mine. I was once a student in the Quest Program myself. Initially, I resisted the call to ministry…
My name is Braydon Hotchkiss, and I graduated from Trinity College of Florida in 2022 as valedictorian. While at Trinity, I pursued a double major in Bible and Theology, as well as a second major in Ministry with a concentration in Pastoral Ministry. Since graduating, I’ve been serving as the pastor of First Baptist Church of Tarpon Springs, Florida. My time at Trinity truly prepared me for this role. The education I received here laid a strong foundation that I’ve…
My name is Dr. Trevor Holloway, and I serve as the Vice President for Student Development. My desire and focus in my role is on creating a vibrant student life outside the classroom here at Trinity. My role involves overseeing student groups, helping to cultivate a sense of community on campus, and managing dorm life. I also promote campus events and oversee chapel services and small groups, blending the spiritual and social aspects of student life at the Bible college….
Hi, my name is Allyson Patiño, I am a student at Trinity, pursuing a counseling degree with a focus on Christian counseling. Initially, I started my college journey with an interest in theology. However, when I discovered the opportunity for a dual degree, I switched to counseling, finding it to be the perfect balance with my theological studies. I speak highly of the professors at Trinity. They’ve all been incredibly supportive and impactful in my education. I’m especially grateful to…
Andrew, a senior at Trinity College of Florida, is studying for a Bachelor’s in Advanced Theological Studies with plans to continue his education at seminary, eventually pursuing a master’s and potentially a doctorate. His goal is to work in Christian ministry, particularly within the church. Andrew was drawn to Trinity after his father, an adjunct professor at the now-closed Clearwater Christian College, learned about the school through former faculty members. Initially, Andrew studied business at a secular online college but…
Dr. Allotta oversees Trinity College of Florida’s Admissions and Enrollment Department, managing everything from recruitment to student enrollment. He also leads the Ministry Department, training future pastors, youth pastors, and missionaries. Dr. Allotta believes the most impactful aspect of his role is providing a strong biblical foundation for students. Trinity College’s biblical education equips students to understand and interpret the Bible correctly. These classes include theology, Bible, and hermeneutics. Additionally, the Ministry Department focuses on helping students effectively communicate biblical…
Expository Biblical Higher Education Leading to Faithful Biblical Living A series of short essays on Trinity College of Florida’s commitment to expository teaching and preaching. By Stephen P. Best, D.D., President We must teach them to LISTEN – to Expository Teaching and Preaching! Jesus repeated this important phrase: “He who has ears to hear, let him hear.” Unfortunately, not everyone is listening. Distractions, technology addictions, information at our fingertips, and short attention spans are dumbing down the current Christian culture…
Trinity College of Florida is excited to announce that Suncoast Credit Union has donated $1,000 to support the college’s Athletics Department. Greg Buckshon, a representative of Suncoast Credit Union and an alumnus of Trinity College of Florida, presented the generous check. Greg’s involvement extends well beyond the presentation of the donation. As an active advocate for financial literacy, he has been leading a series of seminars for Trinity’s student body. These sessions focus on equipping students with essential financial management…
Shaping Students’ Faith and Future Dr. Bargerhuff serves as the Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dean of the College, and Professor of Bible and Theology. With over a decade of experience at the college, he teaches a range of Bible electives, including surveys of biblical books and specialized courses in systematic theology, his area of expertise. Through these courses, he helps students understand the core truths of the Christian faith—God’s nature, salvation, and the mission of the church. Dr….
Trinity College of Florida welcomed Congressman Gus Bilirakis on Monday, November 11, 2024, to celebrate Veterans Day and honor our veterans at the college. The Col. Charles Massey student group, which is designed for veterans and friends of veterans to come together and provide community and accountability to one another, hosted Congressman Gus Bilirakis. The visit was inspiring as Congressman Bilirakis addressed the student body and faculty. He charged us all with taking care of our veterans and local community….
The Authority of Scripture – Our Unfailing Foundation Dr. Peter W. Teague, President Emeritus Today there is a confluence of demographic, economic, and technological developments that are creating a new reality driven by a new set of rules! Change is coming at us very fast – so much so that in just 6 years the “Internet of Things” will be designed to run factories, mines, energy systems, transportation systems, retail facilities, vehicles, homes, offices, and YES even people. Truth Matters…
Advice For Parents of College Students Sending your child off to college can be difficult. Parents often struggle with establishing new boundaries and the void created by their child’s absence. As an enrollment officer at a private Christian college, I see the issues parents face in helping their children decide which college to attend. As a parent of two college-aged children and one soon-to-be college-aged, I have walked through the college decision process with my two children currently attending college….
Is College Worth It? By Karly Dooley More and more often, we see skepticism about whether or not a college degree is worth it. It is easy to be intimidated by large dollar figures related to tuition, dorm fees, books, and more when you begin researching potential places to study, but the answer is still a resounding “YES” when it comes to the value of a college education – for so many reasons! Research by the Social Security Administration reported…
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