OCALA - Central Florida Community College is one step closer to getting a new name.

The CFCC District Board of Trustees approved the name College of Central Florida at their Tuesday meeting.

Other names recommended to the board were: Central Florida State College, Florida American College and State College of Central Florida.

The college sought input from college and community members after the board gave its approval to begin the process in September. An online survey, available Sept. 25 through Oct. 31, garnered 1,480 submissions or 580 distinct names. CFCC's Name Change Task Force selected four to present to the board.

The name change will not become effective until July 1, 2010, and requires approval by the State Board of Education and authorization by the Florida Legislature.

"This is a very significant change for the college. While our name may be changing, the focus of the college will not," said Dr. Charles R. Dassance, CFCC president. "The college will continue to provide access to higher education opportunities and remain a community focused college."

Consideration of a name change followed the board's decision to begin the application process for the college to offer four-year degrees. CFCC is seeking approval to offer a Bachelor of Applied Science in Business and Organization Management with Specializations in Agribusiness Management, Health Care Management, Management Information Systems and Public Safety Administration; and Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood
Education with Prekindergarten/Primary Education Certification.

The programs will be offered no earlier than August 2010. The college is currently seeking approval from the State Board of Education for the programs and will also need the approval of its accrediting body, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

Other Florida colleges that have changed names this year include Daytona State College, Northwest Florida State College, Santa Fe College and Seminole State College of Florida.