From its humble beginnings in 1985 when Dr. Joseph Guadagnino followed a God-given vision to launch a small Bible institute, South Florida Bible College & Theological Seminary (SFBC) has grown into an accredited institution serving students from over 43 nations and 20 U. S. states. As it celebrates its 40th anniversary this September, the milestone marks not only decades of educational ministry, but a testimony of faith-driven perseverance through adversity. The college weathered years of limited resources, a nearly decade-long journey toward accreditation, facility relocations and financial strain during the COVID-19 pandemic. Through it all, SFBC has remained true to its mission to equip believers for purpose-filled leadership, emerging today with record enrollment, expanding academic offerings, and renewed vision under the leadership of President Dr. Mary Drabik. Accredited by the Association for Biblical Higher Education (ABHE), South Florida Bible College & Theological Seminary currently offers associate, bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees in more than a dozen majors. New initiatives include launching a Master of Business Administration program in the fall, developing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing program and beginning a brand-new athletics program with men's basketball and men's soccer competing for the first time this season. "We want to be the premier Christian college in South Florida - not just for ministry, but for mental health counseling, business, education and leadership," said Dr. Mary Drabik, SFBC president. "Our online programs are growing. We're launching athletics… The future is about developing the whole person – spirit, mind and body." This requires knowledge of God's Word, development of Christian character, specialized training for service, application of biblical principles to daily life, and the promotion of Christian love and unity. Drabik, who began as a church volunteer then secretary, has worked at the college for 37 years, helped develop the entire course catalog and navigate through the accreditation process. She earned her bachelor’s in biblical studies and master’s in religious education at SFBC, an MBA from Whitfield Theological Seminary and has an honorary doctorate from Cohen Theological Seminary. Her husband, Dr. Thomas Drabik, financial aid director, has also been a professor at SFBC since its beginnings in 1985, teaching biblical covenants. When asked what was the greatest accomplishment of SFBC’s 40 years, Thomas Drabik said, “That we're still here. The enemy has been trying to close us from the beginning and we're still here. Dr. Guadagnino has fight, and I think he transferred that fight over to Mary because she refused to give up.” Since Drabik took on the leadership role at SFBC in 2016, the college has won ABHE’s annual enrollment growth award twice. She has also cultivated collaborative relationships with community leaders, resulting in greater visibility for the college, and developed innovative programs in response to unique needs. For example, their English for Academic Purposes (EAP) program enrolls hundreds of students from abroad who speak English as a second language and need to improve their English before pursuing an advanced degree. Their College Academy allows homeschool high school students to pursue dual enrollment credit, with the possibility of earning their high school diploma and associate’s degree simultaneously upon graduation. SFBC has also developed a partner relationship with Faith Farm Ministries, a local addiction recovery ministry. The partnership makes it possible for Faith Farm students to earn up to 9 elective credits at SFBC for completing Faith Farm's regeneration program, providing a direct path to a degree with many of those students also receiving scholarships. Pastor Rick Aspden, chief executive officer of Faith Farm Ministries, completed a master's in biblical studies at SFBC in 2024, saying he chose them because "the relationship and willingness to partner with other ministries is extraordinarily inviting. When you understand the heart of South Florida Bible College, it's not about them – it's about glorifying the Lord. They care deeply - not just about academics but about calling and transformation." History Reflecting on their roots, Dr. Guadagnino, formerly pastor of Christian Love Fellowship, originally founded SFBC as a small Bible institute in 1985 to equip church members. It was transitioned into a Bible College & Theological Seminary by 1988 and graduated its first class in June 1990 with 80 graduates. Dr. Guadagnino left the pastorate in 2003 to devote himself fully to the college. Working closely beside him, Dr. Drabik was instrumental in navigating the arduous process of accreditation. A significant donation from the Harcourt M. And Virginia W. Sylvester Foundation, in honor of their deceased son, led to the establishment of the Steven R. Sylvester Memorial Library in 2007. The establishment of this library finally allowed the college to achieve candidate status with the ABHE in 2008. However, it took five more years before SFBC achieved full ABHE accreditation in 2013. With accreditation students could now be assured of a quality education; it allows them to receive Pell grants and other financial aid and positioned the college for real growth. In 2016, Dr. Guadagnino passed the torch of leadership to Dr. Drabik, making her the first female president of an ABHE-accredited institution. It was a unanimous decision by the board, and although some at the accrediting agency questioned the move, Dr. Guadagnino said, "When I stepped down, I prayed and asked God. 'Who should I choose?' And He said, 'Mary.' I didn't hesitate. She was faithful. She was loyal. And she had the heart of the ministry. Gender didn't matter-obedience did." SFBC faced a new challenge in 2017 when their lease was discontinued, and they were forced to find a new location. After an extensive search, Dr. Guadagnino said they were shown their current 50,000 square foot facility in Deerfield Beach, and Dr. Guadagnino said, "God provided a ram in the thicket" (Genesis 22:13). The space was much more than they needed at the time, and Dr. Guadagnino said the previous Board, concerned about the cost, voted against the move and advised him to close the college. Instead, he chose to continue in faith, saying, "God built this college. Jesus is the founder. He's the architect, builder, maker, founder and designer of South Florida Bible College. God gave me the vision. So, COVER STORY 28 AUGUST 2025 www.goodnewsfl.org Good News • South Florida Edition South Florida Bible College Celebrates 40 Years of Christ-Centered Education Shelly Pond Good News Editor Dr. Thomas Drabik, financial aid director and professor since 1985; Dr. Mary Drabik, president/CEO; and Dr. Joseph Guadagnino, founder and chancellor
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