NFC Unveils New Mascot

Since North Florida College’s name change in 2019, previously North Florida Community College, a methodical effort was taken to rebrand the image of the College, including its mascot. After many years of anticipation, the NFC Sentinel is now represented by three distinct characters: The Horse, Spaniard, and Halberd.

Approved during the NFC Board of Trustees meeting on November 21, 2023, and revealed to faculty and staff on January 5, 2024, the new mascot is the personification of what an NFC Sentinel represents: preparation, strength, and confidence. The mascot is symbolic of cherished Florida and local history, coupled with NFC pride and tradition.

NFC will ask alumni, students, faculty, and staff to help name each character represented. If you are an NFJC, NFCC, or NFC alumni and would like to help name the mascot, please email your contact information to the NFC Foundation at [email protected].

Plans are underway to officially introduce the NFC Sentinel mascot for the 2024 Fall Semester.

NFC Sentinel Mascot History

THE HORSE
The Marsh Tackie, a breed of horse originally brought into Florida by the Spanish in the 1500s, became the steed of choice by Florida cowmen until the 1930s. Recognizing the Marsh Tackie as a major contributor to Florida’s history, it now serves as the State’s official horse.

Many counties in NFC’s service district, has a long-standing history of relying upon horses to manage livestock and crops, which were original prominent economic sources for the area and continue to be.

Joe A. Akerman, Jr., an integral part of NFC faculty for over 40 years, served as a professor of history and English. He authored three books on the history of the cattle industry: The Florida Cowman (1976), American Brahman (1982) and a collaboration with his son Mark, Jacob Summerlin: King of the Crackers (2003). NFC’s Marshall W. Hamilton Library houses The Joseph Alexander Akerman, Jr. Florida Collection dedicated on April 21, 2013. The plaque dedicated in his honor describes him as a professor, author, artist, cowboy, and friend.

THE SPANIARD
Florida is proud of its Spanish roots, where we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month each September 15 – October 15, focusing on Hispanic heroes and their contributions to freedom.

Each summer, St. Augustine hosts an all-day event that celebrates the Spanish-sanctioned first free Black settlement in North America.

Spain also governed Florida as two republics – the Spanish Republic and Native Republic, where the Spanish did not often interfere with tribal affairs and an appointed official was deemed a Protector for the Indians of Spanish Florida.

NFC’s main campus sits adjacent to the Camino Real – the Royal Road – A Spanish-built road that connected missionary sites from St. Augustine to Pensacola. The first county seat of Madison, which then included territories of Taylor and Lafayette, was erected at the site of the Spanish Mission San Pedro. The Camino Real ran through the majority of NFC’s service district: Hamilton, Jefferson, Madison, and Suwannee counties. Today, the road continues to connect Florida’s east and west coasts. We know it best as Highway 90.

THE HALBERD
Used by Spanish foot soldiers in the early 1500s, the halberd is retained as a symbol of authority and ceremonial tradition.

In 1958, the first student government at NFC, then North Florida Junior College, included the halberd in the official college seal to represent strength.