In 1969, Seminole Junior College – which had been operating as the 13th and 14th grades of the local high school and had held classes on the 3rd floor of that building – was required by the State to break away and become an independently governed college. The City of Seminole donated 40 acres of land at the intersection of Highway 9 and Highway 3 (left photo) to begin construction on a dedicated site for then Seminole Junior College. In 1971, work was completed on the College’s first classroom and administration building, which would later be named Tanner Hall in honor of SJC’s first President Elmer Tanner. In the 50 years since Tanner Hall was completed, Seminole State College seen an extensive expansion. Fourteen additional structures have been built on the original 40 acres, offering students academic, health, athletic and residential resources, as pictured at right. The college is now in its 90^th year.