Gulf Coast State College

With a beautiful setting on the Grand Lagoon, this college offers 150 program choices and welcomes visitors for arts and athletic events.

Gulf Coast State College has a dream location adjacent to St. Andrew Bay, just a few miles from Florida’s sandy ocean beaches. The campus has wide green spaces, ponds, athletic sites and architecturally appealing buildings. Visit to scout out the school or attend cultural, athletic or food events.

The school offers bachelor and associate programs and specialist certificates for its more than 7,000 students. Consider taking classes as part of a lifelong learning path. Community and continuing education classes include a wide variety of subjects such as Zen yoga, enameling, photography, and digital and manual drawing skills.

Arts and culture have great emphasis at the college, with programs in fine arts, theater and performing arts, literature and music. Watch GCSC and WNC200 HDTV for student-run 24-hour television programming serving the school and greater community.

Check the school’s website for current listings of performing arts events. Most are offered with free admission in the Amelia Center Gallery. Fundraising events, such as a delightful evening of show tunes, may be held in the larger Panama City community.

The school’s Concert Chorale, the Singing Commodores and the Instrumental Ensemble hold frequent free concerts. The art gallery presents varied shows ranging from painting to embroidery. Attend a lecture or exhibit, mingling with students and other visitors. Each year the site hosts the Annual Ceramics Symposium, which includes lectures and demonstrations.

As a special visitor treat, Gulf Coast State College offers on-site dining opportunities. Students in management programs for culinary arts, hospitality and tourism create special spring and fall food events in the Advanced Technology Center’s John Holley Dining Room. Make a dining reservation or sign up for classes in the culinary program.

Attend a GCSC college athletic event. Men’s and women’s basketball and volleyball teams play at the Billy Harrison Field House. See baseball at Bill Frazier Field and softball at Joe Tom King Field.

Drive about 10 miles (16 kilometers) northwest of downtown Panama City to reach Gulf Coast State College. Visitor parking is available in several spots across the campus. Schedule a campus tour by contacting the college’s Welcome Center online.