land; increasing enrollment and attracting nationally renowned faculty. Collier tried to replicate the educational aims and programs of Booker T. Washington. His greatest contribution was to the education and training of Black teachers throughout Florida. The Collier library houses 120,000 volumes, two Information Commons areas as well as separate Electronic, Teaching, Periodicals, Audiovisual and Group study rooms. The library subscribes to 30 databases, 519 periodicals and contains two special collections: The Rev. I. C. Mickins Theological and Sermonic Research, and the Dr. Laban Connor Black Collection. Athletics The Florida Memorial athletic teams are called the Lions. The university is a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), primarily competing in the Sun Conference (formerly known as the Florida Sun Conference (FSC) until after the 2007–08 school year) since the 1990–91 academic year. Its football program began competing in the Mid-South Conference (MSC) from the 2020 to 2021 fall seasons. Florida Memorial competes in 13 intercollegiate varsity sports: Men's sports include baseball, basketball, football, soccer and track & field; while women's sports include basketball, beach volleyball, flag football, soccer, softball, track & field and volleyball; and co-ed sports include cheerleading. Football The University played football under the name Florida Normal and Industrial Institute from 1946-58 (except 1949), competing in the Southeastern Athletic Conference. The Lions' record in those twelve seasons was 41 wins, 25 losses and six ties, with a 14–8 win over Albany State in their final game of 1958. The football program was re-instated in 2020, after a 62 year hiatus. The "new" Lions got their first victory on October 23, 2021, defeating Union College. 41–17. Notable alumni See also Collier-Blocker Junior College References External links Official athletics website Universities and colleges in Miami-Dade County, Florida Universities and colleges affiliated with the American Baptist Churches USA Educational institutions established in 1879 Universities and colleges accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Miami Gardens, Florida 1879 establishments in Florida Historically black universities and colleges in the United States Education in St. Johns County, Florida Education in Miami-Dade County, Florida African-American history of Florida Universities and colleges in Duval County, Florida Education in Suwannee County, Florida Private universities and colleges in Florida