Florida Memorial University, a historically Black College related to Baptist Churches and traditions, is one of the oldest academic centers in Florida. The private, coeducational, baccalaureate and graduate degrees granting university has its origins in the Florida Baptist Institute, founded in 1879 in Live Oak (Florida), and in the Florida Baptist Academy, founded in1892 in Jacksonville (Florida). These two institutions merged in 1941 to form the Florida Normal and Industrial Memorial Institute in St. Augustine, Florida. The institution became a four-year college in 1945. Following several name changes, the present name Florida Memorial College was adopted in 1963. The institution moved to its present South Florida location in Miami, Florida in 1968.

Florida Memorial University serves a culturally diverse student population through programs in liberal and technical education. These programs are designed to prepare students to function effectively in a highly competitive technological global society. Challenging educational opportunities are offered through the academic divisions in a variety of instructional formats to traditional and non-traditional students. Internships and other experimental learning programs are incorporated in the learning environment. Academic programs are supported by library services, academic advising, testing, developmental education, support services, career planning and placement, counseling and student activities.

The university is committed to excellence, and to this end, appropriate resources are provided and curricula and programs are planned, developed and assessed to provide instruction to students at their level of achievement. This will enable students to acquire the knowledge and skills necessary for successful completion of a progression of academic standards. 

Florida Memorial University is dedicated to the pursuit of knowledge and truth; the free exchange of ideas; and the transmission and preservation of African-American history and heritage. The University recognizes that education contributes to the quality of life and expects that students will leave its community of scholars and traditions prepared to participate fully in society.

The definitive mission of Florida Memorial University is to inculcate in students the importance of life-long learning, character and a commitment to leadership through service in the enhancement of their lives and the lives of others.