Edward Waters University: Your Top Guide to HBCU Excellence & Opportunities

The Edward Waters University Monument Signage can be found in the heart of campus.
Edward Waters University EWU Color Logo

Welcome to your in-depth guide on Edward Waters University, an independent institution of higher learning  in Jacksonville, Florida with a rich history. Founded in 1866, this HBCU has played a crucial role in the advancement of academic and cultural excellence and is the oldest historically black college in Florida.

EWU It is affiliated with the African Methodist Episcopal Church, and is part of the Independent Colleges and Universities of Florida. It’s nickname is the Tigers and Lady Tigers and the University is a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics. Their colors are Purple, Orange and White and their motto is Academic, Spiritual, Physical.

Edward Waters University Profile

  • Location: 1658 Kings Rd, Jacksonville, Florida 32209
  • Phone: (904) 470-8000
  • Website: www.ewc.edu
  • Type: 4-year, Private not-for-profit
  • Awards offered: Bachelor’s degree
  • Campus setting: Large City
  • Campus housing: Yes
  • Student population: 769 (all undergraduate)
  • Student-to-faculty ratio: 17 to 1

History

ewc history centennial Hall
Centennial Hall
  • Edward Waters, the oldest private institution of higher education in the state of Florida, was founded in 1866 specifically to educate newly freed slaves.
  • Celebrating 144 years of service, Edward Waters was initially named “Brown Theological Institute” by Rev. William G. Steward, the first AME pastor in the state.
  • After being destroyed by fire in 1901, the College acquired the current site in 1904 and began to rebuild.
  • The school was first accredited as a junior college in 1955 under President William B. Stewart, and by 1960 the College had restored its four-year curriculum.
  • In 1979, the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) accredited the College as a four-year institution and the College remains accredited by SACS.

Campus

The campus is situated on 23 acres in the city of Jacksonville, Florida, the third largest city in Florida, with a population of approximately 500,000. Located on the Kings Road corridor, in close proximity to downtown Jacksonville, FL, Edward Waters University continues to build upon its solid foundation of teaching, research, and community outreach. The campus is served by a mass-transit bus system. The city’s airport is about 15 miles from Edward Waters College.

Our Students

  • The College’s current enrollment is 839 students
  • Approximately 51% of the student body is male
  • 49% female
  • over 90% of the students rely on financial aid.

Faculty

  • Number of faculty members: 49
  • Student-teacher ratio: 17:1
  • Full-time faculty members: 33
  • Part-time faculty members: 16

Academic Programs

Edward Waters University awards the following degrees in nine undergraduate degree programs:

  • Nursing Pathways: BS & BSN Program, B.S., Post-Baccalaureate, Undergraduate (Partnership program with University of Florida’s College of Nursing)
  • Bachelor of Science in Public Health, B.S., Undergraduate
  • Bachelor of Science in Social Work, B.S.W., Undergraduate
  • Bachelor of Science in Sports Management, B.S., Undergraduate
  • Bachelor of Science in Accounting, B.S., Undergraduate
  • Bachelor of Science in Computer and Information Science, B.S., Undergraduate
  • Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science, B.S., Undergraduate

EWU graduate degree programs include:

  • Master of Science in Cybersecurity, Graduate, M.S.
  • Master of Public Administration, Graduate, M.P.A.
  • Master of Public Administration, Graduate, M.P.A.
  • Master of Arts in Education Policy and Advocacy, Graduate, MEPA

Facilities

  • The Student Support Services (SSS) Program provides opportunities for academic development, assists students with basic college requirements, and serves to motivate students toward the successful completion of their postsecondary education.
  • Student participants have access to regular seminars and tutorial assistance in the areas of mathematics, reading, and writing facilitated by experienced, well-trained academic specialists.
  • EWU faculty members are solely responsible for evaluating the work and/or performance of students and for assigning appropriate grades
  • The Edward Waters University Library contains approximately 30,000 volumes and subscribes to 147 periodicals.
  • EWU is strongly committed to its financial aid program and the principle that a student's financial resources should not be a barrier to enrollment.

Alumni

The ultimate success of Edward Waters University is judged by its alumni. Over its outstanding history, the University has produced men and women who contributed greatly to their communities. EWU graduates are found at the highest levels of corporate America, education, religion, medicine, and public service. Notable alumni include:

  • Former Jacksonville sheriff and EWU president Nathaniel Glover Jr.
  • Congresswoman Corinne Brown
  • Jazz Musician Marcus Roberts

Achievements

  • EWU was highlighted in The Florida Leader Magazine “The Best of Florida Schools 2004” as having the “Biggest Growth for Private Colleges”.
  • The Music and Fine Arts Department was also featured as the “Best Music for Private Colleges” which highlighted the world renowned EWU Choir and the Triple Threat Marching Band.

Sources: Edward Waters University

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