Edward Waters College

Edward Waters College is a private college located in Jacksonville, Florida. It was founded in 1866 to educate freed former slaves and is the oldest historically black college in Florida. 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.

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

• Edward Waters College, 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 College 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 College 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

Academics

Edward Waters College awards the following degrees in nine degree programs:

• Bachelor of Arts: A Bachelor of Arts degree is awarded to a student who completes the requirements for a major in Communications, Music, Psychology and Criminal Justice.
• Bachelor of Science: A Bachelor of Science degree is awarded to a student who completes the requirements for a major in Biology, Elementary Education, and Mathematics.
• Bachelor of Business Administration: A Bachelor of Business Administration degree is awarded to a student who completes the requirements for a major in Organizational Management (CLIMB) and Business Administration.

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.
• EWC faculty members are solely responsible for evaluating the work and/or performance of students and for assigning appropriate grades
• The Edward Waters College (EWC) Library contains approximately 30,000 volumes and subscribes to 147 periodicals.
• Edward Waters College 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 College is judged by its alumni. Over its outstanding history, the College has produced men and women who contributed greatly to their communities. EWC graduates are found at the highest levels of corporate America, education, religion, medicine, and public service.

Achievements

• EWC 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 EWC Choir and the Triple Threat Marching Band.

Sources: Edward Waters College