EWC January 2015 Newsletter

Edward Waters College Newsletter January 2015 President Nathaniel Glover Awarded an Honorary Doctorate UNF Presented Dr. Glover with an Honorary Doctorate of Law Degree The University of North Florida (UNF) presented an honorary doctorate to Edward Waters College (EWC) President Dr. Nathaniel Glover in recognition of his decades of service in law enforcement and education.

On April 11, 1995, Dr. Nathaniel Glover, Jr. made history by being elected the first African American sheriff in Florida in more than 100 years, since Reconstruction. He served two-terms and retired from the Jacksonville Sheriff ’s Office in 2003.

Dr. Nathaniel Glover is a 1966 graduate of Edward Waters College where he received a

Leadership Jacksonville. In 1995, Edward Waters College also presented President Glover with an Honorary Doctorate of Law Degree.

Edward Waters College President Dr. Nathaniel Glover

Bachelor of Science degree in Social Science. He later earned a Master of Education Degree from UNF. Dr. Glover is a graduate of the 130th Session of the FBI National Academy and a graduate of the 1989 class of

As the 29th president of Florida’s first private college, Dr. Nathaniel Glover brings a plethora of experience as a highly-respected leader, community servant and accomplished advocate for higher education. Since his permanent appointment in February 2011, he has continued to further the vision of transforming EWC into a dynamic and diverse learningcentered community focused on academic excellence, research and bettering humanity.

Former NFL Receiver Named New Athletic Director

Willie Jackson, Jr. at EWC’s formal announcement.

Former National Football League (NFL) wide receiver, Willie Bernard Jackson, Jr. was officially named the new Athletic Director for Edward Waters College (EWC) during a press conference Wednesday, January 14th at 11:00 a.m. in the AdamsJenkins Sports and Music Complex.

Jackson played in the NFL for eight seasons during the 1990s and 2000s. Jackson also played college football for the University of Florida from 1990 to 1993 under coach Steve Spurrier. He later played

professionally for the Jacksonville Jaguars, Cincinnati Bengals, New Orleans Saints, Atlanta Falcons and Washington Redskins. Jackson finished his eight-season NFL career with 284 receptions for 3,641 yards and 24 touchdowns.

“One of my top priorities is to increase and maximize the resources available to our student-athletes to ensure they are successful,” said Jackson.

Jackson is replacing Johnny Rembert who retired last July after a decade of serving as EWC’s former Athletic Director. Mr. Jackson is the seventh full-time athletic director in the history of Edward Waters College.

In This Issue Biology Professor Takes On Asthma Disparity ....... Page 2 EWC Hosts MLK Jr. Community Day of Service .............. Page 3 EWC Concert Choir to Perform Porgy and Bess ........ Page 3

Dr. Brian Seymour’s Research Provides a Major Step in Resolving Jacksonville’s African American Asthma Disparity A pilot study conducted by Dr. Brian Seymour, Director of the Edward Waters College (EWC) Center for the Prevention of Health Disparities, found major variations in allergic antibodies among African American populations living in Jacksonville Florida. These results could lead to improved health care and eventually reduce the high mortality rate among African Americans with allergic disorders.

The cross-sectional designed study was conducted during a recent allergy season. 200 subjects were given a questionnaire about their health and had blood samples collected.

In his study, Dr. Seymour quantified a protein called immunoglobulin E (IgE) that is

“These levels are usually found in people who live in third-world countries,” said Dr. Brian Seymour.

Dr. Brian Seymour, Director of the Center for the Prevention of Health Disparities

elevated in the blood of individuals with allergy or allergic asthma. The study revealed that out of 200 subjects, 127 of the participants or 65% evaluated had elevated levels of serum IgE (>500 ng/ml). Of those 28 people or 14% had extremely high levels of IgE (>10,000 ng/ml).

According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), approximately 11.5 percent of the population in the U.S. is affected by asthma. Morbidity and mortality rates are greater among African Americans than in Caucasians.

“I hope to use these results to aid in the correct identification of the specific inducing agents that is responsible for the high incidence of allergic asthma in the African American community,” said Dr. Seymour.

This pilot study was funded by the Henry C. Mcbay Foundation and the United Negro College Fund.

Assistant Athletic Director Inducted into the State College of Florida Hall of Fame Florida Manatee Athletics Hall of Fame’s Class of 2015.

The State College of Florida Hall of Fame honors athletes, coaches, teams, administrators and others whose contributions to athletics have brought distinction to the Manatees athletics program.

Stanley Cromartie, EWC Assistant Athletic Director

Edward Waters College Assistant Athletic Director, Stanley Cromartie was inducted into the State College of Edward Waters College 2

Stanley Cromartie was nominated as a student-athlete. He played basketball for Hall of Fame coach, Harry Kinnan. In his freshmen year, the point guard averaged 12 points and four assists while helping the Manatees post a school record for the most wins in a single season. In his second year, Cromartie averaged 17 points and 4

assists per game. He was named to the Suncoast All-Conference team in 1984.

Stanley Cromartie has been at EWC since 2010 and also serves as the head coach of the Tiger softball team.

Inductees for the State College of Florida are selected by a 13member committee. Its mission is to evaluate the merits of the class of nominees and recommend no more than four candidates a year.

Stanley Cromartie is the second African American inducted into the State College of Florida Hall of Fame.

EWC Hosts the 2015 Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of service Northeast Florida and Wells Fargo mobilized to complete 20 service projects.

Wanda Willis, EWC VP of Institutional Advancement Damien Haitsuka, Wells Fargo Dr. Nathaniel Glover, President Pam Paul, Philanthropist

Edward Waters College (EWC) helped honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s 86th birthday by hosting the 2015 Day of Service.

More than 500 volunteers with HandsOn Jacksonville, LISC (Local Initiatives Support Corporation), the United Way of

The 2015 Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service kicked-off Monday, January 19th with a program in the EWC Adams-Jenkins Sports and Music Complex. President Nathaniel Glover addressed the crowd and emphasized the importance of serving quoting Dr. King, “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is: ‘What are you doing for others?”

Dr. Glover also elaborated on the importance of R.O.I.- Return On Investment with regards to helping your neighbors. “If you sow a good seed, you will reap a good profit.”

The Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of

Service ensures the national holiday is celebrated as a day “on” instead of a day “off.” Volunteers completed several projects including informing neighbors about initiatives to enhance financial stability, beautifying neighborhoods and renovating playgrounds in the Springfield, New Town, East Jacksonville and Northwest Jacksonville communities.

Volunteers assisting with the New Town Success Zone Community Garden.

Choirs Combine for a Unique Performance of the American Classic “Porgy and Bess” Opera-in-Concert The world renowned Edward Waters College Concert Choir will combine forces with the BethuneCookman University Choir for a rare performance of George Gershwin’s opera Porgy and Bess.

Porgy and Bess immortalized the culture of “Catfish Row” and gave us classic songs such as “Summertime,” and “It Ain’t Necessarily So.” The combined choirs will join the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra and an all-star cast for the timeless American opera.

“I am extremely thankful that the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra invited us to be a part of this performance,” said EWC Choir Director, Barbara McNeely-Bouie.

historically black college or university (HBCU) to be a part of such a ground breaking piece,” said McNeely-Bouie.

“I also feel extremely fortunate to be given an opportunity to be able to collaborate with BethuneCookman University.”

Porgy and Bess was first performed in New York City in 1935 and featured an entire cast of classically trained African American singers - a daring artistic choice at the time.

“I believe it is very fitting for students attending Florida’s first

“This performance will also give our students a very unique experience in musical theatre.

Many of our students have never seen an opera, much less one with black performers. This will expose them to a cultural event that will stay with them for a lifetime.”

Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess will be held Saturday, February 7th at 8:00 p.m. in the Jacoby Symphony Hall at the Times-Union Center for the Performing Arts. You can call 904354-5547 or go to jaxsymphony.org for tickets.

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EWC 13th Annual Fine Arts Scholarship Benefit Concert

Edward Waters College hosted its 13th Annual Fine Arts Scholarship Benefit Concert on January 24th at the Times-Union Center for Performing Arts.

The concert featured Broadway sensation Rashidra Scott and the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra in the Windborne Music production of “The Music of Whitney Houston: A Celebration.”

Conductor Brent Havens led the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra as Rashidra Scott belted through an evening of hits that included “Saving All My Love,” “How Will I know?,” “Where Do Broken Hearts Go?,” and “I Will Always Love You.” The Edward Waters College Fine Arts Scholarship Benefit Concert is held every year with the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra. All of the proceeds benefit scholarships for the College. More than 98percent of our student population depend on financial aid to fund their education.

You can continue to support Edward Waters College through a contribution to the EWC Annual Fund.

Contact Wanda Willis, Vice President of Institutional Advancement at 904-470-8050 or wanda.willis@ewc.edu to make your gift today.

Office of Institutional Advancement Wanda J. Willis Vice President 904-470-8251 Dee Registre Coordinator of Public Relations 904-470-8050 d.registre@ewc.edu

EWC Works to Unite Ferguson Through Scholarship

Edward Waters College is one of six historically black colleges or universities (HBCUs) awarding a full tuition scholarship to high school students who attend Normandy High School. This is the same high school Michael Brown, Jr. attended before he was killed in a police-involved shooting in Ferguson, MO. The “Michael Brown Change Foundation” scholarship will be awarded based on each of the participating institutions admission requirements. Pictured above: The Normandy High School Class of 2015 during the scholarship announcement ceremony.

Renowned Cancer Biologist Speaks to Students

The Edward Waters College Biology Department welcomed cancer biologist Dr. Charles Brenner to speak to students. Dr. Brenner is a Professor and Chair of Biochemistry at the Iowa Carver College of Medicine of the University of Iowa. Dr. Brenner holds a Ph.D. in Cancer Biology from Stanford University.

Dr. Brenner is a member of the SLOAN Center for Exemplary Mentoring where he assists minority students interested in attending graduate programs in STEM fields.