Edward Waters College Newsletter October 2014
Florida Supreme Court Justice James Perry Visits EWC Justice James E.C. Perry served as the guest speaker for the Community Advocacy and Civic Responsibility Forum Florida Supreme Court Justice James E.C. Perry spoke to Edward Waters College (EWC) students during the institution’s “Community Advocacy and Civic Responsibility” forum. During his speech, Justice Perry emphasized the importance of being active in our democratic government. “Democracy is not a spectator sport. You need to be an active participant which begins with voting in your local elections,” said Perry. Justice Perry was appointed to the 85th Justice of the Florida Supreme Court by Governor Charlie Christ in March of 2009. Prior to his
After his remarks, a panel discussion was held about the evolution of community advocacy and where it now stands in our society. The panel included EWC students, Attorneys Rhonda Peeples-Waters and Robert C. Rivers, and representatives from the American Civil Liberties Mr. EWC Jose Bennett, Edward Waters Union (ACLU) and the Southern College President Nathaniel Glover, Christian Leadership Conference Justice James Perry, Executive Vice President (SCLC). Dr. Anna Hammond and Miss EWC Ashley Williams.
appointment, he served as a circuit judge of Florida’s Eighteenth Judicial Circuit as appointed by Governor Jeb Bush in March 2000. Justice Perry also served as a Chief Judge of the Circuit for a two-year term (2003–2005).
The program’s objective is to support students through responsible community engagement and inspire them to serve as lifelong thoughtful citizens and advocates for social change.
EWC’s enrollment Is “On The Rise” with the Class of 2018 Edward Waters College has grown to 929 registered students in the Fall 2014 semester, a seven percent increase over Fall 2013. Meanwhile, enrollment at many of the historically black colleges and universities (HBCU) around the country continues to fall. Higher tuition fees, which rose by 41 percent in the past five years, and tighter rules on the federal Parent Plus Loan has negatively effected enrollment at many HBCU’s. 2014 Fall Convocatum Est. Ceremony
“We did lose some students due to our tuition increase this year, but we were able to off-set those numbers with new students,” said Director of Admissions, Joel Walker. “The EWC Office of Admissions utilized a more concentrated recruiting strategy this past year mainly focusing our efforts on students from Florida and Georgia.” Eighty-seven percent of our students are from Florida. The majority or the College’s out-of-state students come from Georgia, Alabama, Maryland and New York.
In This Issue EWC Mass Communication Program Expands ....... Page 2 EWC Junior Faculty Develop Research Skills ............ Page 2 EWC Alumni Attend HBCU Week ................. Page 3
Demand and Resources grow for the EWC Mass Communication Program radio booth and new editing suite. “This will allow our students the opportunity to physically apply what they are learning in their textbooks through hands-on experience,” said Chair of the Mass Communication Program, Dr. Peter Tahsoh. Assistant Professor Dan Henrich surveys construction.
The Edward Waters College Mass Communication Program is expanding it’s resources, curriculum and enrollment. The Tookes Building underwent recent renovations to include additional classroom space, a television studio, control room, a
Dr. Tahsoh also spent the past three-years revamping the curriculum within the program. Students enrolled in Mass Communication will now receive 15 credit hours of required communications courses before specializing in either print journalism, television broadcast journalism, radio or public relations.
Dr. Peter Tahsoh Chair of the EWC Mass Communication Program
According the Office of Admissions, 70 first-year students have expressed interest in enrolling as Mass Communication majors. “President Glover repeatedly states that EWC is on the rise. The growth in our department is another reflection of that,” said Dr. Tahsoh.
Training the Next Generation of Academic Researchers The Edward Waters College Department of Biology hosted a workshop aimed at developing methodological research skills and boosting the grant seeking capacity of the College’s faculty. Dr. Folakemi Odedina, Ph.D., Professor of Pharmaceutical Outcomes and Policy at the University of Florida and Director of the University of Florida Health Cancer Center on Health Disparities led the research materials workshop. “Minority-serving institutions tend to be under-resourced, but they have had a historic role in providing opportunities for their students. It is of great value to the institution Edward Waters College 2
The OneFlorida Clinical Research Consortium is a collaboration representing researchers, clinicians and patients that aims to improve health across the state. The network extends to all 67 counties and encompass more than 10 million patients.
Dr. Folakemi Odedina, Ph.D facilitating the junior faculty research materials workshop.
for faculty members to seek grants,” said Dr. Odedina. EWC faculty members have an opportunity to apply for a $25,000 research grant being provided by the OneFlorida Cancer Control Alliance.
Together, OneFlorida partners cover 39 percent of the patient population. EWC biology professor Dr. Prabir Mandal serves on the OneFlorida Executive Committee and participates in the Pragmatic Trials and Implementation Science Minority Education Program where he works to improve the health care provided to patients with tobacco-related illnesses.
Edward Waters College’s Homecoming has been a staple in the community for decades and serves as an entertaining cultural celebration.
The EWC Triple Threat Marching Band performing during the Homecoming Parade.
EWC’s Homecoming, “Preserving History, Promising Futures,” was held October 19th-25th. The week consisted of the traditional events, which included the talent show, fashion show, comedy show featuring comedian KWEBB, greek step show, hip-hop concert featuring Plies, “Alumni Spirit Breakfast” and Homecoming game.
Alumni doing the “Tiger Spirit” cheer during the Alumni Spirit Breakfast.
This year’s Homecoming celebration also included an Alumni Presidential Reception hosted by President Nathaniel Glover, and a Gospel Explosion Concert by the world renowned EWC Concert Choir. Seniors Ja-Tavius McCardell and Keshari Millings were crowned the Homecoming King and Queen. McCardell is a Criminal Justice major and Jacksonville Sheriff ’s Office Intern from Houston, Texas. Millings is an Elementary Education major from Atlanta, Georgia.
Pictured L-R: Edgar Mathis, EWC Alumnus, Dr. Nathaniel Glover, EWC President, Malachi Beyah, EWCNAA Jacksonville Chapter President, Linda Sue Holmes, EWC Alumna Daisy Hicks, EWC Alumna John Corker, EWC Alumnus
“It is extremely important that we give back to an institution that has given all of us so much,” said Edward Waters College Alumnus Edgar Mathis. “I hope this presentation inspires other alumni and friends of the College to also make donations.”
Ja-Tavius McCardell and Keshari Millings were crowned the 2014 Homecoming King and Queen.
The Edward Waters College National Alumni Association and friends also raised more than $20,000 for the institution. The presentation was made during halftime of the Homecoming game, where the EWC Tigers defeated the Newport News Apprentice School Builders 47-21.
Dr. Nathaniel Glover, Congresswoman Corrine Brown, and Jacksonville City Councilman Reggie Brown at the Alumni Presidential Reception.
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Community Discusses Future Development for Kings Road
EWC goes to the White House for the 2014 HBCU Week Conference
Edward Waters College hosted a community meeting with the Jacksonville Local Initiative Support Corporation (LISC), Habitat for Humanity, the New Town Success Zone and local residents to discuss the expansion of two retail corridors along Kings Road.
Edward Waters College C.L.I.M.B Coordinator Javan Reed, EWC Alumni Chapter President for the Washington D.C. Metro Area Dayna Kent and EWC National Alumni Association President Eric Daniel Johnson participated in this year’s HBCU Week Conference: Innovators for Future Success.
The Kings Road Commercial Corridor extends from Myrtle Avenue to Division Street. Stakeholders hope this meeting will lead to the development of new and necessary businesses like a nearby grocery store that would benefit local residents and the College’s students.
President Barack Obama proclaimed September 21st - 27th as National Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) Week and highlighted the legacies, missions and need to support HBCUs. Organizers emphasized the need for HBCUs to form beneficial partnerships with other institutions in order to succeed.
“We have already brought a lot of the human capitol to the area with regards to invested services. We have raised the expectation. Now it is time to develop the area economically” said Dr. Irvin Cohen, Executive Director of the New Town Success Zone. The budget for this development project is $60,000, but city officials hope the new developments will leverage more funding. “Right now, not only do we have city dollars in this project, but we also have private dollars meaning the responsibility won’t just fall on one entity,” said Dr. Cohen.
“This conference was very beneficial because if you are not at the table during the discussion, your interests are probably on the menu,” said Johnson. Organizers at the conference also stressed the importance of educating students in S.T.E.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) related fields. Pictured above: Javan Reed, FAMU President Dr. Elmira Mangum, Danya Kent, Eric Daniel Johnson
EWC’s Legacy of Excellence Continues Through You
City officials also plan to develop the Kings Road, U.S. 1 and Soutel Drive area.
Office of Institutional Advancement Wanda J. Willis Vice President 904-470-8251 wanda.willis@ewc.edu Dee Registre Coordinator of Public Relations 904-470-8050 d.registre@ewc.edu
The Edward Waters College Annual Fund provides support for academic excellence. These unrestricted funds help impact every area of the Edward Waters College experience including academic programing, faculty enrichment, technology upgrades, and scholarships and financial aid. Like many other private institutions, there is a gap between tuition and the operational costs of the College. The EWC Annual Fund helps to close that gap and enables us to provide an exceptional learning environment for our students. Please make your gift today. Contact Wanda Willis, Vice President of Institutional Advancement at 904-470-8251.