Dr. Valdrie Walker

Firstcoastnews.com Article
Edward Waters College Looking to a Fresh Start

Story: By Angela Spears
First Coast News

JACKSONVILLE, FL -- Students and staff at Edward Waters College are gearing up for another semester. Class begins Thursday, August 24. Administrators say they are looking to the future. The school has its reaffirmation of accreditation. This means it can move forward.

The school has been plagued with problems. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools put EWC on warning. It had problems with its accreditation late last year after a plagiarism incident. The Vice President of Academic Affairs, Dr. Valdrie Walker, says the school is looking to the future. She says the school is putting the problems of the past behind it.

Edward Waters College is celebrating 140 years. It is the oldest black institution in Florida. It's one of four Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) in the state.

School leaders believe this school year will be different. Walker says the school is focusing on academic rigor. The emphasis will be on its programs, especially the flagship programs like Criminal Justice, Business Administration and Education. According to Walker, "This is a different college."

The school has 15 degree confirming majors, including Arts & Sciences and a Professional Studies Program. EWC is working to improve its image. Walker says the school has realigned the staff and added 12 new faculty members.

Another major goal for the school is recruitment. Walker says enrollment had been consistent for years until the issues with accreditation. Some students left last semester because they weren't sure of the school's future. The Vice President of Academic Affairs is expecting an enrollment of 850 for the Fall Semester.

Once students come, keeping them is key. Walker says a plan is place for retention. "This year there will be advising, mentoring and teaching methods that match students learning style. We are looking at more internship and looking at more preparation for graduate school, especially for the new, dual engineering degree program."

Walker says the reaffirmation of accreditation is an assurance the school will be able to do its job. The school will hold a "Reaffirmation Confirmation Celebration" today. Students and faculty will be on hand to celebrate the new year and the fresh start. There will be food and music. The celebration starts at noon on Centennial Lawn.

For more information on Edward Waters College, call (904)470-8000 or click on the link above.

http://www.firstcoastnews.com/news/florida/news-article.aspx?storyid=63379

Hurray for EWC..My mother went to that school years ago..I was talking to a friend yesterday in Jacksonville and we was talking about EWC..He also told me that have a very good band, so I know I want to go back home and check them out..Go EWC

EWC's band is small but very good.

Do you happen to know who the band director is?

No,I'm sorry to say I don't.