A Message From the President At Edward Waters College, we are re-inventing a rich tradition in academic excellence! Over the years, much has been accomplished even in the midst of significant challenges. With a sense of purpose and an unyielding focus on ethics and effectiveness principles, we have tightened fiscal controls, strengthened corporate partnerships, increased student enrollment and developed new academic programs. However, we can do more. Re-inventing ourselves implies that we must make changes to become more relevant and productive. This strategic plan reflects what we can and will do over the next several years to engineer an “extreme makeover� designed to benefit our students, the city of Jacksonville and greater Northeast Florida communities. The plan provides a framework for guidance and will allow us to better respond to external shifts. The specific initiatives developed to support the advancement of our goals are bold expressions of the core values of this historic institution. Many different perspectives, both internal and external to the College, can be heard through this document. Members of the faculty, staff, student body and community met to grapple with the larger issues and questions from which this document emerged. I am very pleased with the collaborative efforts of these working groups and I am eager to pursue the exciting work of bringing our goals to life. We have an extraordinary student body. I am always amazed by their determination and persistence to complete their studies against all odds. It is my intention to create an educational environment that is even more nurturing, and one that will prepare and equip students with the knowledge, skills and dispositions they need to be meaningful contributors to society. What students learn and demonstrate at Edward Waters College is indeed the foundation for their professional careers and life journey. We owe them an educational experience of the highest quality and this plan allows us to honor that obligation. I invite you to review this planning document and join us as we transform ourselves for the 21st Century. 3
Nathaniel Glover, M. Ed.
President, Edward Waters College