Edward Waters College Officially Transitions to Edward Waters University
The new university has been authorized by SACSCOC to offer graduate degree programs for the first time in its 155-year history
[UNCF-member institution] Edward Waters College made history when the institution officially transitioned to Edward Waters University. The announcement was made during a press conference at which the institution presented the new name and other significant milestones, marking the evolution of the 155-year-old institution’s history that reflects its leadership in the rapidly changing higher education marketplace through its innovative programs and workforce-ready education.
The announcement comes after the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), regional accreditation agency approved the institution’s level change from a baccalaureate to master’s level degree granting entity, allowing Edward Waters the opportunity to offer graduate programs for the first time in the school’s history. “In the 155 year history of Edward Waters, this most auspicious and transformative occasion reaffirms the forward and upward moving trajectory of our storied and illustrious institution.” said EWU President and CEO, Dr. A. Zachary Faison, Jr.
Additionally, the school was approved to operate a new, fully accredited Online Master of Business Administration degree. These two changes allowed for the school to move from College to University status and is the first graduate degree program ever offered at the State of Florida first independent institution of higher learning and first historically Black college or university (HBCU).
Not only was the institution approved to offer graduate programs, but also its fifth-year accreditation review was accepted and approved by SACSCOC without any required follow-up report. This seals the University’s accreditation until its next reaffirmation review by SACSCOC in 2025.
“Edward Waters University will continue to emerge as the state of Florida’s premier destination institution of higher education through the growth of its academic programs and strengthening of its fiscal viability that will sustain the institution for yet another 155 years and beyond as we continue to implement the strategic vision Eminence 2025.”
The new Online MBA Program has already started receiving applications and is now officially enrolling students for fall 2021. Interested students can apply and get more information about EWU’s new online MBA program at www.ewc.edu/mba.
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About Edward Waters University
Edward Waters University (EWU), accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) and member of the United Negro College Fund (UNCF), is a private, historically black, urban college which offers a liberal arts education with a strong emphasis on the Christian principles of high moral and spiritual values. EWC was established in 1866 and is an African Methodist Episcopal Church-related institution of learning. It is the first private institution of higher education in the state of Florida.