News Article

Florida Senate Unanimously Passes Bill Renaming Edison State College to Florida SouthWestern State College

Mar 18, 2014

The Florida Senate today unanimously passed Senate Bill 236 to rename Edison State College to Florida SouthWestern State College.  The bill is sponsored by Senator Garrett Richter, whose District 23 area includes parts of Collier and Lee counties.

“Edison State College has a long history of contributing to the well-being of the region and to its students. As Florida SouthWestern State College that tradition will continue for generations to come,” said Senator Richter.

“Our mission to ‘inspire learning; prepare a diverse population for creative and responsible participation in a global society; and serve as a leader for intellectual, economic and cultural awareness in the community’ remains unchanged,” said Dr. Jeff Allbritten, President, Edison State College. “We thank Senator Richter for his support and leadership throughout this process.”

“We appreciate the Senate’s recognition and support for our need to fully embrace the region we serve,” said Matthew Holliday, Director of Government Relations at Edison State College.  The next step, said Holliday, is for House Bill 137 to come before the Florida House for a final vote. That vote is expected in the next week.

Celebrating over 50 years of excellence, Edison State College is Southwest Florida’s largest, most accessible and ranked nationally as one of the most affordable institutions of higher education. Serving more than 22,000 students per year regionally, nationally, and internationally, students are also active in a wide variety of clubs and programs that cater to their interests. Nationally, Edison State is ranked 45th among associate degree producers and 26th for its prestigious associate producing Nursing program.

Last Updated: May 26, 2020