News Article

Edison College Awarded Prestigious National Membership

May 2, 2008

Edison College has been accepted as a member of the prestigious Association of American Colleges and Universities [AAC&U]. Membership in the national organization testifies to a college's or university's emphasis on student learning and its commitment to provide the advantages of a liberal education to all students, regardless of academic specialization or intended career.

"AAC&U has long been known for collaborative pursuit of shared scholarly values," said Kenneth P. Walker, Edison College's District President. "Edison's academic rigor is grounded in an exemplary faculty committed to innovative teaching strategies, collaborative learning and scholastic excellence. We look forward to participating in the dynamic projects and alliances offered through this organization, and sharing Edison's successes to benefit other institutions."

Established as a junior college in 1961, Edison College has evolved into a multi-campus baccalaureate degree-granting educational system with approval for six bachelor's degree programs: Public Safety Management, Elementary Education, Secondary Education-Mathematics, Secondary Education-Biology, Supervision and Management, and Nursing. Edison College serves over 17,000 credit students annually through campuses in Lee, Charlotte and Collier counties, a center serving Hendry/Glades counties, and through Edison Online. Students represent nearly 80 countries around the world.

Pending Governor Charlie Crist's signature on recent legislation, Edison College will soon be a part of Florida's new state college system. The regional state college pilot study includes nine institutions and is slated to commence July 1, 2008. Edison College will retain its primary mission of meeting community needs through postsecondary associate and certificate programs, while expanding baccalaureate programs that address regional economic development needs. Open-door policies will also be preserved, and Edison will continue to reach out to underserved populations including those requiring remedial eduation. The result will be more Florida students completing four year degrees, and at a significant savings to students and taxpayers.

The excellent transfer performance of Edison College graduates matriculating to state universities is testament to the College's reputation for quality, and commitment to student mastery of general education competencies as the foundation for lifelong learning. Over the last three years, the average GPA of Edison College transfer students has been higher than that of students who entered the State University System as freshmen.

"Edison College's participation in AAC&U national projects during this exciting evolutionary phase will assure clarity of focus on the value of a liberal education in preparing students to live responsible, productive and fulfilling lives," said Walker.

For information on Edison College programs and services, phone 1-800-749-2322 or visit www.edison.edu.

Last Updated: May 2, 2008