Latest news with #UnityClassic
Miami Herald
03-07-2025
- Business
- Miami Herald
Is Edward Waters the Fastest Rising Private HBCU in America?
Just a few years ago, Edward Waters College, a Jacksonville, FL., HBCU, was treading water. To those outside of Duval County, it was largely unknown. Even within the county, EWC was rarely the first choice for students seeking a quality education. But now, as the school prepares to celebrate its 160th anniversary, the institution founded by the African Methodist Episcopal Church has found its stride. When the university selected its new president, some considered it a gamble. At just 37 years old, Dr. A. Zachary Faison Jr. was young to lead such a historic institution. He became president in July 2018 after a unanimous vote by the Board of Trustees. Faison was the youngest serving HBCU president or chancellor in the nation at the time. Before coming to Edward Waters, Faison had served in senior leadership roles at multiple HBCUs. He arrived with a clear strategic vision-and delivered it with precision. Under his leadership, Edward Waters has transformed. The school has grown from a quiet, tuition-dependent liberal arts college to a rising university with national recognition. Enrollment has surged. New academic programs have launched. Infrastructure has expanded. One of Faison's boldest moves was elevating Edward Waters' athletic profile. In 2018, the school competed in the NAIA-a level many HBCUs had outgrown. On July 1, 2021, the school officially became Edward Waters University (EWU). This step symbolized an expanded academic mission. Weeks later, EWU successfully applied for NCAA Division II membership, with full membership granted in July 2024. The university also joined the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC)-a respected conference in Black college sports. Edward Waters didn't stop at joining a new conference. The university expanded its varsity sports offerings from 8 to 16 NCAA-sponsored programs. This growth created more opportunities for student-athletes and boosted the school's visibility. Major Facility Upgrades: Nathaniel Glover Community Field & Stadium: Opened in 2021, giving EWU football a permanent, on-campus home for the first Community Sports & Music Complex: Renovated in 2022 with a new gym floor, bleachers, and a digital video Wellness and Weight Training Facility: Built in 2023 to support all Tennis Courts: Recently completed, placing EWU among the best-equipped small Black private colleges. Edward Waters announced its first-ever football classic, the Unity Classic, which will debut on September 13 against CIAA powerhouse Virginia Union University. This game marks a significant milestone in the university's athletic journey. EWU is growing academically as well. Since Faison's arrival, the university has: Earned university statusLaunched four 100% online graduate programs: Master of Business Administration (MBA)Master of Public Administration (MPA)Master of Education (M.A.) in Policy & AdvocacyMaster of Science (MS) in Cybersecurity These programs are designed for career-ready graduates in high-growth industries. Edward Waters has also introduced new undergraduate majors, including: Forensic SciencePublic HealthSports ManagementSocial WorkComputer & Information ScienceAccounting4+1 Nursing program (in partnership with the University of Florida) These additions reflect modern student interests and today's job market needs. Under President Faison, enrollment has grown by over 30%. Student numbers have increased from about 880 in 2018 to nearly 1,200 today. For Fall 2025, EWU received over 11,500 applications-the most in the university's history. EWU's fundraising profile has also improved. The university has attracted multi-million-dollar investments from federal, private, and philanthropic sources. Its endowment and donor base are growing. These financial gains, combined with student-focused innovations, have captured national attention. Recognizing his impact, the EWU Board of Trustees unanimously extended President Faison's contract through 2032. His visionary leadership is now deeply tied to the university's continued rise. The post Is Edward Waters the Fastest Rising Private HBCU in America? appeared first on HBCU Gameday. Copyright HBCU Gameday 2012-2025
Miami Herald
23-06-2025
- Sport
- Miami Herald
Unity Classic could be a benchmark of the HBCU football season
For the first time, Edward Waters University (EWU) of the SIAC and Virginia Union University (VUU) of the CIAA will face off in the inaugural Unity Classic in Jacksonville, FL on Sept. 13. The HBCU football Classic comes with a full slate of ancillary activities and promises to deliver everything from a Greek Step Show to a Battle of the Bands. While VUU is coming off one of the best seasons in program history, EWU looks to rebound and challenge for the SIAC crown. This early interconference game could serve as a barometer for the two teams. Will CIAA Coach of the Year Alvin Parker keep things rolling in 2025? He was named earlier this year to attend both the NFL's Eighth Annual Quarterback Summit and the NFL's Ozzie Newsome General Manager Forum. He has the Panthers rolling and seems poised to be even stronger this season. EWU is looking to rebuild. Head coach Toriano Morgan has shown the ability to put the Tigers in a position to win, and he seems optimistic about this season. Just last week, Morgan added FAMU quarterback Transfer DJ Boney to the squad. The dual-threat quarterback could be the difference-maker in getting EWU to the next level. The Unity Classic will be a key game in evaluating the potential of both squads' seasons. The Unity Classic is scheduled from Sept. 11-13 on the campus of EWU. Bethel Missionary Baptist Church of Tallahassee sponsors the game and will be broadcast nationally. HBCU Gameday is a co-sponsor of the Unity Classic. The Unity Classic is the brainchild of EWU Trustee the Rev. Dr. RB Holmes Jr. Holmes has also served as a trustee at another HBCU, Florida A&M. His vision to bring the classic to Jacksonville stems from a broader vision. "There are great men and women who have told us it's in our hands to make this a better place and a better country, and most importantly to save and strengthen HBCUs," Holmes said. "We're bringing together for the first time in the history of this city, a classic that is speaking directly to the significance of HBCUs. We have two of the finest universities on planet Earth, the Virginia Union University and Edward Waters University. My brothers and sisters, this is going to be magic." For more information on the Inaugural Unity Classic, please visit For tickets to the Unity Classic: The post Unity Classic could be a benchmark of the HBCU football season appeared first on HBCU Gameday. Copyright HBCU Gameday 2012-2025
