Florida’s first HBCU sees unprecedented surge in pupil curiosity, marking a pivotal second in its 158-year historical past.
Edward Waters College (EWU), the oldest Traditionally Black Faculty and College within the state of Florida, has introduced a historic surge in pupil functions for the upcoming Fall 2025 semester. The Jacksonville-based HBCU acquired over 11,500 functions, the very best quantity within the establishment’s 158-year historical past, in line with Black Enterprise.
This marks a 6.2% improve from the earlier utility cycle and displays a rising momentum behind the college’s repute, mission, and strategic outreach. Much more telling, the variety of college students who’ve submitted enrollment deposits has elevated by 17.6%, signaling not simply curiosity—however dedication.
“This historic milestone speaks volumes concerning the rising momentum, relevance, and repute of Edward Waters College,” stated Dr. A. Zachary Faison, Jr., the college’s president and CEO.
A New Chapter for a Historic Establishment
Based in 1866, Edward Waters College has at all times performed a major function within the educational and cultural growth of Black communities in Florida and past. Now, as greater training faces shifting priorities amongst Gen Z college students, EWU is stepping right into a nationwide highlight.
The expansion is due partially to EWU’s growth of educational choices—significantly on the graduate stage. The college stories a 153% improve in curiosity for its graduate applications, a testomony to its capability to adapt to rising workforce calls for and supply superior levels which are each accessible and related.
Dr. Jennifer Worth, EWU’s Vice President of Enrollment Administration and Strategic Matriculant Companies, credited the surge to an intentional storytelling technique that facilities the college’s mission, id, and outcomes.
“Our enrollment crew labored with function and delight to share the Edward Waters story in an genuine and empowering manner,” she stated.
HBCU Momentum Nationwide
The increase at Edward Waters mirrors a broader development throughout the HBCU panorama. Establishments akin to Howard College, Florida A&M, and North Carolina A&T have additionally reported important upticks in functions and enrollment over the previous two years.
Nationwide protection in shops like Black Enterprise and Inside Larger Ed confirms what HBCUs already know: these establishments present a strong mix of neighborhood, excellence, and cultural delight that resonates with as we speak’s college students—particularly within the wake of debates over DEI and affirmative motion.
What’s Subsequent for Edward Waters?
Wanting forward, EWU plans to proceed scaling responsibly—guaranteeing that infrastructure, college sources, and pupil help providers develop in tandem with enrollment.
The college can also be getting ready for expanded graduate-level programming, up to date campus services, and deeper digital engagement methods designed to maintain college students linked and empowered all through their faculty journey.
This second represents greater than a knowledge level—it’s a mirrored image of what occurs when mission, technique, and tradition align. Edward Waters isn’t simply breaking data; it’s constructing a blueprint for what the way forward for HBCUs can appear like.
