The excerpt reads, "With the start of the fall semester, Edison College became Edison State College.  The name change signifies that the school is part of a pilot program aimed at increasing the number of options for students seeking four-year degrees.  The school, which has been pushing for and expanding its four-year programs, will grow to six baccalaureate-degree programs in 2009."

Congratulations Edison State!

Choosing a college major or a career pathway can be a tough decision for many. Edison State College offers more options than ever to earn a bachelor’s or associates degree. Today Edison State College and Hodges University representatives will be available to answer your questions about career and educational pathways and to offer detailed information about our many in-demand degree programs.

By Dr. Patricia C. Land, Charlotte Campus President  

We are pleased to advise you that the review process for Edison State College’s charter school application is progressing. A special school board meeting and public hearing is planned for October 7, to result in a decision concerning issuance of a charter. CCPS will announce the meeting time. In the meantime, Edison State College and CCPS staff are working together to assure all issues are adequately addressed prior to the final vote.

The next step in the process after the charter is granted is to negotiate a detailed contract between Edison State College and CCPS to manage school operations. The contract provides a specific plan to manage reporting, testing and other State requirements for public schools. A very exciting move is that the school principal’s position is now advertised on the College’s website, and a search committee looks forward to reviewing applications by the end of the month.

The ECHS charter application states that the purpose of ECHS is to provide a quality academic experience for high school students seeking the challenge of high academic standards, rigorous curricula, and college-level study at a small innovative high school. The four-year curriculum will provide the opportunity for students to complete a high school diploma and an associate degree simultaneously. Two programs of study will be offered:  the Collegiate Program and the Pre-Collegiate Program. Students qualifying for the Collegiate Program would provide test scores and other evidence indicating they are prepared to succeed in college level work. The Pre-Collegiate Program is designed to serve students who have not yet demonstrated college readiness standards.

The application envisions admitting a class of 100 students per year for four consecutive years, beginning with students eligible for admission to grade nine in Fall 2009-2010. It is anticipated that each succeeding year, ECHS would admit an additional class of 100 9^th grade students, and cap enrollment at 400 students, distributed among grades 9 through 12.  Should the charter be granted, ECHS will begin accepting applications in early January 2009 for its first 9^th grade class.

If you would like to read details regarding the plan, a copy of the ECHS charter application may be accessed at http://www.edison.edu/echs/echs_application.pdf.  A supplement with job descriptions for staffing the high school after approval can be accessed via the College’s website at http://www.edison.edu/echs/echs_hr_supplement.pdf.

You also may be interested in the latest statistics concerning Florida Charter Schools, provided by the Office of Independent Education and Parental Choice, Florida Department of Education. Through law enacted in 1996, charter schools are public schools of choice designed to increase parental options and provide innovative learning opportunities for students. They are authorized by sponsors, often local school districts, and face market pressure to perform in an exceptional manner.

By Statute, charter schools must fulfill the following purposes:

·         Improve student learning and academic achievement.

·         Increase learning opportunities for all students, with special emphasis on low-performing students and reading.

·         Encourage the use of innovative learning methods.

·         Require the measurement of learning outcomes.

Innovations in learning opportunities for students and teachers are encouraged.

From five schools in 1996-1997, the number of Florida charter schools has grown to 358 in 2007-08.  Florida ranks third in the nation in charter school enrollment, with over 104,000 students enrolled last school year. In 2007-08, 41 school districts and one state university sponsored charter schools.  Student demographics are as follows:

·         50% are elementary students

·         40% are white, 23% African-American, 31% Hispanic and 6% other ethnicities

·         15% are students with disabilities

·         38% are eligible for free and/or reduced-price lunch

I extend a heartfelt thank you to members of the ECHS Task Force for their dedicated efforts toward establishing Edison State College’s first collegiate high school.

ECHS Task Force 

Dr. Patricia Land, Charlotte Campus President, Chair

Dr. Steve Atkins, Vice President, Academic and Student Services

Barbara Bowden, Staff Assistant, Charlotte Campus

Pam Fairfax, District Director, Human Resources

Christy Gilfert, Director of Student Services, Charlotte Campus

June Hollingshead, Institutional Advancement Specialist

Maureen McClintock, Vice President, Planning and Accreditation

Jyoti Naik Facility Planner and Code Administrator

Steve Nice, District Director, Facilities Planning and Management

Rick Parfitt, Public Safety and Security Manager

Dr. Tom Rath, Dean of Academic Services, Charlotte Campus

Terri Riley, Administrative Assistant to the Charlotte Campus President

Guillermo Polanco, Assistant Director, Finance and Accounting

Mark Trask, District Director, Technology Services

"This college's excellent reputation and leadership in expanding access to baccalaureate degrees has been acknowledged with the state college designation," said Walker. "The Edison State College name appropriately honors the legacy of this fine institution and its namesake, Thomas Alva Edison."

Walker said that feedback from numerous focus groups discussing potential names revealed tremendous affinity for tradition and the Thomas Edison connection.

"I share their sense of pride in maintaining the Edison name," Walker said. "Our goal is to inspire students to transcend perceived limitations just as Mr. Edison did. Now we can offer opportunities at multiple levels."

In introducing the agenda item, Washington Baquero, M.D. [Lee County], Board Chairman, said, "It is an honor and privilege to serve as Trustee chairman at this historic time." Walker thanked the board members for their support and guidance for this issue over the years, and reminded them that the concept started with students expressing the desire to remain at Edison to earn their baccalaureate degrees.

Walker said the name change serves as a catalyst for an expanded mission. "This College will deepen its commitment to providing access to higher education for all who desire to earn a degree," he said. David Klein, M.D. [Charlotte County] lauded the College's commitment to the open-door mission. "We are expanding our mission, not replacing it," said Klein.

Walker said an updated logomark is under development to serve as the college's new graphic image. A branding campaign will promote more overtly values and characteristics shared by Thomas Edison and the college, e.g. hard work, determination, innovation, and belief in one person's ability to impact the world in a positive way.

Walker said that the new name and logo will be phased in to assure the efficient use of resources. Catalogs and brochures will be used until supplies are depleted. The College seal, diploma covers and signs will be changed more quickly. Officials expect the transition to be complete in early spring.

"This is an historic milestone for the college, and an extraordinary opportunity for the greater college community," said Walker. "Exciting things are ahead."

Edison State College is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award baccalaureate degrees, associate degrees and certificates. Nearly 17,000 credit seeking students are served annually through full service campuses in Punta Gorda, Fort Myers, and Naples, outreach centers in LaBelle and Clewiston and through Edison Online.

Additional information may be obtained through the college website, www.edison.edu.

Helphenstine has been a very active member of the Edison College Foundation, serving on the Finance Committee for the past five years. She and her husband, Robert, established Palm Automotive in 1955. An active partner in the business since its inception, Helphenstine stepped into an even larger role following her husband's death in 2002.

"Mrs. Helphenstine has provided outstanding stewardship and leadership as a member of the Foundation board, and I know she will approach her college trustee responsibilities with the same enthusiasm and due diligence," said Walker.

Reappointed as college trustees are Randall T. Parrish, Jr., O.D., of LaBelle, and Julia G. Perry of Clewiston. Both will serve four terms ending May 31, 2012.

The Edison College District Board of Trustees is charged with the responsibility for exercising maximum, local autonomy to establish rules, policies, and procedures to make certain the College is meeting the changing post-secondary educational needs of the community and is reflecting the community's values in fulfilling the College mission. Edison College, a state college, is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award baccalaureate degrees, associate degrees and certificates. Approximately 17,000 credit seeking students are served annually through full service campuses in Punta Gorda, Fort Myers, and Naples, outreach centers in LaBelle and Clewiston and through Edison Online.

Additional information may be obtained through the college website, www.edison.edu.

"The 100% pass rate on the NCLEX exam is truly remarkable, and reflects the high quality of our program," said Anita Johnson, R.N., M.A., Charlotte Nursing Coordinator. "I could not be more proud of our dedicated faculty for the outstanding education they provide, and of our graduates for successfully pursuing their dreams of compassion, caring, and healing."

The Charlotte Campus nursing program, established in 2004, accepts 24 new students annually. Financial support for the program came from area hospitals, as well as county, state, federal and individual grants.

"We are doing our best to assure that a 100% pass rate is not so unusual," said Johnson.

Edison College's Basic Nursing Program, offered at the Charlotte, Lee and Collier campuses, is comprised of classroom instruction, laboratory simulation, and clinical practice in the care of infants, children and adults. Application deadlines are May 15 and August 31 each year. Information may be obtained by calling 1 800 749-2322.

"A seasoned administrator, Dr. Atkins brings a deep commitment to academic excellence, and a proven record of collaborative leadership and innovation," said Dr. Noreen Thomas, the college's District Executive Vice President. "The entire college community will benefit from his exceptional experience, multitude of talents, and engaging personality."

Atkins was selected from a diverse pool of applicants following a national search. He served as a mathematics instructor at Surry Community College in Dobson, NC for 12 years prior to his appointment as the college's Dean of Arts and Sciences in 1997. Five years later, he was named Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs. In that role, he directed Surry's Quality Enhancement Plan, administered transfer programs achieving impressive student success results, guided instructional and student services programs promoting collaboration and excellence, and designed an instructional portfolio initiative. He joined Edison College as Charlotte Campus Dean in 2007, managing all aspects of the campus academic programs.

Atkins received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Mathematics from Elon College, NC; Master's degree in Mathematics from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte; and Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.

The appointment coincides with Edison College's recent designation as one of Florida's nine state colleges. "I am honored and very grateful for the privilege to serve this outstanding college, one with a great reputation for innovation. It is an exciting time, as we launch new opportunities for students at the baccalaureate level, while continuing to serve students in excellent associate degree programs," said Atkins. "In the months ahead, I am looking forward to working with the college's leadership team to craft a unique State College model that builds on our strengths and promotes excellence in teaching and learning."

Atkins and his wife, Robyn, live in Punta Gorda.

"This has been a most difficult decision, and one that was made after exhausting all viable options," said Dr. Patricia Land, Edison's Charlotte Campus President. "Both the Charlotte Campus of Edison College and Child Care of Southwest Florida have been proud to provide quality, nationally accredited child care for students, staff and the entire Charlotte community."

Given the reality of the State's current economic situation, Land feels that additional funding for building new facilities, or additional financial support for community service programs, is unlikely. The growth of new and existing academic programs requires all campus resources to directly support the core mission of the College, she said.

"Several options to phase out the program over the next six months were discussed," said Beth Lobdell, President and CEO of Child Care of Southwest Florida, Inc. "It was ultimately decided that closing the program mid-year would not be in the best interest of any of the children, especially those enrolled in the Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten [VPK] classroom."

The child care facility opened as part of the permanent campus in 1997, but rarely achieved full capacity. Student schedules change from term to term. Their need for drop-in child care creates a problem for center management to comply with staff/child ratios fixed by licensing and accrediting entities, particularly in a small center. While the Charlotte campus facility is small, with minor renovations the space can provide needed academic space.

Edison College and Child Care of Southwest Florida, Inc. will continue their strong partnership at the Lee and Collier campuses.

A list of child care options and information on VPK are available to all parents through the Early Learning Coalition of Florida's Heartland. The Coalition office is located at 3028 Caring Way, Suite 4, Port Charlotte, FL 33952, and the phone number is [941] 255-1650. Questions concerning the center's closing should be directed to Dr. Pat Land at pland@edison.edu or [941] 637-5682.

In accepting the award along with Sindee Karpel, Clinical Coordinator and Donna Meredith, 2008 Respiratory Care Class President, Program Coordinator Dr. Jeff Elsberry said, "I am honored to accept this award on behalf of the Program; however, the full credit goes to the students who donated their time to support the fund raising and pubilc education efforts of the American Lung Association during 2007 and 2008."

The American Lung Association affiliate was instrumental in establishing Edison College's Respiratory Therapy Program in 1983 to address a critical shortage for respiratory therapists in southwest Florida. Representatives from both entities made the rounds seeking support from hospital officials to convince them to spend recruitment dollars on a program which could "grow our own" respiratory therapists at Edison College. Twenty-five years later, the program has graduated 430 Respiratory Therapists, most of whom found employment in area hospitals and health care agencies that provide Respiratory Care services.

This program's successful funding model led to similar partnerships between the college and local health care providers to help defray the high educational costs in the cardiovascular, nursing and dental hygiene programs.

A photo of Edison College Respiratory Care representatives accepting the award from the American Lung Association of Florida may be viewed at the following link: http://www.edison.edu/communications/2008_annual_awards_edison.jpg  [L to R]  Donna Meredith, 2008 Respiratory Care Class President; Dr. Jeff Elsberry, Program Coordinator; Sindee Karpel, Program Clinical Coordinator; and Kurt Goerke, ALAF Gulfcoast Area Coordinator.

Edison College serves a five-county area with campuses in Lee, Charlotte and Collier counties, a center serving Hendry/Glades counties, and through Edison Online. For additional information call 1-9=800-749-2322 or visit www.edison.edu.

Ellen Webb is the Director of the Southwest Florida Division of Matthews Construction, and Lee Woodliff is a retired Army Major and current Director of Merrill Lynch in Punta Gorda. Both will serve three-year terms on the board.

The purpose of the Edison College Foundaton, Inc. is to enhance Edison College's programs and services through the development of private funds and partnerships that will advance the education and welfare of the institution, its students, its faculty and staff, and the communities it serves. For more information, phone [941] 637-5604 in Charlotte County, or contact the Foundation's district offices at [239] 489-9210.

Since Project HOPE was launched in 1993, over 1,200 students have received two-year tuition and book scholarships. The program's social and educational support network allows participants the opportunity to experience success, complete their college educations and become productive citizens. HOPE scholars travel to Florida universities, and give back to the community through volunteer activities and mentoring.

The project's college readiness program offers the promise of a college education for at-risk eighth grade school students who maintain their grades and participate in seminars and other motivational activities each year until high school graduation.

To date, nearly 1,000 HOPE scholars have graduated from Edison College, some of whom have gone on to earn baccalaureate degrees. Those who wish to apply are eligible for a HOPE-to-HOPE scholarship at Florida Gulf Coast University, which provides funding not only for coursework but for student housing and books.

In making the gift, the Cophams expressed the desire to provide education opportunities to young men and women from the area who "dream, hope, and seek for more." HOPE participation has a proven association with higher graduation rates, increased retention, and higher GPAs.

"Mr. and Mrs. Copham are role models to all of our students who know that through study and much hard work, they, too, can be successful," Schultz said. "We are indebted to them for providing financial resourcees to help our HOPE students achieve their dreams."

The Edison College Foundation, Inc. is a direct support organization of Edison College, a multi-campus, baccalaureate degree-granting educational system serving over 17,000 credit students annually. Information on giving opportunities is available by calling [239] 489-9210. Additional information on Project HOPE is available by calling [239] 489-9054.

"They asked me to leave the board room during the meeting. I wasn't certain that they were going to invite me back," Walker joked.

The resolution was adopted by the Trustees at the board's final meeting of the 2007-08 academic year, a year in which the College celebrated its inaugural baccalaureate commencement and was named a four-year Florida State College.

The board recognized Walker's tireless efforts since the mid-1990s in championing the idea of allowing community colleges to offer bachelor's degrees as a way to increase geographic, financial and academic success for those who wish to better their lives through education. The resolution noted Walker's "extraordinary leadership and exceptional personal commitment" to reaching this goal, and his staunch support of retaining the college's open-door mission.

"Our associate degree graduates were telling me they didn't want to leave Edison, and that they wished they could stay here to earn their bachelor's degrees," said Walker. A formal survey later indicated that nearly 90% of respondents said they would be interested in pursuing a bachelor's degree at Edison if the opportunity was presented.

"I am humbled by the tribute," said Walker. "But the best part is knowing there are even greater things ahead for Edison College."

The June 16, 2008 Community College Week Special Report ranks Edison College as follows:

• 13th in the Top 50 Associate Degree Producers for Nursing
• 39th in the Top 50 Associate Degree Producers for Health Professions
• 68th in Associate Degrees: All Disciplines - Non Minority
• 90th in Associate Degrees: All Disciplines

The lead article entitled "Moving Up" focuses on the dramatic increase in the numbers of associate degrees awarded in the last five years. Reasons cited are increased demand among students who see the associate degree as a way to improve themselves, especially given the current economy, improved access to online courses, and the increased role of private, for-profit colleges in associate degree production.

Edison College is a Florida state college serving 17,000 credit-seeking students at campuses in Lee, Charlotte and Collier counties, a center serving Hendry/Glades counties, and through Edison Online. For additional information call 1-800-749-2322 or visit www.edison.edu.

"I am very pleased that Dr. Baquero agreed to serve as Chairman. He gives thoughtful consideration to each and every issue that comes before the board, and always has the students interests at heart," said Walker.

Baquero, a general practitioner specializing in gerontology through his practice in Fort Myers, has served as an Edison College trustee since 1997. He steps into the leadership post previously held by Mahlan Houghton, also of Fort Myers, who was recognized for his dedication to the board, the college and its students. Parrish, a Doctor of Optometry in LaBelle and an alumnus of Edison College, was appointed to the board in March 2006 by then-governor Jeb Bush.

The nine-member District Board of Trustees is charged with the responsibility for exercising maximum local autonomy to establish rules, policies, and procedures to make certain the College is meeting the changing post-secondary educational needs of the region and is reflecting community values in fulfilling the college mission.

Edison College is a four-year Florida state college serving over 17,000 credit-seeking students at campuses in Lee, Charlotte and Collier counties, a center serving Hendry/Glades counties, and through Edison Online. For additional information call 1-800-749-2322 or visit www.edison.edu.