Edward Water's college receives 1 million dollar Challange Grant

[duvaldude08]

Edward Waters College to receive $1 million challenge grant

Submitted by Teresa Stepzinski on November 28, 2011 - 2:24pm

EduJax

Edward Waters College is getting a $1 million challenge grant from the Michael and Kim Ward Foundation to help pay for improvements to nearly every campus building.

College President Nat Glover and Michael Ward, chairman of CSX Transportation, will officially announce the grant during a news media conference at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday at the school's Milne Auditorium.

Ron Townsend, former JEA chairman, and the college's board of trustees will be among the dignitaries scheduled to attend.

The college is planning $3 million of improvements or repairs for campus buildings including the student union, laboratories, dorms, the gym, classrooms, chapel and the administration building.

Other renovations have already laid the groundwork for campus development including a $200,000 remodel of the Polly Brooks house, which serves as a hub for academic advising and support, and freshman programming.

The challenge grant will match $1 for every $2 the college raises up to $1 million from now through summer 2012 in order for the repairs and improvements to be finished in time before the 2012 academic year.

The improvements are part of Glover's overall plan to enhance the learning environment and campus amenities to better serve the needs of students, faculty and staff.

The foundation was established by the CSX executive last year to help young people with disabilities and at-risk youth in or near the Jacksonville area.

[Tacachale]

Good news. This is much needed.

[duvaldude08]

Good news. This is much needed.

Yess it is. They seem to be headed in the right direction lately

[thelakelander]

Nice.  I believe the neighborhoods lining Kings Road have huge potential to one day become a vibrant walkable scene featuring a mix of urban oriented uses.  EWC heading in the right direction will be a huge plus in the effort to live up to that potential.

[Tacachale]

Edward Waters has a long way to go, but it all begins with a single step in the right direction. I believe they most certainly have - if you can get enrollment where it needs to be, the rest of the fundamentals will fall into place. If there's anyone who can lead the way, it's Nat Glover.