by David Chapman
Staff Writer
Dr. Claudette Williams says Edward Waters College is back on the on the path to prominence.
It’s just a matter of time.
Now entering her second year as president of the college, Williams says she has the confidence, passion and plans to turn around the historically black college that has faced financial and academic adversity in recent years.
The one aspect she’s missing, though, is the catalyst that will help the turnaround the most – money.
“When I came here, there was a lot of work to be done,” she said during a tour of the campus just west of Downtown. “It will be accomplished but it’s true that money speeds up the process.”
Gifts such as the $1 million personal donation from CSX CEO, chair and president Michael Ward, bestowed during Williams’ March inauguration, go a long way. That money went toward making infrastructure repairs, installing air conditioning in dorms, new band uniforms and instruments, and scholarships.
Williams is grateful for the donation and the improvements it has allowed, but knows more is needed to tackle 15–20 years of deferred maintenance, revamp academic curriculum and hire the staff she believes will secure the school’s success.
“We need more people stepping up to the plate,” she said. “People who want to invest in human capital.”
Williams and staff are in the process of improving the school’s academics from the bottom up.
That means auditing each individual course to ensure that it’s providing accurate and current curriculum, researching what’s being taught in similar fields at other schools and identifying how each program prepares students for the workforce and needs of the community.
Requiring students to perform community service, raising GPA standards, developing green consciousness and requiring internships are all in the plans.
Taking on a task of such magnitude is a lengthy process – one that would be aided by more funding – but a necessary one.
“We want to make sure we’re competitive,” said Williams. “We don’t just want to be reading about research and breakthroughs other schools are doing. We want people reading the same about us.”
Angela Getter, vice president for institutional advancement, is on board with Williams’ vision.
She is spearheading the “fundraising and friendraising” campaign that is vital to the strategic development of the school’s future and will be further engaging with the business and legal communities for assistance.
“We want to maximize our potential and build to capacity,” said Getter. “Jacksonville has been very generous and made it happen so far, now we’d like to continue making it happen.”
From donations and private gifts to providing internships to students, no amount of money, time and effort from the community can be too small – it’s the little things that add up, said Williams.
Count Johnny Rembert as being on board and optimistic about the direction of the school, too.
The former NFL standout and Edward Waters athletic director since 2004 was with the school during darker days early in his tenure but has already seen progress under Williams’ leadership.
“She (Williams) has already done many positive things for the school,” he said. “I’m excited about what the future holds for us.”
Rembert believes the school’s numerous athletic programs also are in line with Williams’ goals, as they prepare students for the future by instilling determination, motivation and an excellence in ethics as well as a way to bring students together.
And even as athletic director, the first message he tells students isn’t about sports.
“Academics is still the No. 1 priority,” he said. “When we (Rembert and staff) go into the living rooms of athletes and talk about the school, it’s always the first thing we stress.”
Both the academics and athletics sides of the school are on the same team as they work toward improving Edward Waters, but the time table for success is one that, again, is heavily influenced by money.
Williams believes year two as president will be even better than year one. A realistic goal, she said, would be a minimum of $5 million in grants, donations and private gifts – but joked that anyone who “wants to add a few zeros to the end of any donation is more than welcome to do so.”
In time, she believes both the City and school can regain its symbiotic relationship success.
“Since day one, we wanted Jacksonville to be an integral part of Edward Waters and Edward Waters to be a valued part of the Jacksonville community,” she said. “The stability of this institution is a must and it’s well on its way.”
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