Edward Waters College announced Tuesday it has formed the EWC Foundation to be led by JEA Chairman Ronald Townsend and CSX Corp. CEO Michael Ward.
Other foundation members include Pam Paul, co-chair of the New Town Success Zone; Tony Boselli, former Jacksonville Jaguar; Larry Buchanan, a Jacksonville Realtor; and Martha Barrett, vice president of market development for Bank of America.
Michael Freed, Jacksonville managing partner of the Brennan, Manna & Diamond law firm, will serve on the foundation as the attorney of record.
According to a news release from Edward Waters College, officers and directors will be named as more members commit to the organization.
The foundation is being formed to assist the college in generating private financial support through endowments, gifts and grants to advance the strategic goals of the college.
Initial resource development efforts will be focused on building renovations, faculty recruitment and development and student scholarships, according to the release.
The main office for the foundation will operate within the headquarters for the 11th District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church in Downtown Jacksonville.
“We are excited to have our foundation comprised of such successful and respected members of our community,” said President Nathaniel Glover. “I know they will accomplish great things for EWC in the years to come.”
Edward Waters College, a historically black liberal arts college, was founded by the African Methodist Episcopal Church in 1866 as Florida’s first private institution of higher education. It has been accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools since 1979 to award baccalaureate degrees.