Historic achievement positions Edward Waters University for national prominence (469 hits)
Edward Waters University (EWU) proudly announces its reaffirmation of accreditation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), with no recommendations for improvement. This reaffirmation—approved through 2035 by the SACSCOC Board of Trustees during its 2025 Annual Meeting in Nashville, TN. This extraordinary outcome, achieved by only a select number of institutions in any reaffirmation cycle, reflects the University’s demonstrated commitment to academic excellence, sound financial management, effective governance, and rigorous planning — all hallmarks of a healthy and forward-moving institution.
The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) is the regional accrediting body responsible for evaluating, accrediting, and reaffirming degree-granting institutions across a broad region of the United States, including Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia, as well as Latin America and other international sites approved to award higher education degrees. As one of the nation’s most respected and influential accreditors, SACSCOC ensures that institutions meet rigorous standards of academic quality, financial stability, institutional effectiveness, governance, and federal compliance.
Accreditation by SACSCOC is essential for maintaining eligibility for federal financial aid, ensuring the transferability of credits, securing national and international credibility, and sustaining access to key funding opportunities and graduate education pathways for students. For Edward Waters University, reaffirmation by SACSCOC represents a powerful validation of our academic excellence, operational integrity, and institutional strength, underscoring our commitment to delivering a transformative educational experience as Florida’s first HBCU and one of its fastest-growing private university’s.
This reaffirmation is especially significant because accreditation serves as the foundation of institutional legitimacy and long-term viability. It protects students’ eligibility for federal financial aid, strengthens EWU’s competitiveness for grants and philanthropic investment, ensures the integrity of every academic credential the University awards, and confirms that EWU’s operational and academic systems meet or exceed the highest national standards. Achieving reaffirmation with no recommendations signifies not simply compliance, but excellence, and positions Edward Waters University for sustained strategic expansion and national prominence.
A Rigorous Multi-Year Process
The reaffirmation concludes a rigorous multi-year evaluative process that required extensive institutional self-study, external peer review, and detailed assessments by both off-site and on-site committees before receiving final approval by the SACSCOC Board of Trustees. Across 14 Principles of Accreditation covering mission, governance, academic programs, financial stability, student learning and support services, and long-term planning, EWU met all standards without the need for corrective action or further review — an achievement that underscores the institution’s remarkable organizational cohesion and strategic clarity.
QEP Approval: Write on Time
In addition to full reaffirmation, SACSCOC also formally approved EWU’s new Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP), Write on Time. This initiative is designed to elevate student writing, communication, and academic performance across all disciplines, and will enhance the University’s culture of inquiry, critical thinking, and scholarly engagement for years to come. The QEP represents an important investment in the future of EWU’s students and the institution’s long-term learning environment.
This milestone comes during a period of transformative progress for Edward Waters University. Under the leadership of President, Dr. A. Zachary Faison, Jr., EWU has experienced unprecedented growth and momentum:
• Launch of nine new academic degree programs, including EWU’s first-ever graduate programs, and the institution’s historic ascension from College to University. • A record 30% increase in overall student enrollment, rising to 1,215 students, which is the University’s largest student body in more than two decades. • Tripling the institutional endowment from $1.8 million to nearly $7 million, driven by securing the largest endowed gift in University history and raising $4.4 million in a single fiscal year. • Nearly $50 million in campus improvements, including new student learning and engagement facilities, modernized academic buildings, residence hall upgrades, campus security enhancements, and EWU’s first on-campus athletic stadium and luxury suite. • Successful transition of EWU Athletics from the NAIA to full NCAA Division II membership, making EWU Florida’s only HBCU competing at that level.
These achievements provided a strong foundation for EWU’s flawless reaffirmation and illustrate the University’s upward trajectory as Florida’s ‘Destination Institution’ of Emerging Eminence.
“This reaffirmation affirms Edward Waters University’s unwavering commitment to academic quality, institutional integrity, and transformative student success,” said President Dr. A. Zachary Faison, Jr.
“To achieve reaffirmation with no recommendations is an extraordinary accomplishment, and it reflects the exceptional work of our entire University community. I am profoundly grateful to Board Chairman Bishop Marvin C. Zanders II and our collective Board of Trustees, as well as to Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Genyne Henry Boston, who served with superlative distinction as our SACSCOC Liaison, and Dr. Michael West, Vice President for Institutional Effectiveness, whose partnership and leadership was instrumental throughout this comprehensive institutional effort,” President Faison said.
“This moment powerfully validates the bold vision guiding EWU and positions us for even greater national prominence, expanded investment, and continued strategic growth. As Florida’s first HBCU — and one of its fastest-growing private institutions — we remain committed to providing a transformative educational experience for every student we serve. Our future has never been brighter, and we are just getting started.”
About Edward Waters University
Founded in 1866 by the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) church, Edward Waters University (EWU) is Florida’s first private independent institution of higher learning and first Historically Black College or University (HBCU). EWU is a Christian, liberal arts institution dedicated to preparing students for leadership, innovation, and service. Located in Jacksonville, Florida, EWU offers diverse undergraduate and graduate programs and is recognized as one of Florida’s fastest-growing private universities. The institution remains steadfast in its mission of academic excellence, character development, and transformative student formation. Edward Waters University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award baccalaureate and master’s degrees. Edward Waters University also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels. Questions about the accreditation of Edward Waters University may be directed in writing to the SACSCOC at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033, by calling 404.679.4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org).
