Edward Waters University

The Jacksonville City Council voted unanimously, 17-0, to support a multimillion-dollar investment in Edward Waters University.

This historic vote marks a major step toward what will become the most transformative capital project in our 160-year history and a powerful statement that Jacksonville believes in EWU’s future.

To the City Council, Council President Kevin Carrico, Mayor Donna Deegan, and every leader who stood with us, thank you for believing in our students, our mission, and our future.

More details are coming soon. For now, Jacksonville, thank you. Edward Waters University will never forget this moment.

The future of HBCU athletics is being reimagined right before our eyes. Dr. A. Zachary Faison Jr. lays out a bold vision for “The Dream Economy” and what sustainable college sports can look like for HBCUs nationwide.

From enrollment strategy to student-athlete success, this is bigger than the game. To read kore, visit: https://hbcugameday.com/2026/05/27/hbcu-president-lays-out-plan-for-the-dream-economy-of-college-sports/

Congratulations to the largest graduating class in Edward Waters University history. The world is waiting for your impact. 💜🧡🎓

Read the full story: https://www.ew.edu/commencement-2026/

As we begin a week of reflection surrounding Commencement, we are reminded not only of the milestones achieved, but of the relationships cultivated, the challenges overcome, and the enduring impact of Florida’s first independent institution of higher learning on the graduating Class of 2026.

Your academic journey reflects discipline, resilience, and purpose. The long hours, sacrifices, and commitment required to reach this moment have not gone unnoticed. Edward Waters University takes great pride in celebrating your accomplishments and the legacy you helped strengthen during your time here with The Pride.

Wherever your next chapter leads, may you continue to lead with integrity, serve with distinction, and carry forward the spirit of eminence that defines being an Edward Waters Tiger.

Today, we celebrate the women whose strength, sacrifice, wisdom, and unconditional love shape generations.

Happy Mother’s Day to every mother, grandmother, mentor, and mother figure. Your impact reaches far into the hearts of every Tiger you inspire.

Thank you for all that you do. 🧡💜

Today is the day. Commencement is HERE!

The walk.
The moment.
The celebration!

To watch virtually, visit: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=9_FT4gRmh5w&ra=m

Today, we proudly celebrate Dr. A. Zachary Faison, Jr., J.D. on earning the Doctor of Education in Higher Education Policy and Leadership from Vanderbilt University.

A scholar, attorney, and transformational leader, Dr. Faison demonstrated remarkable discipline throughout his journey to further sharpen his perspective on leadership, accountability, governance, and institutional transformation while simultaneously leading the continued rise of Edward Waters University, Florida’s first independent institution of higher learning.

Under his leadership since 2018, EWU has achieved university status, secured NCAA Division II membership, expanded academic offerings, increased enrollment, strengthened retention, reaffirmed accreditation with no recommendations, advanced millions in capital improvements, and nearly tripled its endowment.

This achievement reflects more than academic excellence. It is the embodiment of resilience, vision, and sustained discipline under circumstances that would have justified stepping away. Instead, Dr. Faison pressed forward, leading with distinction while remaining committed to the work of higher education at the highest level.

Congratulations, Dr. Faison, on this extraordinary achievement and enduring example of eminence in action.