News Article

Edison College Now Edison State College

Aug 18, 2008

It's official! Edison State College is the new name of Edison College. The District Board of Trustees approved the name change at the request of the College President Kenneth P. Walker at today's meeting. A groundbreaking state law, signed by Governor Crist in mid June, named Edison College as one of nine colleges included in the State College Pilot Project with a goal of expanding access to higher education.

"This college's excellent reputation and leadership in expanding access to baccalaureate degrees has been acknowledged with the state college designation," said Walker. "The Edison State College name appropriately honors the legacy of this fine institution and its namesake, Thomas Alva Edison."

Walker said that feedback from numerous focus groups discussing potential names revealed tremendous affinity for tradition and the Thomas Edison connection.

"I share their sense of pride in maintaining the Edison name," Walker said. "Our goal is to inspire students to transcend perceived limitations just as Mr. Edison did. Now we can offer opportunities at multiple levels."

In introducing the agenda item, Washington Baquero, M.D. [Lee County], Board Chairman, said, "It is an honor and privilege to serve as Trustee chairman at this historic time." Walker thanked the board members for their support and guidance for this issue over the years, and reminded them that the concept started with students expressing the desire to remain at Edison to earn their baccalaureate degrees.

Walker said the name change serves as a catalyst for an expanded mission. "This College will deepen its commitment to providing access to higher education for all who desire to earn a degree," he said. David Klein, M.D. [Charlotte County] lauded the College's commitment to the open-door mission. "We are expanding our mission, not replacing it," said Klein.

Walker said an updated logomark is under development to serve as the college's new graphic image. A branding campaign will promote more overtly values and characteristics shared by Thomas Edison and the college, e.g. hard work, determination, innovation, and belief in one person's ability to impact the world in a positive way.

Walker said that the new name and logo will be phased in to assure the efficient use of resources. Catalogs and brochures will be used until supplies are depleted. The College seal, diploma covers and signs will be changed more quickly. Officials expect the transition to be complete in early spring.

"This is an historic milestone for the college, and an extraordinary opportunity for the greater college community," said Walker. "Exciting things are ahead."

Edison State College is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award baccalaureate degrees, associate degrees and certificates. Nearly 17,000 credit seeking students are served annually through full service campuses in Punta Gorda, Fort Myers, and Naples, outreach centers in LaBelle and Clewiston and through Edison Online.

Additional information may be obtained through the college website, www.edison.edu.

Last Updated: August 18, 2008