Latest news with #EdwardWaters
Miami Herald
18-07-2025
- Sport
- Miami Herald
HBCU Coach Leaves HC Role to Join Staff at Alma Mater
Former Edward Waters University head football coach Toriano Morgan is returning to familiar territory-his HBCU alma mater. Morgan has accepted a position on the coaching staff at Tennessee State University under head coach Reggie Barlow. Morgan, who took over at Edward Waters in 2021, steps away just ahead of the 2025 season. For him, the decision was deeply personal and rooted in legacy. During his tenure at Edward Waters, Morgan guided the Tigers through a pivotal transition from NAIA competition to NCAA Division II status. Though EWU is still seeking sustained success in the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC), Morgan's leadership helped the program make meaningful strides. Before arriving at Edward Waters, Morgan built an impressive résumé as both a high school head coach and college coordinator. He has mentored 13 players who made it to the National Football League and was selected to the NFL's Coaching Academy in 2022, a prestigious program for rising coaching talent. That same year, he was named to FootballScoop's Rising Star Coaches Watch List. Nicknamed "Mr. 180" for his reputation in turning programs around, Morgan quickly left his mark at Edward Waters. In 2022, he led Edward Waters University to its first winning season in over 20 years with a 6–4 record. The following season, EWU broke into the HBCU national rankings for the first time as a full SIAC member. The Tigers reached No. 8 in polls published by BoxToRow, HBCU Sports, and HBCU D2. A native of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Morgan has previously coached at Virginia State, Virginia Union, and the historic Dillard High School in Fort Lauderdale. He launched his coaching career in 2002 as a graduate assistant at Tennessee State, where he also shined as a player. As a Tiger, Morgan helped lead Tennessee State University to back-to-back Ohio Valley Conference titles and consecutive FCS playoff appearances. He served as team captain in his senior season. Now back in Nashville, Morgan is looking to help elevate Tennessee State to even greater heights. The post HBCU Coach Leaves HC Role to Join Staff at Alma Mater appeared first on HBCU Gameday. Copyright HBCU Gameday 2012-2025
Miami Herald
17-07-2025
- Sport
- Miami Herald
HBCU coach resigns as season nears
A fledging HBCU program is likely looking for a new leader. Toriano Morgan has reportedly stepped down from his position as Edward Waters University head football coach, according to Football Scoop. A former FootballScoop Minority Rising Stars honoree, has served as the head coach at Edward Waters since 2021. In that time, he oversaw the program's transition from the NAIA to NCAA Division II and helped establish the Tigers as a competitive HBCU football program within the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC). He led Edward Waters to its first winning season in nearly two decades with a 6-4 record in 2023, and he finished with an 18-24 overall mark and a winning record in SIAC play. While sources told FootballScoop that Morgan is stepping away for personal reasons, he is expected to return to the coaching ranks soon and has already emerged as a sought-after candidate. A Florida native with previous college experience at Virginia State and a background as a high school coach in Fort Lauderdale, Morgan has been recognized nationally-including a selection to the NFL Coaching Academy. His departure leaves a major void at Edward Waters, which had hoped to build on its recent momentum as a rising HBCU football program. For Morgan, the resignation marks the end of a transformative chapter that elevated both the team and the university within the broader world of Division II and HBCU football. As Edward Waters prepares for the 2025 season, the team will have to compete under a new leader. EWU will open the season against Savannah State on Aug. 30. The post HBCU coach resigns as season nears appeared first on HBCU Gameday. Copyright HBCU Gameday 2012-2025
Miami Herald
03-07-2025
- Business
- Miami Herald
Is Edward Waters the Fastest Rising Private HBCU in America?
Just a few years ago, Edward Waters College, a Jacksonville, FL., HBCU, was treading water. To those outside of Duval County, it was largely unknown. Even within the county, EWC was rarely the first choice for students seeking a quality education. But now, as the school prepares to celebrate its 160th anniversary, the institution founded by the African Methodist Episcopal Church has found its stride. When the university selected its new president, some considered it a gamble. At just 37 years old, Dr. A. Zachary Faison Jr. was young to lead such a historic institution. He became president in July 2018 after a unanimous vote by the Board of Trustees. Faison was the youngest serving HBCU president or chancellor in the nation at the time. Before coming to Edward Waters, Faison had served in senior leadership roles at multiple HBCUs. He arrived with a clear strategic vision-and delivered it with precision. Under his leadership, Edward Waters has transformed. The school has grown from a quiet, tuition-dependent liberal arts college to a rising university with national recognition. Enrollment has surged. New academic programs have launched. Infrastructure has expanded. One of Faison's boldest moves was elevating Edward Waters' athletic profile. In 2018, the school competed in the NAIA-a level many HBCUs had outgrown. On July 1, 2021, the school officially became Edward Waters University (EWU). This step symbolized an expanded academic mission. Weeks later, EWU successfully applied for NCAA Division II membership, with full membership granted in July 2024. The university also joined the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC)-a respected conference in Black college sports. Edward Waters didn't stop at joining a new conference. The university expanded its varsity sports offerings from 8 to 16 NCAA-sponsored programs. This growth created more opportunities for student-athletes and boosted the school's visibility. Major Facility Upgrades: Nathaniel Glover Community Field & Stadium: Opened in 2021, giving EWU football a permanent, on-campus home for the first Community Sports & Music Complex: Renovated in 2022 with a new gym floor, bleachers, and a digital video Wellness and Weight Training Facility: Built in 2023 to support all Tennis Courts: Recently completed, placing EWU among the best-equipped small Black private colleges. Edward Waters announced its first-ever football classic, the Unity Classic, which will debut on September 13 against CIAA powerhouse Virginia Union University. This game marks a significant milestone in the university's athletic journey. EWU is growing academically as well. Since Faison's arrival, the university has: Earned university statusLaunched four 100% online graduate programs: Master of Business Administration (MBA)Master of Public Administration (MPA)Master of Education (M.A.) in Policy & AdvocacyMaster of Science (MS) in Cybersecurity These programs are designed for career-ready graduates in high-growth industries. Edward Waters has also introduced new undergraduate majors, including: Forensic SciencePublic HealthSports ManagementSocial WorkComputer & Information ScienceAccounting4+1 Nursing program (in partnership with the University of Florida) These additions reflect modern student interests and today's job market needs. Under President Faison, enrollment has grown by over 30%. Student numbers have increased from about 880 in 2018 to nearly 1,200 today. For Fall 2025, EWU received over 11,500 applications-the most in the university's history. EWU's fundraising profile has also improved. The university has attracted multi-million-dollar investments from federal, private, and philanthropic sources. Its endowment and donor base are growing. These financial gains, combined with student-focused innovations, have captured national attention. Recognizing his impact, the EWU Board of Trustees unanimously extended President Faison's contract through 2032. His visionary leadership is now deeply tied to the university's continued rise. The post Is Edward Waters the Fastest Rising Private HBCU in America? appeared first on HBCU Gameday. Copyright HBCU Gameday 2012-2025
Miami Herald
28-06-2025
- Business
- Miami Herald
HBCU experiences record-breaking application surge
Edward Waters University, the first Historically Black College or University (HBCU) established in Florida, has officially broken its all-time record for student applications. The Jacksonville-based HBCU has received nearly 11,500 applications for the Fall 2025 term-more than at any other time in its 158-year history. Steady Growth in Interest and Enrollment Compared to this time last year, applications are up by 6.2%. Additionally, the university has seen a 17.6% increase in enrollment deposits from new students. These numbers show strong momentum and clear intent to enroll. More importantly, they reflect Edward Waters' growing reputation not just among HBCUs, but across the national higher education landscape. Factors Behind the Surge Several key factors are driving this growth. Innovative academic programs, strategic outreach, and effective institutional leadership all contribute to Edward Waters' upward trajectory. The university has become a competitive destination in the HBCU space, offering both undergraduate degrees and an expanding selection of graduate programs. Leadership Celebrates Milestone "This historic milestone speaks volumes about the growing momentum, relevance, and reputation of Edward Waters University across the state, nation, and globe," said Dr. A. Zachary Faison, Jr., President and CEO of Edward Waters University. "We are thrilled to see this record level of interest and are committed to building on this foundation by continuing to provide an accessible, rigorous, and mission-driven education to all students who choose to join us." Graduate Programs Signal Strategic Growth The university's expansion into graduate-level education marks a significant step forward. This move aligns with a broader trend among HBCUs to serve a more diverse and advanced student population. By broadening its academic offerings, Edward Waters is opening doors for students seeking both career-focused and research-driven degrees. Dr. Jennifer Price, Vice President of Enrollment Management and Strategic Matriculant Services, credited the university's success to the enrollment team. "This is more than just a numbers game-it's about the work we've put in to tell the Edward Waters story," she said. "Our team has worked strategically and collaboratively to ensure we are attracting and enrolling students who are ready to thrive, persist, and graduate. We're incredibly excited about what this means for the future of our institution." Looking Ahead to Fall 2025 Registration for the Fall 2025 semester is still open. Classes will begin on August 4, with regular registration ending August 15. As Edward Waters prepares to welcome a new class, it remains committed to its mission of delivering high-quality, values-based education within the HBCU tradition. The post HBCU experiences record-breaking application surge appeared first on HBCU Gameday. Copyright HBCU Gameday 2012-2025
