Latest news with #EdwardWatersUniversity
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
Yahoo
29-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
WATCH THE GAME: Late winner seals Armada victory against Seminole Ice
It took until the 82nd minute to secure a win in their regular season finale, but the Armada Women's U23 squad was determined to go out on a high note on the campus of Edward Waters University. Facing off against the Seminole Ice for a second time this season, the Girls in Blue were looking for a similar result to the 3-0 victory they achieved in the season opener. Advertisement >>> STREAM ACTION SPORTS JAX 24/7 LIVE <<< But the Ice were able to get on the scoreboard this time around, capitalizing on an early mistake to lead 1-0 midway through the first half. A hustle play by Nancy Almanza would settle the score just before halftime as she pressured the visiting goalkeeper and deflected an attempted clear into the back of the net to make it 1-1. After some good back-and-forth play in the second half, the Armada would go ahead for good on a long free kick, headed on by Almanza to Jianna Ramirez, who eluded the keeper to fire one home and take a 2-1 lead. Advertisement [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] With the win, the Girls in Blue finish the regular season 6-1-1 and undefeated at home in 2025. Nathaniel Glover Community Field & Stadium will next host Armada soccer on July 9th when the Men's team opens its playoff run against the New Orleans Jesters in a conference semifinal at 7 p.m. You can watch that match live on the Action Sports Jax 24/7 network. [SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter] Click here to download the free Action News Jax apps, click here to download the Action News Jax Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Action Sports Jax 24/7 live.
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
Yahoo
08-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Jacksonville Armada FC fans call for permanent stadium amid ongoing venue changes
Jacksonville Armada FC fans call for a permanent home for the team after being forced to move yet another U23 match, this time due to a sudden venue cancellation by Edward Waters University. Matches were held Saturday at Patton Park, where fans showed up with drums and chants — but also voiced frustration over the last-minute location change. Advertisement >>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<< 'Every year, there's something. This year it was Waters, last year JU, before that Episcopal, and before that BK. We're used to it,' said Sebastian Cardona of the Section 904 Supporters Group. The team announced the venue change just 24 hours before kickoff after EWU canceled all event contracts. In a post on X, the club called the move 'unprofessional.' In a statement, Edward Waters University cited 'unexpected administrative issues with their facilities' as the reason for the cancellation. [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] Despite the sudden change, some families said they preferred the new location. Advertisement 'To us it's closer so I like it better,' said parent Beth Duncan. 'It doesn't bother me. I'm here to support the team regardless,' said fan Josh Richburg. 'It is closer and it's familiar. I used to play here when I played soccer,' said former player Ty Duncan. 'No problem at all,' added parent Dennis Sciarrhgta. [SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter] EWU expressed regret in a statement and said it hopes to host future games again. 'So we would be glad to be back,' said Cardona. But many fans say the bigger issue remains unresolved. 'It's a problem that we should not be having because we should be playing at our stadium,' Cardona added. Advertisement Jacksonville Armada FC President Nathan Walter confirmed that stadium plans are in progress and are currently in the design and site phase. He said groundwork is expected to begin in the next 90 days. Attempts to reach Edward Waters University for clarification on the administrative issues were unsuccessful before the story aired. Click here to download the free Action News Jax news and weather apps, click here to download the Action News Jax Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Action News Jax live.
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Jacksonville city councilmembers want more inclusive tourism materials from Visit Jacksonville
Some Jacksonville City Council leaders are calling on Visit Jacksonville, the city's official tour guide agency, to be more inclusive in their selection of attractions. Councilman Jimmy Peluso had a meeting alongside Councilman Dr. Rahman Johnson and Councilwoman Ju'Coby Pittman to address what the members call gaps in historical and cultural sites featured in brochures. Visit Jacksonville CEO, Michael Corrigan, was in attendance. He said he always welcomes opportunities to talk about tourism in the city. 'Anytime you can get multiple elected officials to gather with you and talk about tourism - the good ... even some things that need help ... that's always good,' Corrigan said. [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] Peluso, who represents parts of Northwest Jacksonville, said he'd like to see the inclusion of destinations like Edward Waters University, Florida's oldest historically black university, as well as James P. Small Park. 'We had Hank Aaron play in that field. That's something that people should want to do. We just want them to add more things to their brochure,' Peluso said. Johnson also drafted his list of recommendations for tourism materials. In the draft letter, the councilman mentions: The Ritz Theatre and Museum, a premier institution celebrating African American history in LaVilla and once known as the 'Harlem of the South,' is omitted from the 'Spots to Check Out' section despite its national cultural significance. Lift Ev'ry Voice and Sing Park, located at the historic site of the Johnson brothers' family home, lacks clear visual and editorial prominence. This is the birthplace of the hymn known as the Black National Anthem—a song embedded in American history and reverence. The absence of Edward Waters University, Florida's oldest private institution and first HBCU, from the 'spots to check out' portion of the guide represents a significant cultural oversight. EWU is not only a center of academic excellence but also a historic institution instrumental in shaping Jacksonville's intellectual and civic landscape. The Clara White Mission, founded in 1904 by Dr. Eartha M.M. White, is similarly excluded. Located in the historic LaVilla neighborhood, the Mission houses a museum showcasing one of the country's foremost collections of African American artifacts and continues to serve the community with hot meals, transitional housing, and workforce development. Its cultural and humanitarian impact make it a vital site for heritage tourism. [SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter] Johnson also said the exclusion of the Jacksonville Public Library Special Collections and the absence of Latino and Filipino cultural narratives can be problematic for a city that wants to not only welcome tourism, but keep tourists coming back, too. That's why Johnson said he is pushing for more inclusive tourism materials. 'In doing so, Jacksonville moves closer to becoming not just a city worth visiting, but a city where every story finds a home,' he shared in his draft. Corrigan said the latest edition of the tourism brochure should come out around June or July. He said his team is excited to listen to their community and incorporate some of the council's feedback into the guides going forward. Click here to download the free Action News Jax news and weather apps, click here to download the Action News Jax Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Action News Jax live.
