FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 3, 2009
Contact: Michael Corby 904.632.3310

Florida Community College at Jacksonville Board of Trustees approves resolution for new name
Higher accreditation affords new educational opportunity for residents

Florida Community College at Jacksonville’s District Board of Trustees today voted unanimously to change the institution’s name to Florida State College at Jacksonville. The Board’s action came after a presentation by College President Steven R. Wallace. The issue will now make its way to the Florida Legislature for action during its session, which begins today. A final vote is expected in the House and Senate before May 1, 2009. This new opportunity was made possible by legislation passed in 2008 creating a new State College System in the Sunshine State.

As Florida State College at Jacksonville, the institution will continue growing its reputation as a large, dynamic and influential higher education institution serving the First Coast.

“The emblem of our College is three waves representing access, comprehensiveness, and economic development all converging in a pyramid,” said Wallace. “We offer students unmatchable access to a quality education. Our comprehensive array of programs prepares and sustains a regional workforce capable of increased competitiveness and prosperity in the 21st century global knowledge economy. By maintaining our commitment to accessibility and structuring programs to the specific employer needs of our region, we have an extraordinary impact on the economic vitality of Northeast Florida.”

The name change signifies continued growth in the number of bachelor’s degrees offered. Florida State College already offers four-year degrees in these programs: critical care nursing, supervision and management, fire science management, and computer systems networking and telecommunications. The State Board of Education recently approved additional four-year programs in early childhood education, information technology management, and public safety management.

“We are focused relentlessly on meeting the needs of our students and regional employers, and we view this change as an extraordinary opportunity for our community,” said Wallace. “Our community college values ensure that we will offer exceptional instruction and the best possible learning environment to a community hungry for affordable, accessible higher education.”