Florida SouthWestern State College (FSW) is a public college in Fort Myers, Florida. It is a member of the Florida College System.
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Former names | Edison Junior College (1962–1972) Edison Community College (1972–2004) Edison College (2004–2008) Edison State College (2008–2014) |
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| Type | Public college |
| Established | 1962 |
Parent institution | Florida College System |
| Accreditation | SACS |
| Endowment | $49.5 million (2024)[1] |
| Budget | $96.6 million (2024)[2] |
| President | Jeffery Allbritten |
Academic staff | 194 (full-time)[3] 338 (part-time)[3] |
| Undergraduates | 14,326 (fall 2022)[3] |
| Location | , , United States 26°33′05″N 81°53′14″W / 26.5513°N 81.8872°W |
| Campus | Large suburb[3] |
| Colors | Purple and aqua |
| Nickname | Buccaneers |
Sporting affiliations | NJCAA Region 8 – Suncoast Conference |
| Mascot | Captain Blackbeard |
| Website | www |
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History
editFSW was established in 1962 as Edison Junior College, named after Thomas Edison, who spent winter months in Fort Myers. Its first campus opened in 1965. The school rebranded several times, reflecting changes in its mission and academic offerings. It became a baccalaureate-granting institution in 2008, when it was renamed Edison State College. In 2014, the college adopted its current name, cutting ties to Edison and aligning with its expanded geographic reach.[4]
Academics
editFSW offers both associate and baccalaureate degrees, and several vocational certificate programs, focusing on healthcare, business, technology, and education. FSW is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
Campuses
editThe main campus is located in Fort Myers, and covers 140 acres (57 ha). The college also has additional campuses, including the Charlotte Campus in Punta Gorda, which opened in 1997 and is the largest campus at 204 acres (83 ha). The Collier Campus, located in Naples, opened in 1992 on a 50-acre (20 ha) site. Additionally, the Hendry/Glades Curtis Center in LaBelle serves as a hub for outreach programs.
Athletics
editFSW reestablished its athletics program in 2014 under the "Buccaneers" moniker.[4] Teams participate in the Suncoast Conference of the Florida State College Activities Association and the National Junior College Athletic Association. The 3,500-seat Suncoast Credit Union Arena opened in 2016 and is home to the basketball and volleyball teams, as well as the City of Palms Classic high school basketball tournament.[5] Baseball and softball teams play at City of Palms Park.
Gallery
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Lee Campus sign in 2019 -
Courtyard next to the Rush Library on the Lee Campus -
Library garden welcome sign on the Lee campus. -
Technology Center on the Lee Campus -
Medical Museum on the Lee Campus
Notable alumni
edit- Charles Ghigna, poet and children's author
- Matt Hudson, member of the Florida House of Representatives[6]
- Tina Wainscott, romance and suspense novelist
- Fuzzy Zoeller, professional golfer, currently plays on the Champions Tour
References
edit- ^ Marra, Andrew (February 12, 2024). "Two Florida universities have more than $1 billion in endowments to invest on campus". The Palm Beach Post. Retrieved September 8, 2024.
- ^ "Annual Budget Summary - Fiscal Year 2024-25 (Florida SouthWestern State College)". Florida Department of Education. Retrieved September 12, 2024.
- ^ a b c d Florida SouthWestern State College. National Center for Education Statistics (College Navigator). Retrieved September 8, 2024.
- ^ a b Rosenburg-Douglas, Katherine (July 7, 2014). "Goodbye Edison, hello Florida SouthWestern State College". Naples Daily News. Retrieved September 8, 2024.
- ^ Dorsey, Dave (November 28, 2016). "'Masterpiece' Suncoast Credit Union Arena set to open at FSW". Naples Daily News. Retrieved September 8, 2024.
- ^ "Florida Southwestern State College Website". April 8, 2024.
External links
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