 Welcome to Edison State College!
It is my pleasure to welcome you to the Edison State College family. It’s here where you’ll receive a top-notch education, which will help you reach your professional goals. In addition to exceptional faculty who are passionate about sharing their knowledge and experience with you, we also offer a wide variety of clubs and activities.
This is your chance to embrace new experiences that will help you grow personally and as a leader. I hope that you’ll take full advantage of all that we have to offer. Once you earn your professional certificate, Associate’s Degree or Bachelor’s Degree, it will be my honor to congratulate you and shake your hand.
Dr. Jeff Allbritten, President
About Edison State College
Edison State College celebrates its 51st year of providing higher education opportunities to the five counties it serves. It has enjoyed five decades of leadership and public service in Southwest Florida and the satisfaction of supporting the accomplishments of 35,000 graduates. It all began in 1962 in the vacant Gwynne Institute in downtown Fort Myers. The tiny but mighty faculty held classes in churches, theaters and even a bowling alley. It was the only college in the state named after an individual. One student emerged from the first graduating class of 1963.
A lot can happen in five decades.
Three District Presidents have led the college. Over time, three campuses, one center and Edison Online took root. One small school transformed itself from a junior college to a community college to the state college it is today. The Fourth President, Dr. Jeff Allbritten, was inaugurated in May 2013.
Edison State College ended racial segregation in higher education in Southwest Florida when it opened its doors to all students. It broadened its reach from offering two-year degrees to implementing a four-year Baccalaureate program. This year, for the first time, students can live on campus in a 400-unit residence hall, LightHouse Commons. High school students are reaching their potential at Edison Collegiate High School on the Lee and Charlotte campuses. The Charlotte Collegiate High School celebrated its first graduation in May 2013. Edison shares a rich history in Southwest Florida. It’s open, accessible and a way for thousands to become “A Higher Degree of You.”
Edison State College does not discriminate of the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnicity, sex, disability, age, religion, marital status, sexual orientation, genetic information, or veteran’s status in its programs and activities. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies: Ronald A. Dente Jr., Assistant General Counsel, (239) 489-9495.
This notice is intended for students, employees, and applicants. Edison State College collects your social security number for use in performance of the College’s duties and responsibilities for the following possible purposes: classification of accounts; identification and verification; credit worthiness; billing and payments; data collection; reconciliation; tracking; benefit processing; tax and scholarship reporting; financial aid processing; accreditation of programs; and reporting to authorized agencies of the state and federal government. Social security numbers are also used as a unique numeric identifier in certain cases and may be used for research purposes. Federal law requires that we protect social security numbers from disclosure to unauthorized parties. Students and employees are assigned ESC identification numbers to assist in protecting their identities.
Board of Trustees
Marjorie Starnes-Bilotti, J.D., Chair, Lee County
Marjorie Starnes-Bilotti, of Fort Myers, is a retired attorney. From 1994 to 1999, she was a member of the Florida State Board of Community Colleges. Starnes- Bilotti received bachelor’s and law degrees from Florida State University. She succeeds Mary Lee Mann and is appointed for a term ending May 31, 2015.
Sankey “Eddie” Webb, III, CPA, MBA, Vice-Chair, Charlotte County
Sankey “Eddie” Webb, of Punta Gorda, has been a certified public accountant and managing partner of Webb, Lorah and Company P.L. since 1985. After serving as an officer in the United States Air Force from 1970 to 1979, he joined Blankenship, Livings, Lamar and Company in Montgomery, Alabama, and served as a partner in the firm from 1983 to 1985. Webb received a bachelor’s degree from The Citadel and a Master of Business Administration from Auburn University.
Ann E. Berlam, M.Ed., Collier County
Mrs. Berlam, of Naples, retired director of government relations for the North Carolina State Board of Education, was appointed to the Board in August 2007. She has been reappointed for a term ending May 31, 2013.
Brian Chapman, Jr., B.A., Lee County
Brian G. Chapman Jr., of Cape Coral, has been an insurance agent and owner of Chapman Insurance Group since 2009. He received a bachelor’s degree from Florida Gulf Coast University. He succeeds Mahlan Houghton and is appointed for a term ending May 31, 2014.
Tristan “Tris” Chapman, MBA, Hendry County
Mr. Chapman, of LaBelle, is Vice President and General Manager of Southern Gardens Citrus. Prior to that, he was an executive with Tropicana for over 20 years. He earned his bachelor’s degree and MBA from the University of South Florida. He was appointed February 22, 2013 for a term ending May 26, 2016.
Julia G. Perry, B.A.E., Glades County
Mrs. Perry, of Moore Haven, is a retired school librarian. She has served as a Trustee since 2002, and has been reappointed for a term ending May 26, 2016.
Braxton C. Rhone, B.S., Lee County
Mr. Rhone, of Fort Myers, is an investment representative at Fidelity Investments. Active in the community, his service includes being an inaugural member of the G.A.I.N. (Growing Associates in Naples) Program, and as a past board member of Youth Leadership Collier. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Florida Gulf Coast University, where he also served as student body treasurer and vice president. He was appointed February 21, 2012 for a term ending May 31, 2013.
Christopher T. Vernon, J.D., Collier County
Mr. Vernon, of Naples, is a founding partner of the business and investment litigation firm Vernon Healy in Naples. He was appointed to the Board in 2005, and reappointed for a term ending May 31, 2013.
Strategic Directions
Vision
Edison State College will be the catalyst for creating an innovative education system which provides accessible educational pathways that prepare students to be enlightened and productive citizens.
Mission
The mission of Edison State College is to inspire learning; prepare a diverse population for creative and responsible participation in a global society; and serve as a leader for intellectual, economic, and cultural awareness in the community.
Values
We value student success, integrity, intellectual inquiry, and academic rigor.
Strategic Priorities
As an open-door regional State College, Edison has established the following priorities:
- Develop and maintain a learning-centered culture
- Provide educational pathways for under-prepared students
- Provide vibrant, relevant programs
- Provide an array of effective student support services
- Identify and develop short and long-term financial, facility, and technology resources of the College
- Promote, develop and retain a culture that supports professional growth of faculty and staff
- Develop, maintain, and enhance collaborative partnerships
- Enhance the regional image of Edison State College
|