Hodges University

Last updated

Hodges University
Hodges University logo.svg
Logo from 2007 to 2019
MottoStay Near. Go Far.
Type Private university
Established1990;34 years ago (1990)
President Charlene Wendel
Provost Diana Schultz
Academic staff
101 total: 17 full-time, 84 adjunct faculty (2021)
Students410
Undergraduates 340
Postgraduates 70
Address
4501 Colonial Blvd
,
Fort Myers
,
Florida
,
U.S.

26°16′33.1″N81°44′18.3″W / 26.275861°N 81.738417°W / 26.275861; -81.738417
Campus10 acres (0.04 km2)
Colours Navy Blue and Coral Red
MascotHawk
Website hodges.edu

Hodges University was a private university in Fort Myers, Florida, United States. Founded in 1990 in Naples as International College, it was renamed Hodges University in 2007 in recognition of a $12 million donation from local residents Earl and Thelma Hodges. [1] In August 2023, citing declining enrollment and ensuing financial challenges, Hodges University announced plans to close permanently by the end of August 2024. [2] The final day of classes was on August 25, 2024. [3]

Contents

History

Hodges University was founded in Naples, Florida, in 1990 as International College with 85 students. It focused on providing education and training opportunities for adult learners. It began offering online degree programs in 1995. [2] International College achieved regional accreditation in 1998 and received the authority to offer master's degree programs in 1999. [4] In 2000, International College moved out of its original location, a rented storefront in East Naples, and constructed a new campus at 2655 Northbrooke Drive in Naples. [5] The college was renamed Hodges University on June 1, 2007, in recognition of a $12 million donation from Earl and Thelma Hodges, founders and owners of Hodges Funeral Home in Naples since 1964. [1] [6] [7]

Long-time Hodges faculty member Charlene Wendel became the university's president on July 6, 2023, after the board of trustees dismissed former president John Meyer. [2] Meyer, a former Florida Southwestern State College dean, had been appointed president on December 15, 2017. Past presidents were Donald Wortham, former vice president for strategic initiatives at the College of St. Scholastica, appointed in February 2016; David Borofsky, former president of Dakota State University, appointed in December 2014; Jeannette Brock, a long-time Hodges academic administrator appointed in July 2013; and Terry McMahan (1990–2013). [8]

Since 1990, Hodges University has conferred more than 14,000 degrees. [9] Enrollment declined from 2,800 students in 2013 to only 410 students in 2023, leading to serious operating deficits. The Naples campus closed in September 2021, with classes and operations consolidated to the Fort Myers campus. [1]

In December 2022, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges placed Hodges University on probation, "the most serious public sanction imposed by the SACSCOC Board of Trustees short of loss of accreditation." Hodges was continued in accreditation during probation. [10] [11]

In August 2023, citing low enrollment and ensuing financial challenges as well as the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and Hurricane Ian, Hodges University announced plans to close permanently by the end of August 2024. Hodges ceased accepting new degree-seeking students ahead of the fall 2023 semester. The majority of classes and degree offerings will cease at the end of April 2024. Hodges is working to develop teach-out partnerships and identify a permanent custodian for the university's academic records. [2] [11] In April 2024, the university's campus was sold to the Evangelical Christian School of Fort Myers. [12] The final day of classes was on August 25, 2024. [3]

Academics

As of May 2023, Hodges offered 11 associate degree programs, 14 bachelor's degree programs, 6 master's degree programs, and several certificate programs. [13] The university also facilitated a comprehensive English as a Second Language (ESL) program. [14]

In addition to in-person classes in Fort Myers, Hodges offered many courses online and in an accelerated 4-week format. [15] As of Fall 2021, 41% of undergraduate students and 92% of graduate students were enrolled only in distance education courses. [16]

Hodges University also operated the Frances Pew Hayes Center for Lifelong Learning, the Dr. Peter Thomas Veterans Services Center and Center for Diversity, Inclusion and Cultural Competency. [17]

The university was organized into five colleges with 17 full-time and 84 part-time faculty: [16]

Accreditation

Hodges University was accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate, bachelor's, and master's degrees. [18] In December 2022, the accreditation agency placed Hodges University on probation, "the most serious public sanction imposed by the SACSCOC Board of Trustees short of loss of accreditation." The university remained accredited during the one-year probation period. [10]

Eight degree programs within the Johnson School of Business were accredited through the International Accreditation Council for Business Education. The Master of Science in clinical mental health counseling degree program was accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs. The Associate in Science in physical therapist assistant (PTA) was accredited through the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education. The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program was accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing.

Library

The Terry P. McMahan Library served the Hodges University community. The library participated in the Federal Depository Library Program beginning in 2003 as one of two federal depository libraries in Southwest Florida. [19] As of 2023, Hodges University was no longer listed in the FDLD directory. [20]

Rankings

Hodges was ranked #103-135 in Regional Universities South, and #133 in Top Performers on Social Mobility, by U.S. News & World Report in 2023. [21]

Hodges was federally recognized as a Hispanic-serving institution, [22] with 34% Hispanic student enrollment as of fall 2021. [16]

Students

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">University of North Texas</span> Public university in Denton, Texas, US

The University of North Texas (UNT) is a public research university in the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex. UNT's main campus is in Denton, Texas, and it also has a satellite campus in Frisco, Texas. It offers 114 bachelor's, 97 master's, and 39 doctoral degree programs. UNT is the flagship member of the University of North Texas System, which includes additional universities in Dallas and Fort Worth. Established in 1890, UNT is one of the largest universities in the United States.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">California State University, San Bernardino</span> Public university in San Bernardino, California

California State University, San Bernardino is a public research university in San Bernardino, California. Founded in 1965, it is part of the California State University system. The main campus sits on 441 acres (178 ha) in the University District of San Bernardino, with a branch campus of 40 acres (16 ha) in Palm Desert, California, opened in 1986. Cal State San Bernardino's fall 2020 enrollment was 19,404. In fall 2019, it had 505 full-time faculty, of which 385 were on the tenure track.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">California State University San Marcos</span> Public university in San Marcos, California

California State University, San Marcos is a public university in San Marcos, California. It was founded in 1989 as the 21st campus in the California State University (CSU) system.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pepperdine University</span> Christian university in Los Angeles County, California

Pepperdine University is a private Christian research university affiliated with the Churches of Christ with its main campus in Los Angeles County, California. Pepperdine's main campus consists of 830 acres overlooking the Pacific Ocean and the Pacific Coast Highway near Malibu, California. Founded by entrepreneur George Pepperdine in South Los Angeles in 1937, the school expanded to Malibu in 1972. Courses are now taught at a main Malibu campus, three graduate campuses in Southern California, a center in Washington, D.C., and international campuses in Buenos Aires, Argentina; London, United Kingdom; Heidelberg, Germany; Florence, Italy; and Blonay – Saint-Légier, Switzerland.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Saint Leo University</span> Catholic university in St. Leo, Florida, US

Saint Leo University is a private Catholic university in St. Leo, Florida. It was established in 1889. The university is associated with the Holy Name Monastery, a Benedictine convent, and Saint Leo Abbey, a Benedictine monastery. The university and the abbey are both named for Pope Leo the Great, bishop of Rome from 440 to 461. The name also honors Leo XIII, who was Pope at the time the university was founded, and Leo Haid, then abbot of Maryhelp Abbey in North Carolina, now Belmont Abbey, who participated in founding the university and served as its first president.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">University of Tennessee at Martin</span> Public university in Martin, Tennessee, US

The University of Tennessee at Martin is a public university in Martin, Tennessee. It is one of the five campuses of the University of Tennessee system. UTM is the only public university in West Tennessee outside of Memphis.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Erskine College</span> Christian college in Due West, South Carolina, US

Erskine College is a private Christian college in Due West, South Carolina, United States. It is an undergraduate liberal arts college and a graduate theological seminary. The college was founded in 1839 by the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church. Its sports teams compete in NCAA Division II as a member of Conference Carolinas.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jacksonville University</span> Private university in Jacksonville, Florida, US

Jacksonville University (JU) is a private university in Jacksonville, Florida, United States. Located in the city's Arlington district, the school was founded in 1934 as a two-year college and was known as Jacksonville Junior College until September 5, 1956, when it shifted focus to building four-year university degree programs and later graduated its first four-year degree candidates as Jacksonville University in June 1959. It is a member of the Independent Colleges and Universities of Florida and is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) and the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). JU's student body currently represents more than 40 U.S. states and approximately 45 countries around the world. As a Division I institution, it fields 18 varsity athletics teams, known as the JU Dolphins, as well as intramural sports and clubs. Among the top majors declared by JU students are aviation management, biology, nursing, business, and marine science.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Valparaiso University</span> Lutheran university in Valparaiso, Indiana, US

Valparaiso University (Valpo) is a private university in Valparaiso, Indiana. It is an independent Lutheran university with five colleges. It enrolls nearly 2,300 students and has a 350-acre (140 ha) campus.

Nelson University, formerly Southwestern Assemblies of God University (SAGU), is a private Christian university in Waxahachie, Texas. Nelson is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges and endorsed by the Assemblies of God USA. The university offers associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees in a variety of liberal arts programs, as well as programs in Bible and church ministries.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Florida Gulf Coast University</span> Public university in Fort Myers, Florida, U.S.

Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) is a public university in Lee County, Florida, near Fort Myers. It is part of the State University System of Florida and is its second-youngest member. The university was established on May 3, 1991, and is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS). It offers 58 bachelor's degree programs, 25 master's degree programs, 6 doctoral degree programs, and 12 graduate certificates.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Florida SouthWestern State College</span> Public college in Southwest Florida, US

Florida SouthWestern State College is a public college with its main campus in Fort Myers, Florida. It is part of the Florida College System. The college has satellite campuses in Charlotte County and Collier County, and outreach programs in Hendry County and Glades County.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Milwaukee School of Engineering</span> Private university in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, US

The Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE) is a private university in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The 22-acre (8.9 ha) campus is in the East Town neighborhood of downtown Milwaukee. In the fall of 2022, it enrolled 2,575 undergraduate and 154 graduate students. As of fall 2018, the university had a total of 138 full-faculty, more than 33% of which are women. Through eight academic departments, the university offers 16 bachelor's degree programs, 10 of which are in engineering. The university also offers nine master's degrees.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Southern University at New Orleans</span> Historically black university in New Orleans, Louisiana, US

Southern University at New Orleans is a public historically black university in New Orleans, Louisiana. It is a member of the Southern University System and the Thurgood Marshall College Fund.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ave Maria University</span> Catholic university in Ave Maria, Florida, US

Ave Maria University (AMU) is a private Roman Catholic university in Ave Maria, Florida. It existed formerly as Ave Maria College in Ypsilanti, Michigan, which was founded in 1998 and reestablished in 2007 along with an interim Naples, Florida campus created in 2003. The school was founded by philanthropist and entrepreneur, Tom Monaghan. In 2021, the enrollment was 1,245 students. In 2016 its student body was 80% Catholic.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Purdue University system</span> Public university system in Indiana

The Purdue University system is a public university system in the U.S. state of Indiana. A land-grant university with nearly 75,000 students across three institutions comprising five physical campuses, a statewide technology program, extension centers in each of Indiana's 92 counties, and continuing education programs. Additionally, there are another ~44,000 students enrolled in an online university. Each university in the system maintains its own faculty and admissions policies which are overseen by the Purdue University Board of Trustees. Purdue's main campus in West Lafayette is the best-known, noted for its highly regarded programs in engineering and adjacent subjects.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">St. Augustine's University (North Carolina)</span> Historically black Christian college in Raleigh, North Carolina, US

Saint Augustine's University is a private historically black Christian college in Raleigh, North Carolina. It was founded by Episcopal clergy in 1867 for the education of freed slaves.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">St. Andrews University (North Carolina)</span> Presbyterian university in Laurinburg, North Carolina, US

St. Andrews University is a private Presbyterian university in Laurinburg, North Carolina. It was established in 1958 as a result of a merger of Flora MacDonald College in Red Springs and Presbyterian Junior College; it was named St. Andrews Presbyterian College from 1960 until 2011 when the college changed its name to St. Andrews University. That same year, it merged with Webber International University of Babson Park, Florida. It is also home to the St. Andrews Press. In 2013, St. Andrews added its first graduate program, an MBA in business administration.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Slippery Rock University</span> Public university in Slippery Rock, Pennsylvania, US

Slippery Rock University, formally Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania, is a public university in Slippery Rock, Pennsylvania. SRU is a member of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE). The university has been coeducational since its founding in 1889. SRU is fully accredited by the Middle State Commission on Higher Learning.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">University of Texas Rio Grande Valley</span> Public university in Texas, US

The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) is a public research university with multiple campuses throughout the Rio Grande Valley region of Texas. It is the southernmost member of the University of Texas System. The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley was created by the Texas Legislature in 2013 after the consolidation of the University of Texas at Brownsville/Texas Southmost College and the University of Texas–Pan American.

References

  1. 1 2 3 Aten, Tim (September 5, 2021). "Mason academy acquires building at Hodges University's Naples campus". Naples Florida Weekly. Retrieved January 30, 2022.
  2. 1 2 3 4 Freeman, Liz (August 26, 2023). "Hodges University shutting down by August 2024; no degree seeking enrollment this fall". Naples Daily News . Archived from the original on August 26, 2023. Retrieved August 26, 2023.
  3. 1 2 Zoldan, Sheldon (August 19, 2024). "Hodges University's 34-year run coming to a close". WINK News. Retrieved August 26, 2024.
  4. ↑ "Hodges University Fact Book 2010-2011" (PDF). Hodges University. 2011. Archived (PDF) from the original on August 28, 2023. Retrieved August 28, 2023.
  5. ↑ "Hodges University - what a difference 20 years makes". Naples Daily News. February 3, 2010. Retrieved August 28, 2023.
  6. ↑ "Longtime Naples resident, philanthropist Earl Hodges dead at 86". Naples Daily News . October 19, 2013. Retrieved August 26, 2023.
  7. ↑ "International College Receives $12 Million Gift, Changes Name". Philanthropy News. May 26, 2007. Retrieved August 28, 2023.
  8. ↑ Bland, Thyrie (January 19, 2018). "Hodges University graduate named school's fourth president since 2013". The News-Press. Retrieved August 28, 2023.
  9. ↑ 2015-2016 Fact Book.
  10. 1 2 "Disclosure Statement Regarding the Status of Hodges University" (PDF). Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges . December 2022. Retrieved June 23, 2023.
  11. 1 2 Lederman, Doug (August 25, 2023). "Another Small College, Hodges University, Will Close". Inside Higher Ed . Retrieved August 27, 2023.
  12. ↑ Dorsey, David (April 24, 2024). "Evangelical Christian School completes $28.6M purchase of Hodges campus". WINK News. Retrieved August 26, 2024.
  13. ↑ "Training You Want - Certificate Programs | Hodges University". hodges.edu. Retrieved May 12, 2023.
  14. ↑ "Teaching English Classes Online | Fort Myers, FL". www.Hodges.edu.
  15. ↑ "Search Our Degrees and Programs". hodges.edu. Retrieved May 12, 2023.
  16. 1 2 3 4 "College Navigator: Hodges University". National Center for Education Statistics . Fall 2021. Retrieved June 23, 2023.
  17. ↑ "Center & Institutes". hodges.edu.
  18. ↑ "About Hodges". hodges.edu.
  19. ↑ "Terry P. McMahan Library". hodges.edu.
  20. ↑ "FDLD Directory". U.S. Government Publishing Office. Retrieved July 13, 2023.
  21. ↑ "U.S. News & World Report Best College rankings Hodges University". U.S. News & World Report . September 12, 2022. Retrieved August 22, 2023.
  22. ↑ "Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs)". National Institute of Food and Agriculture, U.S. Department of Agriculture . Archived from the original on August 28, 2023. Retrieved August 28, 2023.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.