Eastern Florida in Running for National Collegiate Honor

Eastern Florida State College today was named among the top 150 colleges in the nation vying for the 2015 Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence.

The prestigious award is given to the best community or state college in the nation for high levels of student success, innovative strategies and workforce achievement.

Eastern Florida was chosen from more than 1,000 colleges nationwide to advance to the second round in the competition.

It marks the second straight year the college is in the running for the $1 million award that will be announced in December.

Eastern Florida President Dr. Jim Richey said the notification shows the college’s student-centered approach is the key to its place in the nation’s top educational tier.

For instance, Eastern Florida ranks 23rd in the U.S. in awarding Associate Degrees and 16th in awarding Associate Degrees in science and technology.

It also has among the highest graduation rates in the 28-member Florida College System, and among similarly sized colleges nationwide.

“Everything we do at Eastern Florida is geared to providing students with an excellent education that will lead to a good job and successful career upon graduation,” said Richey.

“The credit goes to our dedicated faculty and staff whose efforts make Eastern Florida a special place for students to study, learn and grow.”

Eastern Florida is among 15 institutions in the Florida College System up for the Aspen Prize.

Last year’s prize was awarded to co-winners Santa Barbara City College in Santa Barbara, Calif., and Walla Walla Community College in Walla Walla, Wash.