Hodges University
{{Short description|Former private university in Fort Myers, Florida}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=April 2016}}
{{Infobox university
| name = Hodges University
| native_name =
| image = Hodges University logo.svg
| caption = Logo from 2007 to 2019
| latin_name =
| motto = Stay Near. Go Far.
| established = {{start date and age|1990}}
| type = Private university
| affiliation =
| endowment =
| rector =
| officer_in_charge =
| chairman =
| chancellor =
| president = Charlene Wendel
| superintendent =
| provost = Diana Schultz
| vice_chancellor =
| principal =
| dean =
| director =
| head_label =
| head =
| students = 410
| undergrad = 340
| postgrad = 70
| doctoral =
| other =
| address = 4501 Colonial Blvd
| city = Fort Myers
| state = Florida
| province =
| country = U.S.
| campus = 10 acres (0.04 km2)
| free_label =
| free =
| athletics =
| colours = Navy Blue and Coral Red
| sports =
| nickname =
| mascot = Hawk
| affiliations =
| website = [https://hodges.edu hodges.edu]
| logo =
| faculty = 101 total: 17 full-time, 84 adjunct faculty (2021)
| coordinates = {{coord|26|16|33.1|N|81|44|18.3|W|type:edu_region:US-FL|display=title,inline}}
| colors =
}}
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.{{cite web|last=Aten|first=Tim|date=2021-09-05|title=Mason academy acquires building at Hodges University's Naples campus|url=https://naples.floridaweekly.com/articles/mason-academy-acquires-building-at-hodges-universitys-naples-campus/|access-date=2022-01-30|website=Naples Florida Weekly}} In August 2023, citing declining enrollment and ensuing financial challenges, Hodges University announced plans to close permanently by the end of August 2024.{{Cite web |last=Freeman |first=Liz |date=2023-08-26 |title=Hodges University shutting down by August 2024; no degree seeking enrollment this fall |url=https://www.naplesnews.com/story/news/2023/08/26/fort-myers-hodges-university-closing-after-33-years-of-operation/70689506007/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230826233315/https://www.naplesnews.com/story/news/2023/08/26/fort-myers-hodges-university-closing-after-33-years-of-operation/70689506007/ |archive-date=2023-08-26 |access-date=2023-08-26 |website=Naples Daily News |language=en-US}} The final day of classes was on August 25, 2024.{{Cite web |last=Zoldan |first=Sheldon |date=2024-08-19 |title=Hodges University’s 34-year run coming to a close |url=https://winknews.com/2024/08/19/hodges-universitys-34-year-run-coming-to-a-close/ |access-date=2024-08-26 |website=WINK News |language=en-US}}
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. International College achieved regional accreditation in 1998 and received the authority to offer master's degree programs in 1999.{{Cite web |date=2011 |title=Hodges University Fact Book 2010-2011 |url=https://webadvisor.hodges.edu/aa_pdfs/HU_Fact_Book_2010-2011.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230828144012/https://webadvisor.hodges.edu/aa_pdfs/HU_Fact_Book_2010-2011.pdf |archive-date=2023-08-28 |access-date=2023-08-28 |website=Hodges University}} 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.{{Cite web |date=2010-02-03 |title=Hodges University - what a difference 20 years makes |url=http://www.naplesnews.com/community/hodges-university---what-a-difference-20-years-makes-ep-395944171-332237962.html |access-date=2023-08-28 |website=Naples Daily News |language=en}} 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.{{Cite web |date=2013-10-19 |title=Longtime Naples resident, philanthropist Earl Hodges dead at 86 |url=http://www.naplesnews.com/news/local/longtime-naples-resident-philanthropist-earl-hodges-dead-at-86-ep-313722879-341625541.html |access-date=2023-08-26 |website=Naples Daily News |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=May 26, 2007 |title=International College Receives $12 Million Gift, Changes Name |url=https://philanthropynewsdigest.org/news/international-college-receives-12-million-gift-changes-name |access-date=2023-08-28 |website=Philanthropy News}}
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. 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).{{Cite web |last=Bland |first=Thyrie |date=2018-01-19 |title=Hodges University graduate named school's fourth president since 2013 |url=https://www.news-press.com/story/news/education/2018/01/19/hodges-university-graduate-named-schools-fourth-president-since-2013/1023446001/ |access-date=2023-08-28 |website=The News-Press |language=en-US}}
Since 1990, Hodges University has conferred more than 14,000 degrees.{{Cite book |url=https://pathways.hodges.edu/institutional-effectiveness/ |title=2015-2016 Fact Book}} 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.
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.{{Cite web |last=Lederman |first=Doug |date=2023-08-25 |title=Another Small College, Hodges University, Will Close |url=https://www.insidehighered.com/news/business/financial-health/2023/08/25/another-small-college-hodges-university-will-close |access-date=2023-08-27 |website=Inside Higher Ed |language=en}}
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. In April 2024, the university's campus was sold to the Evangelical Christian School of Fort Myers.{{Cite web |last=Dorsey |first=David |date=2024-04-24 |title=Evangelical Christian School completes $28.6M purchase of Hodges campus |url=https://winknews.com/2024/04/24/evangelical-christian-school-completes-28-6m-purchase-of-hodges-campus/ |access-date=2024-08-26 |website=WINK News |language=en-US}} The final day of classes was on August 25, 2024.
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.{{cite web|url=https://www.hodges.edu/prog-certificate-programs |title=Training You Want - Certificate Programs | Hodges University |website=hodges.edu |date= |accessdate=2023-05-12}} The university also facilitated a comprehensive English as a Second Language (ESL) program.{{cite web|title=Teaching English Classes Online | Fort Myers, FL|url=https://www.hodges.edu/prog-esl|website=www.Hodges.edu}}
In addition to in-person classes in Fort Myers, Hodges offered many courses online and in an accelerated 4-week format.{{cite web|url=https://www.hodges.edu/programindex |title=Search Our Degrees and Programs |website=hodges.edu |date= |accessdate=2023-05-12}} As of Fall 2021, 41% of undergraduate students and 92% of graduate students were enrolled only in distance education courses.{{Cite web |date=Fall 2021 |title=College Navigator: Hodges University |url=https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/ |access-date=2023-06-23 |website=National Center for Education Statistics}}
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.{{cite web|title=Center & Institutes|url=https://pathways.hodges.edu/military-veteran-friendly-college/|website=hodges.edu}}
The university was organized into five colleges with 17 full-time and 84 part-time faculty:
- Fisher School of Technology
- Johnson School of Business
- Nichols School of Professional Studies
- School of Health Sciences
- School of General Studies
= 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.{{cite web|title=About Hodges|url=https://pathways.hodges.edu/accreditation/|website=hodges.edu}} 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.{{Cite web |date=December 2022 |title=Disclosure Statement Regarding the Status of Hodges University |url=https://sacscoc.org/app/uploads/2022/12/Disclosure-Statement-Hodges-Univ-Dec-2022.pdf |access-date=2023-06-23 |website=Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges}}
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.{{cite web |title=Terry P. McMahan Library |url=http://www.hodges.edu/library/|website=hodges.edu}} As of 2023, Hodges University was no longer listed in the FDLD directory.{{Cite web |title=FDLD Directory |url=https://ask.gpo.gov/s/FDLD |access-date=2023-07-13 |website=U.S. Government Publishing Office}}
= 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.{{Cite web |date=September 12, 2022 |title=U.S. News & World Report Best College rankings Hodges University |url=https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/hodges-university-30375 |access-date=August 22, 2023 |website=U.S. News & World Report}}
Hodges was federally recognized as a Hispanic-serving institution,{{Cite web |title=Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) |url=http://www.nifa.usda.gov/about-nifa/how-we-work/partnerships/hispanic-serving-institutions-hsis |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230828001415/https://www.hacu.net/hacu/HSIs.asp |archive-date=2023-08-28 |access-date=2023-08-28 |website=National Institute of Food and Agriculture, U.S. Department of Agriculture |language=en}} with 34% Hispanic student enrollment as of fall 2021.
Students
References
{{Reflist}}
External links
- [https://hodges.edu/ Official website]
{{Independent Colleges and Universities of Florida}}
{{authority control}}
Category:Private universities and colleges in Florida
Category:Education in Lee County, Florida
Category:Education in Collier County, Florida
Category:Universities and colleges accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
Category:1990 establishments in Florida
Category:2024 disestablishments in Florida