Hodges University has had a very successful year

Each year, Hodges University issues its President’s Report, complete with enrollment statistics, academic achievements and student stories. This year’s report, 2016-2017, highlights the numerous achievements of the Hodges community, as well as the possibility for change in 2018. In June 2017, Hodges University announced its intention to formally affiliate with TCS Education System, which is a “nonprofit system of colleges advancing student success and community impact.” Hodges would join a select group of independent, private nonprofit institutions including The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, Dallas Nursing Institute, Pacific Oaks College, The Santa Barbara & Ventura Colleges of Law, and Saybrook University.

Prior to affiliating, Hodges University will seek approval from the affiliation by its regional accreditor, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACS COC) and other regulatory bodies. During the 2016-2017 academic year, 2,055 students enrolled at Hodges. Of the 2,055 students, 1,405 were undergraduates, 218 were enrolled in graduate programs and 432 consisted of English as a Second Language (ESL) students. As a veteran-friendly institution, 11 percent of Hodges student population were veterans.

With more than 9,323 degrees conferred since 1990, Hodges students are taking their education and transitioning into their desired fields. From 2015-2016, the university’s career outcomes rate was 91 percent. Measured in accordance with the national standards provided by the National Association of College and Employers (NACE), the career outcomes rate is the percentage of graduates who are employed, volunteering, military or enrolled in a program  of continuing education. Throughout the academic year, the university awarded individuals making a difference within the community and welcomed new members to the Hodges family.

During the “Celebrating Women of Character, Courage, Clarity and Commitment” event in March 2017, Hodges University recognized six women for their leadership and commitment to making a difference. The 2017 awardees included Barbara Key-Ramos, Goodwill Industries of Southwest Florida, Inc., Yemisi Oloruntola-Coates – Lee Health, Stacey Lee Williams – Our Mother’s Home, Brenda Tate – The Women’s Foundation of Southwest Florida, Dr. Aysegul Timur – Hodges University, and Eliana Tardio – Parent Education Network with Family Network on Disabilities.

In April 2017, Dr. John Meyer joined Hodges University as its executive vice president of academic affairs. Graduating with his Doctor of Business Administration in management from Argosy University and an MBA and a B.S. in accounting from Hodges University, Meyer has spent nearly 20 years in public and private education. Apart from his responsibilities at Hodges, Meyer continues to serve as a researcher and author for Workforce Now, a regional research initiative that identifies current and future workforce talent requirements for the five counties of Southwest Florida. In addition, Hodges University students, faculty and staff were highlighted for their unique stories and outstanding accomplishments.

• In July 2016, 17 alumni from the Hodges University physical therapist assistant (PTA) program’s class of 2015 passed their national board exams with a 100 percent pass rate.

• In recognition of its dedication and commitment to assisting veterans in their pursuit of higher education, Hodges University earned the 2017 Military Friendly® School designation by Victory Media, publisher of G.I. Jobs®, STEM JobsSM and Military Spouse.

• The veterans scholarship program at Hodges University received a $25,000 gift from Wounded Warriors of Collier County (WWCC). The university also received a gift of $20,000 from the Naples North Rotary Club Foundation for the Friends of Hodges University Scholarship Fund.

• Hodges University launched its clinical mental health counseling (CMHC) program online in January 2017.

• Hodges University was named a top university for Professional Sales Education by the Sales Education Foundation (SEF).

If you would like to play a role in building the future of Southwest Florida by helping Hodges students reach their
ultimate potential, please consider supporting Hodges University. You may visit www.hodges.edu/support/ to learn how you can make a difference.