JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Edward Waters University plans to invest more than $33 million in campus improvements through 2028, including a new student residence facility and the university’s first on-campus track and field facility.
The $25 million residence facility will have nearly 200 beds, making it the largest residential building on campus. Completion is expected in 2028. It will be the first new student housing built at Edward Waters since 1982.
The university said the projects come as enrollment reached nearly 1,300 students in fall 2026 — its highest in more than 20 years. Enrollment has grown nearly 40% since 2019, and nearly 80% of students are from Florida.
The residence facility and track are being financed through the U.S. Department of Education’s Historically Black College and University Capital Financing Program. Edward Waters closed the transaction Sept. 10. The track project also includes $2 million in support from the city of Jacksonville. The university plans to host community health and wellness events at the facility.
Rendering of new track and field for Edward Waters University. (Copyright 2026 by WJXT News4JAX – All rights reserved.)
“This is a generational investment in the spaces where our Tigers learn, live, compete, and lead,” university President A. Zachary Faison Jr. said.
Nearly $9 million more is planned for campus modernization, including renovations to Centennial Hall and the Lee Cousins Administration Building, a new student welcome center, laboratory upgrades and improvements to campus safety systems and infrastructure.
Rendering of new student welcome center at Edward Waters University. (Copyright 2026 by WJXT News4JAX – All rights reserved.)
The investment comes as Edward Waters marks its 160th anniversary. The university said it has recorded seven consecutive operating surpluses and expanded its academic offerings from eight to 17 degree programs.
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Copyright 2026 by WJXT News4JAX – All rights reserved.