Edison State buys land in LaBelle for expansion

Edison State College Board of Trustees has unanimously approved the purchase of a 19-acre site in LaBelle.

The new center expands Edison State's longstanding commitment of service to students in Hendry and Glades counties.

"We are very happy that the acquisition of this property will fulfill a part of the college master plan," said Dr. Kenneth Walker, president of Edison State College. "Education is an important component of economic development and improving the quality of life. We look forward to working with city, county, and public school officials as partners in developing what will become the fourth full-service campus of Edison State College."

"We're humbled by the overwhelming support these communities have given to us over the years," said Dr. Noreen Thomas, executive vice president of Edison State College. "We're proud to bring more services to these students."

Nearly 10 years ago Edison State College began offering college-level courses at LaBelle High School. Since that time, the community has asked for a broader variety of classes and services than the current facility can provide.

Dr. Patricia Land will continue to serve as the president of both the new center in LaBelle and as the president of Edison State's Charlotte Campus.

"This is a tremendous day for students in Hendry and Glades counties," said Ms. Land. "The new facility will allow us to have a tutoring center, a technology lab and more courses offered at a broader range of times."

The buildings and acreage for sale is the Community Christian School just off Cowboy Way.

"We are looking positively to the future of Community Christian School and Eagles' Nest Preschool," said Shelton Gwaltney, Community Christian School administrator. "The sale of our current property to Edison State College gives us a new beginning."

The $1.1 million dollar purchase will be financed through a gift given to the Edison State College Foundation.

Edison State plans to begin offering classes in the new center this fall. The current Hendry/Glades Center serves approximately 500 students each semester.

Edison State College is serves more than 18,000 students in five counties, includin g campuses in Lee, Collier, Charlotte and a center serving Hendry/Glades. Many classes are available online. F o r more information, contact Catherine Bergerson, director of communications and marketing, at 489- 9460 or mbergerson@edison.edu.