Hodges University (formerly International College), a private, nonprofit institution of higher learning, was founded in Naples, Florida in 1990 as International College. In 2007, International College was renamed Hodges University in honor of its main benefactors, Earl and Thelma Hodges, long-time residents of Naples and supporters of Hodges University. In addition to honoring the significant gift made by the Hodges, the name change more accurately reflected the growing student body and diverse degree programs offered as well as the move from college status to university status. The Fort Myers campus opened in 1992.
Accreditation
The university is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate, bachelor's and master's degrees.
Academics
Though serving students of all ages, Hodges University has garnered recognition for developing a curriculum that is uniquely catered to adults who balance their academic obligations while maintaining full-time jobs and family responsibilities. The university offers flexible schedules of day, evening, weekend and online classes; competency-based, self-paced degree options; career counseling; and hands-on support from a highly qualified faculty. Hodges offers 10 associate degree programs, 15 bachelor's degree programs, nine master's degree programs and several certificate programs.
In addition to its undergraduate and graduate degree programs of study, Hodges University also facilitates a comprehensive English as a Second Language (ESL) program, which offers English language immersion to non-native speakers of English who want to increase their fluency. This intensive program is designed to enhance students’ knowledge and use of English, as well as their ability to integrate into an English-speaking culture. More than 25 different countries are typically represented within the ESL student population, 70 percent of whom are from Hispanic cultures.
Hodges University also operates numerous centers and institutes that provide a wide array of educational opportunities and services to the Southwest Florida community. These include the Frances Pew Hayes Center for Lifelong Learning, Center for Nonprofit Excellence, Hispanic Institute, Identity Fraud Institute, Dr. Peter Thomas Veterans Services Center and Center for Diversity, Inclusion and Cultural Competency.
Since its 1990 inception, Hodges University has conferred more than 9,200 degrees.
Campuses
In addition to the Naples and Fort Myers campuses, Hodges offers courses online, in an accelerated 7.5 week format, and self-paced format named UPOWER.
Students
- Enrollment â€" 2,055 (Fall 2016)
- Full-time â€" 60%; Part-time â€" 40%
- Average Age: 32 (22% of students are 23 years old or younger, 42% of students are between the ages of 24-34, 23% of students are between the ages of 35-45, and 13% of students are 46 years old or older.)
- Female â€" 62%; Male â€" 38%
- 45% Hispanic, 10% African American, 37% White/non-Hispanic, and 8% other minorities.
Library
Hodges University's Terry P. McMahan Library operates branches on both the Naples and Fort Myers campuses. Library services are available to university faculty, staff, students and alumni. The Library offers 24 study rooms (five on the Naples campus and 19 on the Fort Myers campus), which students may reserve for studying and/or group projects.
Since 2003, the Terry P. McMahan Library has participated in the Federal Depository Library Program as a congressionally designated selective depository for U.S. Government documents (electronic documents only). Hodges is one of two federal depository libraries in Southwest Florida.
References
External links
- Hodges University official website
- US News & World Report on Hodges University