Thomas Edison State College

Thomas Edison State College
Established 1972
Type Public
President George A. Pruitt
Undergraduates 19,596
Postgraduates 1,281
Location Trenton, New Jersey, US
Campus Urban
Colors Burgundy and beige
Affiliations New Jersey State Library, University of South Africa, National Institute on the Assessment of Adult Learning in cooperation with the Council for Adult and Experiential Learning[1]
Website tesc.edu
Trenton, New Jersey, Skyline

Thomas Edison State College is a public institution of higher education located in Trenton, New Jersey. One of New Jersey's 11 public universities and colleges,[2] Thomas Edison State College offers degrees at the undergraduate and graduate level.[3] Thomas Edison State College was approved by the New Jersey Board of Education in December 1971, and established on July 1, 1972. The college was named in honor of Thomas Alva Edison, the inventor who gained encyclopedic knowledge of many subject areas through self-directed learning.[4]

Mission and purpose

Mission

Thomas Edison State College provides flexible, high-quality, collegiate learning opportunities for self-directed adults.[5]

Purpose

Thomas Edison State College was established by the state of New Jersey and chartered by the New Jersey Board of Higher Education in 1972. The College was founded for the purpose of providing diverse and alternative methods of achieving a collegiate education of the highest quality for mature adults.[5]

Campus

Thomas Edison State College moved into downtown Trenton in September 1979, at a time when other institutions were leaving cities. The 7-year-old college, which had spent three years at the Forrestal Center outside of Princeton, needed room for growth. At the same time, the state was looking for an appropriate tenant for the landmark Kelsey Building located adjacent to New Jersey's State House complex and the State House historic district, while the city sought to preserve the building's historic use as a school. Behind the Kelsey Building and Townhouses is Petty's Run (now being excavated as part of a state-funded project), which flows to the Delaware River. In the early 1730s, Petty's Run powered a plating mill, and by midcentury drove a steel furnace.[6]

Built in 1911 by A. Henry Cooper Kelsey, the Kelsey Building is one of the architectural landmarks of the city.[7] It housed three other schools before serving as the headquarters for Thomas Edison State College. The architecture of the Kelsey Building is modeled after a Florentine palace, the Palazzo Strozzi. The main structure was designed in 1910 by world-renowned architect Cass Gilbert (designer of New York City's Woolworth Building).[8] In 2011, the Kelsey Building celebrated its 100th Anniversary.[9]

The college's campus has expanded over the years and currently includes the Kelsey Building, the Townhouse Complex, the Center for Learning and Technology, and Kuser Mansion, all on West State Street. The Academic Center and Canal Banks Building are located on West Hanover Street.

Thomas Edison State College has been active in restoring several historic buildings of downtown Trenton, preserving the essence of the city's legendary past and stimulating economic development.[10] In 2013, TESC announced the completion of a new nursing simulation lab (funded by Bristol Myers Squibb)[11] and its plans to construct a major new nursing school next door to the Kuser Mansion.[12]

Artwork on campus

TESC houses a number of pieces of art including a N.C. Wyeth painting,[13] the Quantum Ring sculpture,[14] a bronze map of Trenton, and plaques in tribute to Thomas Edison,[15] along with two collections.

Inside the Kelsey Building, a lavishly decorated room was built as a special tribute to Prudence Townsend Kelsey.[7] The Prudence Townsend Kelsey Memorial Room is a permanent exhibit space for the porcelain and art she and her husband, A. Henry Cooper Kelsey, collected on their annual trips to Europe."[16] Paintings, porcelains and bronzes on display in the Memorial Room. The majority of the collections consists of souvenirs and mementos purchased by the Kelsey's on their annual trips abroad. Some of the items housed in the room include an asparagus shaped porcelain vial, a jewel Demitasse cup and saucer by Coalport, charms, vases and several pieces of porcelain and crystal from Austria, England, Germany, France and Ireland.

The Bradshaw Collection by George A. Bradshaw is displayed in the Kelsey Building's Prudence Hall. The college often hosts tours of these collections which are also viewable by appointment. In addition to being displayed at Thomas Edison State College, Bradshaw's etchings are in the permanent collections of the Library of Congress, the New York Public Library, the Vanderpoel Gallery in Chicago, Newark Museum, the University of Nebraska and many private collections.[17]

The college often hosts tours of these collections and is viewable by appointment.[18]

Academics

The college offers associate, bachelor's and master's degrees in more than 100 areas of study[19] to its more than 28,000 students in every state in the United States and more than 60 countries around the world. These programs are based in Thomas Edison State College's five schools.

Schools

The Heavin School of Arts and Sciences provides an interdisciplinary approach to lifelong learning for adult learners interested in exploring values inherent in the liberal arts, humanities, natural sciences and social sciences as well as rigorous degree programs in the human services.

The School of Applied Science and Technology provides students with innovative degree programs to gain expertise in the fields of the applied sciences that benefit from technical currency, practical knowledge and applied skills.

The School of Business and Management provides relevant, rigorous and career-focused degree programs that prepare leaders to add value to their firms and organizations in the dynamic global marketplace

The W. Cary Edwards School of Nursing provides students with innovative degree programs that meet the educational and career needs of licensed registered nurses who want an alternative to campus-based instruction.

The John S. Watson School of Public Service and Continuing Studies offers degree programs and advanced certificate programs that cover domestic and international issues, including public policy studies, nonprofit management, financial management, public policy analysis, regional planning, early childhood education, environmental policy/environmental justice and health policy and management.

Degree Programs

Thomas Edison State College offers degrees at the undergraduate level, including six associate degrees and 10 bachelor's degrees in more than 100 major areas of study. The college also offers nine graduate degrees as well as undergraduate, graduate and noncredit certificates.[20]

Associate Degrees

Bachelor's Degrees

Graduate Degrees

Undergraduate Certificates

Undergraduate certificates generally require 18 credits of study. Gas distribution requires 15 credits.

Graduate Certificates

Obtaining credit at Thomas Edison State College

Accreditation

Current Accreditation

Thomas Edison State College's accreditations are as follows:[26][27]

Reviews and achievements

Forbes magazine identified Thomas Edison State College in 1997 as one of the top 20 colleges and universities in the nation in the use of technology to create learning opportunities for adults[33] and, as an early adopter of online education and administration, the college's computer network was cited in 1994 as "one of the brighter stars of higher learning" by The New York Times.[34] In 2013, the New York Times called Thomas Edison State College the "College that paved the way for adults."[35] The college's Bachelor of Arts degree programs in psychology, social sciences and sociology were ranked among the top "Best Buys" in the country for online accredited degree programs in those fields,[36] while the college's Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree was named one of the top five "Best Buys" in the country for an online accredited business degree, both by GetEducated.com.[37]

In 2011, Thomas Edison State College was selected by the National University Technology Network (NUTN) to receive its Distance Education Innovation Award for the development of the FlashTrack® course delivery system, which delivers entire courses to students via a flash drive and does not require a constant Internet connection.[38]

In 2013, TESC graduates had among the highest pass rate on the exam for certified public accountants in New Jersey, in the national accounting-boards report[25] and the school was named a top school for military students and veterans.[39] It was also announced by U.S. Senator Robert Menendez that Thomas Edison State College is receiving a $320,000 grant from the Department of Commerce's Economic Development Administration to create a regional Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy for 19 densely populated municipalities in North and Central New Jersey.[40]

Alumni

The College has nearly 50,000 alumni worldwide.[41]

Notable alumni

President

Dr. George A. Pruitt, PhD, has served as the president of Thomas Edison State College since 1982. Dr. Pruitt has served in an advisory capacity to three secretaries of education.[54] Dr. Pruitt serves as chairman, board of directors, Structured Employment Economic Development Corporation (SEEDCO), New York City;[55] chairman, board of directors, Capital City Partnership, Inc., Trenton, New Jersey;[56] chair, Middle States Commission on Higher Education;[57] vice chair, National Commission on Higher Education Attainment, Washington, D.C.;[58] member, Council for Higher Education Accreditation board of directors;[59] and member, New Jersey Association of State Colleges and Universities (ASCU), Trenton, New Jersey.[60]

He is past chairman and a member of the MIDJersey Chamber of Commerce board of directors, Trenton, New Jersey.[61] Dr. Pruitt has served as a member of the board of directors of Sun National Bank, and as a member of the board of directors of Peoples Bancorp Inc., and its subsidiary Trenton Savings Bank FSB. He has served on the Board of Trustees of Rider University, Lawrenceville, N.J., and the Union Institute, Cincinnati, Ohio. In a study of presidential leadership funded by the Exxon Education Foundation, Dr. Pruitt was identified as one of the most effective college presidents in the United States. He is the recipient of five honorary degrees in addition to numerous awards, honors, and commendations.[62] He was recently honored by African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey.[63]

References

  1. ↑ "Affiliations". About Thomas Edison State College. Thomas Edison State College. Retrieved September 3, 2010.
  2. ↑ "NJ College & University Directory by Sector". Jersey Commission on Higher Education. State of New Jersey. Retrieved September 3, 2010.
  3. ↑ "Office of Finance and Research Inventory of Program Offerings at New Jersey Colleges and Universities". New Jersey Commission on Higher Education. State of New Jersey. Retrieved September 3, 2010.
  4. ↑ Brozan, Nadine (October 23, 1992). "Chronicle". Style (The New York Times). Retrieved May 11, 2009.
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 "Mission and Purpose". Thomas Edison State College. Retrieved February 1, 2013.
  6. ↑ "BENJAMIN YARD IRON WORKS AND PETTY’S RUN" Destination Tenton. Retrieved 2014-1-13.
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 "The Kelsey Building, 1911" Trenton Historical Society. Retrieved March 7, 2014.
  8. ↑ "Thomas Edison State College" Destination Trenton. Retrieved 2014-1-13.
  9. ↑ "Thomas Edison State College marks building's centennial with 'Cake Boss' replica" NJ.com. Retrieved 2014-1-13.
  10. ↑ "Thomas Edison State College" NJ Higher Education. Retrieved March 6, 2014.
  11. ↑ "Thomas Edison State College unveils new nursing simulation lab in Trenton" NJ.com. Retrieved March 6, 2014.
  12. ↑ "Trenton apartment complex demolition makes room for Thomas Edison State College nursing school" NJ.com. Retrieved March 6, 2014.
  13. ↑ "Famous N.C. Wyeth painting stays in Trenton through loan to Thomas Edison State College" NJ.com. Retrieved March 7, 2014.
  14. ↑ "Quantum Ring" Destination Trenton. Retrieved March 7, 2014.
  15. ↑ "BRONZE MAP OF TRENTON AND PLAQUES IN TRIBUTE TO THOMAS EDISON" Destination Trenton. Retrieved March 7, 2014.
  16. ↑ "ON THE MAP; In a College Building in Trenton, a Hidden Shrine to a Lost Love" New York Times. Retrieved March 7, 2014.
  17. ↑ "Capturing Landmarks in Pencil, Pen, and Ink" Princeton Info. Retrieved March 7, 2014.
  18. ↑ "Prudence Townsend Kelsey Memorial Room, Thomas Edison State College" Princeton Online. Retrieved March 7, 2014.
  19. ↑ "Undergraduate Programs". Academic Programs. Thomas Edison State College. Retrieved September 3, 2010.
  20. ↑ "A profile of the institution – Degree and certificate programs" (PDF). New Jersey Commission on Higher Education. State of New Jersey. Retrieved May 27, 2010.
  21. ↑ "Credit By Exam". Thomas Edison State College. Retrieved February 4, 2013.
  22. ↑ "Prior Learning Assessment". Thomas Edison State College. Retrieved February 4, 2013.
  23. ↑ "Licenses and Certifications". Thomas Edison State College. Retrieved February 4, 2013.
  24. ↑ "Office for Assessment of Professional and Workplace Learning". Thomas Edison State College. Retrieved January 13, 2014.
  25. ↑ 25.0 25.1 "Adults Are Flocking to College That Paved Way for Flexibility" New York Times. Retrieved March 6, 2014.
  26. ↑ "Accreditation". About Thomas Edison State College. Thomas Edison State College. Retrieved May 11, 2009.
  27. ↑ "Public College & University 2009 Institutional Profiles" (PDF). New Jersey Commission on Higher Education. State of New Jersey. Retrieved May 27, 2010.
  28. ↑ "Baccalaureate Schools – Nursing Program" (PDF). Division of Consumer Affairs. State of New Jersey Department of Law & Public Safety Office of the Attorney General. Retrieved January 13, 2014.
  29. ↑ "TEAC Members". NLNAC Accredited Nursing Programs. Teacher Education Accreditation Council. Retrieved May 11, 2009.
  30. ↑ "Recognized Accrediting Organizations (as of April 2009)" (PDF). Council for Higher Education Accreditation. Retrieved May 11, 2009.
  31. ↑ "Thomas Edison State College" ABET. Retrieved March 6, 2014.
  32. ↑ "Thomas Edison State College" CAAHEP. Retrieved March 6, 2014.
  33. ↑ "Wired Degrees Forbes' 20 top Cyber-U.s". Forbes Magazine. Forbes. Retrieved May 11, 2009.
  34. ↑ Nordheimer, Jon (February 21, 1994). "Computers and Telephones Pave A New Path to a College Degree". N.Y. / Region (The New York Times). Retrieved May 11, 2009.
  35. ↑ "Adults Are Flocking to College That Paved Way for Flexibility" The New York Times. Retrieved March 6, 2014.
  36. ↑ "Best Buy Online Bachelor's Degrees in Business & Management". Geteducated.com. Retrieved May 11, 2009.
  37. ↑ "Best Buy Online Bachelor's Degrees in Psychology and Human Services". Geteducated.com. Retrieved May 11, 2009.
  38. ↑ "Awards" NUTN. Retrieved March 6, 2014.
  39. ↑ "Online Nontraditional" Military Times. Retrieved March 6, 2014.
  40. ↑ "Menendez Announces Investment to Create Economic Development Strategy" Office of US Senator Robert Menendez. Retrieved March 6, 2014.
  41. ↑ "Alumni". Thomas Edison State College. Retrieved September 3, 2010.
  42. ↑ "Arthur C. Brooks". Scholars. American Enterprise Institute. Retrieved May 12, 2009.
  43. ↑ "Assemblywoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (D) (Majority Leader)". Legislative District 15. New Jersey Legislature. Retrieved May 12, 2009.
  44. ↑ "Graduates you should meet" TESC Foundation. Retrieved 2014-1-13.
  45. ↑ "STEVEN L HERMAN". TOKYO RADIO & TELEVISION DIRECTORY. Retrieved May 12, 2009.
  46. ↑ "Brian M. Hughes, County Executive". Elected Officials. Mercer County "The Capital County". Retrieved May 12, 2009.
  47. ↑ "Jim Harrington '06". Academic Programs – Undergraduate Programs – Transferring Your Credit. Thomas Edison State College. Retrieved May 12, 2009.
  48. ↑ "Tom Luna Interview". Local Information. Idaho Falls Today. Retrieved May 12, 2009.
  49. ↑ Ildelfonso Lopez, Tras las Huellas de Nuestro Paso, Pg. 25, Publisher: AEELA, 1998, Retrieved May 10, 2007.
  50. ↑ "El Mundo" (Puerto Rican newspaper); "Gente"; August 20, 1982
  51. ↑ "Meet Kristina Sisco, '06". Academic Programs – Alumni Profiles. Thomas Edison State College. Retrieved May 12, 2009.
  52. ↑ "2007 USC MPW One-Act Play Festival Award is going, going... Gone...". News & Events. University of Southern California College of Letters, Arts & Sciences. Retrieved May 12, 2009.
  53. ↑ "Greg Milzcik, BSAST '94". Graduates you should meet. Thomas Edison State College. Retrieved July 23, 2014.
  54. ↑ "Sun Bancorp Inc-NJ" Businessweek. Retrieved March 7, 2014.
  55. ↑ "Board of Directors" SEEDCO. Retrieved March 7, 2014.
  56. ↑ "Capital City Partnership Inc in Trenton, New Jersey (NJ)" FAQ.com. Retrieved March 7, 2014.
  57. ↑ "About Commissioners" MSCHE. Retrieved March 7, 2014.
  58. ↑ "National Commission on Higher Education Attainment Membership List" ACE. Retrieved March 7, 2014.
  59. ↑ "Board of Directors" CHEA. Retrieved March 7, 2014.
  60. ↑ "Governance" NJASCU. Retrieved March 7, 2014.
  61. ↑ "Board of Directors" MIDJersey Chamber of Commerce. Retrieved March 7, 2014.
  62. ↑ "Rider Announces Honorary Degree Recipients for Commencement 2013" Rider University. Retrieved March 7, 2014.
  63. ↑ "The AACCNJ invites you to the Second Annual Circle of Achievement Awards Gala" Politicker NJ. Retrieved March 7, 2014.

External links

Coordinates: 40°13′13″N 74°46′06″W / 40.2203°N 74.7684°W