Hodges University’s 34-Year Legacy Reaches Its End
Hodges University’s remarkable journey is coming to a bittersweet conclusion. As the final academic day approaches on August 25, the institution that once shaped thousands of lives prepares to close its doors a year after the announcement was made. This moment isn’t just about an ending; it marks the completion of a chapter that began 34 years ago, full of aspirations and transformations.
“The school is closing with dignity,” said President Charlene Wendel, sharing her sentiments during this poignant time. Unlike other institutions that faded into obscurity, Hodges University aims to leave on its own terms, honoring its commitments and liabilities. “It was not going to be like some colleges that disappeared overnight without paying their bills and their contracts,” she added, providing reassurance to those who came to depend on its support.
To ease the transition, the college is meticulously selling off equipment and furniture, a process reflecting careful consideration rather than haste. The items are being valued appropriately, demonstrating respect for the university’s legacy. Hodges’ commitment to transparency is evident, as it seeks tranquil closure rather than the drama often associated with institutional endings.
Founded in 1990 as International College in Naples, it transformed into Hodges University in 2007, thanks to a substantial $12 million donation from Earl and Thelma Hodges. The name change was not just a rebranding; it was a tribute to the couple’s significant impact on the region’s educational landscape. Unfortunately, like many institutions facing declining enrollments—a record low of 443 students in 2022 down from around 2,000 in its peak—Hodges faced challenges that proved insurmountable.
As of this summer, fewer than 100 students remain enrolled, clearly illustrating the rapid decline. It inspires reflection on the changing dynamics of education and the amenities local businesses, like Fort Myers’ charming coffee shops, provided as vibrant hubs for student life—now all that seems like a dream fading in time.
Decisions regarding the school’s assets loom large. As a nonprofit entity, Hodges must transfer its remaining assets to another tax-exempt organization or the government. The implications of this requirement stir deeper emotions, reminding the community that resources meant to uplift tomorrow’s leaders can’t simply vanish. “We want to help the sorts of students who have been a part of our legacy,” Wendel remarked, hinting at potential scholarship programs that may arise from this transition.
The financial backdrop indicates Hodges had $24.1 million in assets as of June 2023, a number influenced by previous transactions, including the $27.5 million sale of its campus buildings in October 2022. Those assets won’t find their way to another nonprofit school, but instead into initiatives supporting future learners.
While Hodges University may be closing its doors, its impact resonates through generations. Approximately 84% of the enrolled students in 2022 benefited from grants or scholarships, emphasizing the role the university played in making education accessible to many. This is a stark reminder of how crucial initiatives like these are, especially in a landscape where education can feel increasingly out of reach.
