Firebird Flight Day – Building on “delivering on the promise”
UDC’s “Firebird Flight Day” soared with resounding success, carrying the graduating Class of 2028 alongside a diverse mix of passengers. Among them were the newly admitted freshmen for 2024, transfer students, and prospective scholars, all eager to embark on their academic journey at the University of the District of Columbia (UDC). Welcomed warmly to UDC’s Van Ness Campus, attendees delved into information sessions. They embarked on guided tours of various campus schools and colleges, gaining valuable insights into their future educational institution.
In the vision of “ONE UDC” Firebird community, the anticipated graduation ceremony of 2028 promises to be a jubilant affair, marked by the exuberance of Firebird pride and accomplishment. Dr. Maurice D. Edington, UDC’s 10th president, champions the cause of student success with unwavering dedication. To him, UDC stands as the city’s “hidden gem,” a beacon of opportunity nestled within the urban landscape. “It’s imperative that families across the District, regardless of schooling preference, are acquainted with UDC’s myriad offerings and pathways to success,” remarks Edington, underscoring the significance of events like Firebird Flight Day in bolstering university enrollment and serving the city’s graduating class at affordable tuition rates.
Edington’s stewardship is driven by a dual mission: to elevate the university’s graduation rates and enhance its reputation as the capital’s premier public higher education institution. His vision extends beyond local acclaim, aiming for UDC to attain national and global recognition as a paragon of academic excellence. Central to this vision is the creation of a “world-class university for the nation’s capital,” where graduates of all backgrounds can pursue diverse career opportunities, both locally and beyond.
With roots in the world of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), Edington brings a wealth of expertise to his role. A native of Berkeley, California, he earned his bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Fisk University in 1992, followed by a doctorate in physical chemistry from Vanderbilt University in 1997. Subsequently, he completed a postdoctoral research fellowship at Duke University in 1998.
Drawing on his 25-year career, which includes managerial roles at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU), Edington is committed to securing strategic funding and research partnerships in the STEM field. His aim is to elevate UDC’s research facilities to world-class standards, fostering innovation and excellence in academic pursuits. Through relentless advocacy, Edington endeavors to ensure that UDC’s academic programs leave a tangible impact on District residents and students nationwide.
Under Edington’s leadership, outlined in the university’s five-year Strategic Plan 2024 to 2029 titled “Delivering On The Promise,” UDC is poised for transformative growth. This comprehensive plan, available on the university’s website, articulates bold initiatives aimed at increasing student success and bolstering institutional reputation.
At the heart of UDC’s strategic goals lies the imperative of enrollment growth. Hassan Tyrus, Vice President of Enrollment Services at UDC’s Van Ness Campus, spearheads efforts to monitor and analyze enrollment data. Recent figures from Fall 2023 paint a promising picture, with full-time enrollment at the Van Ness Campus reaching 1,056 undergraduates and 215 graduate students. The UDC David A. Clarke School of Law boasts 154 full-time and 102 part-time students, while the Community College, established in 2009, enrolls 1,850 students, providing a vital pathway to bachelor’s degree programs and beyond.
Through its diverse offerings and commitment to student success, UDC is empowering District residents to seize opportunities and chart their paths to a brighter future in the dynamic landscape of the nation’s capital.
“ONE UDC”
UDC Van Ness Campus Schools and Colleges
The Firebird Flight Day gave admitted, transfer, and prospective students touring the UDC flagship Van Ness Campus more insight and information on the different colleges:
- College of Arts and Sciences (CAS)
- School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS)
- School of Business and Public Administration (SBPA)
- College of Agriculture, Urban Sustainability, and Environmental Sciences (CAUSES)
- David A. Clarke Law School
UDC – Community College – Opened in 2009
The UDC Community College – Lammond Rigg Campu is walking distance from the Fort Totten Metro Station. This is the District’s only community college where DC high school graduates, from public, charter, and private schools can pursue higher educaiton. The college also serves transfer students gearing up to complete associate degrees at affordable rates, with higher education options to pursue bachelor degree at the university flagship Van Ness Campus. With more ambitions, graduate studies is an option. For ambitious law students, the David A. Clarke is an option too.
UDC – Community College- Aerospace Technology Program
UDC’s community college Aerospace Technology program offers two related paths of training in aviation: the Aircraft Mechanic’s Certification and the Aviation Maintenance Technology Program (Associate’s Degree). Both of these aviation activities are centered at UDC-CC‘s aviation facilities (Hangar #2) at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, just south of the old main terminal (Terminal A), next to the taxi parking garage.
UDC – Center for Urban Agriculture & Gardening Education
The Center for Urban Agriculture and Gardening Education (CUAGE) seeks to expand academic and public knowledge of sustainable farming techniques that improve food and water security. The center also seeks to improve the health and wellness of people in the local community and around the world through research and education on urban and peri-urban agroecology and gardening techniques.
Urban Food Hubs
- Firebird Research Farm, Beltsville, MD
- Van Ness Urban Food Hub, Ward 3
- East Capitol Urban Farm, Ward 7
- Lamond-Riggs Food Hub, Ward 5
- P.R. Harris Urban Food Hub, Ward 8
UDC – Congress Heights – Workforce Development and Lifelong Learning
The UDC Division of Workforce Development and Lifelong Learning (WDLL) provides District of Columbia residents with job skills training that enables them to pursue employment opportunities.
UDC – Office of Continuing and Professional Education (CPE)
The UDC’s Office of Continuing and Professional Education (CPE) provides accessible, high quality, innovative and career specific education courses for adult learners. CPE at UDC offers online training and in-person programs in the demanding career areas and newly-emerging industries.
