Full Sail Announces University Status
Mar 24, 2008 3:57 PM
Today, Full Sail Real World Education announces it has been awarded University status by the Florida Department of Education’s Commission for Independent Education (CIEICU) and its national accrediting body, the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges of Technology (ACCSCT). Effective immediately, the new name of the institution will be Full Sail University.
“We appreciate all of the support from the educational community and the entertainment industry that has led to this milestone in our history,” says Full Sail University president Garry Jones. “As Full Sail University, we will continue to grow and carry on the tradition of empowering students with the knowledge necessary to pursue their educational and career goals, through our long-standing tradition of accelerated, real world education and immersive, project-based learning.”
With the help of Florida Lt. Governor Jeff Kottkamp, Full Sail made a formal announcement on campus this morning and unveiled the new branding for the University including logo, as well as showcased the latest addition to the campus, a 1780 linear foot-long Hollywood-style Backlot which features 18 different façades and is highlighted by a 25 foot-wide electronic LED display and 150 foot-long Times Square-style ticker. The display and ticker, dubbed the Full Sail Network (FSNET) Message Center, features student projects, campus news, and local and international graduate accomplishments. Additionally, FSNET will highlight clips from the nationally-televised morning talk show, <em>The Daily Buzz</em>, which shoots live from Full Sail Soundstage 1B each weekday.
Also present to address this incredible achievement was Full Sail Recording Arts graduate Charity Lomax. After an impressive career in the industry working with world-renowned recording facility Westlake Audio and clients such as Sting, Mariah Carey, and Celine Dion, Lomax then traveled the world working as a tour manager handling concert schedules and television appearances for leading artists working through worldwide locations such as the South of France, Egypt, Asia, and Russia. Currently, Lomax serves as the tour manager for the music career of Grammy Award-winning performer and 2008 Golden Globe winner, Queen Latifa.
Florida Governor Charlie Crist states, “I am impressed by Full Sail’s commitment to shaping the next generation of leaders that will influence the global media, entertainment, and communications industries, and it is an honor to have a top-ranking school achieve University status and be situated in the heart of our great state.”
Kottkamp further adds, “As Full Sail’s campus and degree offerings continue to grow, the institution’s expansion has a vital impact on Central Florida and the entertainment and media industry at large. We look forward to Full Sail University’s continued evolution and I am honored to be a part of this special day in their journey.”
"Full Sail's dedication to innovative curricula is to be commended and is consistent with what today's dynamic, technology-rich global economy demands from its professionals, says John Couch, Apple's vice president of Education. "Its progressive educational approach puts students and graduate success squarely at the forefront of the institution's mission."
Nick Johnson, vice president of Digital Media Sales, NBC Universal, further adds, “The caliber and reputation of graduates from Full Sail is widely known and respected throughout the industry and, to me, speaks to education that is current and relevant. I want to congratulate Full Sail on the University distinction and thank them for their service to the entertainment and media industry and for their commitment to helping students fulfill their career aspirations.”
