Stating that the $25,000 gift to Edward Waters College is meant to support faculty and staff, the new president of the historically black college wants to usher in a new era of community on campus.

“They will be able to attend the national conferences, to present, to engage in research, which will really help to develop them individually, as well as burnish the academic reputation of our esteemed college,” said Dr. Zachary Faison Jr, who has been in the president’s seat for 15 days.

According to News4Jax, Faison has been described by former co-workers as bold, tenacious and visionary.

Faison “plans to make assessments and look at the institution as a whole to ensure a safe environment for students and staff.”