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Midla rd goes to school to boost economic development I Charlotte Business Journal 6/24/1112:23 PM From the Charlotte Business Journal: http://www.bizjournals.com/charlotte/print- edition /2011/06/24 /Midland - goes- to- school- to- boost- economic.html Midland goes to school to boost economic development Premium content from Charlotte Business Journal - by Jennifer Thomas, Staff writer Date: Friday, June 24, 2011, 6:OOam EDT Related: Education A.L. Fleming decided to start a university in Concord last year. That idea, hatched after years of talk among his colleagues in higher education, is gaining momentum. -Woodson University is really no different than any other university in its infancy," says Fleming, university president. He spent the last decade working in higher education, holding positions in departments including fundraising and development, enrollment, marketing and finance. It was there talk began of what a new university could look like. A core group of 25 people is advancing the private Christian university s plans. Theyve picked school colors of green and gold, a lion as the universitys mascot and a musically minded trustee is composing the alma mater. But most importantly, Woodson University has received religious exemptions from the UNC System and the N.C. Community College System. That allows it to grant certificates, bachelors, masters and doctorate degrees. The goal is to provide affordable, accessible and accelerated educational opportunities for students, Fleming says. For example, a Woodson bachelors degree costs $2,100 and can be completed in 24 months. He says the university s name stems from his fondness for historian Carter G. Woodson, the son of slaves who became a pioneer in the field of African- American studies. We re not in the position where we re trying to replace anything, but we certainly think we can add to it," Fleming says. Woodson s first five students began taking classes in April. Within five years, Fleming sees enrollment climbing to as many as 500 students. In May, the university made and won a $10,000 bid for the rights to the Old Bethel Elementary fittp : / /www,Wjournals_cpm /charlptte /print - edition( 2011 /06/24( Midland- gpes- to- s[hppl -to- boost- ecpnomiC, html ?s -print Po e' &