ABOUT US

The Stenotype Institute of Jacksonville, Inc. was founded in 1940 by Thyra D. Ellis.  Ms. Ellis assisted in the organization and was the first chairperson of the Approved Reporters Training Committee of the National Shorthand Reporters Association.  Ms. Ellis also held the Certificates of Proficiency and Merit from the National Shorthand Reporters Association, the top test speed being 260 wpm. Having given countless public speeches and seminars in the promotion and teaching of shorthand reporting, Ms. Ellis was a true pioneer for all shorthand reporters nationwide.

The School was purchased by Carl J. McGowan in October of 1998.  Mr. McGowan has a Bachelor’s Degree in Education from Valdosta State University and a Masters Degree in Educational Supervision from Grand Canyon University, and has many years of experience in the successful operations of court reporting schools.

In March 2001, propelled by the school’s reputation and recognized commitment to quality in its educational program, increased enrollment allowed the school to relocate to the current facility.  Consisting of 19 classrooms, the 22,698 square foot facility also has provision for unlimited student parking.

In March 2002, due to the lack of court reporting schools across the state, the current leadership of The Stenotype Institute of Jacksonville, Inc. made the decision to open an additional facility in Orlando, Florida.  This facility consists of 30,000 square feet, 12 large classrooms, ample parking, and the capacity to add more classrooms with further growth.  The facility is located at 1636 West Oakridge Road, Orlando Florida, 32809.

In February of 2004, Mrs. Gloria J. Wiley purchased Stenotype Institute of Jacksonville, Inc. from Carl J. McGowan.  Mrs. Wiley has been on the Board of Directors as the Secretary under the Presidency of Mr. McGowan and has been associated with the proprietary school business for over 30 years.  Also, Mrs. Wiley has been the Business Manager of Stenotype Institute of Jacksonville, Inc. since 1998.  

PHILOSOPHY

We believe that professional success depends on personal integrity, dedication to a strong work ethic, and a solid, continuing education in today's fast-paced world of rapid technological and social change.  Our philosophy in turn leads to an attitude of pursuing a career characterized by purposeful and rewarding work.  This attitude embraces a commitment to a discipline to acquire the knowledge and skills that will enable the person to master his or her profession, which in turn will lead to a personal satisfaction that one derives from a job well done.

MISSION

The mission of this institution is to offer the best education and training possible and to provide its graduates with the knowledge and skills to excel as professionals in the multifaceted field of court reporting.  We also feel it is important to continually upgrade the profession; for this reason, our standards are, in many respects, higher than those required by other institutions in the field.  We want our graduates to possess more than the minimum skills that would allow them to secure entry-level positions.

OBJECTIVES

This background, coupled with our philosophy and mission, allows us to set and work toward the following goals:

• Continue to review educationally sound curricula based on standards set by ACICS, NCRA, USDE and FDE that have an impact on students' ability to obtain requisite knowledge, skills, and training.
• Promote the growth of the academic staff by encouraging active participation in professional associations and continuing education courses.
• Maintain good working relationships with leading-edge technology companies that provide the hardware and software pivotal to success in today's school and court reporting environments.
• Periodically survey current and past students, as well as employers, in order to determine strengths and significant areas for improvement for the Institute.
• Provide student services complementary to the school's mission:  Specifically, financial loans and grants to qualified candidates; alternative training and career-track advice for those not completing their initially-intended curriculum; part-time employment with local court reporting firms.
• Implement a selection process designed to enroll only those students perceived to have the potential for completing the desired course of study.
• Maintain a physical facility that is conducive to effective work routines for the faculty and students and aesthetically pleasing to the community.
• Provide modern, well-maintained equipment in appropriate numbers to meet the educational objectives of the Institute.
• Maintain frequent contacts with local court reporting professionals to stay abreast of local social and political factors affecting the profession.
• Schedule at least annual meetings, seminars, or colloquia at the school that bring students together with business and civic leaders who have significant levels of involvement with the legal and court reporting professions.
• Maintain secure comprehensive databases for maintaining student records and for effective, efficient operation of the business activities of the Institute.
• Continue to build a student-accessible reference library with future emphasis on electronic storage and retrieval modalities.