Twenty-eight years ago, Florida Gulf Coast University opened its doors with a bold vision to fill an educational gap in Southwest Florida. We were young, innovative and determined to showcase what a regional comprehensive university can achieve – from our overall academic program quality and alumni success stories to our engagement with the community.
Today, we are recognized for the positive impact we have made across Southwest Florida and beyond. We have built academic programs of exceptional quality and supported research that informs our region’s future. Because of the strategic partnerships we have cultivated, our students have the skills and experiences they need to achieve success in the classroom, career and life.
Last year, we launched our first executive annual report to spotlight the university’s strides in teaching, learning and service. Now in our second year of producing this document, Continuing the Journey to Excellence: Annual Report 2024-25 reflects even greater momentum, with groundbreaking research, expanded industry partnerships and measurable gains in student success. All of our milestones represent the systematic changes we have developed as part of our culture of continuous improvement.
The progress we celebrate reflects our institutional values of leading with curiosity, collaboration and commitment. Above all, our progress highlights the dedication of our faculty and staff, and we are grateful for the support we have received from our alumni, donors, FGCU Board of Trustees, the chancellor and Board of Governors of the State University System of Florida,
Innovating for Student Success: FGCU’s Journey to Excellence, charts a clear path forward for our university. Together, we will continue to ignite our passion for offering student-centered education, expand our partnerships and elevate performance in every area of
It is my honor to lead the FGCU Family in the work that lies ahead, and I look forward to
Wings Up & Go Eagles!
President, Florida Gulf Coast University
Florida Gulf Coast University entered the 2024-25 academic year/fiscal year with renewed energy following the implementation of its new strategic plan, Innovating for Student Success: FGCU’s Journey to Excellence. As it brought the plan to life, shifting from vision to action, FGCU experienced meaningful progress across every corner of campus, with accomplishments in academics, student support, community engagement, employee well-being and sustainable practices.
It was a year in which FGCU and the 11 other State University System schools maintained Florida’s ranking as the No. 1 state in the nation for higher education, according to U.S. News & World Report’s 2025 State Rankings. Florida has held the top spot since the rankings began in 2017. The past 12 months brought milestones that showcase FGCU’s growth in the region and its mission as a student–centered institution. New degree programs were launched to support strategic opportunities, while enhancements to student life – including the ongoing renovation of the Cohen Student Union and completion of new boardwalks – elevated the campus experience.
Design plans for Academic Building 10 have put the university on track for construction to begin in late spring, and new state funding is enabling the growth of FGCU’s long-standing partnership with Babcock Ranch in Charlotte County, where the vision to establish a dynamic learning, research and outreach facility is coming to life.
That growth will support our academic needs, as more students turn to FGCU as their school of choice. A new university record – over 4,200 students – completed their degree programs last year, and many have committed to the regional workforce, showcasing the university as a significant contributor to Southwest Florida’s economy. That focus contributed to the university receiving its largest gift in history: more than $22 million toward the development of cutting-edge instructional technology for critical healthcare fields.
Parallel to the university’s pursuit of excellence is a renewed commitment to continuous improvement. This is validated by a flawless report from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) decennial accreditation reaffirmation review team, where FGCU was found compliant with all 74 standards and had no recommendations. As we reflect on FGCU’s many achievements from the past year, we are eager for the new opportunities and milestones still to come.
Innovating In Academic Excellence
Academics is at the heart of our mission, and FGCU continued to focus on equipping our students with the knowledge, skills and abilities needed to become the workforce of the future. From funding undergraduate research to opening up more opportunities to engage globally, the university expanded its offerings to ensure our graduates remain resilient and career-ready.
We enhanced the academic curriculum through FGCU’s Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP), engaging faculty in designing assignments that integrate skill learning. Through teaching transferable skills like critical thinking and teamwork, we are improving career outcomes. And for the second year in a row, FGCU was able to collaborate on a global scale and share its innovative approaches to education by hosting the Fulbright Teaching Excellence and Achievement (TEA) program –welcoming 22 teachers from 20 countries.
By prioritizing high-impact practices, emerging technologies and interdisciplinary collaboration, we moved the needle forward on innovation, scholarship and critical thinking.
ADDED IN 2024-25
• 1 new master's
• Computer Science
• 1 new bachelor's
• Computer Science
• 3 new certificates
• Music Therapy Equivalency
• Digital Marketing Strategy
• TESOL Endorsement
• 2 new minors
• Human Resources Management
• International Business
MICRO-CREDENTIALS AND DIGITAL BADGES
The Power of "AND"®. FGCU empowers our community by equipping students and professionals with career-advancing skills through micro-credentials and digital badges. We also partner with those returning for undergraduate or graduate degrees, helping them find clear pathways to success.
Digital Badges Awarded Annually
Digital Badge Summit
Innovative Education and Partnerships hosted FGCU’s second annual Digital Badge Summit, attracting 98 attendees nationwide. FGCU is leading micro-credential best practices in Southwest Florida and shaping quality implementation across the State University System (SUS) and beyond.
Equitable Jobs Pipeline
In the past academic year, 748 individuals enrolled in FGCU programs – including undergraduate and graduate degrees, micro-credentials and industry-recognized certifications offered through third-party partners.
Innovating In Academic Excellence
U.A. Whitaker College of Engineering
• Dendritic: A Human-Centered AI and Data Science Institute launched programming to contribute to data-driven solutions for environmental and societal challenges. Inaugural offerings included an industry forum on AI’s future in healthcare and a summer academy with 15 trainings, workshops and webinars.
College of Education
• Formally established the High School Education Academies in partnership with the Lee and Hendry county school districts to strengthen the teacher pipeline for local districts and support workforce development in the region.
Lutgert College of Business
• Rose 49 places in the U.S. News & World Report ranking for Best Business Schools Part-Time MBA Programs. (From 198 in 2024 to 149 in 2025)
EXPANDING OUR FOOTPRINT
FGCU entered into a memorandum of understanding with University of Massachusetts Lowell, an R1 university and home to the Rist Institute for Sustainability and Energy, to accelerate interdisciplinary work in energy, sustainability, and water. The MOU aligns The Water School and the U.A. Whitaker College of Engineering with UMass Lowell to launch joint research teams, coordinate proposals to national and international funders, and create faculty and student exchanges. Early efforts include collaboration with UMass Lowell’s NSF Research Traineeship in water (SWIMMER), which opens graduate research and career pathways for FGCU students while deepening faculty partnerships and regional impact.
Setting U p Our Studen ts For Suc c ess
FGCU took substantial steps to enhance student success and well-being by strategically investing in campus infrastructure and student services. Technology upgrades were completed throughout classrooms, conference spaces and library study areas, further supporting faculty and students’ academic and social needs. Integrated services bolstered academic achievements for student-athletes, who set a record-high GPA in spring.
The university also increased its commitment to keeping a college degree affordable and accessible. Last year marked the 11th consecutive year without a tuition increase, leading to a higher percentage of students graduating without debt.
HEAD OF THE CLASS
FGCU is head of the class for making sure its students are prepared to fill critical roles in our community. Graduates are going directly into K-12 classrooms and healthcare offices.
100% pass rates:
• Nursing (NCLEX-RN)
• Doctor of Physical Therapy (NPTE)
• Master of Science Occupational Therapy (NBCOT)
• Florida School Counseling Certificate Exam
• Subject area certification exams (Elementary, Early Childhood and Special Education)
100% placement rate:
• Job placement for PGA Golf Management graduating seniors
• FGCU alumna Julia Johansson Lee County School District 2024-25 New Teacher of the Year Award
26,000 STUDENT PROFILE
Number of student applications, Summer/Fall 2025
16,633 Fall 2024 Enrollment*
Number of years without a raise in tuition 11 REDUCING FINANCIAL BURDEN TRIO SUPPORT SERVICES
$139,120
Grant aid awarded to scholars, with $59,000 from U.S. Department of Education *SOURCE: Institutional Research (IR)
64.8%
Percentage of students who graduate debt-free
$1.9M
Potential annual savings through electronic textbooks
FGCU IS A FLORIDA COLLEGIATE PURPLE STAR CAMPUS
387
Number of military-connected students and families using VA education benefits in spring 2025
30%
19 Academic departments that support more than 5,000 Eagles with their coursework
Study Abroad students 250 Countries visited
27 Increase in participation
106 STUDY ABROAD
Students participated in international service-learning
174 Student assistants in classrooms LEARNING ASSISTANT PROGRAM
Setting U p Our Studen ts For Suc c ess
INVESTING IN OUR STUDENTS’ WORKFORCE READINESS
FGCU continued to expand students’ career preparedness through immersion in real-world settings.
• The College of Arts and Sciences invested $40,000 for the Student Experiential Learning Fund to support faculty integrated field trips, research and academic conferences into curriculum.
• In 2024–25, eight businesses and the Sanibel community partnered with the Mark Ain Technology Hub in the Daveler & Kauanui School of Entrepreneurship, where students developed marketing plans that addressed real business challenges. This collaboration not only provided students with practical, real-world experience but also delivered meaningful value to the participating businesses.
• 46 students from the Bower School of Music & the Arts performed at Carnegie Hall
FACULTY AWARDS (2024-25)
Engineering
• Dr. Mohamed Fathi Said, 2025 Paul F. Boulos Excellence in Computational Hydraulics/ Hydrology Award
• Dr. Nurettin Sahiner, elected to the Turkish Academy of Sciences (TUBA), a full member Education
• Dr. Burhan Ozfidan, FGCU Senior Award of Excellence in Scholarship Entrepreneurship
• Dr. Greg Desrosiers, United States Association of Small Business and Entrepreneurship (USASBE) Entrepreneurship Experiential Exercises Competition
Health & Human Services
• Dr. Suzanne Dugger, CACREP’s Martin Ritchie Award for Excellence in Advocacy
• Professor Ariella VanHara, National Association of Social Workers – Florida Chapter 2025 Social Work Educator of the Year Award
• Dr. David Hage, 2025 Applied Gerontologist Award – the Southern Gerontological Society
• Dr. Tom Felke, Lifetime achievement award – the Florida chapter of the National Association of Social Workers
STUDENT-ATHLETE WINS
ATLANTIC SUN CONFERENCE (ASUN)
Conference Championships
• Women’s Soccer
• Women’s Basketball
• Volleyball
• Women’s Golf
• Baseball
ASUN Awards
• Bill Bibb All Sports Trophy
• Sherman Day Women's Sports Trophy
Our studentathletes have an average GPA of 3.5 + for the AY 24-25, including best-ever spring semester GPA
FGCU SCORECARD DASHBOARD
Accountability is central as FGCU advances student success and puts our strategic plan into action. Introduced in December 2024, the new FGCU Scorecard provides a real-time dashboard of campuswide performance on state performance-based funding metrics, with leading and lagging indicators, showing how we are progressing toward
Strengthening Our Community Connections
FGCU is deeply committed to serving the evolving needs of Southwest Florida. Throughout the year, the university actively broadened and strengthened its connections across the region by establishing new partnerships in business, healthcare and education. These mutually beneficial relationships not only support local industries but also create dynamic, real-world learning opportunities for FGCU students. The collaborative initiatives range from innovative workforce development programs to advanced healthcare partnerships designed to address community health priorities.
The community responded, participating in on-campus events, supporting key workforce development initiatives and contributing generously to FGCU’s philanthropic efforts. This robust engagement has fostered a vibrant exchange of resources, knowledge and expertise, benefiting both the university and Southwest Florida as a whole. FGCU remains dedicated to nurturing these partnerships, ensuring continued regional growth, resilience and shared success.
SERVICE-LEARNING
FGCU recommitted to its presence at the Kapnick Center in Naples, rebranding the facility and renewing its partnership with the Naples Botanical Garden. Ten Eagles were hired full time by the garden last year, while seven were hired as interns for summer 2025.
FGCU CELEBRATES HISTORIC GIFT
More than hours tracked in 2024-25
300,000
• The FGCU Foundation received the single largest charitable commitment in its history –a multi-year gift of $22,160,000 from the Elaine Marieb Charitable Foundation to support innovative instructional technology for Marieb College of Health & Human Services.
5.5M
Increasing our community partner database by
More than hours since 1997 33%
$1M
An anonymous Naples donor has committed to the U.A. Whitaker College of Engineering specifically for student scholarships in civil engineering
1,407
Number of donors for FGCU Give Day, setting a new record and a 51% increase over the previous year
$1M+
Record revenue that Athletics raised at the Night at the Nest event, which drew more than 780 guests
FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP FUNDRAISING
Total scholarship funds raised $7,408,226
• Current use: $2,533,057
• Endowed: $4,875,169
• Includes $2,107,500 of deferred scholarship estate pledges
FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIPS AWARDED
Total scholarship funds awarded $5,953,693
• 2,156 Individual scholarship awards distributed
• 1,620 Students benefited from Foundation scholarships
GROWING OUR PRESENCE
• Design phase completed for PGA Golf Management facility at Buckingham Campus
• $21.7M in state funding secured for FGCU-Babcock Ranch partnership to establish a premier institute for sustainability and resiliency in Charlotte County
SUPPORTING OUR REGIONAL PARTNERS
FGCU partners with local industry leaders to equip students with skills that meet Southwest Florida’s workforce needs. A standout example is its collaboration with Arthrex, a global medical device company based in Naples, which includes a micro-credential program guaranteeing interviews, an MBA for employees, internships, and over 500 alumni hires since 2018. In the 2024-25 academic year, 200 students representing 50 majors attended Arthrex Day and the first 12 Arthrex employees graduated from the Arthrex MBA program.
CAREER DEVELOPMENT
3,315 Students attended career fairs
520 Employers represented at career fairs
A ‘DISASTER’ IN THE MAKING Marieb College of Health & Human Services developed and executed a new “Disaster Day” interprofessional simulation, involving approximately 450 students from various programs and hundreds of community partner volunteers and dozens of agencies.
Creating A Thriving Environment For Our Colleagues
FGCU continued on a path to become an employer of choice by strengthening shared governance and employee engagement and by finalizing a set of core values for the campus community. Guided by data from the Collaborative on Academic Careers in Higher Education (COACHE) and Great Colleges to Work For surveys, four priorities were identified: defining institutional values, building trust and leadership access, enhancing shared governance, and promoting well-being and communication.
In accord with these priorities, the Internal Communications Committee offered recommendations and led campus forums on topics such as the strategic plan, performance-based funding and curriculum changes. A governance workgroup was also established to expand shared responsibility among faculty and staff. Through additional campus-wide engagement, a task force identified FGCU’s core values as Curiosity, Collaboration and Commitment.
These efforts reflect FGCU’s commitment to a workplace grounded in purpose, connection and collective success.
Efforts were made to enhance faculty recognition and campus-wide communication, and infrastructure improvements were underway to upgrade the workplace environment. The university also moved forward with site preparation for Academic Building 10 and completed a design and cost analysis for improvements and renovations for central campus and the Bower School of Music & the Arts.
Renovations underway at the Cohen Student Union include enclosing the outdoor atrium to create usable indoor space, relocating the information booth to a more central location and building new seating areas.
OUR INSTITUTIONAL VALUES
FOSTERING COMMUNITY
• Launch of new faculty engagement initiatives, including the first annual Fall Fest for faculty and Spring Jam Session, fostering a stronger sense of community. A staff and faculty appreciation event was held with Athletics.
• Efforts to enhance faculty visibility and appreciation, including a significant increase in Excellence Award nominations (from 42 to 75 in one year) and the launch of a faculty recognition webpage.
• Parking Services installed parkingavailability signage in all garages and added a live, real-time availability feed to its website.
• Human Resources launched a new Employee Milestone Recognition Program to celebrate employee dedication and hard work at significant career milestones.
These three core values embody the spirit, culture, principles and behaviors we strive to embrace as members of the Eagle Family. They represent not just who we are but who we aspire to become, and they stand in harmony with our foundational principles, mission, vision, code of conduct and commitment to free expression.
Collaboration Commitment
We pursue knowledge with openness, creativity and determination.
We work together to achieve common goals.
We lead with integrity and responsibility for progress and performance.
Leading Change
Across campus, interdisciplinary efforts this year underscored FGCU’s commitment to a more resilient, sustainable future. From AI-driven solutions to scientific research and new sustainability courses, the university made strides that better prepare FGCU and its graduates to stay ahead of what’s next.
Specific research focused on improving our economy, environment and ability to withstand catastrophic storms. The Water School was once again recognized for its leadership in sustainability and resiliency by state leaders and was named as a partner in an $8 million comprehensive water quality study focused on river basins and upstream pollution sources.
We will continue to support learners as they think critically about regional issues to inform solutions to global challenges.
STARS GOLD RATING
(The Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System)
STARS is a comprehensive benchmarking tool that evaluates colleges and universities across a wide range of sustainability dimensions, including:
• Academics and Research
• Campus and Public Engagement
• Operations
• Planning and Administration
• Innovation and Leadership
FGCU achieved high international ranking for sustainability excellence.
• Times Higher Education (THE)
– University Impact Rankings. FGCU ranked in the top 10 in the nation for two of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.
• Life Below Water
• #2 in Florida
• Tied for 5th place in the United States with five other universities
• Life on Land
• #2 in Florida
• Tied for 6th place in the United States with two other universities
• Good Health and Well-Being
• #3 in Florida
• Tied for 21st place in the United States
*Primary funding sources included the State of Florida, through the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and the South Florida Water Management District; and the federal government through the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Institutes of Health and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
** These projects are multi-year projects so the funding amount may not have been fully received in FY25 Sources for this page: Office of Research & Sponsored Programs and The Water School
The Water School
$8.3M*
$34.6M**
52 New Environmental, Sustainability and Resiliency Projects
29 Total publications
15
Total award amount in sustainability projects for FY24-25
Peer-Reviewed Publications (2024-25) on Environment, Sustainability or Resiliency
Different student authors/co-authors Projects
Supporting Sustainability
Companies where FGCU faculty served as principal investigators on externally funded sustainability projects:
