Celebrating 10 Years of Excellence in Higher Education
Notable Highlights 1997-2007
Florida Gulf Coast University opened its doors in 1997 as the 10th public university in southwest Florida, and now serves more than 9,200 students. In the next five years, that number is projected to double. To keep pace, the campus has grown as well, from five buildings in August 1997, to the current 60. Six more are scheduled to break ground this year. The rapid growth is unparalleled in higher education across the nation.
Built on the cusp of the 21st century and located on 760 acres in sunny Southwest Florida, FGCU offers new facilities including cutting edge technology. On a national survey (National Survey of Student Engagement), FGCU students rated the quality of their undergraduate learning experience in the 85th- 99th percentile.
Compiled by Community Relations and Marketing Department, the following highlights offer an introduction to Florida Gulf Coast University.
Unparalleled Growth
The rapid growth of Florida Gulf Coast University is unparalleled in higher education across the nation. The University opened its doors to 2,584 students in 1997 as the tenth public university in the State University System of Florida, and anticipates an enrollment of more than 9,200 students this year. To keep pace, the campus has grown as well, from five buildings in August 1997, to the current 60. Six more are scheduled to break ground this year.
Student Satisfaction Survey
FGCU's efforts to create a superior learning environment that engages students in active learning have met with resounding success. In a recent national survey of 649 colleges and universities, FGCU students rated FGCU no lower than the 85th percentile and as high as the 99th percentile on every component of the National Survey of Student Engagement's (NSSE) College Student Report. These results indicate that students recognize the quality of their education at FGCU. The University's hands-on learning environment, small class sizes, and the opportunity to participate in undergraduate research contributed to the high level of student satisfaction.
On the Forefront of The Environmental Mission
Environmental conservation is a vital part of FGCU's mission and a comprehensive program is in place. FGCU is a part of the leadership circle in the nationwide consortium of universities committed to demonstrating by example how to combat global warming. The University's state-of-the-art ice thermal storage plant sends chilled water through an underground loop that cools campus buildings and has saved nearly $700,000 in energy costs over three years. In addition, every FGCU student is required to take an environmental course.
Economic Impact
FGCU contributed a quarter of a billion dollars to Southwest Florida's economy last year alone. That money is generated by the daily University operation and the continued expansion required to meet the region's growing demand for higher education. FGCU employs 1,600 people and another 900 jobs were made possible in the community because of services needed by students who live off campus.
Fundraising Success
FGCU exceeded expectations in its $30 million fundraising annual goal for 2006-07 and in its Dedicated to Greatness Capital Campaign. FGCU's recent capital campaign raised $218 million to construct new facilities, hire eminent scholars, provide student scholarships and develop new programs.
Research Mission
In 2006-07, FGCU garnered $14 million in sponsored research funds bringing the total to $76 million in research funds secured since opening a decade ago. That money affords faculty and students opportunities to seek cures for influenza and AIDS, rid the environment
of red tide and exotic vegetation, develop less lethal weapons for protection and explore ways in which mental health affects physical well being. Today's researchers are striving to make tomorrow better for all.
Service Mission
Service learning is an integral part of every student's education. Our students perform more than 70,000 hours of volunteer service throughout Southwest Florida each year. They
mentor children, comfort the ill and elderly, help restore and protect the environment, raise awareness about the plight of endangered species, and foster the arts. The program
benefits hundreds of worthy organizations and teaches students the importance of giving back to their communities.
University Lecture Series
The University Lecture Series at FGCU exists to expand the world of ideas and creative expression for its students, faculty and broader community. Distinguished speakers of national and international importance visit campus to stimulate intellectual engagement and inspire critical and creative thinking on a wide range of topics of local and global significance. The Series has featured renowned author and poet Maya Angelou, former USSR President Mikhail Gorbachev, and purveyor of democratic values, Retired General Colin L. Powell.
FGCU Athletics
The FGCU athletics program is just seven years old and boasts 13 student athletes who have turned professional. The program is now a new member of NCAA Division I, Atlantic Sun Conference. Last year, the women's basketball team ranked No. 1 in the USA Today/ESPN Division II. The team finished its final season in Division II as the national runner-up with a school record 34 wins and one loss. Student athletes at FGCU compete in baseball, softball, volleyball, men's and women's basketball, tennis, golf and cross country. This fall, men's and women's soccer and women's swimming and diving teams will be added.
The Lutgert College of Business obtained accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International), an elite accreditation that only 25 percent of the country's 2,000 business schools can claim. The Lutgert College of Business' success was noted in the 2007 edition of The Princeton Review's "Best 282 Business Schools." Students cited the University's modern facilities and the program's emphasis on teamwork and team building as plusses. They also praised the professors for their willingness to help students and for the experience they bring to their jobs.
Global Partnerships
Recognizing that today's graduates will work in a global village, FGCU establishes partnerships with universities throughout the world, including the recent partnerships established in China with Nankai and Yantai Universities. Combining teaching, research
and public service, these partnerships are designed to produce leaders for today's international environment.
Regional Leadership
FGCU is committed to developing partnerships with organizations and institutions across Southwest Florida. The direction and growth of new programs at FGCU is often directly responsive to the economic needs of Southwest Florida. The new Bower School of Music,
envisioned as a niche of excellence for FGCU, was founded with community support to meet a need in the State of Florida. The new school achieved statewide recognition when sophomore Faith Lanctot won two prestigious awards, competing against the best undergraduate and graduate music majors in the state. In addition, the U.A. Whitaker School of Engineering was launched in response to needs expressed by our region's economic development councils. The program began in 2005 with major private support and 96 students, almost four times the projected number.
An Entrepenurial Faculty and Staff
The success FGCU enjoys after just ten years may in large part be attributed to what has become the hallmark of FGCU faculty and staff—entrepreneurship. FGCU faculty and staff assume the obligation to inspire, lead and serve with wisdom, vision and integrity and we encourage our students to do likewise.
