President’s Cabinet and Staff

Dear Colleagues,

At FGCU, we are committed to building a workplace where our people can truly thrive. Guided by our strategic plan, Innovating for Student Success: FGCU’s Journey to Excellence, we are listening, learning and taking action – together.

In 2024, we partnered with ModernThink to launch our first-ever Great Colleges to Work For survey, giving every employee a voice in shaping our campus culture. Since receiving the results, our focus has been simple: we implemented changes not to raise a score, but because they reflect who we are and the institution we aspire to be.

With a 48% response rate, the survey showed that 86% of employees find their work meaningful, 85% understand how their role supports FGCU’s mission and 84% see our positive impact on Southwest Florida. The results also identified opportunities for growth – in the effectiveness of leadership, campus communication, professional development, employee recognition and benefits. Your honest feedback has guided our efforts over the past year, and we are grateful for your dedication.

After hosting a town hall and conducting deeper data dialogues, our leadership team identified four priority areas. Thanks to your engagement, we have already made meaningful progress:

Develop and Embrace Our Core Institutional Values
After gathering broad input through campuswide listening sessions, surveys and focus groups, we launched FGCU’s core values – Curiosity, Commitment and Collaboration – at the August 2025 Fall Kickoff to guide how we lead, serve and work together. We are now evaluating how these values can be reflected in job postings, position descriptions and performance conversations, reinforcing the culture we are building.

Build Trust, Connection and Supportive Pathways
The Employee Engagement Collective and the Internal Communications Committee are strengthening how information is shared and fostering a more connected workforce. Events like last week’s Community Engagement Showcase brought colleagues together across divisions, helping us break down silos, build relationships and celebrate the great work happening across campus.

Enhance Shared Governance
To strengthen our organization culture and commitment to employees, the President’s Cabinet worked in consultation with Faculty Senate to ensure in-unit faculty members are represented on all university-wide committees, such as the Institutional Effectiveness and Accountability Council (IEAC), which is involved in providing recommendations for resource allocation. We also worked together to establish the Taskforce on FGCU Governance in August to build on the successful work of the Collaborative on Academic Careers in Higher Education (COACHE) Shared Governance Work Group, while increasing the scope of the effort to include the staff and faculty perspective. This taskforce has analyzed the existing ways FGCU has memorialized the definition of  “shared governance” and has engaged in a review of best practices and existing modes of governance. The taskforce is making recommendations on how to improve our university’s governance model to best allow faculty and staff to participate in university-wide decision-making, and a final report will be presented to the President’s Cabinet in January 2026.

Invest in People
We invested in our people by launching new leadership-development programs for faculty and staff, expanding professional development opportunities, introducing a refreshed milestone recognition program and piloting a 360-degree feedback program that will soon be taken campus-wide. We are creating – and will launch in the fall 2026 semester – an employee mentorship program, which was a recommendation from our Leadership Academy graduates. Looking ahead, our employee housing initiative will further support the well-being of future members of the Eagle Family. Site work on that project has already begun, and we expect the project to be ready to rent in January 2027. 

These efforts are possible because of you. Thank you for all you do for our students, our community and one another.

Your voice remains essential as we build on the progress we have made. From January 20 to February 3, FGCU will again participate in the Great Colleges to Work For survey. Each response will help us learn, grow and strengthen the culture that makes FGCU a great place to work.

We will share updates as we start ​a new year at FGCU, and updates can be found on our Great Colleges webpage. Thank you for your partnership and your commitment to our shared future. 

Wings Up & Go Eagles!

Good afternoon, FGCU Faculty!

Investing in FGCU’s future campus leaders is vital to our university’s continued growth and success. As exemplified by Goal 4 of FGCU’s strategic plan, a key part of that investment is equipping aspiring leaders with the skills to amplify curiosity, collaboration and commitment in their work.

Over the summer, the university decided to launch two leadership-development programs – one focused on staff members to advance into administrative roles, and one that would assist with developing faculty leaders. In August, we announced the Leadership Academy for staff and, today, we are pleased to announce that nominations for the Faculty Leadership Academy open tomorrow. 

The Faculty Leadership Academy is a 12-month program designed to help participants assess and develop their skills in four key areas: leading self, faculty leading faculty, leading with strategy and leading for results. Ideal candidates are faculty who are already making a positive difference across campus. This includes faculty who aspire to become chairs or are currently chairs, associate deans or serve in similar capacities as leaders of an academic program.

Throughout the program, participants of the Faculty Leadership Academy will work collaboratively on projects aligned with FGCU goals – enabling them to put what they are learning into immediate practice. We believe this program will transform faculty leadership at all levels of FGCU, improving the university and student outcomes.

Tomorrow, Human Resources will share a nomination packet that includes the proposed timeline for the spring 2026 cohort. Nominations must be received by November 12.

Faculty may nominate colleagues or self-nominate, and all nominees will be reviewed by an advisory group of faculty leaders from around campus. 

For those faculty members who applied previously to the staff-focused leadership academy, please reapply for the Faculty Leadership Academy. If you have questions about the leadership academy, please contact Sara Stensrud at (239) 590-1425 or sstensrud@fgcu.edu.

Wings Up!

Dear Eagles,

At FGCU, our campus is a place where ideas must be shared freely, explored openly and challenged respectfully. We are committed to fostering an environment where every member of our community – regardless of their personal views – can express themselves, engage with different perspectives and participate in meaningful dialogue without fear of hostility or harm.

This standard is established in FGCU’s Statement of Free Expression, which is in full alignment with the Florida Board of Governors and the State University System of Florida. On Tuesday, September 9, FGCU’s Board of Trustees, in partnership with university leadership, reaffirmed our commitment to this statement and our Founding Principles from 1996. Together, we are committed to protecting freedom of inquiry and expression while also expecting civility, respect and care in all of our conversations and debates.

FGCU’s Core Values – Curiosity, Commitment and Collaboration – guide us in this work. Curiosity drives us to ask questions and seek understanding. Commitment reminds us to stand up for both free expression and mutual respect. And collaboration helps us listen, learn and grow together – even when we don’t agree.

As an open, public campus, our grounds are regularly used for dialogue not only among students and employees, but also with our broader community. We know discussions can sometimes be difficult, controversial or even uncomfortable, but we will not tolerate harassment, intimidation, threats or disruptions that harm our learning environment or endanger others. Attached you will see a memo from Chancellor Ray Rodrigues with a directive to all public universities on civil discourse.

If you’d like to learn more about free expression on campus or need support, we encourage you to connect with the following resources:

• University Police Department | (239) 590-1900
• Office of Institutional Ethics & Compliance | (239) 745-4366 | oiec@fgcu.edu
• Dean of Students Office | (239) 590-7900 | doso@fgcu.edu
• Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) | (239) 590-7950 | caps@fgcu.edu
• Office of the General Counsel | (239) 590-1101 | gco@fgcu.edu

FGCU is stronger when every voice has the chance to be heard. Eagles, let’s continue to practice open dialogue with respect, kindness and a willingness to learn from one another.

Wings Up!

Good afternoon, Eagle Family!

Our executive leadership team recognizes the meaningful contributions FGCU staff and faculty have made in support of our mission, and we want to reward your efforts with three presidential holidays this year.

They are:

• Wednesday, November 26
• Wednesday, December 24
• Friday, January 2

We are making this announcement now so you have time to plan your holidays.

For those who have approved time off on these dates, please have your supervisor correct your time off. Supervisors, access FGCU’s Workday Job Aid to guide you on the process for correcting time off for an employee (see page 4).

The presidential holidays are now reflected in the Human Resource Holiday Schedule. Including the established paid holidays and the presidential paid holidays, this will provide employees with the following breaks:

• Fall Break: November 26 to November 28, with normal campus operations scheduled Monday, December 1.
• Winter Break: December 24 to January 2, with normal campus operations scheduled Monday, January 5. Spring classes begin Wednesday, January 7.

We hope you will use this extra time off to rest up and enjoy time with your family and friends. Thank you for all you do for the FGCU community, especially our students.

Wings Up!

Good morning, Eagle Family! 

As we continue our momentum of strengthening our workplace culture at FGCU, we are excited to share the formation of the Employee Engagement Collective. This working group will help us build a better sense of community among our staff and faculty by bolstering efforts to support our employees with recognition, professional growth and a united sense of purpose.  

The collective will focus on improving how FGCU recognizes employee contributions, encourages professional growth and supports the well-being and work-life balance of our staff and faculty. To address these goals, the collective will work with stakeholders across campus and existing university committees, such as the Internal Communications Committee.  

The Employee Engagement Collective is led by Sara Stensrud, the chief Human Resource officer at FGCU. Other members include: 

• Shannon Acosta: Director of Graduate Programs, Academic Programs and Curriculum Development 
• Dr. George Alexakis: Professor, Department of Integrated Studies
• Teri Bigos: Assistant Director of Campus Reservations & Records Management 
• Dr. Amy Dudley: Assistant Professor of Nursing 
• Julie Gleason: Director of Fraternity and Sorority Life, Campus Life 
• Amy Hall: Payroll Manager 
• Jessica Hendrick: Career Services Advisor, Career Advising 
• Amanda Jobes: Associate Controller, General Ledger & Treasury 
• Melissa Pind: Assistant Director of Board Operations, Office of FGCU Board Relations 
• Dr. Caren Polk: Instructor I of Anatomy & Physiology, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences  
• Patricia Rice: Core Skills Program Manager 
• Suzanne Ries: Senior Director of University Recreation & Wellness, Student Engagement  
• Lianet Escandell Rodriquez: Senior Admissions Systems Analyst, University Admissions 
• John Roth: Coordinator of Adjunct Faculty, Lucas Center for Faculty Development  
• Tami Tassler: Associate Director of Undergraduate Admissions/Sugden Welcome Center 
• Caroline Vives-Vietri: Assistant Director of Alumni Relations 
• Rosario Welle: Marketing & Communication Coordinator, Office of the Provost  
• George Williams: Director of College of Education Advising, University Advising 

As a reminder, the work of these volunteers aligns with the feedback we received from recent surveys, including the Great Colleges to Work For and Collaborative on Academic Careers in Higher Education (COACHE). Similar to the Taskforce on FGCU Values and the Taskforce on Governance, the work of the Employee Engagement Collective will help FGCU build a thriving, more empowered FGCU community.

We look forward to sharing updates and inviting your input as the collective begins its work.

Wings Up!

Monday marks the start of the fall semester, and we know many of our students, faculty and staff continue to have questions and concerns about federal and state mandates related to residency and international policies.

To assist in understanding the local impact, we encourage you to review  FGCU’s Questions-and-Answers Fact Sheet. This document was originally shared with campus May 1, 2025, and it was updated today with new information.

FGCU leaders continue to work closely with the Chancellor’s Office and our peers in the State University System of Florida (SUS) to monitor, assess and comply with any directives we receive. We understand information continues to change, and we are committed to updating the information in the fact sheet as we learn more.

If you have additional questions, contact the following offices for assistance:

• General Counsel at (239) 590-1101 or gco@fgcu.edu
• Human Resources at (239) 590-1400 or hr@fgcu.edu
• University Ombuds at (239) 590-1022 or ombuds@fgcu.edu

Faculty and Staff: If you know students who may need assistance on these topics, please refer them to the following offices for support:

• University Ombuds at (239) 590-1022 or ombuds@fgcu.edu
• Dean of Students at (239) 590-7900 or doso@fgcu.edu
• General Counsel at (239) 590-1101 or gco@fgcu.edu
• Global Engagement Office at (239) 590-7925 or mmcdonal@fgcu.edu
• Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) at (239) 590-7950 or caps@fgcu.edu, or call the 24/7 CAPS Crisis Line at (239) 745-EARS (3277)

Good morning, Eagle Family!

We know how important it is to invest in our future campus leaders, and FGCU is committed to providing aspiring leaders the skills they need to apply creativity, passion and innovation to the challenges of an increasingly complex higher education environment. That is why we are launching a new leadership academy – a 12-month program that provides us with an opportunity to grow our own leaders.

The leadership academy focuses on existing employees who demonstrate high leadership potential within our university and are already making a positive difference across campus. Through this program, we will provide participants the opportunity to assess and develop their skills in four key areas: leading self, leading people, leading with strategy and leading for results.

Simultaneously, team members will work collaboratively on projects aligned with FGCU goals that will allow you to put what they are learning into immediate practice. We believe this program will transform leadership at all levels of FGCU, improving the university and student outcomes.

Later today, Human Resources will share a nomination packet with staff, along with the proposed timeline for the Fall 2025 Cohort. Nominations must be received by August 22. You will be able to nominate your colleagues and self-nominate for the program, and nominees will be reviewed by an advisory group of employees from around campus. 

If you have questions about the leadership academy, please contact Sara Stensrud at (239) 590-1425 or sstensrud@fgcu.edu.

Wings Up!

Good afternoon, Eagle Family!

As part of our continued effort to strengthen FGCU’s workplace culture, we are excited to share the formation of the Taskforce on Governance. This group will help us take another step forward in building a more connected, collaborative campus by focusing on shared responsibility and accountability across our university community.

This new taskforce builds on the strong foundation laid by the Collaborative on Academic Careers in Higher Education (COACHE) Shared Governance Work Group. By taking a broader approach that includes staff and faculty voices, we are working to align our values, improve communication and make FGCU an even better place to work and grow.

The Taskforce on Governance is led by Dr. Eileen DeLuca, the vice president of Strategic Initiatives and chief of staff. Please join us in welcoming the following members to the taskforce:

• Dr. Derek Lura – Faculty Senate President, Professor of Engineering
• Amy Craig – Research and Instruction Librarian
• Dr. Anita Rose – Assistant Professor of Entrepreneurship
• Dr. Ann Cary – Associate Director for Community Partnerships in The Water School
• Dr. Christina Kreiger – Director of Retention & Engagement Programs
• Georgia Willis – Testing Coordinator
• Jarvis Judge-Barnes – Director of Community Engagement & Outreach
• Larry Bender – Associate Vice President of University Marketing & Communications
• Keith Davidson – Director of the U.A. Whitaker College of Engineering Advising
• Kathleen Crawford – Environmental and Sustainability Coordinator II
• Dr. Jenny Manegold – Chair of Management
• Lindsay Schofield – Assistant Professor and Program Coordinator of Early Childhood Education
• Lisa Banks – Assistant Director of Management Information Resources
• Maggie Hohne – Coordinator II of First Year Experience
• Dr. Melodie Eichbauer – Professor of History and Co-Director of the Gulf Scholars Program
• Dr. Jennifer Sughrue – Professor and Program Coordinator
• Dr. Arie van Duijn – Professor of Physical Therapy
• Dr. Peter Ndiang’ui – Assistant Professor and Child and Youth Studies Program Coordinator
• Vonetta Hardy – Director of Advising in the College of Arts & Sciences / The Water School

The taskforce will begin meeting this month, and we will keep you posted on the group’s next steps.

We were thrilled by how many of you raised your hands to be part of this effort – and our other efforts to improve our workplace, including the Taskforce on FGCU Values. More information will be announced soon on the Employee Engagement Collective, which will help our university take a more intentional approach to supporting our people. We look forward to sharing more information about these efforts in the coming weeks.

Thanks again to everyone who continues to invest in this important work.

Wings Up & Go Eagles!