As we enter our 29th year in higher education, Florida
Gulf Coast University’s momentum is unmistakable.
Our achievements of the 2025-26 academic year
are documented throughout this annual report,
demonstrating how the university is continuing to grow
and evolve with the greater Southwest Florida region
through innovation, partnership and student success. This year, FGCU increased its performance across
the State University System of Florida’s metrics,
representing a six-point improvement over last year
and a 10-point gain since the launch of our strategic
plan, “Innovating for Student Success: FGCU’s Journey
to Excellence.” These results affirm that our strategic
investments are translating into measurable outcomes
for students and the university. We celebrated the groundbreaking of Marieb Hall
South, which will expand our health sciences programs
and create stronger connections between academic
and health services for students. We awarded degrees
to a record-setting class across five commencement
ceremonies, a testament to our efforts as an economic
and workforce engine in the region we serve. And we
advanced our efforts to become an artificial intelligenceenabled
institution, establishing a strategic framework
that is preparing students to thrive in a rapidly evolving
workforce while enhancing university operations. Throughout this progress, our institutional values have
remained more than words on a page. We lead with
curiosity as we explore new approaches to teaching,
learning and innovation. We demonstrate commitment by
responding to the evolving needs of Southwest Florida and
expanding opportunities for our students and communities.
And we are guided by collaboration, recognizing that our
greatest accomplishments occur when we work together
across disciplines, departments and partnerships. Every advancement highlighted in the 2025-26 Annual
Report represents people who chose to think boldly,
embrace change and contribute to something larger than
themselves. That collective effort continues to strengthen
FGCU and accelerate our “Journey to Excellence.” While we take pride in the progress we have made, there
is more work to do. We are reminded that excellence is
not a destination — it is a continuous pursuit. I am confident that the FGCU community is ready for
what comes next. 
A Note From The President
