Why I serve: A note from Provost Thorne

July 08, 2026 / Tags: Academic Affairs Newsletter, Office of the Provost, Student Assistance, Academic Excellence, Student Success

Left to right, Emma, Provost Thorne, and Gaby.

(Left to right) Emma, Provost Thorne, and Gaby.

Each time we celebrate commencement, I am struck by the thousands of new beginnings launched for our new Eagle alumni. Every smile, cheer, and Wings Up moment reminds me of why I ultimately serve FGCU. Simply, it’s our students and their success.

One of my first questions as new EVP and Provost in July 2025 was, “When are our student employees returning to work?” I wanted to be certain I had plenty of ways to get to know our students. When I learned the office had one student assistant, I urged our team to advertise and add another student or two to our office roster.

Here is how it ended up: Meet my “student counsel.”

Emma facilitates data entry for Interfolio to support faculty excellence. She is the veteran of our student team.

While finding your “why” has become a cliche, it is a timeless method for recentering on core values and strategic direction. Most importantly, you meet really special people along the way.

Gaby assists in daily operations, including preparations for special events that capture the unique spirit of FGCU.

Kameron supports daily operations and events and recently used his digital media skills to propose a new design for the Academic Affairs newsletter to improve office communications. He is also an occasional flower arranger.

We hoped to hire Ari, but she also had an opportunity to work in a faculty member’s research lab. Although I encouraged her to take the research role, she's still part of my student counsel.

While finding your “why” has become a cliche, it is a timeless method for recentering on core values and strategic direction. Most importantly, you meet really special people along the way.