Leadership Academy

One of the features that makes FGCU special is its growing reputation as a living laboratory, and the The Water School is a perfect example of a place where environment and science converge for an educational partnership.

Past Presenters Included:
Dr. Michael Parsons, Director of Coastal Watershed Institute and Vester Field Station
Ryan Young '12, Founder & Lead Explorer at Rising Tide Explorers
Captain Daniel Andrews, Founder of Captains for Clean Water

Visit the unique learning environments of the Marieb College of Health and Human Services such as the simulated operating room, NASA-developed anti-gravity treadmill and the aquatics rehabilitation suite featuring a state-of-the-art Hydroworx therapy pool with an integrated treadmill.

Past Presenters Included:

Shawn Felton, Interim Dean, Marieb College of Health & Human Services
Eric Shamus (Ph.D., DPT, CEEAA, CSCS), Professor & Chair Department of Rehabilitation Sciences

Southwest Florida is known worldwide for exceptional resort facilities, luxury hotels, world-class restaurants, exclusive private clubs and year-round recreational offerings in a fun-in-the-sun lifestyle. In keeping with our mission of offering academic programs that meet the economic demands of our region, Florida Gulf Coast University offers no better match for its educational services than its School of Resort & Hospitality Management, which operates under the Lutgert College of Business.

Past Presenters Included:
Marty Hall, Assistant Director, PGA Golf Management
Jennifer McGurk, Resort and Hospitality Management Internship Coordinator
Thor Parrish, PGA '19, CEO & Golf Fitness Specialist
Joan Barkowski, CMP '14, Business and Tourism Specialist at The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel

Leadership Academy participants were among the first groups in Southwest Florida to get a personal meeting with Michael Fly, our new men’s head basketball coach in 2018.

Past Presenters Included:
Ken Kavanagh, Athletic Director
Matt Ring, Director of Advancement
Dave Tollett, Head Baseball Coach

New for 2022, hear from FGCU's Lutgert College of Business and learn how FGCU faculty conduct research, collaborate with their regional business partners and offer their expertise, sharing resources and contributing to the community.

Past Presenters Included:

Dr. Sandra Kauanui, Director, Daveler & Kauanui School of Entrepreneurship

Erin Ellis, Principal Consultant, Ellis Performance Solutions, LLC

Dr. Jenny Manegold, Chair, Department of Management/Associate Professor

Leadership Day is a chance to celebrate the accomplishments of participants by hearing from Florida Gulf Coast University's top leaders.

Past Presenters Included:
Dr. Mike Martin, President, Florida Gulf Coast University
Jennifer Goen, Director of Government Relations
Susie Wentworth, Eagle Advocacy Coordinator
Brian Hamman '04, District 4, County Commissioner