Summer in review: progress across FGCU

August 10, 2026

As the fall semester gets underway, we're looking back at the important work that continued across FGCU. From the redesign of the academic corridor and introducing Eagle ID Mobile to leadership updates and other notable announcements, here's what happened.

Academic Core Construction

The redesign of the academic core has transformed what was once a simple walkway into a more active campus destination. The redesign offers external wireless access points, a new central walkway, expanded native landscaping, shaded seating areas, hammocks, gathering spaces and other amenities.

Screenshot of MyFGCU app view, displaying featured and faculty/staff events for August 18 and 19.

Weekly Events Email

The weekly events email is moving to MyFGCU, the university's official app and desktop portal.

MyFGCU's enhanced Events module highlights featured campus events, and users can easily browse, filter and search by date, keyword or calendar view, as well as save events directly to their personal calendars.

Events displayed in MyFGCU are automatically pulled from Eagle Link and the university’s Featured Events calendar. The weekly email will continue through Aug. 25, after which event information will be available through MyFGCU.

Eagle ID Mobile

Students and employees can now add their Eagle ID to their devices through Apple Wallet, Google Wallet and Samsung Wallet. The mobile ID works just like a physical card, providing a more convenient way to access services across campus. Physical Eagle IDs will continue to function after your Eagle ID Mobile has been added to a device. Visit the Eagle ID Mobile webpage or the Eagle ID Card Office on the first floor of McTarnaghan Hall for more information.

Leadership Announcements

Brian Barrio joined FGCU as Director of Intercollegiate Athletics, bringing more than 20 years of experience. For the first time in the university's history, the director of Intercollegiate Athletics will also serve as a member of the President's Cabinet.

Dr. Charles “Billy” Gunnels was appointed as associate provost for Academic Excellence & Innovation. In this role, he provides collaborative leadership to advance innovation and action at the intersection of educational excellence and student success.

Following the departure of the College of Education Dean Diana Cheshire, Dr. Charles Wang was appointed interim dean.

Dr. Clay Motley was appointed associate provost for Faculty Success & Academic Resources. In this role, he leads efforts to support faculty effectiveness and ensure responsible and performance-based stewardship of academic and faculty-related resources.

Dr. Joseph Buhain was appointed assistant vice president for Veteran and Military Programs. In this role, he provides strategic leadership for veteran and military initiatives, overseeing the Office of Military & Veteran Success and advancing a comprehensive vision to support military-connected students.

Jorge Lopez was appointed associate vice president for Strategic Enrollment & Student Success. In this role, he leads the new department of Enrollment Planning & Management, integrating Admissions, Financial Aid and the University Registrar (including the marketing and technology teams) into a single portfolio.

School of Behavioral Health and Social Services

The School of Behavioral Health and Social Services within the Marieb College of Health & Human Services launches August 17. It brings together the Department of Social Work, Department of Mental Health Counseling and Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) under one integrated structure. The new school will strengthen interprofessional education, enhance research and sponsored programs, expand hands-on training opportunities, preserve nationally accredited academic programs and enhance FGCU’s ability to prepare the next generation of professionals to meet workforce needs.

Marieb Hall South

Construction is underway on Marieb Hall South – FGCU's next facility (Academic Building 10). To maintain safe access to campus, temporary parking changes will be in effect from Aug. 6 through spring 2029. Parking Garage 2 will operate with a single entrance and exit, and fifth-floor parking will be reserved for construction personnel. Parking in Lot 7 will also be limited. Please follow posted signage and designated routes and review the maps for parking locations, access points and pedestrian walkways.

The academic building 10 construction map illustrates parking, crosswalks, walkways and sidewalk locations, as well as closed garage entrances.

Digital Information Displays

New digital information displays have been installed in buildings across campus. Designed to support both university-wide messaging and building-specific content, the displays give departments a new way to communicate with students, faculty, staff and visitors.

A digital information screen display mounted on the wall. The screen displays information about FGCU's women's soccer game match on August 6 at 11 a.m. at Pickering Field.

New ITS Email Accounts

To make messaging about campus technology easier to recognize and understand, Information Technology Services (ITS) introduced two new email accounts: ITS Updates (ITSupdates@fgcu.edu) will be used for sharing routine information, such as planned maintenance, new or updated services, upcoming technology changes, general announcements and reminders. ITS Alerts (ITSalerts@fgcu.edu) will be reserved for sharing urgent or high-priority information, such as major service disruptions, cybersecurity threats or incidents, actions requiring an immediate response, critical incident updates and notices that service has been restored. Postmaster (Postmaster@fgcu.edu) and ITS Change Management (ITSchangemanagement@fgcu.edu) emails are no longer active.

Starship Robot Food Delivery Service

Operations of the Starship delivery robot service were suspended at FGCU after the company unexpectedly ended its operations on college campuses across the United States. Business Services, in partnership with Student Government and Chartwells, is actively exploring alternative solutions to identify a similar level of delivery service on campus. More information on a new service is coming soon. Stay tuned.

Campus Dining: New Payroll Deduction Option

FGCU now offers payroll deduction as a convenient payment option for faculty and staff meal memberships. Information about membership plans, pricing and enrollment is available online. Meal plans range from $130 to $377.

Hurricane Preparedness and Communications Flyer

As peak hurricane season approaches, FGCU reminds students and employees to familiarize themselves with the university's communication channels and review their emergency preparedness plans. A flyer outlining communication channels is now available through FGCU’s Hurricane Preparedness webpage.

FGCU’s 2025-26 Annual Report

The report highlights achievements across campus in attaining the five goals set out in the 2024-29 strategic plan — and includes compelling profiles in student success. The statistics, stories and photos throughout this report document FGCU’s commitment to its growth and progress, its values and goals, its students and alumni, its own people and the communities in the five counties it serves. From groundbreaking research and entrepreneurial innovation to meaningful community engagement, global learning and record-setting achievements, the stories reflect a shared dedication to growth and impact. The full report is accessible online.

Together, these updates represent meaningful changes across the university and set the stage for another exciting year at FGCU.