About School of Entrepreneurship

Daveler & Kauanui School of Entrepreneurship: Our Story

Since its founding, the Daveler & Kauanui School of Entrepreneurship (DKSOE) at Florida Gulf Coast University has cultivated a distinguished legacy of fostering innovation and leadership in Southwest Florida. What began as a modest endeavor has evolved into a preeminent program, widely recognized for its transformative impact on both students and the broader community. The DKSOE equips aspiring entrepreneurs with the intellectual rigor, practical skills, and expansive professional networks necessary to excel as visionary leaders and catalysts for societal and economic change.

Through a dynamic curriculum that blends theoretical insight with experiential learning, the DKSOE empowers students to navigate the complexities of entrepreneurship with confidence and creativity. Its interdisciplinary approach integrates business acumen with cutting-edge innovation, encouraging students to develop sustainable solutions to real-world challenges. The School’s commitment to mentorship, fostered through partnerships with industry leaders and alumni, provides students with unparalleled opportunities to translate ideas into impactful ventures. By fostering a culture of resilience, ethical leadership, and global awareness, the DKSOE prepares its graduates to shape the future of entrepreneurship.

Our Origins: The Vision of Empowerment
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The roots of the DKSOE reach back to FGCU’s earliest years, when the university recognized a pressing need to cultivate an entrepreneurial spirit that could drive growth and opportunity across Southwest Florida. From its inception, FGCU embraced a mission centered on innovation, collaboration, and sustainability, values that continue to shape the school today.

At the heart of this vision was Dr. Sandra Kauanui, the school’s founding director. Her leadership and extraordinary generosity, donating her own salary to fund scholarships and facilities—embodied the very essence of giving back. Through her unwavering commitment, what began as a bold idea has evolved into a nationally respected program, empowering students to become changemakers in business and beyond.

Now under the direction of Dean William McDowell, who brings extensive experience in both academia and private business, the school continues to build on this strong foundation. Dean McDowell is advancing the DKSOE with bold new initiatives, expanding opportunities for students, and strengthening its role as a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship. His vision is guiding the school toward continued growth and impact—locally, nationally, and globally.
Timeline of Key Milestones
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2014
- Entrepreneurship Minor Launched: FGCU introduced an entrepreneurship minor within the Lutgert College of Business, providing students from various majors the opportunity to explore entrepreneurship.
2016
- Veterans Florida Entrepreneurship Program Established: Launched to offer veterans free tuition to develop and pursue business ideas.
- Runway Program Introduced: A business incubator supporting student entrepreneurs.
2017
- Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Entrepreneurship Studies Launched: Promoted a multi-disciplinary approach to entrepreneurship.
- Entrepreneurship Becomes a Standalone School: Experiencing rapid growth, more than 900 students enrolled in entrepreneurship courses.
2018
- First FGCU Entrepreneurship Expo: Highlighted innovative startups by students.
2021
- Lucas Hall Opened: The new home of the School of Entrepreneurship, providing state-of-the-art classrooms, collaborative spaces, and a makerspace.
2024
- William McDowell Appointed Dean: Bringing extensive experience in both academia and private business, Dean McDowell's leadership promises to guide the school toward continued growth and innovation.

Honoring the Visionaries Behind Lucas Hall

The Daveler & Kauanui School of Entrepreneurship thrives thanks to the remarkable generosity of those who believed in our mission. We proudly recognize the donors whose contributions made the construction of Lucas Hall possible, creating a space where innovation, learning, and entrepreneurship flourish.

Among our most dedicated supporters are Frank and Ellen Daveler, David and Linda Lucas, and Brian and Kim Rist, whose leadership gifts inspired others to join our cause. We are also grateful for the generosity of FineMark National Bank and Trust, Youngquist Brothers, Inc., Dr. Sandra Kauanui, William and Eileen Kopp, Jefferey Provol, Fred and Elaine Hawkins, Ron and Marjorie Sidman, David and Joyce Arseneau, Rafael J. Feliciano, the Wynn Family, Markham Norton Mosteller Wright & Co., P.A., Moorings Park Communities, Mark and Carolyn Ain, and William and Patricia Motzer.

Their collective support has transformed our vision into reality. With their help, Lucas Hall now stands as a beacon for future generations of entrepreneurs to grow, connect, and create lasting change.