Strategy and Program Innovation

Strategy. Innovation. Excellence.

The Office of Strategy and Program Innovation works with university-wide teams to develop, facilitate, and implement innovative services and experiences that drive improved performance in academic opportunities for students, alumni, community and other partners in Southwest Florida and beyond to further the University’s strategic vision and the President’s key organizational initiatives.

The mission of the Office of Strategy and Program Innovation is to explore opportunities to develop collaborative initiatives within the University, as well as through partnerships in the Southwest Florida business and educational environment.

These may include, but are not limited to, new strategies for course delivery, formal relationships with academic institutions and local businesses, and programmatic opportunities to raise the visibility of Florida Gulf Coast University throughout the service delivery region.

Future Focused

FGCU’s Strategy and Program Innovation is aimed at developing opportunities for increased interaction with private and public entities to expand the impact of the University in the region, state, and beyond through continuous feedback and input.

Academic and Workforce Alignment Initiative

FGCU is committed to:

Broaden and strengthen its ties with private, public, and non-profit sectors as well as key industry stakeholders
Become more proactive in solving-real world problems faced by regional industries
Be an exemplary comprehensive university to serve the Southwest Florida region and beyond

FGCU President’s Advisory Circle on Workforce and Economic Development

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The President's Advisory Circle is an invitation-only group who serves in an advisory capacity to the University President and convenes regularly to provide advice, advocacy, access, leverage, and resources for the University’s strategic goals and role in workforce and economic development of Southwest Florida. Members have varied backgrounds and experiences, but they share an interest in the University and its impact in Southwest Florida and beyond. The Advisory Circle meets 3-4 times a year.

Mission:The FGCU President's Advisory Circle on Workforce and Economic Development is established to further enhance the relationship between the University and its constituent communities with the goal of supporting the University as it works to achieve its mission.

President’s Advisory Circle	Organization
Dennis O’Keefe	Industry Representative, Arthrex, Inc.
Gina Gonick	Industry Representative, Chico’s FAS
Kevin Price/Anna E. Longar	Industry Representative, Gartner
George Cardoza/Amy Scott	Industry Representative, Neogenomics
Ryan Carter	Industry Representative, Scotlynn
Gary Griffin	Industry Representative, B & I Contractors, Inc.
Jaime Weisinger	Industry Representative, Lipman Produce
Brian Kramer	Industry Representative, Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort & Spa
Michael Dalby	Greater Naples Chamber
Colleen DePasqual	Greater Ft. Myers Chamber of Commerce
John Talmage	Lee County Economic Development
TBD	Collier County Economic Development
David Gammon	Charlotte County Economic Development
Bob White/pending confirmation	Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce
Tiffany Esposito	SWFL, Inc. and South Lee Economic Development
Bill Barker	Media and Communication Consultant
Joe Paterno	Southwest Florida Workforce Development Board, Inc
Peg Elmore	CareerSource Southwest Florida
Tamara Pigott	Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau
Paul Beirnes	Collier County Tourist Development Council
Acie Forrer	MIDFLORIDA Credit Union
Pamela Mueller	Greater Estero Chamber
Paul Hiltz	Industry Representative, NCH Healthcare System
Emily Ptaszek	Industry Representative, Healthcare Network
Laura Holquist	Industry Representative, LAH Group Advisors
Keitha Daniels	Hendry County Economic Development
Mike Wukitsch	Industry Representative, Lee Memorial Health System
TBD	Industry Representative, U.S. Sugar

FGCU Representatives

Name	Department
Dr. Aysegul Timur (Moderator)	Office of the President
Dr. Chris Westley	Lutgert College of Business
Kitty Green	University Advancement
Tifarah Pardue	Lutgert College of Business
Rose Fuller	Career Development Services
Ashleigh Droz	University Internship and Co-op Programs
Kristen Vanselow	Office of Innovative Education and Partnerships
Dr. Mark Rieger	Office of the Provost

One-on-One Conversations with regional employers to identify skills gaps and talent/workforce development needs
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These conversations with regional employers have helped develop strategic and innovative programming in partnership with college leadership and faculty to align academic offerings with workforce needs. Vice President and Vice Provost of Strategy and Program Innovation meets periodically with employers and provides institutional leadership and collaboration so that FGCU strategically responds to what is needed to address workforce needs and make sure that FGCU Eagles are well prepared for employment opportunities.

With the mission of bridging between the President’s and Provost’s strategic initiatives, the Office of Strategy and Program Innovation focuses on workforce and economic development and works very closely with the FGCU Academic Affairs Leadership team, regional employers and industry leaders, leaders of local chamber of commerce’s and economic development agencies to align academic and workforce development.

Based on these conversations, input and feedback, FGCU developed and executed the following strategic initiatives to address the regional workforce and economic development needs:

Innovative Education and Partnerships

FGCU Micro-Credentials and Digital Badges Initiative: Closing Skills Gap – The Power of “And”