Associate Vice President Larry Bender leads Florida Gulf Coast University’s University Marketing & Communications team, bringing more than 25 years of experience in higher education marketing. In this role, he oversees the development and execution of comprehensive marketing and communication strategies, employing a 360-degree, surround-sound approach across paid, earned, owned and shared media channels to elevate FGCU’s reputation, increase its visibility and protect its brand.

Before joining FGCU, Larry held leadership positions at Drexel University in Philadelphia, where he most recently served as assistant vice president of creative in the Division of University Marketing and Communications. Throughout his tenure at Drexel, he played a pivotal role in building and growing an award-winning marketing and communications team. As a strategic thinker and storyteller, he was instrumental in developing a consistent brand platform that supported multiple nationally recognized brand campaigns. These efforts expanded Drexel’s national footprint, boosted its student population and strengthened its reputation as an R1 anchor institution within the Philadelphia region.

Larry attended Parsons School of Design in New York and earned his degree from Otis Art Institute of Parsons School (Otis-Parsons) of Design in Los Angeles.