Get to know Athletics Director Colin Hargis
August 20, 2024
Earlier this year, FGCU named Colin Hargis as its new athletics director. As we gear up for a new athletics season, read Inside FGCU's Q-and-A with Colin Hargis to learn more about how he plans to elevate FGCU Athletics and if he believes he can do more push-ups than Azul.
FGCU Athletics Director Colin Hargis
How do you plan on elevating FGCU Athletics in the Southwest Florida community?
It starts with engaging with our community and telling our story. FGCU is a part of this community, and I am excited to collaborate with our community partners to create a positive impact in Southwest Florida. There are so many accomplishments taking place at FGCU and in Southwest Florida, inclusive of FGCU Athletics. If we continue to focus on being a part of Southwest Florida and amplify the initiatives of our student-athletes, both on and off campus, then we remain focused on being the best version of FGCU Athletics that we can be and provide a positive impact.
What drew you to FGCU?
There were a variety of factors that made FGCU an appealing opportunity, but it primarily boiled down to a few key areas. Most importantly, it is a great university and community to raise our family. My wife, Katie, and I have two boys, Jacob (12) and Mason (8). Providing them with an excellent community is crucial for us. Beyond that, the short and rich history of the university stood out to me. In just over a quarter century of existence, FGCU has had great success academically, athletically and as part of the Southwest Florida community. Success is in the DNA of FGCU. Additionally, there’s tremendous growth in Southwest Florida, including FGCU alumni living in the region. Southwest Florida has grown 20% over the last decade and nearly 50% of our alumni live in the region. That growth is exciting! As an athletics department and university, we can grow with Southwest Florida and our alumni. And lastly, the passion and energy of the people at FGCU, including President Timur, was infectious. The more I researched the university and learned about the campus community, I knew I wanted to be a part of the team and help execute the president’s strategic plan.
What are you most excited about for FGCU Athletics this year?
I am excited to start a new year at FGCU and to be a part of this community. It is always a bit challenging entering a campus or organization towards the end of the spring semester. But, as I look forward to 2024-25, I am excited to support our nearly 300 student-athletes, coaches and staff. Each year provides an opportunity for our department to make progress and focus on being the best version of FGCU Athletics that we can be.
How do you foresee building relationships between Athletics and the rest of campus?
FGCU Athletics is a teammate on campus and in our greater university community. I am excited to work alongside the many departments and units at FGCU and identify opportunities to move FGCU forward while elevating the student and student-athlete experience. We all have one common goal at FGCU: to support the mission of the university, which focuses on student success and serving the Southwest Florida community. We must identify partnerships and opportunities to integrate to be successful in that mission.
What is your favorite sport?
I enjoy all sports, but baseball is my favorite. I grew up playing the game, and Jacob and Mason have done the same. I love to spend time with them on the field and watch them grow within the game.
How do you spend your spare time?
I try to spend as much time with my family when I am not on campus. More than likely, you will find my wife, Katie, and I at a field or court cheering on Jacob and Mason.
It is time for an office potluck. What do you bring?
Cookies or dessert. I have a sweet tooth. Typically, I go with something simple that I can buy from the store.
If you had the opportunity to visit a foreign country, where would you go and what would you do?
I would love to visit Iceland. It is a country that is on our bucket list. We would love to take in the landscape and nature of the country.
Who is your favorite musician/band, and how does their music move you?
Bruce Springsteen. He is a multigenerational musician who tells incredible stories through his lyrics. My wife and I had our first dance at our wedding to Bruce.
Who can do more pushups: you or Azul?
Definitely Azul. No doubt about it!
