FGCU Board of Trustees

Trustee Larry Antonucci is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Lee Health. Dr. Antonucci is responsible for the growth, vitality, operation and success of Lee Health. His responsibilities include the coordination of internal and external affairs of Lee Health by guiding the development of long- and short-term objectives. Upon approval of the Lee Health Board of Directors, he executes strategies and plans designed to achieve these objectives. Dr. Antonucci represents Lee Health to key constituencies and engages in a wide variety of activities designed to improve the health of the population served in an effective and efficient manner; this has resulted in strong financial returns that support Lee Health’s ability to reinvest in its mission to serve the community.

Before joining Lee Health, Dr. Larry Antonucci was a well-respected, practicing obstetrician and gynecologist in Fort Myers for 24 years. In 2007, Dr. Antonucci joined Lee Health as Chief Administrative Officer for Cape Coral Hospital. In 2009, he was appointed Chief Operating Officer of Hospital Services for the health system and assumed responsibility for Physician Services in early 2010. In October 2011, Dr. Antonucci was named Chief Operating Officer for the health system. He was named President and Chief Executive Officer of Lee Health in June 2017.

Dr. Antonucci attended medical school at the University of Miami and completed his residency in obstetrics and gynecology at Eastern Virginia Graduate School of Medicine. He also earned a master's degree in business administration from the University of South Florida.

Dr. Antonucci serves as the Chair of Florida Hospital Association Board of Directors, the Vice Chair of Safety Net Hospital Alliance of Florida Board of Directors, the America’s Essential Hospitals Political Action Committee Board of Directors, the Florida Gulf Coast University Board of Trustees and Foundation Board, and the LeeSar Board of Directors.

Dr. Antonucci is a Diplomate of the American College of Physician Executives and the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology, as well as a Fellow with the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology. He is a member of the American Fertility Society, Lee County Medical Society and Florida Medical Society. He chaired the Horizon Council of Lee County in 2016.

Current Appointment Term: February 28, 2025 – January 6, 2030

Dr. Larry Antonucci
9800 S. HealthPark Drive, Suite 405
Fort Myers, FL 33908

Trustee Richard P. Eide, Jr. was born in Cleveland OH in 1947, educated at Williams College (BA in American History, 1968), and served in the United States Marine Corps.

In 34 years at J.P. Morgan and Co., Inc., New York NY, he managed the Municipal Bond Department, managed trading and underwriting for the U.S. Treasury, Federal Agency, Fixed-income Futures, and Derivatives markets, and worked in Institutional Sales, primarily with hedge funds. He retired from Morgan in 2003. In 2009, he helped the principals to found Pierpont Securities, Stamford CT (today called Amherst Pierpont Securities) where he worked until 2013.

Mr. Eide married Lulie Simmons Pierpont of Worcester MA in 1969. They lived in Short Hills NJ until 2002 when they moved to Naples. Their four children and nine grandchildren are regular visitors to SW Florida. Mrs. Eide was a fifth-grade teacher at Peck School, Morristown NJ and the Board Chair at Kent Place School, Summit NJ and Miss Porter’s School, Farmington CT.

The Eides remain residents of Naples and spend summers in Harbor Springs, MI. 

Current Appointment Term: February 22, 2023 – January 6, 2028

Mr. Richard Eide, Jr. (Vice Chair)
1221 Gulf Shore Blvd. N., Apt. 601
Naples, FL 34102

Trustee Paul V. Applegarth is the Chief Executive Officer of Value Enhancement International, an international investment and consulting firm.  The Honorable Applegarth has over forty years of experience in emerging markets and private equity transactions.  He has held leadership positions in the private, public, and not-for-profit sectors, and much of his work has been marked by his ability to bring private sector techniques to solve public sector problems.

Hon. Applegarth was the founding CEO of the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), the United States government agency created to transform development aid. Prior to that, Hon. Applegarth was the Founding Managing Director and Chief Operating Officer of the Emerging Africa Infrastructure Fund, a successful and innovative public-private partnership established by the U.K. and three other European governments to invest in new private sector infrastructure.

Hon. Applegarth was Managing Director at Emerging Markets Partnership, an asset management firm that specialized in emerging market private equity investments from 1994 to 2003. Earlier in his career, he held several positions with the World Bank and the International Finance Corporation.  He has served on numerous private and non-profit sector boards, as chairman and/or director, including: the U.S. State Department’s Africa Policy Advisory Panel, the United States’ Overseas Private Investment Corporation’s Advisory Board for Africa, Save the Children’s Newborn and Child Nutrition Council, and several private sector boards.

Hon. Applegarth’s publications include “Capital Market and Financial Sector Development in Sub-Saharan Africa,” Center for Strategic and International Studies, 2004; “A Commentary on The Millennium Challenge Account,” CSIS “Africa Notes,” May 2003; “The Ten Golden Rules for Emerging Market Investment,” Philippines, 1994; and “The Case for Regional Compacts,” Center for American Progress, 2014.

Hon. Applegarth is a graduate of Yale University and Harvard Law School and earned an M.B.A. with High Distinction from Harvard Business School where he was a Baker Scholar.  He is a combat-decorated Vietnam veteran.  He and his wife, Dr. Linda Applegarth, have two daughters and three grandchildren.  He continues to be a loyal fan of the Atlanta Braves.

Current Appointment Term: May 8, 2024 – January 6, 2028

Honorable Paul V. Applegarth 
c/o Office of Board Relations
Florida Gulf Coast University
10501 FGCU Boulevard South
Fort Myers, FL 33965-6565

Trustee James Drzymala was born and raised in Point Pleasant, New Jersey, and later relocated to Florida to pursue a career in law enforcement. He served for 30 years with the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, retiring in 2024. Throughout his distinguished career, he held a wide range of  assignments, including patrolman, detective, and major crimes detective. He advanced through the ranks, serving as sergeant over patrol and investigations; lieutenant over patrol operations, major crimes, traffic, and special details; Investigations and Patrol Bureau watch commander; assistant district commander; and agency incident commander during several large-scale planned events and natural disasters. During his tenure, Trustee Drzymala received numerous awards and citations in recognition of his service to the agency and the community. He attained the rank of captain and was promoted to commander upon his retirement.

Highly active in the community, Trustee Drzymala serves on the board of directors for the Abuse Counseling and Treatment (ACT) organization, which works to protect, support, and educate victims of domestic violence and survivors of sexual assault and human trafficking in Lee, Hendry, and Glades Counties. He also serves on the board of directors for the Southwest Florida Safety Council, an organization dedicated to promoting safety in industry, at home, on the highway, and in public spaces. The Council provides DUI support classes, driver safety programs, and treatment referrals for individuals convicted of DUI and has served Southwest Florida since 1964.

Trustee Drzymala holds an undergraduate degree in Criminal Justice from Edison Community College (now Florida SouthWestern State College) and a graduate degree in Public Administration from Barry University.

Current Appointment Term: January 8, 2026 – January 6, 2031

Mr. James Drzymala
c/o Office of Board Relations
Florida Gulf Coast University
10501 FGCU Boulevard South
Fort Myers, FL 33965-6565

Trustee Joseph G. Fogg III is the retired Chairman and CEO of Westbury Capital Partners L.L.C., a Long Island based late stage venture capital firm. Trustee Fogg founded Westbury in 1990. Mr. Fogg began his career on Wall Street at Morgan Stanley & Co., Inc. following his graduation from Harvard Business School in 1970. He retired as a Senior Managing Director and member of the Management Committee at Morgan Stanley in 1994. While at Morgan Stanley, Mr. Fogg served in various capacities, including founding member and head of the Mergers and Acquisitions Department; the Corporate Finance Department; and ultimately as head of Morgan Stanley’s worldwide investment banking operations. As head of Morgan Stanley’s 1,000-person Investment Banking Division, he oversaw the operations of 16 offices on four continents.

In 1990, Mr. Fogg founded Princes Gate Investors L.P., a $750 million private equity investment partnership managed by Morgan Stanley. He currently serves as an Advisory Director of Morgan Stanley.

In addition to being a member of the FGCU Board of Trustees, Mr. Fogg is also Chair of the FGCU Audit and Compliance Committee.

Mr. Fogg is a past President and Director of The Forum Club of Naples, a past Director of The Yale Club of Southwest Florida and a past member of the Yale Development Board. He is Chairman of the City of Naples Citizens’ Police Review Board. He was a Director of the Yale University Art Gallery and the Trust for the National Mall (DC) for many years. He is a graduate of the Greater Naples Leadership Masters Class XX.

Long active in Republican politics, Mr. Fogg served as National Finance Chairman of Robert Dole for President in 1988, National Vice Chairman of Phil Gramm for President in 1994, and Finance Chairman of the New York State Republican Party and Florida Finance Chairman for Rudy Giuliani for President and Newt Gingrich for President.  He also was actively involved in the Florida campaign of Marco Rubio for President and Ron DeSantis for Governor.

Mr. Fogg earned his B.A. in Economics from Yale College in 1968 where he was a member of the Fence Club and his MBA from the Harvard Business School in 1970, where he was a George F. Baker Scholar. 

He presently resides in Naples, FL and Seal Harbor, ME with his wife Leslie Kirk Solbert Fogg. He has three grown children and five grandchildren.

Current Appointment Term: January 8, 2026 – January 6, 2031

Mr. Joseph Fogg III
c/o Office of Board Relations
Florida Gulf Coast University
10501 FGCU Boulevard South
Fort Myers, FL 33965-6565

Trustee Robert Brian Krampen Jr. currently serves as the 29th Student Body President at Florida Gulf Coast University, representing student voices on the FGCU Board of Trustees. Mr. Krampen previously served as a senator for the College of Arts and Sciences as well as chief of staff for FGCU's Student Government. During his time in Student Government, he served on university committees like the Internal Communications Committee, Staff Advisory Council, and Parking Appeals Board. Mr. Krampen is in his third year at FGCU, studying political science with minors in real estate and global studies. After graduating, Mr. Krampen plans to serve as an officer in the United States Navy.

Current Appointment Term: April 1, 2026 - March 31, 2027

Mr. Robert Krampen
President, FGCU Student Government
Florida Gulf Coast University
10501 FGCU Blvd. South
Fort Myers, FL 33965-6565

Trustee Derek Lura was elected as the FGCU Faculty Senate President in spring 2025. He joined the FGCU Bioengineering program in 2013 as an assistant professor, was promoted to associate professor in 2019 and then full professor in 2024. He received his Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of South Florida (USF) in 2012. Prior to joining FGCU, Dr. Lura was a post-doctoral fellow at the USF Center for Assistive, Rehabilitation, and Robotics Technologies (CARRT), and helped coordinate research activities at the Rehabilitation Robotics and Prosthetics Testbed.

Dr. Lura is dedicated to teaching, research, and shared governance. He believes that integrating high-impact pedagogy and forming relationships with his students is critical to student success. His primary research interests are in biomechanics, mechtronics, rehabilitation, prosthetics, and robotics. He works hard to engage undergraduate students in all aspects of his research projects. His research projects include but are not limited to; robotic methods modeling and predicting human motion, the functional evaluation of a variety of prosthetic devices, design of novel devices to improve or assist mobility, as well as the design of solar powered and mechatronic systems for sustainable agriculture. His goal is to increase the health and mobility of individuals to enable them to live happy, and independent lifestyles.

Current Appointment Term: August 7, 2025 - August 6, 2026

Dr. Derek Lura
c/o Office of Board Relations
Florida Gulf Coast University
10501 FGCU Boulevard South
Fort Myers, FL 33965-6565

Trustee Sarah Parshall Perry is vice president and senior legal fellow at Defending Education.

Before coming to Defending Education, Ms. Parshall Perry served as Senior Legal Fellow for the Edwin Meese III Center for Legal and Judicial Studies, part of the Institute for Constitutional Government at the Heritage Foundation, where her work centered on civil rights and constitutional law.   

Trustee Parshall Perry joined Heritage after serving as Senior Counsel to the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights at the U.S. Department of Education where she focused on policy reform, technical guidance, and the Office for Civil Rights’ (OCR) annual report to Congress. While at OCR, she was appointed by the Acting Assistant Secretary to co-chair the Employment Engagement, Diversity, & Inclusion Council and, in coordination with the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Enforcement oversee the hiring of dozens of attorneys for OCR’s 12 regional offices nationwide. Prior to her tenure at the Department of Education, she spent six years at the Family Research Council in Washington, D.C. where she was Senior Fellow for Education Reform and later, became the regular substitute host for the “Washington Watch” radio show. Her work at the Family Research Council also included the building and oversight of multiple policy coalitions geared toward the fight against antisemitism in academia, curbing tech censorship, and protecting religious liberty.

Before joining FRC, Ms. Parshall Perry was in-house counsel and director of development for a Baltimore advertising agency, providing management of all new business transactions from pitch to contract execution for the multi-million-dollar enterprise. She began her practice at the litigation firm of Simms Showers, LLP where her work included Title VII employment discrimination, maritime/admiralty, and False Claims Act (“Qui Tam”) law. Sarah has a law degree from the University of Virginia School of Law, where she was an editor of the Virginia Journal of International Law, a recipient of the American Jurisprudence award, a Phi Delta Phi honor society member, and a student practitioner in the appellate litigation clinic where she argued before the 4th Circuit Court of Appeals. She holds a B.S. in Journalism with honors from Liberty University.

Trustee Parshall Perry is called regularly to testify before Congress on issues pertaining to education, civil rights, and the judiciary. Her commentary and analysis have appeared in media outlets across the country, including the AP, BBC, Fox News, NPR, The Hill, Washington Post, Washington Times, and the New York Times. She is the mother of three children, and the author of as many books on the trials and triumphs of parenting children on the autism spectrum. Sarah is the chair of the Federalist Society's Education law practice group, and a member of the Kirkpatrick Society at the American Enterprise Institute. She and her children make their home in Arlington, Virginia.  

Current Appointment Term:  December 12, 2025 – January 6, 2030

Ms. Sarah Parshall Perry
c/o Office of Board Relations
Florida Gulf Coast University
10501 FGCU Boulevard South
Fort Myers, FL 33965-6565

Trustee Robbie Roepstorff is a founder and President of Edison National Bank and Bank of the Islands in Fort Myers/Sanibel Island. She is the principal representative and spokesperson of the institution and is a member of the bank’s board of directors and holding company.

Ms. Roepstorff’s extensive list of community involvement includes director and past president of the American Heart Association; director and past president of the Foundation for Lee County Public Schools; voting member and past president of Horizon Council and its Foundation; Commissioner appointed member of Lee County Industrial Development Authority and Airports Special Management Committee/Lee County Port Authority.  In service to the State of Florida, she was appointed as Commissioner to the Florida Transportation Commission from 1997 to 1999. Ms. Roepstorff is currently Chair of the Board of Trustees for the Southwest Florida Community Foundation.

Trustee Roepstorff previously served two terms on the Florida Gulf Coast University Board of Trustees from January 2010 to January 2020, including holding the offices of Chair, and Vice Chair, as well as chairing various committees.

In addition to her community involvement, Ms. Roepstorff has received numerous awards for her community service, including the 2014 Horizon Council Lifetime Achievement Award; 2012 Lifetime Award by the Uncommon Friends Foundation; 2010 Florida Bankers Association Banker of the Year; 2008 Paulette Burton Lee County Citizen of the Year Award presented by the Board of County Commissioners; 2004 University of North Alabama Alumnus of the Year Award; and the 2002 ATHENA Award.

Ms. Roepstorff earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Sociology/Political Science from the University of North Alabama.

Current Appointment Term:  February 28, 2025 - January 6, 2030

Ms. Robbie Roepstorff
c/o Office of Board Relations
Florida Gulf Coast University
10501 FGCU Boulevard South
Fort Myers, FL 33965-6565

Current Appointment Term:  January 7, 2026 - January 6, 2031

Mr. Bob Rommel 
c/o Office of Board Relations
Florida Gulf Coast University
10501 FGCU Boulevard South
Fort Myers, FL 33965-6565

Trustee Henry Saad is a retired judge and former chief judge of the Michigan Court of Appeals. He serves as special counsel in Plunkett Cooney’s Appellate Law Practice Group. Mr. Saad leverages his years of experience and legal counsel to the members of the appellate group who represent clients in litigation across the country. He also executes day-to-day responsibilities for a variety of multimillion dollar cases focused on complex business litigation in areas ranging from automotive to antitrust to complex contract and intellectual property. During his over 40-year legal career, Trustee Saad’s experience includes 20 years in private practice where he built a national reputation as a leading attorney specializing in complex drug liability litigation, media and libel law, labor and employment law and school law. During his career as a lawyer and his tenure on the Michigan Court of Appeals, Mr. Saad taught evidence, ethics and labor law for over 40 years as an adjunct professor at Wayne State University Law School and University of Detroit Mercy Law School.

In 1994, former Gov. John Engler appointed Mr. Saad to the Michigan Court of Appeals, a role he held for 23 years, including a term as Chief Judge of the Michigan Court of Appeals. During his tenure, Mr. Saad served on the Governor's Task Force for Abused Children and also served as the Chair of the appellate court's Education Committee. Mr. Saad was nominated to the federal district court by President George H.W. Bush and to the U. S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit Court by President George W. Bush. Mr. Saad retired from the appellate court in 2017. In addition, while practicing law, Mr. Saad served as a hearing referee for the Michigan Department of Civil Rights, and he served as an arbitrator for the Michigan Employment Relations Commission.

Current Appointment Term:  May 15, 2025 – January 6, 2030

Mr. Henry Saad

c/o Office of Board Relations
Florida Gulf Coast University
10501 FGCU Boulevard South
Fort Myers, FL 33965-6565

Trustee Sandy Stilwell Youngquist is the chief executive officer (CEO) and owner of Stilwell Enterprises & Restaurant Group, a hospitality and commercial real estate company in Southwest Florida, which includes seven restaurants and inns and three shopping centers located in Captiva Island, Fort Myers and Boca Grande. She has been self-employed since the age of 17. The businesses owned by Ms. Youngquist include Keylime Bistro (Captiva Island, Boca Grande and SWFL International Airport); RC Otters Island Eats; Sunshine Seafood Cafe & Wine Bar; Cantina Captiva; Latte da Coffee & Gifts; Rico Suave Food Truck; Celebration Center Captiva; Captiva Village Square and Paradise Center of Captiva.

Ms. Youngquist serves on the Board of Directors of Gulf Coast Business Bank in Ft. Myers and is a former director and organizing member of Florida Shores Bank, a $400 million state bank acquired by Stonegate Bank and now part of Centennial Bank. She is the author of Resilient Spirit, a book on entrepreneurship, which is available through Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Books-A-Million.

Ms. Youngquist is a trustee and past president of Southwest Florida (SWFL) Children’s Charities (SWFL Wine Fest), which has generated more than $30 million in charitable support, including significant contributions to Golisano Children’s Hospital. She also co-chaired a fundraising campaign for the Henry Chapin Food Bank that raised more than $1 million net in support of hunger relief efforts in SWFL. She serves on the executive boards of Hope Hospice and Habitat for Humanity of Lee and Hendry Counties and is a member of the Board of Directors of Chapters Health System, the nation’s largest nonprofit hospice healthcare organization.

Ms. Youngquist also serves on the executive board of The Horizon Foundation, where she chairs the Edison Awards Committee, and has served on the boards of Junior Achievement of SWFL, the Lee Health Foundation (chair of development) and the Advisory Editorial Board of Gulfshore Life magazine. She is a member of the Captiva Community Panel and serves on the advisory boards of FGCU’s School of Resort & Hospitality Management and Florida Southwestern State College’s Daveler Entrepreneur Institute.

Ms. Youngquist was part of Resilient Lee, a regional task force charged with developing a hurricane resiliency strategy for Lee County following Hurricane Ian. She chaired the Planning and Capacity Branch which helped fulfill requirements necessary to secure $1.2 billion in federal HUD funding.

Ms. Youngquist’s long record of service includes leadership roles within the Ronald McDonald House Charities of SWFL, where she co-chaired the organization’s expansion campaign in 2020 and previously served as president after helping establish the original facility in 1996. She has also served as president of the Salvation Army of Lee, Hendry, and Glades Counties and was a trustee for 15 years at International College, which later became Hodges University. Additional service includes the Horizon Council of Lee County, the Sanibel-Captiva and Greater Fort Myers Chambers of Commerce, Florida Repertory Theatre, Players Circle Theater, the Junior League of Lee County, the Lee County School District Advisory Council and Pace Center for Girls where she most recently served on the National Board of Trustees for Florida, Georgia and South Carolina.

Ms. Youngquist’s honors include the Community Impact Award from the Community Foundation, the Lifetime Achievement Award from Gulfshore Business magazine and induction into the Junior Achievement Hall of Fame in 2017. She has also received the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association’s Humanitarian of the Year Award, Gulfshore Life’s Men and Women of the Year Award, Philanthropist of the Year, the Senator’s Pride Award, the Junior League of Fort Myers Community Service Award, and the Sanibel-Captiva Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year Award.

Current Appointment Term:  January 7, 2026 - January 6, 2031

Ms. Sandy Stilwell Youngquist
16120 San Carlos Boulevard, Suite 10A
Fort Myers, FL 33908

Trustee Douglas VanOort is the former chairman and chief executive officer (CEO) of NeoGenomics, Inc., having served in that role for twelve years prior to his retirement as CEO in early 2021.  NeoGenomics Inc. (NASDAQ:NEO) is a premier cancer diagnostic, pharma services, and information services company serving oncologists, pathologists, pharmaceutical companies and academic centers in their pursuit of providing better futures for people living with cancer.  NeoGenomics is headquartered in Fort Myers FL. with laboratories in the United States and Europe.  Under his leadership, the company grew from approximately $20 million to nearly $500 million in revenue, increased its employee count from about 100 to over 1,800, grew its market capitalization from approximately $25 million to over $5 billion and became a NASDAQ listed company.

From 2018 to 2021, Mr. VanOort also served as chair of the American Clinical Laboratory Association (ACLA), the national trade organization representing many of the largest laboratories across the country.  ACLA is the clinical laboratory industry’s leading advocate providing effective communication with Congress, regulatory bodies, other healthcare organizations and the public. 

Mr. VanOort currently is a founder and co-owner of a growing privately-held chain of retail hardware stores, currently with fifteen locations throughout Florida, and employing approximately 500 people.

Prior to his role at NeoGenomics, Mr. VanOort was general partner of a private equity firm and founding managing partner of a venture-capital firm.  He previously served in various executive positions at Corning Incorporated and its spin-off company, Quest Diagnostics, Inc.  He was senior vice president of operations for Quest Diagnostics, executive vice president of Corning Life Sciences Inc., and held a variety of executive positions at Corning.  Prior to Corning, he worked at Peat, Marwick, Mitchell & Co. in Boston, Massachusetts.

Mr. VanOort currently serves as a member of the board of directors of several non-profit organizations in Southwest Florida.  He currently serves as chair of the FGCU Foundation Board of Directors.  He also serves as a member of the board of directors of Artis-Naples, the premier center for the arts in Southwest Florida. 

Mr. VanOort also currently serves as a member of the board of directors of Freenome, a private biotechnology company focused on developing blood tests to detect cancer early and make screening accessible for everyone. 

He has four adult children, is a graduate of Bentley University, and resides in Naples, FL. 

Current Appointment Term: January 8, 2026 - January 6, 2031

Mr. Doug VanOort
c/o Office of Board Relations
Florida Gulf Coast University
10501 FGCU Boulevard South
Fort Myers, FL 33965-6565

April 14, 2026

The FGCU Board of Trustees met Tuesday. This email is meant to highlight key topics discussed during the meeting that students, faculty and staff may be interested in knowing.

• The extension of President Aysegul Timur’s employment agreement was unanimously approved, extending her contract to June 2027. With the board’s approval, the item now moves to the Florida Board of Governors (BOG) for final approval in June.
• FGCU’s 2026 Accountability Plan was approved by Trustees. It includes the progress of FGCU’s three areas of expertise (health span; resort, golf and hospitality management; and The Water School), an update on the graduation rate improvement plan, a multi-year enrollment plan, among others. The plan now moves to the Florida Board of Governors (BOG) for approval in June.
• Trustees approved naming Academic Building 10 as “Marieb Hall South” and adding “North” to the existing Marieb Hall name. The naming is in recognition of the Elaine Nicpon Marieb Charitable Foundation’s historic gift of more than $22 million to the Marieb College Health & Human Services. 
• Trustees approved updates to FGCU Regulation 3.002, Honorary Degrees, which includes streamlining the degree approval process, conducting background checks on recipients and revoking the honor if a recipient later engages in misconduct.
• A new degree program – Master of Arts (M.A.) in Higher Education Student Affairs Administration – was approved by Trustees. It will be identified as a program of strategic emphasis.
• The 2026 Employee Code of Ethical Conduct was approved by Trustees. It serves as a foundational guide for ethical and professional behavior for all FGCU employees.
• FGCU awarded resolutions of appreciation to former members of the Board of Trustees, including:
• Gianna Ihuoma: outgoing student body president, served during the 2025-26 term.
• Leo Montgomery: appointed September 2016 and served until January 2026.
• Edward Morton: appointed June 2001 and served until January 2008, re-appointed March 2010 and served until January 2013, and re-appointed again January 2020 and served until January 2026. He was vice chair from 2005 to 2007 and 2022 to 2024.
• Luis Rivera: appointed March 2022 and served until October 2025.
• Peter Sulick: appointed March 2022 and served until January 2026.
• Michael Wynn: appointed March 2022 and served until January 2026. He was chair from 2024 to 2025.

The presentations/handouts from the meeting are available online, and minutes will be posted online to the BOT website by Tuesday, April 28. The next meeting of the FGCU Board of Trustees is June 9.

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February 12, 2026

The FGCU Board of Trustees met Thursday. This email is meant to highlight key topics discussed during the meeting that students, faculty and staff may be interested in knowing.

• Trustees approved the naming of Academic Building 9 as Margaret Antonier Hall, honoring a $10 million philanthropic commitment. The funds will create an endowment to benefit The Water School.
• Trustees participated in a Student Success Workshop, which covered the following topics:
• FGCU’s current initiatives and outcomes on its continuous improvement for student success, including its “Culture of Care” model, technology and data integration, the Wings Up For Student Success platform and the gateway course coordinator initiative.
• An overview of the current Performance-Based Funding (PBF) model and performance and the revised PBF 2.0 model that goes into effect in 2027. Key changes discussed include several new metrics, revised methodology and the new Metric 10 (percent of bachelor’s degree completers with internships), which has been approved by the Florida Board of Governors.
• Future initiatives for improving student success, including a strategic enrollment plan that resets the enrollment target number and academic profile for incoming students. New technology and data projects, curriculum alignment with programs of strategic emphasis and plans to increase internships were also discussed.
• Chair Larry Antonucci was delegated the authority to negotiate the terms of a potential extension of President Aysegul Timur’s employment contract, which expires June 30. A proposed final contract will be presented to the full Board of Trustees at the April 14 meeting for review.
• Trustees also approved the following documents:
• 2025 FGCU Student Success Plan Monitoring Report
• FGCU Performance-Based Funding Data Integrity Audit

The presentations/handouts from the meeting are available online, and minutes will be posted online to the BOT website by Thursday, February 26. The next meeting of the FGCU Board of Trustees is April 14.

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January 13, 2026

The FGCU Board of Trustees met Tuesday in the Cohen Student Union Ballroom. This email is meant to highlight key topics discussed during the meeting that students, faculty and staff may be interested in knowing. The full agenda can be viewed online.

• The enhanced FGCU dashboard on performance metrics was presented to Trustees. The dashboard now includes a real-time view of progress made on the key performance indicators (KPIs) for each goal in FGCU’s strategic plan. Trustees will participate in a workshop this spring to discuss the data and updates to the performance-based funding model.
• Trustees reviewed and approved proposed changes to Metric 10 of the State University System of Florida’s performance-based funding model. The metric (percent of bachelor’s degree completers with internships) will now be submitted to the Florida Board of Governors for consideration to replace the current metric (the number of bachelor's degrees awarded to Hispanic and African American students).
• As required per state statute, Trustees directed FGCU to begin the membership application process with the Higher Learning Commission. FGCU is currently accredited through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) and was deemed 100% compliant with no recommendations during the 2025 decennial reaffirmation process.
• Trustees approved a resolution to award Brian Rist, the founder of Storm Smart, with an Honorary Doctor of Laws degree from FGCU, during spring commencement in May.
• President Timur announced that FGCU has been recognized by the American Council on Education and the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching with a Community Engagement Classification.

• FGCU recognized newly appointed members of the Board of Trustees:
• Jim Drzymala was appointed in January by Gov. Ron DeSantis for a term ending January 6, 2031.
• Joseph Fogg III was reappointed in January by Gov. Ron DeSantis for a term ending January 6, 2031.
• Sarah Parshall Perry was appointed in December by the Florida Board of Governors for a term ending January 6, 2030.
• Bob Rommel was appointed in December by the Florida Board of Governors for a term ending January 6, 2031.
• Sandy Stilwell Youngquist was appointed in December by the Florida Board of Governors for a term ending January 6, 2031.
• Douglas VanOort was appointed in January by Gov. Ron DeSantis for a term ending January 6, 2031.
• Dr. Larry Antonucci was voted in as chair of the Board of Trustees, with Trustee Richard Eide, Jr. continuing on as vice chair. They will remain officers until 2028.
• President Timur announced that the groundbreaking for Academic Building 10 and FGCU’s employee housing project, Eagle View Village, will take place this year. Details will be announced at a later date.
• Trustees held a celebratory luncheon for faculty members and academic advisors who earned promotions during the 2024-25 academic cycle. Photos of the luncheon will be published online through the Inside FGCU employee newsletter on February 3.

The presentations/handouts from the meeting are available online, and minutes will be posted to the BOT website by Tuesday, January 27. The next meeting of the FGCU Board of Trustees is February 12. 

January 10, 2025

The Audit and Compliance Committee (ACC) of the FGCU Board of Trustees met Thursday morning. This email is meant to highlight key topics discussed during the meeting that students, faculty and staff may be interested in knowing. Click here to view the full agenda.  

FGCU’s direct support organizations must conduct an annual audit of its accounts and records by an independent certified public accountant. The ACC accepted the following documents:   

• Florida Gulf Coast University Financing Corporation Independent Auditor's Report 
• Florida Gulf Coast University Foundation, Inc. Independent Auditor's Report 

The full audit reports can be found in the agenda packet and will be recommended for final approval at the January 14 Board of Trustees meeting. 

Minutes will be posted online to the BOT website by January 23.  

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January 16, 2025

The FGCU Board of Trustees met Tuesday in the Cohen Student Union Ballroom. This email is meant to highlight key topics discussed during the meeting that students, faculty and staff may be interested in knowing. Click here to view the full agenda. 

• An update was provided on the Student Success Plan. Deliverables for the four areas with the greatest potential for improvement include:   
• Four-year graduation rate for first-time-in-college (FTIC) students: Decreasing class size, increasing course seat availability, adopting 24/7 online tutoring, enhancing Early Alert and creating case management 
• Three-year graduation rate for associate in arts (AA) transfer students: Working with Florida colleges, such as Florida SouthWestern State College, to consider specialized AA transfer degree option, and increasing sections and course seat availability at FGCU.  
• Six-year graduation rate for Federal Pell Grant recipients: Increasing timely filing of accurate Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) applications, outreach to students from rural counties and/or from low-income backgrounds, increasing professional development for faculty/staff, implementing Canvas resources and utilizing Slate software.  
• Academic progress rate: Using predictive models to create interventions, fully utilizing Canvas, enhancing Early Alert and case management, and investing in strategic hiring.  
• The new FGCU Score Card Dashboard was presented to Trustees. This dashboard highlights, in real time, how FGCU is doing campus-wide in relation to performing-based funding metrics and other key performance indicators. The dashboard will be available for FGCU faculty and staff to view in the coming weeks.  
• The Water School shared information on its state-funded water quality projects it has been working on since 2023, including its in-depth investigation into how natural and human activities contribute to higher nutrient levels impacting water quality across Florida. The project serves as a cost-benefit analysis tool for decision makers on the best return of investment on tax-payer dollars when addressing and investing in water quality issues. 
• The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) review team is visiting campus the week of February 24-27. The review is part of FGCU’s Decennial Reaffirmation of Accreditation, and the team is charged with verifying compliance with the Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP). As part of this process, the team will engage with members of the FGCU Board of Trustees, faculty, staff and students. 
• Trustees approved a resolution to award Michael Swindle, the superintendent of Hendry County Schools, with an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters Degree from FGCU. 
• Vice President for University Advancement Kitty Green announced FGCU Give Day 2025 is taking place March 26 – 27.It has been consolidated with the traditional employee appeal. 

All PowerPoints and handouts from the meeting are available online, and minutes will be posted online to the BOT website by Tuesday, January 28. The next meeting of the Board of Trustees is February 13.  

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February 14, 2025

The FGCU Board of Trustees met virtually Thursday. This email is meant to highlight key topics discussed during the meeting that students, faculty and staff may be interested in knowing. Click here to view the full agenda. 

• Trustees approved the final report of the student success plan, which will be presented to the Florida Board of Governors (BOG) in March. The report synthesizes the deliverables identified for improving FGCU’s performance on three graduation metrics (4, 9a, 9b) as well as academic progress (metric 5). The report outlines the strategies aligned with each objective of the plan, and it highlights our preliminary improvements, such as: 

o    Metric 5: The academic progress rate increasing from 78.8% to 80.4% 

o    Metric 4: The four-year graduation rate for first-time college students increasing to 45.4% after three consecutive years at 42%  

o    Metric 9a: The three-year graduation rate for students who transfer to FGCU with an associate of arts (AA) degree increasing from 57.5% to 59.5% 

o    Metric 9b: The six-year graduation rate increasing from 51.7% to 52.7% 

• Trustees also approved the following documents:  

o    Performance-Based Funding Data Integrity Audit  

o    A memorandum of understanding between the FGCU Board of Trustees and the FGCU Financing Corporation 

o    A memorandum of understanding between the FGCU Board of Trustees and the FGCU Foundation 

Minutes will be posted online to the BOT website by Thursday, February 27. The next meeting of the FGCU Board of Trustees is Tuesday, April 8.

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March 21, 2025

The Audit and Compliance Committee (ACC) of the FGCU Board of Trustees met Thursday morning. This email is meant to highlight key topics discussed during the meeting that students, faculty and staff may be interested in knowing. Click here to view the full agenda.  

The ACC approved the following documents: 

• Florida Gulf Coast University Audited Financial Statements for the Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2024 – Financial statements fairly demonstrate FGCU’s financial position.  

• Florida Gulf Coast University Athletics National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA) Report for the Year ended June 30, 2024 – Presents the results of the agreed upon procedures required by the NCAA that show the financial activities for the FGCU Athletic department and ensures the accuracy of the information submitted for sports sponsorships, Federal Pell Grants and grants-in-aid.  

• WGCU Public Media Audit Report for the Years Ended June 30, 2024, and June 30, 2023 – Financial statements fairly demonstrate WGCU’s financial position. 
• 2024 Annual Compliance Report – Demonstrates FGCU’s comprehensive compliance and ethics program accomplishments, including compliance partner reports and upcoming initiatives.  

The full audit reports can be found in the agenda packet and will be recommended for final approval at the April 8, Board of Trustees meeting. 

Minutes will be posted online to the BOT website by April 3.  

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April 10, 2025

The FGCU Board of Trustees met Tuesday in Academic Building 9. This email is meant to highlight key topics discussed during the meeting that students, faculty and staff may be interested in knowing. Click here to view the full agenda.

• FGCU recognized newly appointed and outgoing members of the Board of Trustees, including:
• Dr. Larry Antonucci, who was appointed February 28, by Gov. Ron DeSantis. Trustee Antonucci is the president and chief executive officer of Lee Health.

• • Robbie Roepstorff, who was reappointed February 28, by Gov. Ron Desantis. Trustee Roepstorff is the founder and president of Edison National Bank and Bank of the Islands.
  • Gianna Ihuoma, the Student Body President for the 2025-26 term, was appointed as the student representative on the board.
  • Ryan Kaczynski, outgoing Student Body President, received a resolution of appreciation for his service as a member of the Board of Trustees for the 2024-25 term.

• Trustees approved FGCU’s 2025 accountability plan, which demonstrates how the university is going to support the new strategic plan for the State University System of Florida (SUS).  FGCU’s plan now moves to the Florida Board of Governors (BOG) for final approval.

• A new degree program – Master of Business Administration in Business Analytics – was approved by the Trustees. It will be identified as a program of strategic emphasis.

• To comply with BOG regulations, Trustees approved FGCU Regulation 3.003, Textbook and Instructional Materials Adoption, Affordability and Transparency. The regulation requires all faculty and instructors to review course material and attest each semester that the contents are appropriate for the course.

• Trustees approved an amendment that clarifies how carryforward funds will be used for fiscal year 2024-25. Included in the update are the following purchases:
• Software and consultant support for Human Resources employee records 
• A new bus for campus tours
• Remodeling efforts at the Sugden Welcome Center
• Processing support for financial aid

• As a result of the board’s self-evaluation, Chair Michael Wynn announced that two of the board’s committees will now meet separately from the full board, similar to the Audit and Compliance Committee. He is also creating an ad-hoc committee related to the strategic plan and announced that a board workshop will be held in June. Here are the details of each initiative:
  • The Academic/Student/Faculty Affairs Committee (Chair: Trustee Robbie Roepstorff) - Will meet at least one week prior to regular full board meetings, beginning with the September meeting.
  • Finance, Facilities and Administration Committee (Chair: Trustee Dick Eide) - Will meet at least one week prior to regular full board meetings, beginning with the September meeting.  
  • The Strategic Plan Ad-Hoc Committee (Chair: Trustee Luis Rivera) - Meeting dates will be provided at the June meeting.
  • Student Success Workshop – Will include a robust conversation on student success and a thorough overview of the metrics that the university is accountable to the state as part of performance-based funding (PBF).  The workshop will take place the morning of June 10, the same date as the next board meeting.

All PowerPoints and handouts from the meeting are available online, and minutes will be posted online to the BOT website by Tuesday, April 22. The next meeting of the Board of Trustees is June 10.

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May 30, 2025

The Audit and Compliance Committee (ACC) of the FGCU Board of Trustees met virtually Thursday morning. This email is meant to highlight key topics discussed during the meeting that students, faculty and staff may be interested in knowing. Click here to view the full agenda. 

The ACC approved the following documents:

• Foreign Influence Audit – The audit evaluated FGCU’s compliance with the Board of Governors regulation related to gifts, contracts and interactions with foreign entities. The audit found areas for improvement in the submission, approval and documentation of travel requests. To address this, the university implemented proactive measures to enhance the oversight of international travel, including offering employee training sessions and putting in place additional layers of oversight in the approval system.
• State of Florida Compliance and Internal Controls Over Financial Reporting and Federal Awards Audit – The audit reviews the state’s financial statements and major federal award programs, including those associated with the State University System of Florida. FGCU had no current or prior findings. 

The full audit reports can be found in the agenda packet and will be recommended for final approval at the June 10 Board of Trustees meeting.

Minutes will be posted online to the BOT website by June 12.

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June 10, 2025

The FGCU Board of Trustees met Tuesday. This email is meant to highlight key topics discussed during the meeting that students, faculty and staff may be interested in knowing. Click here to view the full agenda. 

• Trustees participated in a Student Success Workshop, which focused on FGCU’s current state of performance-based funding (PBF) metrics performance and a summary of evaluations and recommendations from Dr. Ralph Wilcox, former executive vice president and provost of the University of South Florida (USF). The workshop featured a panel discussion with deans on academic and student success, as well as a review of deliverables, resources needed and accountability for the 2025-26 academic year. Ray Rodrigues, the chancellor of the State University System of Florida (SUS), provided remarks during the workshop. A copy of the workshop PowerPoint is attached to this email. 

• 47 faculty members and two academic advisors earned promotions during the 2024-25 academic cycle. They will be recognized and honored by the Trustees in the fall term. A full list of titles, units and departments for promoted faculty are available in the agenda packet, and their names appear in the attachment. 
• To better serve the workforce needs of the Southwest Florida hospitality industry and elevate partnerships in the region, a new major – bachelor of science in Hospitality & Tourism Management – was approved. The program will be offered through the Lutgert College of Business beginning in the fall semester. 
• Trustees approved changes to the following regulations related to parking on campus:  
  • Regulation 8.004, Decal and Permit Fees – Changes include an increase to the annual faculty/staff lot parking registration fee by $6, an increase to the faculty/staff reserved space parking registration fee by $27, and a one-time charge of $50 for a front license plate. The item now moves on to the Florida Board of Governors (BOG) for final approval.  
  • Regulation 8.005, Parking Guidelines – Changes include a new virtual parking permit system, and the enforced requirement for all vehicles parked on campus to park head-in.  
  • Regulation 8.006, Parking and Traffic Enforcement – Changes include a $75 fee for parking in a fire lane/or blocking a fire hydrant, and a $10 appeal fee, which will be refunded if the appeal is granted. The item now moves on to the Florida Board of Governors (BOG) for final approval.  
• FGCU has begun the process of preparing the mandatory five-year update of its 2020-30 Campus Master Plan, and Trustees were informed of the process and timeline that lies ahead. Staff, faculty, students and the greater community are encouraged to engage in the process by attending visioning workshops, informational meetings and public hearings which will be announced soon. A steering committee will also be formed for this project, and the topic will be part of a campus-wide town hall in the fall semester. As part of this campus master planning process, the university will also create a master plan for the university’s Buckingham property, ensuring it aligns with the 2024-29 strategic plan and complements the campus-wide master plan. 
• Trustees directed staff to move forward with FGCU’s workforce housing project, including submitting the proposal for review at the November meeting of the Florida Board of Governors (BOG). A detailed resolution for approval will be brought to the FGCU Trustees in September.  
• FGCU recognized new Trustee Henry W. Saad, who was appointed by the BOG in May for a term that ends January 6, 2030. Trustee Saad is a retired judge and former chief judge of the Michigan Court of Appeals.  
• Trustees participated in a closed executive session related to campus safety and security, under 1004.0962, Florida Statutes. 

All PowerPoints and handouts from the meeting are available online, and minutes will be posted online to the BOT website by Tuesday, June 24. The next meeting of the Board of Trustees is July 31. 

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August 1, 2025

The FGCU Board of Trustees met virtually Thursday. This email is meant to highlight key topics discussed during the meeting that students, faculty and staff may be interested in knowing. View the agenda here.  

Due to a technical failure during the meeting, only two action items were voted on by Trustees. A new meeting has been set for August 14 to discuss the remainder of the action items on the agenda.  

• Trustees approved FGCU's 2025-26 Linking Industry to Nursing Education (LINE) Fund Proposal. It outlines the partnership between FGCU's nursing program with Lee Health, Naples Comprehensive Healthcare (NCH) and the David Lawrence Centers. With a combined $1.35 million in funding, the funds will be used for scholarships, equipment, training and salary support.  
• Trustees approved a reduction in credit hours required to earn a bachelor of science in Construction Management, changing the requirement from 123 to 120 credit hours, along with elimination of the exception to the 120-credit hour requirement.  

• Additionally, Trustees were presented with an update on FGCU’s Student Housing Master Plan. The presentation included findings on market research, recommendations and potential timelines.  

The PowerPoint from the meeting is available online, and minutes will be posted to the BOT website by Thursday, August 14. The next regular meeting of the Board of Trustees is Tuesday, September 9.  

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August 15, 2025

The FGCU Board of Trustees met virtually Thursday. This email is meant to highlight key topics discussed during the meeting that students, faculty and staff may be interested in knowing. View the agenda here. 

• Trustees approved FGCU’s $24.2 million legislative budget request (LBR), a document that outlines the university’s 2026 funding requests to address the five goals of FGCU’s strategic plan, Innovating for Student Success: FGCU’s Journey to Excellence. The item now moves to the Florida Board of Governors (BOG) for final approval.  
• Trustees approved changes to two collective bargaining agreements: the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 195 and United Faculty of Florida – FGCU Chapter. Details can be found in the agenda packet. 

Minutes will be posted online to the BOT website by Thursday, August 28. The next meeting of the Board of Trustees is Tuesday, September 9.  

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August 21, 2025

The Audit and Compliance Committee (ACC) of the FGCU Board of Trustees met virtually Thursday morning. This email is meant to highlight key topics discussed during the meeting that students, faculty and staff may be interested in knowing. Click here to view the full agenda.   

The ACC approved the following documents:    

• Risk Assessment for 2025-26 Internal Audit Work Plan: Identifies and analyzes risks that face the university, including those that would prevent FGCU from achieving its objectives.  
• Office of Internal Audit Annual Report for 2024-25: Demonstrates that FGCU’s internal auditing office is operating as intended.   

The full audit reports can be found in the agenda packet. The approved items are recommended for final approval at the next FGCU Board of Trustees meeting, which is September 9.  

Minutes will be posted online to the BOT website by September 4.  

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September 11, 2025 

The FGCU Board of Trustees met Tuesday. This email is meant to highlight key topics discussed during the meeting that students, faculty and staff may be interested in knowing. View the agenda here. 

• Trustees approved the student success plan, which is being presented to the Florida Board of Governors (BOG) today. The plan emphasizes continued focus on academic progress and graduation rates to positively impact metrics 4, 5, 9a, and 9b, while also enhancing efforts around metrics 1 and 8. The plan outlines a university-wide approach to student care management with predictive analytics, artificial intelligence and coordinated enrollment planning to help support students more effectively. 
• Trustees approved FGCU’s Employee Housing Project proposal to be presented to the Florida Board of Governors (BOG) at the November meeting. This includes requesting approval for debt financing for the project. 
• Trustees approved a fee increase for Little Eagles Learning Center. This includes tuition rate adjustments and operational changes to address rising costs while maintaining high-quality care and educational opportunities. 
• Former State Representative Spencer Roach provided a report on the prospect of establishing a U.S. Army ROTC program at FGCU as part of the university’s military and veteran initiatives. This program would prepare students to become officers in the military while they earn a degree, and it would support the high number of JROTC graduates in Southwest Florida.  
• Trustees conducted an annual performance evaluation for President Aysegul Timur. Trustees agreed and approved that President Timur performed in an excellent manner for the 2024-2025 year and approved awarding 100% of her bonus potential. 
• Trustees approved carryforward funds for the 2025 fiscal year, which ended June 30. The money will support future facility maintenance, faculty recruitment and retention efforts, employee compensation and scholarship funding, among other areas.  
• Former FGCU Faculty Senate President Lyndsay Rhodes was presented with a resolution of appreciation for her service on the FGCU Board of Trustees for the years 2023-24 and 2024-25. 

All PowerPoints and handouts from the meeting are available online, and minutes will be posted online to the BOT website by Tuesday, Sept. 23. The next meeting of the Board of Trustees is Thursday, Oct. 23.  

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October 23, 2025

The FGCU Board of Trustees met virtually Thursday. This email is meant to highlight key topics discussed during the meeting that students, faculty and staff may be interested in knowing.

• Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Colin Hargis provided the board with updates on the university’s student-athletes and athletics program, including FGCU’s 18-point year-over-year increase in the National Collegiate Athletics Association’s (NCAA) Academic Progress Rate (APR), a metric tracking student-athlete eligibility and retention.
• Trustees discussed the process of vetting candidates for honorary degrees, and the topic will come up at a future board meeting.

Minutes will be posted online to the BOT website by Thursday, November 6. The next meeting of the FGCU Board of Trustees is December 11.

June 11, 2024

The FGCU Board of Trustees met Tuesday morning in the Cohen Student Union Ballroom. This email is meant to highlight key topics discussed during the meeting that students, faculty and staff may be interested in knowing. Click here to view the full agenda.

• FGCU’s first Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree program in Coastal Watershed Science and Policy was approved. This is a robust, research-intensive program that blends the topics of science and policy through The Water School. With the board’s approval, the item now moves on to the Florida Board of Governors (BOG) for final approval this fall.
• Trustees approved FGCU’s 2025 legislative budget request (LBR). This document outlines funding requests for more than $21.8 million in funding to address the five goals of the new strategic plan, Innovating for Student Success: FGCU’s Journey to Excellence.
• FGCU’s Foundation exceeded its annual fundraising goal and the $100 million “Ideas to Impact” campaign, a three-year fundraising initiative. Also, the President’s Circle for Excellence has grown to 41 members, raising $226,000 that will directly support the implementation of FGCU’s new strategic plan.
• An update was provided on the timeline for FGCU’s Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) Decennial Reaffirmation of Accreditation & Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP).
• FGCU is wrapping up its compliance report, which includes 74 standards in 14 topics. The report is due June 30. Leading this effort is Dr. Sangki Min, assistant vice president of Planning & Institutional Performance.
• The Quality Enhancement Plan, The Skills Advantage: From Campus to Career, is due January 15. It focuses on providing transferable skills to enhance FGCU’s four-year degree programs. It involves meeting the needs of regional employers and investing in faculty development. Dr. Glenn Whitehouse, professor, is directing this effort.
• The full SACSCOC review team is scheduled to visit campus the week of February 24-27.
• To better meet the needs of Southwest Florida veterans and their families, FGCU is discussing the possibility of creating a privately funded Veterans Center for Student Success on campus. The center will better serve the community and enhance the university’s direct support for enrolled veterans, their benefitted families and FGCU faculty and staff with military connections. The proposed initiative includes:
• Constructing a 65,000-square-foot veterans center near the FGCU Food Forest on the site where the Kleist Health Education Center currently exists.
• Expanding the work of Marieb College of Health & Human Services, including student internships and clinical opportunities in various programs, as well as research and clinical practice opportunities for faculty.
• Creating a U.S. Army ROTC program at FGCU.
• 48 faculty members and one academic advisor earned promotions during the 2023-24 academic cycle. They will be recognized at a Promotion and Grants Reception in September and honored by the BOT later in the fall term. A full list of titles, units and departments for promoted faculty are available in the agenda packet, and their names appear in the attachment.
• Trustees also approved changes to the following student-related documents:
• The Student Code of Conduct was updated with a new, informal process to speed up student hearings. Other updates were made to definitions and processes.
• Titles, Senate seat distribution, funding thresholds and other processes were updated in the Student Government Constitution.
• New definitions, clearer language and updated procedures are reflected in the Student Government Finance Code.

In other news, the university welcomed new Trustee Paul Applegarth, who was appointed May 8 by Gov. Ron DeSantis. Trustee Applegarth is the chief executive officer of Value Enhancement International.

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August 1, 2024 

The FGCU Board of Trustees met virtually this morning. This email is meant to highlight key topics discussed during the meeting that students, faculty and staff may be interested in knowing. Click here to view the full agenda.

• Trustees approved FGCU's 2024-2025 Linking Industry to Nursing Education (LINE) Fund Proposal. It outlines the partnership between FGCU's nursing program with Lee Health System and Naples Comprehensive Healthcare System (NCH). With a combined $1.1 million in funding, the funds will be used for scholarships, equipment, training and salary support.
• Trustees approved the 2024-2027 Collective Bargaining Agreement. The compensation agreement includes updates in appointments, promotions, salaries and leave. It now moves to the FGCU Chapter of The United Faculty of Florida for ratification next week.

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August 29, 2024

The Audit and Compliance Committee (ACC) of the FGCU Board of Trustees met virtually Thursday morning. This email is meant to highlight key topics discussed during the meeting that students, faculty and staff may be interested in knowing. Click here to view the full agenda.  

The ACC approved revisions, such as updates in names, job titles and regulations, to the following documents:  

• Audit and Compliance Committee Charter  

• Compliance Office Charter  

• Compliance and Ethics Program Plan  

• Office of Internal Audit Charter  

The ACC approved the following documents:   

• Office of Internal Audit Annual Report for 2023-24: Demonstrates that FGCU’s internal auditing office is operating as intended.   

• Risk Assessment Plan for 2024-25 Internal Audit Work Plan: Identifies the risks facing FGCU’s ability to achieve its objectives, such as funding limitations to retain and attract quality people, changing rules and requirements (such as from the legislature or Board of Governors), and expanded research activity, which increases the opportunity for non-compliance.  

• Construction: Academic Building 9 Audit: Demonstrates that the procedures involved in the construction activities, such as architect selection and construction management services, of Academic Building 9, home of The Water School, were conducted in accordance with statues, regulations and guidelines.   
• Post-Tenure Faculty Review Audit: In compliance with the requirement to review the performance of faculty with tenure, this document analyzes the post-tenure review process and procedures.   

The full audit reports can be found in the agenda packet. The approved items are recommended for final approval at its next FGCU Board of Trustees meeting, which is September 10.   

In addition to the approved items, Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Colin Hargis presented a report on the updated NCAA rule on Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) for college athletics. The PowerPoint presentation can be viewed online.  

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September 10, 2024 

The FGCU Board of Trustees met Tuesday in the Cohen Student Union Ballroom. This email is meant to highlight key topics discussed during the meeting that students, faculty and staff may be interested in knowing. Click here to view the full agenda. 

• Trustees approved the first phase of FGCU’s workforce housing project to build 70 units of villa-style homes and townhomes on undeveloped land the university already owns near West Lake Village and the Gulf Coast Town Center. The project would offer transitional, or short-term, housing opportunities for FGCU faculty and staff who would need to relocate to Southwest Florida. The full project would include about 200 units. As part of the vote, the Trustees authorized the following action steps:
• Hiring Soltura Development as development manager for Phase One of the project
• Creating a new Direct Support Organization (DSO) to own, manage and finance the project
• Transferring or lease of the land to the DSO at no cost
• Approved debt financing of the first phase at 100% of the project cost, which is in the range of $22 million to $23 million.

According to estimated timeframes, the apartment construction of Phase One would be complete by November 2026. The item now moves on to the Florida Board of Governors (BOG) for final approval.

• Trustees approved the 2024 FGCU Student Success Plan, which will be presented to the Florida Board of Governors (BOG) during the meeting on September 18. The plan targets four areas with the greatest potential for improvement:  
• Four-year graduation rate for first-time-in-college (FTIC) students
• Three-year graduation rate for associate in arts (AA) transfer students
• Six-year graduation rate for Federal Pell Grant recipients
• Academic progress rate
• Trustees approved changes to the 2024-27 Collective Bargaining Agreement made by the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 195. These include updates in paid parental leave, uniform allowance, provisions for take-home vehicles and changes in pay structures for officers.  
• Trustees conducted an annual performance evaluation for President Aysegul Timur. Trustees agreed and approved that President Timur has performed in an outstanding manner for the 2023-24 evaluation period and approved a bonus of 20% of her base pay, or $100,000.
• Trustees completed their annual endorsement of the Florida Board of Governors (BOG) and FGCU’s Statements of Free Expression and committed to the Principles of Civil Discourse.

• Trustees approved the State University System of Florida (SUS) Textbook and Instructional Materials Affordability Annual Report. This is part of an ongoing effort to ensure that textbooks and instructional materials are affordable to students.
• FGCU submitted final documents for its Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) Decennial Reaffirmation of Accreditation. As part of this, the university has announced that its Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP) is focused on giving greater visibility to FGCU’s transferable skills offerings. It is called “The Skills Advantage: From Campus to Career.” The SACSCOC review team is scheduled to visit campus February 2025.

All PowerPoints and handouts from the meeting are available online, and minutes will be posted online to the BOT website by Tuesday, September 24. The next meeting of the Board of Trustees is Thursday, October 24. 

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October 24, 2024

The FGCU Board of Trustees met virtually this morning. This email is meant to highlight key topics discussed during the meeting that students, faculty and staff may be interested in knowing. Click here to view the full agenda. 

• Trustees approved FGCU's Revised 2024-25 Linking Industry to Nursing Education (LINE) Fund Proposal. It outlines the second grant proposal between FGCU's nursing program and Naples Comprehensive Healthcare System (NCH). For a possible total of $300,000 in funding, the funds will help provide students with new and robust clinical experiences in medical surgical nursing. The proposal will be presented to the Board of Governors at their meeting on October 30 for approval.  

Minutes will be posted online to the BOT website by Thursday, November 7. The next meeting of the Board of Trustees is Thursday, December 12. 

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December 13, 2024

The FGCU Board of Trustees met virtually Thursday. This email is meant to highlight key topics discussed during the meeting that students, faculty and staff may be interested in knowing. Click here to view the full agenda.

• Trustees authorized the university to begin contract negotiations with Skanska USA Building, Inc. for the construction of Academic Building 10 (AB10). 
• Colin Hargis, the director of Intercollegiate Athletics, presented an update on the House vs. NCAA settlement, which involves back pay and future benefits for Division I student-athletes. As a result of the settlement, every National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I institution, including FGCU, is responsible for a portion of the settlement, along with the NCAA. FGCU will forfeit approximately $300,000 per year for the next 10 years from its distributions from the NCAA and the Atlantic Sun Conference (ASUN). FGCU will approach the settlement as an opportunity to create a “Path for Sustained Success” to best support its student-athletes and departments.
• President Aysegul Timur announced that FGCU raised a record-breaking $1 million in gross revenue during Athletics’ Night At The Nest fundraiser on December 6. The event directly supports the FGCU student-athlete scholarship program. 
• Trustees discussed the outcome of their annual self-evaluation of the board’s performance and understanding of its roles and responsibilities.

All PowerPoints from the meeting are available online, and minutes will be posted to the BOT website by Thursday, December 26. The next meeting of the Board of Trustees is January 14, 2025.