Florida Gulf Coast University

Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) is based in Fort Myers in Florida, and belongs to the 12-campus State University System of Florida. 

It is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award bachelor, masters and doctoral degrees. Courses on offer include: arts and sciences, music, education, health professions and social work, nursing, business and engineering.

In an effort to increase academic standing, FGCU underwent expansion between 2007 and 2010 with new residence halls, a fine arts building and student union, while a solar panel field was also built. Moreover, the Lutgert College of Business building and the Herbert J. Sugden Hall – Resort & Hospitality Management Building opened in 2008, and the Whitaker School of Engineering Building opened in 2009,

Sustainability is key for the university with 400 acres of the campus having been set aside for environmental preservation. There are also a large number of lakes on campus, which are home to various wildlife. Moreover, the university’s 15-acre solar field supplies some of the university buildings. 

FGCU sports teams compete in the Atlantic Sun Conference in NCAA Division I sports. Sports on offer include: golf, tennis, basketball, softball, baseball, cross country, volleyball, soccer, swimming, and diving. 

The library, located on campus, offers students access to various print and electronic collections, alongside various art pieces, including seven signed lithographs by Salvador Dali. The Archives and Special Collections unit of the library has held various annual exhibitions since 2013.

There is a university newspaper called The Eagle News which is entirely student written and produced. There is also a student-run radio station, called WGCU-FM, which broadcasts news, interviews and music. 

Notable alumni include Christopher Allen Sale – nicknamed The Condor – an American professional baseball pitcher for the Chicago White Sox of Major League Baseball, Courtney Jolly, a former professional monster truck driver, and Derek Lamely, an American professional golfer who has played on the PGA Tour and the Nationwide Tour.