PAGE 2,3
} Years of Service and Retirements
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} Profile: Athletics Director
Colin Hargis
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} SBDC Earns National Recognition, Did You Know?
PAGE 6,7
} Fall Kickoff Celebration
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} Interfolio Summit, Eagle Recognition and Newsletter Staff
President and Founder of Arthrex Reinhold Schmieding and FGCU President Aysegul Timur stand with Lutgert College of Business interns Chloe West and Paula Beltran at Arthrex’s Europe, Middle East and Africa headquarters.
Transferable skills are skills that make job applicants stand out to employers, regardless of industry, and include abilities such as teamwork, communication and critical thinking. Students develop these skills in college, but they are often not visible in the titles of courses or the names of majors. To amplify the importance of transferable skills, FGCU is proposing to make transferable skills the highlight of its Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP).
The QEP is part of FGCU’s reaffirmation process by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on College (SACSCOC). The plan will undergo review and approval by SACSCOC following their site visit in February 2025. The proposal, “The Skills Advantage: From Campus to Career,” aims to provide more visibility to transferable skills and enhance student-career success. FGCU offers 10 digital skills badges based on the skills employers value most. Students enroll through Canvas and document their path to learning the skill in and out of class in a portfolio. Students will then complete a badge interview and learn how to articulate their skills to employers.
“As faculty we all teach different subjects; but whatever our content, we also help students gain skills like communication, critical thinking or teamwork,” said Dr. Glenn Whitehouse, director of core skills and associate professor in philosophy. “...Badging is a way to help our students own those skills, communicate them and put them to work to realize their professional dreams.”
Here are few ways faculty and staff can get involved with badging:
} Through faculty cohorts, faculty will learn to create skills-forward assignments that fit into courses and are
integrated into their subject matter.
} Faculty workshops are available for those interested in taking an existing assignment and modifying it for badging purposes.
} Staff who have student-facing programs can integrate student activities as part of the badging process.
Faculty and staff interested in integrating badging into their courses or student programs need to contact Dr. Glenn Whitehouse, gwhiteho@fgcu.edu, or Patricia Rice, core skills coordinator, price@fgcu.edu
For more information on FGCU’s QEP, visit fgcu.edu/theskillsadvantage
DIGITAL BADGE SUMMIT:
} FGCU is hosting the 2025 Digital Badge Summit Jan. 28-29. The keynote speakers are Dr. Ashley Finley, vice president of research for the American Association of Colleges and Universities; and Rachel Ludwig, vice president of talent development for the future of work for the Florida Chamber Foundation. Learn more at fgcu.edu/digitalbadgesummit.
Celebrate your fellow Eagles who have reached new career milestones in June, July and August. Information in this list was provided by Human Resources.
30 years
} Dr. Chuck Lindsey | Associate Professor, Department of Mathematics
} Dr. Myra Mendible | Professor, Department of Language & Literature
25 years
} Dr. Thomas Beatty | Professor, Department of Mathematics
} Carol B. Bledsoe | Coordinator/Instructor III, Department of Language & Literature
} Dr. Jerald K. Ellis | Assistant Professor, Department of Mathematics
} Dr. Russell A. Sabella | Program Coordinator/Professor, College of Education
} Dr. Rebecca C. Totaro | Associate Dean/ Professor, College of Arts & Sciences
} Dr. Judy L. Wynekoop | Professor, Department of Information Systems, Analytics & Supply Chain
20 Years
} Dr. Kevin A. Aho | Chair/Professor, College of Arts & Sciences
} Anna Carlin | Instructional Tech Librarian, University Library Systems, Applications, & Creative Technologies
} Rachel Marie Cooke | Education & Arts Librarian, University Library Research, Scholarship & Instruction
} Thomas DeMarchi | Instructor II, Department of Language & Literature
} Dr. Timothy William Gjini | Director of Inbound Mobility & Campus Internationalization, Global Engagement Office
} Dr. Anna M. Goebel | Associate Professor, Department of Biological Sciences
} Kimberly B. Jackson | Department Chair, Professor, Literature, College of Arts & Sciences
} Dr. Jeffrey Kleeger | Program Coordinator/ Professor, Department of Justice Studies
} Miles Nunzio Mancini | Coordinator/ Instructor III, Department of Integrated Studies
} Dr. Megan C. McShane | Associate Professor, Bower School of Music & the Arts
} Dr. Scott F. Michael | Professor, Department of Biological Sciences
} Jessica J. Rhea | Senior Director, Experiential Learning & Career Development, Academic Engagement
} Dr. Rick Schnackenberg | Assistant Professor, Department of Mathematics
} Anica L. Sturdivant | Assistant Curator, Gallery
} Mary Sullivan Voytek | Associate Professor, Bower School of Music & the Arts
} Sam Walch | Instructor II, Department of Integrated Studies
} Dr. Mari Anne DeWees | Assistant Professor, Department of Justice Studies
} Dr. Robert K. Humphries | Instructor I, Department of Biological Sciences
} Troy V. Jones | Coordinator/Instructor I, Bower School of Music & the Arts
} Christopher J. Jordanek | Assistant Director, e-Learning, Digital Learning
} Dr. Kristopher James Kimbler | Associate Professor, Department of Psychology
} Dr. Anna Koufakou | Associate Professor, Department of Computing & Software Engineering
} Dr. Daniel Lewis Kern | Program Coordinator/Assistant Professor, Applied Mathematics, Department of Mathematics
} Tammy McCaslin | Director, Student Success & Enrollment Management Operations
} Jena Padilla | Assistant Director, Business Operations, Lutgert College of Business
} Matthew Richard Palmtag | Instructor III, Department of Biological Sciences
} Dr. Galen Ives Papkov | Program Coordinator/Associate Professor, Department of Mathematics
} Dr. Daniel Rottig | Professor, Department of Management
} David E. Steckler | Instructor I, Department of Justice Studies
} Enas Awad | Instructor II, Department of Mathematics
} Bill Foster | Director, Internal Audit
} Dr. Ahmed S. Elokda | Professor, Physical Therapy Program
} Dr. Senthil Balaji Girimurugan | Interim Associate Dean, Honors College
} Joe Groch | Instructor II, PGA Golf Management Program
} Dr. Lan Jiang | Associate Professor, School of Resort & Hospitality Management
} Dr. Danvers E. Johnston | Assistant Professor, Department of Bioengineering, Civil Engineering and Environmental Engineering
} Dr. Christina M. Kreiger | Director, Retention & Engagement Programs, First Year Experience
} Michelle Leaver | Academic Advisor I, College of Engineering
} Dr. Melissa Lynn | Assistant Professor, School of Nursing
} Dr. Jessica P. Marcolini | Interim Assistant Director Whitaker Center, Instructor llI Colloquium, Whitaker Center
} Dr. Dawn Martelli | Program Coordinator/ Associate Professor, College of Education
} Barry R. Muffley | Painter, SOVI Maintenance
} Dr. Ed Myers | Program Leader/Associate Professor, Occupational Therapy Program
} Nicole Neal | Senior Associate Athletics Director, Health Performance & Administration, Athletics Competitive Success
} Lisa M. Neris | Project Director, Talent Search, Outreach Programs
} Erin Noell | Advancement Services Associate, WGCU Communications
} Stacy A. Parrilli | Housing Specialist I, Housing Desk Operations
} Dr. Daniel H. Paull | Associate Professor, Department of Chemistry & Physics
} Dr. Derek S. Reiners | Associate Professor, Department of Political Science, Public Administration & History
} Dr. Lyndsay Noel-Vanhoy Rhodes | Professor, Celluar Biology, Department of Biological Sciences
} Dr. Marianela Rivera | Assistant Professor, Department of Language & Literature
} Steve J. Rokusek | Social Sciences Librarian, University Library Research, Scholarship, & Instruction
} Dr. Tammy Lea Sadighi | Associate Professor, School of Nursing
} Dr. Brion S. Sever | Program Coordinator/ Associate Professor, Department of Justice Studies
} Dr. Gina Tran | Associate Professor, Department of Marketing
} Amy S. Vitiello | Administrative Assistant II, College of Arts & Sciences
} Andrew Thomas Willson | Administrative Specialist, Early Childhood Development Centers
} Dr. Anurag Agarwal | Program Coordinator/Professor, Department of Information Systems, Analytics & Supply Chain
} Joe Arledge | Assistant Director, Facility Operations
} Brent Lynn Baker | Associate Professor, Department of Marketing
} Dr. Krzysztof K. Biernacki | Director/ Professor, College of Arts & Sciences
} Kelly Boyd | Business Manager I, Academic Affairs Business Operations
} Dr. Alejandro Bugarin | Associate Professor, Department of Chemistry & Physics
} Charlie Braun | Director, University Housing for Business Operations, Housing & Residence Life
} Jeremy Michael Brown | Associate Dean, University Library
} Barbara J. Bucey | Director, Lutgert College of Business Advising
} Dr. Ann Hagan Cary | Associate Director, Community Partnerships, The Water School
} Jennifer Coleman | Enrollment Specialist II, Scheduling
} Andrew Edward Danna | Head Coach, Men’s Golf, Athletics Competitive Success
} Dr. Christina L. Dzioba | Assistant Professor, School of Nursing
} Dr. Christian Paul Ercolani | Contract Adjunct Faculty, Department of Ecology & Environmental Studies
} Lucas Friedman Everham | Instructor I, Department of Mathematics
} Dr. April A. Felton | Assistant Professor, Department of Biological Sciences
} Judi Marie Ford | Grant Coordinator I, Research & Sponsored Programs
} Carri Forde | Manager, Testing Services, Academic Support Programs
} Roberto Lazaro Garcia | Instructor I, Department of Integrated Studies
} Anna Godsea | Coordinator, Wings of Hope
} Katherine Causey Green | Vice President, University Advancement
Ricky Lou Pires Ara G Volkan
} Ricky Lou Pires, Wings of Hope director, retired Aug. 2. “Ms. Ricky,” as she was known to students and colleagues, has worked at FGCU for 24 years.
} Dr. Ara G. Volkan, professor of accounting, retired Aug. 3. He has worked at FGCU for 20 years.
} Emily Helm | Coordinator II, Marketing, Prevention & Wellness Services
} Dr. Daniel E. Huerta | Associate Professor, Department of Economics & Finance
} Dr. Osman Karatum | Assistant Professor, Environmental Engineering, Department of Bioengineering, Civil Engineering and Environmental Engineering
} Dr. Onder Koklu | Interim Director, Assessment & Accreditation, Program Coordinator, Associate Professor, College of Education
} Dr. Daniel S. Lambrecht | Associate Professor, Department of Chemistry & Physics
} Kristen LaFleur | Director, Recreation Programs, University Recreation & Wellness
} Dr. Joseph T. Liu | Associate Professor, Department of Management
} Dr. Alexandre Magnier | Assistant Professor, Department of Economics & Finance
} Dr. Amro Maher | Associate Professor, Department of Marketing
} Dr. Jihan Saber Raja Mahmoud | Assistant Professor, School of Nursing
} Dr. Kalana Malimage | Assistant Professor, Department of Accounting
} Cheryl Lynn McCormick | Administrative Assistant II, Academic Engagement
} Pat McGowan | Sergeant, University Police Department
} Dr. Amy C. Miller | Assistant Professor, Sociology, Department of Justice Studies
} Luca Missaglia | Applications Programmer II, Enterprise Applications Support
} Dr. Amir Neto | Director, Regional Economic Research Institute, Lutgert College of Business
} Dr. Minh Nguyen | Professor, Department of Communication & Philosophy
} Travell Lamarr Oakes | Senior Assistant Director, Multicultural Development Initiatives, Multicultural & Leadership Development
} Kelsey Nicole O’Brien | Assistant Director, Student Organizations and Programming, Student Involvement
} Eve Olvera | Administrative Specialist, Multicultural & Leadership Development
} Dr. Taehoon Park | Assistant Professor, Department of Marketing
} Carolyn Jean Pelotte | Administrative Specialist, CAPS
} Dr. Jase R. Ramsey | Professor, Department of Management
} Dr. Lauren Kathleen Redfern | Assistant Professor, Department of Bioengineering, Civil Engineering and Environmental Engineering
} Dr. Barry Howard Rosen | Professor, Department of Ecology & Environmental Studies
} Dr. Colleen Robb | Associate Professor, Daveler & Kauanui School of Entrepreneurship
} Dr. Starlette M. Sinclair | Assistant Professor, Department of Psychology
} Sarah Stauring | Advancement Services Associate, Advancement Services
} Dr. Max Jacob Stein | Assistant Professor, Anthropology, Department of Justice Studies
} Rowan Faye Steineker | Assistant Professor, Department of Political Science, Public Administration & History
} Dr. Thant Syn | Associate Professor, Department of Information Systems, Analytics & Supply Chain
} Leigh Taylor | Assistant Professor, Social Work, Department of Social Work
} Dr. Patrick Randolph Wheeler | Eminent Scholar, Department of Accounting
} Durgesh Wagle | Assistant Professor, Department of Chemistry & Physics
} David Woncheck | Business Operations Specialist, Lutgert College of Business
} Adam Gardner Underwood | Instructor I, Department of Psychology
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 pushups than Azul.
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.
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 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!
The Florida Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at FGCU received two awards from the U.S. Small Business Administration for its commitment to supporting small businesses in Southwest Florida. The center was honored with the following awards:
} 2024 South Florida District Small Business Development Center of the Year
} 2024 Region IV Small Business Development Center Excellence and Innovation Award
The center provides no-cost consulting, training and resources to help entrepreneurs start, grow and succeed in their ventures. In 2023, the Florida SBDC at FGCU assisted more than 1,300 small businesses, resulting in business owners securing over $28 million in capital, securing over $40 million in government contracts, impacting over 4,200 jobs, increasing sales by over $30 million and starting 114 new businesses.
“We are incredibly proud of the Florida SBDC at FGCU for receiving these well-deserved awards,” said Dorian Zwierewicz, regional director. “Their unwavering dedication to serving small businesses, coupled with their innovative approach to fostering entrepreneurship, truly sets them apart as a model for SBDC centers across the region. We commend their hard work and look forward to their continued success in empowering Southwest Florida’s entrepreneurial community.”
Florida SBDC 1: Left to right: Heidi Cramer, small business consultant at SBDC at FGCU; Neil Shnider, business consultant at SBDC at FGCU; Dr. Chris Westley, dean of FGCU’s Lutgert College of Business; and Dorian Zwierewicz, regional director of SBDC at FGCU.
Florida SBDC 2: Left to right: Tim Hall, business consultant at SBDC at FGCU; Donna Jarrett, small business consultant for startups at SBDC at FGCU; Suzanne Specht, small business consultant II at SBDC at FGCU; Heidi Cramer, small business consultant at SBDC at FGCU; Luis Vargas, small business consultant I at SBDC at FGCU; and Dorian Zwierewicz, regional director at SBDC at FGCU.
The building opened its doors in June 2004 and has been the starting location for campus visits to guests ever since. Before the welcome center was built, tours originally left from McTarnaghan Hall, where the Enrollment Services Center is now located. However, thanks to the generous donation made by Herbert and Margaret Sugden, the university was able to build a place to welcome visitors.
Herbert and Margaret Sugden
Throughout the years, the welcome center has employed over 180 student guides and 15 bus drivers. It has welcomed more than 250,000 guests from every state and many countries from around the world for campus tours. The goal of the welcome center is to continue providing guests with smiles, great customer service and a connection to FGCU they won’t forget.
1. FGCU President Aysegul Timur gives the “State of the University” address.
2. About 800 staff and faculty attend the Fall Kickoff Celebration.
3. FGCU’s First Daughter Alara Timur helps at the dessert table.
4. Jon Argueta and Ashleigh Droz show Azul their Eagle pride.
5. The team from Career Development Services make a statement with their signs.
6. Danielle Altman collects donations for the FGCU Campus Food Pantry.
7. Azul presents Cara Ryan, center, with the Most Spirited Eagle award. Also a contender for the award is Shannon Acosta.
8. Human Resources and FGCU Cheerleaders strike a pose.
9. WGCU employees give a Wings Up salute.
10. Leading the plans for the annual Fall Kickoff Celebration are Galina Manosvka, Eric Balmer and Maria Reyes.
11. Catherine Hoggs-Perez claps for colleagues for their Years of Service milestones.
12. Dean Chris Westley serves Regina Beard in the buffet line.
13. Deans Diana Cheshire and Shawn Felton are ready to serve lunch.
Andi Clemons, director of Academic Affairs, administration and budget; and Kristin Toth, academic personnel coordinator, present “Cultivating Collaboration: How Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) Successfully Engages Faculty to Implement Interfolio” at the Interfolio Summit 2024 in Denver, Colorado. They will lead an upcoming webinar of the presentation at 1 p.m. Dec. 4 with Interfolio. Visit interfolio.com for event information.
Dr. Sandra Pavelka receives the APEX Award at the Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce’s 2024 Chamber Awards for her outstanding reputation for professionalism, philanthropy and leadership. Dr. Pavelka is a professor in the Department of Political Science, Public Affairs, Public Administration & History.
(Top row, left to right): Aimee McLaughlin, director of University Relations; David Vazquez, vice president of Administrative Services & Finance; Dr. Sandra Pavelka, professor in the Department of Political Science, Public Affairs, Public Administration & History; Dr. Eileen DeLuca, acting vice president of Student Success & Enrollment Management and interim chief strategy and program innovation officer. (Bottom row, left to right): Maria Sotomayor, coordinator of Mentorship Programs, Lutgert College of Business; Ashleigh Droz, director of Internship/Co-op Programs; Dr. Meagan Baskin, director of Southwest Florida Leadership Insitute and associate professor in the Department of Management; Tiffany Reynolds, director of Board Relations, associate corporate secretary and deputy chief of staff.
Inside FGCU is pleased to introduce the new members of the Editorial Advisory Committee.
Back, left to right: Dave Anderson, associate director of design in University Marketing & Communications; Jonathan Schaffer of Daveler & Kauanui School of Entrepreneurship; and I’Riel Williams of Innovative Education & Partnerships. Front, left to right: Rubi Olvera, coordinator of University Communications & Media Relations; Kara Simmons of Alumni Relations; Emily Helm of University Recreation & Wellness; Ashlynn Dunn of the Lutgert College of Business. Not pictured: Dayna Harpster of WGCU Public Media, and Vince Modarelli of University Advancement.
Each member will serve the university community during the 2024-25 academic year by creating and evaluating content while working alongside the newsletter’s Executive Committee and staff. Throughout the year, they will be on the lookout for ways to inform our campus and showcase the faculty and staff who serve our Eagle community.
Tips, upcoming events, submissions or suggestions can be shared through the Inside FGCU email, newsletter@fgcu.edu.