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Part 2: Naples Educator

takes helm at FGCU

by Jeff Lytle
veteran Naples educator has been connected to local employers thanks to our partnerships and
named the fifth president of Florida workforce alignment initiatives, and our students gain valuable
AGulf Coast University. work-related experience in the community as a result.
Aysegul Timur, Ph.D., a native There is renewed attention on politics and free
of Turkey, was promoted in May by speech on U.S. campuses. Does that complement or
the FGCU Board of Trustees and distract from academics?
confirmed by the Florida Board of FGCU has always fostered free speech and
Governors in June. academic freedom on our campus. It is part of the
Dr. Timur, specializing in economics, came to fabric of the university to encourage critical thinking
FGCU in 2019 as vice president and vice provost for Strategy and intellectual curiosity.
and Program Innovation after 20 years at Hodges University as a All four prior FGCU presidents have been known for a
teaching assistant, professor, dean and senior vice president. specialty, such as fundraising or the arts. What do you think is
Her community connections include the Southwest Florida yours?
Community Foundation, Healthcare Network of Southwest I am known for my collaboration efforts and ability to build
Florida, Leadership Collier and its foundation, Greater Naples partnerships. Even when I was a faculty member, I was always
Chamber, the Partnership for Collier’s Future Economy -- involved in the business world and wanted to talk to CEOs and
Opportunity Naples, and the Uncommon Friends Foundation. employers in the region so I could best prepare my students for
This is the second part of a question-and-answer for the world ahead. As I have climbed through the higher education
Life in Naples. Part One was published in November. ranks, that focus has remained, and I want to keep connecting
You are a champion and researcher of FGCU as a regional FGCU with our regional partners.
economic driver. What do people need to know about FGCU’s What should FGCU’s niche be within the state university
importance in that regard? system?
FGCU is a major economic engine in our region, and our As I told the Board of Governors during my confirmation
graduates leave the university ready to work. Our students are hearing, it is my goal for FGCU to have the strongest regional

60 Life in Naples | December 2023