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about 1 percent a year, it is important for you to know that we are one
of the most affordable public institutions. If you look at our tuition
and fee structure, we have not had any increases in our tuition and fees
over the past 10 years. Also, most of our students graduate debt-free
because our financial aid office assists students with finding programs
and scholarships that make college more affordable.
FGCU has strong ties to Naples via the Lutgert School of
Business, named for a Naples family and whose dean is a Naples
High School graduate; the Bower School of Music, whose founding
donors were from Naples; and various leadership positions. Will
your background in Naples become part of that bond?
Absolutely. When I moved to the United States in the late ‘90s, my
husband and I planted our roots in Collier County and we never left.
We have two kids – our son has since graduated from college, and our
daughter is now in high school. Being involved parents meant we are
connected with the happenings of Collier County Public Schools, but
the connection was also to the business community. As an economist
working in higher education, I built valuable connections with the
area’s business community through the Greater Naples Chamber and
the Collier County Economic Development Office. I am very proud of
my association with the Leadership Collier program, and I’ve enjoyed
supporting many initiatives and nonprofits in Collier County, such
as the Immokalee Foundation, Healthcare Network and the Naples
Children & Education Foundation. I am focused on strengthening
Naples Woman Becomes the bond between the business community of Southwest Florida,
especially Collier County, to what we do here at the university.

new FGCU President

by Jeff Lytle WANT TO KNOW WHAT IS
veteran Naples educator has been communities and the global society. Our goal is to prepare FGCU GOING ON IN NAPLES?
A students for not only today's workforce, but tomorrow's. read
named the fifth president of
The best way for us to do that is by getting first-hand
Florida Gulf Coast University.
Life in Naples
Aysegul Timur, Ph.D., a native of Turkey, information by talking to our employers. We are constantly Life in Naples
was promoted in May by the FGCU Board of engaging with regional employers to learn about the new jobs
Trustees and confirmed by the Florida Board being created in the various industries and the type of skills that THE MAGAZINE OF NAPLES
of Governors in June. are necessary for students entering our workforce to be successful. DISCOVER A NEW LEVEL OF TASTE.
Dr. Timur, specializing in economics, came This helps us understand where the skills and competencies
to FGCU in 2019 as vice president and vice provost for Strategy gaps are and where the needs are so that we can reflect it in our PICK UP YOUR COPY AT:
and Program Innovation after 20 years at Hodges University as a programs here, such as academic programs or in other programs • SUGDEN PLAZA ON FIFTH
teaching assistant, professor dean and senior vice president. like micro-credentials and digital badges. • NAPLES CITY LIBRARY
Her community connections include the Southwest Florida Pamela McCabe, coordinator of university communications • FOUNTAIN PARK PLAZA (NORTH NAPLES)
• NAPLES CITY DOCK
Community Foundation, Healthcare Network of Southwest and media relations in the president’s office, provides context:
• CHAMBER VISITOR CENTER
Florida, Leadership Collier and its foundation, Greater Naples "FGCU offers a variety of digital badges and micro-credential • BAD ASS COFFEE THIRD AVE
Chamber, the Partnership for Collier’s Future Economy -- programs in collaboration with employers to address gaps that • DOLPHIN TRANSPORTATION
Opportunity Naples, and the Uncommon Friends Foundation. exist in an ever-changing workforce. These non-credit programs • PELICAN MARSH
This is the first part of a question-and-answer for Life in are designed for current students and working professionals who • QUAIL CREEK COUNTRY CLUB
• QUAIL VILLAGE COUNTRY CLUB
Naples. Part Two will be published in December. are looking to upskill or reskill so they are better prepared for jobs
FGCU has made advancements in developing non-degree in related areas." For more information, go to 868 FIFTH AVENUE SOUTH
programs to strengthen professionals’ skills in data and www.fgcu/digitalbadges/conedskills
technology, for example. Please explain the advantages of these How can FGCU maintain enrollment and stay effective and
(239) 430-1060
initiatives? efficient as pressure mounts on tuition? Will the outcome of the WWW.ALBERTOSONFIFTH.COM
As FGCU continues to grow and evolve at a fast pace, we are federal loan forgiveness issue impact FGCU?
striving to meet and adapt to the needs of our students, our local FGCU’s preliminary headcount on the first day of the fall term 239.572.0051 | WWW.LIFEINNAPLES.NET
was 16,169 – our highest enrollment to date. As we plan to grow
60 Life in Naples | November 2023 Life in Naples | November 2023 61