Fall semester brings new campus features, people, programs
- Laurie D. Babcock
- August 20, 2024
- Student Life
- Contributors: James Greco, Photography | Rendy Ramos & Christopher Noonan, Video
5 – minute read
As Florida Gulf Coast University kicks off a new academic year, several exciting updates aim to enhance the campus experience for students, faculty and the community. From innovative digital signage to new leadership and programs, here are highlights of what’s new this year.
New digital signage to highlight campus activities, news
As part of ongoing efforts to enhance communication and engagement, four new digital signs are being installed on campus.
Signs at the main entrance and South Village are expected to be operating by early September, with the others being completed later.
The sign at Ben Hill Griffin Parkway and FGCU Lake Parkway, in particular, will enable the university to connect more deeply with the local community, promoting public events such as home games, lectures, arts performances and exhibits. Signs will also feature important meeting notices, holiday closures and construction updates.
In the event of storms and other developing situations, the digital billboards will play a vital role in emergency management, sharing updates or instructions in real time.
“We live in a digital age. This will give us an opportunity to make announcements as needed,” says Miguel Rodriguez-Aquino, a project manager in FGCU’s physical plant.
The sign near the Cohen Student Union will double as a photo op, conveniently accessible from Parking Lot 5. Like the library lawn logo and the Azul bench outside the Cohen Student Union, this feature aims to provide another picture-perfect campus spot.
Sign content is being managed by University Marketing & Communications.
Cohen Student Union renovations
The Cohen Student Union underwent an exciting transformation over the summer as part of a three-phase, two-year project. The food court was revamped with new ceilings, lights, flooring and furniture. A new kiosk wall for food orders aims to streamline the dining experience, and the Einstein Bros. Bagels area received extra furniture to accommodate its growing use.
These renovations are part of the comprehensive Cohen master plan aimed at enhancing the student experience and keeping pace with the needs of the campus community.
The next phase is set to begin in early 2025 and will continue throughout the year. As the student union evolves, it will remain the primary hub where students can gather, dine and connect in an upgraded, modern environment. Keep an eye out for more changes as the project progresses through 2026.
Read a recap of what FGCU accomplished in 2023-24: Year in Review
New leadership for the School of Entrepreneurship
On July 31, the Eagle family welcomed William McDowell as the new dean and the Mark Ain endowed chair of the Daveler & Kauanui School of Entrepreneurship. McDowell’s extensive experience in academia and private business will bring innovative leadership to FGCU’s entrepreneurial community.
McDowell earned his Ph.D. in management from the University of North Texas, an MBA from Cal State-Dominguez Hills and a bachelor’s from Southwestern Christian University. He most recently served as chair of the management department at Texas State University and previously served as the executive director of the Turner School of Entrepreneurship at Bradley University.
McDowell’s scholarly achievements include 87 journal articles, six book chapters and numerous presentations at national and international conferences. He also serves as associate editor for the Journal of Business Research and the International Entrepreneurship and Management Journal and is the past editor-in-chief of the Journal of Small Business Strategy.
In addition to his academic accomplishments, McDowell has experience in private business. He is an angel investor and executive coach for Harvard Business School and has owned two businesses.
Watch for an upcoming profile of McDowell on FGCU360.com.
For the first time, first-year students can study abroad
Starting in spring 2025, first-year students will have the opportunity to study abroad. Dechen Albero, assistant director of outbound mobility in the Global Engagement Office, anticipates an initial cohort of about 10 students.
Allowing first-year students to study abroad early in their academic careers promotes academic and personal growth. It can also give students a competitive advantage in the job market, as employers often seek candidates with international experience, cultural competence and adaptability.
First-year students can apply to study at the University of Limerick in Ireland now for spring 2025 here. Priority deadline is Sept. 15, and the final deadline is Oct. 1.
As interest grows, the program is expected to expand, offering even more Eagles the chance to benefit from studying abroad.
Engineering college debuts new computer science degree programs
Computer science is one of the fastest-growing majors in the country, and FGCU is at the forefront of this trend with the addition of bachelor’s and master’s degrees in computer science through the U.A. Whitaker College of Engineering.
These new programs will provide students with a foundation in theoretical and mathematical concepts. They’ll gain hands-on experience through specialized courses in cybersecurity, natural language processing, big data and robotics.
As technology continues to advance and integrate into every aspect of our lives, the demand for skilled computer science professionals is high. By offering these degrees, FGCU is addressing a critical need in Southwest Florida and beyond, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared to enter and succeed in the workforce.
“I am thrilled that FGCU has added computer science to its portfolio of degree programs. It will provide timely opportunities in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and other contemporary areas to Southwest Florida,” says Huzefa Kagdi, Whitaker College of Engineering dean.