Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) is a public university located in Fort Myers, Florida. It was founded in 1991 and opened its doors to students in 1997. Since then, it has become one of the fastest-growing universities in the state. FGCU offers over 90 undergraduate and graduate degree programs in fields such as business, engineering, nursing, education, and environmental studies. The university is also known for its strong programs in marine science and entrepreneurship.
The campus is situated on 800 acres of land, including a 15-acre lake, and features modern facilities and state-of-the-art technology. The university is home to numerous research centers and institutes, including the Center for Environmental and Sustainability Education and the Institute for Youth and Justice Studies. FGCU is a member of the NCAA Division I and competes in 15 sports, including basketball, soccer, and volleyball. The university’s mascot is a bald eagle, and its athletic teams are known as the Eagles.
In recent years, FGCU has earned numerous accolades and rankings for its academic programs and student life. It has been recognized as one of the top universities in the country for sustainability and has received national recognition for its commitment to community service and civic engagement.
Florida Gulf Coast University
Do you want to know more about FGCU? Here are 32 interesting facts about Florida Gulf Coast University to give you more information about this public university.
- Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) was established in 1991 and opened its doors to students in 1997.
- FGCU is located in Fort Myers, Florida, and is part of the State University System of Florida.
- The university’s colors are royal blue and emerald green, and its mascot is an eagle named Azul.
- The student body at FGCU is diverse, with students from over 40 different states and 70 different countries.
- FGCU is a designated Hispanic-Serving Institution, with over 25% of its student population identifying as Hispanic or Latino.
- The university offers over 90 undergraduate and graduate degree programs in a variety of fields, including business, engineering, nursing, education, and environmental studies.
- The campus is situated on 800 acres of land, including a 15-acre lake, and features modern facilities and state-of-the-art technology.
- FGCU is known for its strong programs in marine science and entrepreneurship, and has several research centers and institutes dedicated to these areas.
- The university is home to the Whitaker Center for STEM Education, which provides resources and support for K-12 STEM educators.
- FGCU has a student-to-faculty ratio of 21:1, and more than 75% of its classes have fewer than 30 students.
- The university has a robust online learning program, offering over 40 fully online and hybrid degree and certificate programs.
- FGCU has a strong commitment to sustainability and is one of the top universities in the country for sustainability efforts.
- The university has several LEED-certified buildings, including the Marieb Hall Science and Technology Building and the Emergent Technologies Institute.
- FGCU is home to the FGCU Food Forest, a permaculture garden that provides fresh produce to the campus community.
- The university has a campus-wide recycling program and encourages sustainable transportation options, such as biking and carpooling.
- FGCU has a strong commitment to community service and civic engagement, and has been recognized as a national leader in these areas.
- The Office of Service Learning and Civic Engagement provides students with opportunities to volunteer and participate in service projects in the local community.
- The university’s men’s basketball team gained national attention in 2013 when it became the first 15th seed in NCAA history to reach the Sweet 16.
- FGCU’s campus is home to several art galleries, including the Wasmer Art Gallery and the Fine Arts Hall Gallery.
- The university’s TheatreLab hosts a variety of student and professional productions throughout the year.
- FGCU has several student-run media outlets, including the student newspaper, The Eagle, and the campus radio station, 90.5 FM.
- The university has a thriving Greek life community, with over 20 fraternities and sororities on campus.
- FGCU has a variety of student organizations, ranging from academic and professional groups to cultural and social clubs.
- The university offers several opportunities for students to study abroad, including faculty-led programs and partnerships with international universities.
- FGCU has a robust athletic program, with 15 NCAA Division I sports teams competing in the Atlantic Sun Conference.
- The university’s men’s basketball team won the Atlantic Sun Conference championship in 2016 and 2017.
- The women’s basketball team has also been successful, winning the Atlantic Sun Conference championship in 2012 and 2014.
- FGCU’s baseball team won the Atlantic Sun Conference championship in 2017 and 2018.
- The university’s beach volleyball team won the ASUN championship in 2019 and 2021.
- FGCU’s men’s soccer team won the Atlantic Sun Conference championship in 2007 and 2011.
- The university’s women’s soccer team won the ASUN championship in 2011 and 2012.
- The FGCU swimming and diving team has won several ASUN championships, with the women’s team winning in 2011, 2012, 2013, and 2015, and the men’s team winning in 2013, 2014, and 2015.
Florida Gulf Coast University is a young and dynamic institution with a strong focus on sustainability, community service, and innovation. With a diverse student body, top-ranked academic programs, and successful athletic teams, FGCU offers students a well-rounded education and a supportive and engaging campus community. Whether students are interested in pursuing STEM fields, entrepreneurship, or the arts, FGCU provides a welcoming and inclusive environment where they can thrive and reach their full potential.
