About Florida Gulf Coast University
Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU), established in 1991 and opening its doors in 1997, is a dynamic public university in Fort Myers, Florida, United States. As the youngest member of the State University System of Florida, FGCU has rapidly grown to serve over 16,000 students across its 800-acre campus, emphasizing environmental sustainability and community engagement. The university's mission is to provide accessible, high-quality education that fosters innovation, leadership, and global awareness. Key achievements include its LEED-certified buildings, strong rankings in regional universities by U.S. News & World Report, and a commitment to undergraduate research. FGCU's campus features modern facilities, including the Emergent Technologies Institute and the Water School, focusing on water resource management in Southwest Florida. For more details, visit the Florida Gulf Coast University Website. Explore related opportunities in Academic Jobs in United States, Academic Jobs in Florida, and Academic Jobs in Fort Myers.
FGCU's history is rooted in addressing the educational needs of Southwest Florida, transforming from a small institution to a comprehensive university offering over 50 undergraduate and 30 graduate programs. Notable for its coastal location, the university integrates real-world learning with environmental stewardship, making it a hub for academic careers at Florida Gulf Coast University. Students and faculty benefit from proximity to the Everglades and Gulf of Mexico, inspiring research in ecology and marine biology. The university has earned accolades for its entrepreneurship programs and athletic teams, known as the Eagles, competing in NCAA Division I. With a diverse student body and a faculty dedicated to teaching excellence, FGCU continues to expand its impact on higher education in Florida.
Key departments at FGCU include the Lutgert College of Business, renowned for its AACSB-accredited programs; the College of Arts and Sciences, offering strong liberal arts and sciences curricula; the U.A. Whitaker College of Engineering, focusing on civil and environmental engineering; the College of Education, preparing future educators; and the Marieb College of Health & Human Services, addressing healthcare demands. These departments drive professor positions at Florida Gulf Coast University and research jobs at Florida Gulf Coast University, contributing to the university's reputation for practical, hands-on education. FGCU's commitment to sustainability is evident in initiatives like the Solar Field, which powers campus operations, aligning with global trends in green academia.
For academics interested in lecturer roles at Florida Gulf Coast University or higher education jobs at Florida Gulf Coast University, the university's growth trajectory offers promising opportunities. Recent trends show increasing emphasis on interdisciplinary studies, with expansions in data science and biotechnology. FGCU's strategic location in Fort Myers enhances collaborations with local industries, boosting career prospects for faculty and students alike.
Faculty Job Opportunities at Florida Gulf Coast University
💼 Faculty job opportunities at Florida Gulf Coast University are abundant, particularly in high-demand areas like environmental science, business administration, and health professions. As a growing institution, FGCU frequently posts professor positions at Florida Gulf Coast University, including tenure-track Assistant Professor roles in the Water School, focusing on hydrology and coastal resilience. Research jobs at Florida Gulf Coast University often involve interdisciplinary projects, such as those in the Emergent Technologies Institute, where faculty collaborate on sustainable innovations. Lecturer roles at Florida Gulf Coast University are ideal for educators passionate about undergraduate teaching, with opportunities in the College of Arts and Sciences for subjects like biology and psychology. According to 2025 academic trends, FGCU is expanding in STEM fields, driven by Florida's economic growth in tourism and healthcare. Job seekers can find higher education jobs at Florida Gulf Coast University through AcademicJobs.com, with filters for specific departments.
Salary ranges for these positions are competitive within Florida's public university system. Based on researched data from sources like the Chronicle of Higher Education and Glassdoor for 2025, Assistant Professors at FGCU earn approximately $70,000 to $85,000 annually, depending on department and experience. Associate Professors can expect $80,000 to $95,000, while Full Professors range from $95,000 to $120,000, with additional stipends for research grants. Factors influencing salaries include tenure status, publication record, and external funding. For instance, faculty in engineering and business often command higher pay due to market demands. Explore salaries in Florida Gulf Coast University academia and compare with other institutions via Professor Salaries. Academic careers at Florida Gulf Coast University also offer benefits like professional development funds and sabbaticals.
Current job trends highlight a surge in remote and hybrid roles, aligning with post-pandemic shifts. FGCU's emphasis on community partnerships creates unique positions, such as Research Fellows in environmental policy. To apply, visit Higher Ed Jobs filtered by Florida Gulf Coast University. Rate professors at Florida Gulf Coast University on Rate My Professor to gauge departmental culture. With over 500 faculty members, FGCU fosters a collaborative environment, making it an attractive destination for academic opportunities.
Specific examples include openings in the Marieb College for nursing faculty, where salaries start at $75,000, and in business for marketing professors at $80,000+. These roles often require a PhD and teaching experience. For more on faculty jobs at Florida Gulf Coast University, check Faculty Jobs. The university's location in Fort Myers adds appeal with its subtropical climate and access to research sites.
Assistant Professor in Environmental Science
Focus on coastal ecosystems; salary $75,000-$85,000. Apply via Higher Ed Jobs.
Lecturer in Business Administration
Teach undergraduate courses; salary $60,000-$70,000. Explore at Higher Ed Jobs.
Research Fellow in Health Sciences
Conduct applied research; salary $70,000-$80,000. Find more at Research Jobs.
Associate Professor in Engineering
Lead projects in sustainability; salary $85,000-$100,000. Visit Faculty Jobs.
Why Work at Florida Gulf Coast University
Working at Florida Gulf Coast University offers a blend of academic excellence and lifestyle benefits in sunny Fort Myers. The university's focus on sustainability provides unique research opportunities, such as studying Everglades restoration, appealing to those in environmental fields. Career prospects are strong, with high retention rates and paths to tenure. Benefits include comprehensive health plans, retirement matching, and tuition waivers for family. FGCU's collaborative culture fosters innovation, as seen in its interdisciplinary centers. Compared to larger universities, FGCU offers a more intimate setting with lower student-to-faculty ratios, enhancing teaching impact. Explore why academic careers at Florida Gulf Coast University are rewarding through Higher Ed Career Advice.
Notable advantages include access to state-of-the-art labs and partnerships with organizations like the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. Faculty enjoy professional development workshops and grants for research. The coastal location supports work-life balance with nearby beaches and outdoor activities. For job seekers, FGCU's growth means expanding departments and new hires annually. Rate professors at Florida Gulf Coast University on Rate My Professor to see peer experiences.
Salary Guide for Faculty at Florida Gulf Coast University
📊 The salary guide for faculty at Florida Gulf Coast University reflects its status as a public institution in Florida, with ranges influenced by rank, department, experience, and location. Based on 2025 data from the Florida Board of Governors and sites like Salary.com, average salaries are competitive. Assistant Professors earn $70,000-$85,000, with higher pay in engineering ($80,000+) versus humanities ($70,000). Associate Professors range from $80,000-$95,000, and Full Professors $95,000-$120,000, often supplemented by summer teaching or grants. Factors like cost of living in Fort Myers (moderate) and performance metrics affect pay. For detailed comparisons, visit Professor Salaries.
In business and health sciences, salaries can exceed averages due to demand; for example, a nursing professor might earn $90,000 starting. Tenure-track positions include raises upon promotion, typically 10-15%. Adjuncts earn $3,000-$5,000 per course. Compared to national averages, FGCU offers solid compensation with lower taxes in Florida. Research funding from sources like NSF can add stipends. For academics considering faculty jobs at Florida Gulf Coast University, understanding these ranges aids negotiation. Explore more on salaries in Florida Gulf Coast University academia at University Salaries.
Location plays a role; Fort Myers' affordability enhances net income. Departments like the Water School offer premiums for specialized expertise in water management. Overall, FGCU's salaries support a comfortable lifestyle, with opportunities for advancement. Check professor ratings at Florida Gulf Coast University via Rate My Professor for insights into departmental pay equity.
To maximize earnings, faculty pursue external grants, averaging $50,000+ annually in funded research. Union representation through United Faculty of Florida provides negotiation support. For 2025 trends, expect slight increases due to inflation adjustments.
| Rank | Average Salary | Department Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Assistant Professor | $70,000-$85,000 | Engineering, Sciences |
| Associate Professor | $80,000-$95,000 | Business, Health |
| Full Professor | $95,000-$120,000 | All Departments |
| Lecturer/Adjunct | $60,000-$75,000 (full-time equiv.) | Arts, Education |
Rate My Professor: Top Educators at Florida Gulf Coast University
⭐ Discover top educators at Florida Gulf Coast University through Rate My Professor on AcademicJobs.com. This platform helps students and academics rate professors at Florida Gulf Coast University, providing insights into teaching styles and course difficulty. Ratings aid in choosing courses and recognizing excellence in programs like environmental studies. For professor ratings at Florida Gulf Coast University, visit Rate My Professor.
Dr. Nora Demers (Biology)
Rating: 4.8/5 - Praised for engaging lectures on ecology.
Dr. Michael McDonald (Political Science)
Rating: 4.7/5 - Known for insightful discussions on public policy.
Dr. Shelby Gilbert (Education)
Rating: 4.9/5 - Excellent in teacher training programs.
Dr. Barry Rosen (Environmental Science)
Rating: 4.6/5 - Expert in water quality research.
Dr. Hidetoshi Urakawa (Marine Science)
Rating: 4.8/5 - Innovative in coastal studies.
Career Progression at Florida Gulf Coast University
Career progression at Florida Gulf Coast University follows a structured path, starting from Assistant Professor to Full Professor with tenure. Research funding is robust, with opportunities through the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs. Professional development includes workshops and mentorship. Salaries increase with rank: Assistant $70k-$85k, Associate $80k-$95k, Full $95k-$120k. University strengths in sustainability enhance grants. Learn more at Higher Ed Career Advice.
Tenure-track roles emphasize teaching, research, and service. FGCU's growth supports promotions, with average time to tenure 6-7 years.
Research and Innovation at Florida Gulf Coast University
🔬 Research at Florida Gulf Coast University focuses on environmental sustainability, water resources, and health innovations. The Water School leads in coastal studies, with funding from NSF and EPA. Collaborations include local agencies for Everglades research. Explore Research Jobs.
Trends for 2025 include AI in environmental modeling and biotech advancements.
Resources for Florida Gulf Coast University Academics
- 🎓 Professional development via Faculty Development Center.
- Union support through United Faculty of Florida.
- Benefits: Health insurance, retirement plans.
- Research grants and sabbaticals.
Student Life and Perspectives at Florida Gulf Coast University
Student life at Florida Gulf Coast University features vibrant campus activities, clubs, and athletics. Programs in business and health lead to strong career outcomes. Use Rate My Professor for professor selection. Resources include career services and internships.
