Aysegul Timur
PRESIDENT, Florida Gulf Coast University, Fort Myers
Florida Gulf Coast University has more than 16,000 students and 3,000 employees. Timur, an economist with 24 years of higher education experience, has worked at FGCU since 2019. She served as vice president and vice provost for strategy and program innovation before taking the school’s reins in 2023. Originally from Turkey, she is a first-generation college student who made her cross-continental move to Naples more than 25 years ago. She learned English and within four years earned a doctorate from the University of South Florida.
EDUCATION: University of Istanbul (BS, MBA), University of South Florida (Ph.D.)
IF I WERE GOVERNOR: I would prioritize access and affordability to higher education. Education plays a critical role, not only in the development of individuals, but also in creating careers that meet the needs of the economy.
READING: The Practice of Adaptive Leadership: Tools and Tactics from Changing Your Organization and the World, by Ronald A. Heifetz, Marty Linsky and Alexander Grashow.
INSPIRING FLORIDIAN: Arthrex Founder and President Reinhold Schmieding of Naples. He is a passionate and forward-thinking leader who influences others to move forward with a common vision.
MOTIVATIONAL MANTRA: You can do anything with tenacity and a great support system — with family first! A bad day is simply an opportunity to start over again tomorrow with a fresh perspective.
