Garry Jones

President, Full Sail University, Winter Park

Founded 45 years ago, Full Sail is an entertainment media and emerging technologies university with more than 22,000 students and more than 2,600 employees. Jones says his community involvement with the Orange County, Orlando and Winter Park steering committees on issues such as sustainable development and growing the region's tech sector have allowed him to simultaneously serve the community and Full Sail.

EDUCATION: Bluefield College (AA), Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University (BS)

INSPIRING FLORIDIAN: 40 years ago, I met Isis Pita, the person that would become my life partner in all things. Having fled communist Cuba with her family in search of freedom, her resilience and determination to excel in life set new benchmarks in my way of thinking. Isis is forever a creator of opportunities and successes. Not once have I heard her describe herself as a victim, but instead, she looks at every day and every challenge as something to approach as a creator.

WHAT I’VE LEARNED: One of the single most valuable lessons I have learned in my life is to pursue things that you are passionate about –— whether it be personal or professional. Working is an integral part of our lives and having passion for the work you do is the most powerful tool one can possess towards leading a fulfilled professional life. It is in the difficult moments that passion for what you do makes the difference between success and failure.