FGCU trustees unanimously approve Construction Management credit‑hour change and $675,000 nursing partnership package

At its July 31 meeting, the Florida Gulf Coast University Board of Trustees approved two action items by unanimous voice votes.

Trustees voted to reduce the Construction Management bachelor’s degree from 123 to 120 credit hours and to remove the exception to the 120‑credit standard. Trustee Larry Antonucci moved the measure and Trustee Richard Eide seconded; the Board voted unanimously in favor. Provost Debbie Thorne told trustees the program is popular and that reducing the requirement by one three‑credit course could help students graduate sooner while maintaining program integrity.

The Board also approved the 2025–2026 Linking Industry to Nursing Education (LINE) Fund Proposal. The proposal pairs FGCU with three regional healthcare partners whose commitments would be matched by the Board of Governors: Lee Health committed $500,000, Naples Comprehensive Hospital committed $150,000 and the David Lawrence Centers for Behavioral Health committed $25,000. Trustee Paul Applegarth moved approval and Trustee Eide seconded; the motion passed by unanimous voice vote. Provost Thorne said the funds will support scholarships, lab and simulation equipment and expanded clinical collaboration so nursing students receive more field‑based learning.

Chair Michael Wynn adjourned the meeting at 10:54 a.m.; the minutes note the session ended early because of technical difficulties and that several remaining agenda items will be considered at a future meeting.