Creating a culture of inquiry from Composition to Capstone at Florida Gulf Coast University
FGCUScholars: Think ~ Discover ~ Write
Florida Gulf Coast University’s Quality Enhancement Plan, FGCUScholars: Think ~ Discover ~ Write, strengthens undergraduate student learning by assisting students in developing stronger writing, critical thinking, and information literacy skills within their majors, ultimately leading to stronger senior capstone projects. What we have discovered, through learning outcome assessments conducted over the last several years at FGCU and feedback from employers and post-baccalaureate programs, is that while students may be proficient in their disciplinary or content knowledge at the end of their studies, they continue to need improvement in the ability to express that knowledge in a scholarly way. To meet these ends, we will implement and then evaluate our Program Objectives:
- Program Objective 1: Integration of the QEP vertically (across all four years) and horizontally (in multiple General Education courses and multiple courses in the majors) as it builds towards the capstone experience;
- Program Objective 2: Identification, refinement, or creation of coursework within each major, such as gateway courses and research methods courses, that allow students to explicitly develop the skills of writing, critical thinking, and information literacy within their disciplines; and
- Program Objective 3: Development of final scholarly projects in the capstone course that provide evidence of higher levels of writing, critical thinking, and information literacy.
Faculty Scholars
| DEPARTMENT | NAME | OFFICE | PHONE | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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Humanities |
Carolyn Culbertson |
Reed Hall 204 |
239-745-4238 |
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Business |
Judy Wynekoop |
Lutgert Hall 2321 |
239-590-7387 |
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Natural & Physical Sciences |
Katherine Johnson |
Merwin Hall 175 |
239-590-7235 |
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Health & Human Services |
Shawn Felton |
Marieb Hall 308 |
239-590-7529 |
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Engineering |
Derek Lura |
Holmes Hall 214 |
239-590-7832 |
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Social & Behavioral Sciences |
Richard Coughlin |
Merwin Hall 150 |
239-745-7177 |
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Visual & Performing Arts |
Thomas Cimarusti |
Music 116 |
239-590-1377 |
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Education |
Tunde Szecsi |
Merwin Hall 283 |
239-590-7788 |
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Written Communication |
Jason Elek |
Reed Hall 241 |
239-745-1105 |
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Information Literacy |
Anna Carlin |
Library 221 |
239-590-7663 |
acarlin@fgcu.edu |
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Scholarly Activities |
Melodie Eichbauer |
Merwin Hall 188 |
239-590-1245 |
meichbauer@fgcu.edu |
FGCUScholar Ambassadors
The mission of the FGCUScholar Ambassador program is to empower student leaders to assist peers in developing stronger critical thinking, information literacy, and writing skills as these students mature into scholars within their majors. FGCUScholar Ambassadors help students realize more meaningful and representative experiences within their college, such as engagement in undergraduate research, creative endeavors, and other scholarly and professional development experiences. The Ambassadors act as officers for the FGCUScholars RSO, disseminating scholarly opportunities and acting as a peer mentor to engage other students in scholarly activities. FGCUScholar Ambassadors develop programing and opportunities that align with the Quality Enhancement Plan as well as help define the university experience through the RSO.
ARIANNA TURELLO, executive director | SCHOLARLY ACTIVITies AMBASSADOR
Arianna is currently studying nursing. When she is not in class, she is working on research projects and engaging in scholarly conversation. During her time at FGCU, she has worked with Aquila - the student research journal and FGCUScholars. She looks forwards to continuing her work as an ambassador and being pushed outside her comfort zone to grow in academia and strive for future success. In her free time, Arianna enjoys spending time outdoors by exercising and going to the beach.
ASHLEY LEMOND | HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AMBASSADOR
My name is Ashley Lemond, and I am currently a Junior here at Florida Gulf Coast University, and I am in my first year of the Athletic training program here. After my undergraduate degree, I hope to attend graduate school for my masters and work in the medical aspect of the performing arts. This is my second year of being a RA in North Lake Village, and I absolutely love it. It helps me interact with different people on a daily basis, which is a skill I will take with me into my medical career. My Favorite scholarly activity is to be in study groups. These groups not only benefit my peers but also help me to better understand class material, while still being social.
ARIENNE FORT | VISUAL AND PERFORMING ARTS AMBASSADOR
Arienne Fort was born and raised in Lima, Peru. Since 2014, when she attended Interlochen Arts Camp in Interlochen, Michigan to study voice, she decided to pursue a music career. She moved to Ft. Myers in the fall of 2015 and is currently a junior majoring in Voice Performace. Apart from singing, Arienne loves acting and dancing. She also enjoys outdoor activities, like trekking or hiking, and she never misses an opportunity to travel since she loves discovering new places, learning about different cultures and admiring all types of landscapes -- either the sunset on a beach or a sunrise in the mountains.
Alex Biery | Natural Sciences AMBASSADOR
Alex is a 2nd year biology student, originally from Pittsburgh, PA. Alex has had the privilege of making mission trips to Cambodia, the Dominican Republic and Syracuse, New York. He has a deep passion for the outdoors and nature, but also enjoys reading, experimenting with technology, and spending time with family. He works as a Lifeguard for FGCU and was honored as Campus Rec Rookie of the Year. Alex is a member of Ignite and also serves on staff. He enjoys volunteering for Habitat for Humanity and other non-profits. He plans to continue his studies after FGCU in Optometry.
COURTNEY VANLIEW | BUSINESS AMBASSADOR
My name is Courtney VanLiew. I am a sophomore at FGCU, majoring in Management and Marketing and minoring in Spanish. I am a member of the Division I indoor and beach volleyball teams at FGCU. GO EAGLES! My dream job is to secure a position with the NCAA National Headquarters, located in Indiana, my home state.
At FGCU, I am an active member of the Athletic Council, Honor Society, Impact, and FGCUScholars. Next summer, I hope to participate in a travel abroad program that will allow me to explore the world while totally immersing myself into a Spanish-speaking community. I am currently leading the Athletic Council in a community service activity that will create friendship bracelets for Christmas gifts to underprivileged youth in the Fort Myers area. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my friends, making crafts, and attending concerts.
TIA PAYTON | NATURAL AND PHYSICAL SCIENCES AMBASSADOR
My name is Tia Payton. I am a sophmore working on my B.S. Biology with a concentration in Preprofestional and a minor in Chemistry. I dream to be either an anesthesiologist or a neurologist. At FGCU I am a peers care member educatimg the students about wellness. I'm also members of Global Medical Bridgades, TriBeta, Model UN, and I volunteer at environmental health & safety. In my free time I love to read and play with my adorable puppy.
Mentoring Office Hours: R 1:00-3:00 PM
Eddie Thinger | Social SCIENCES AMBASSADOR
Eddie is currently a senior majoring in Political Science with a concentration in International Relations and Comparative Politics. His interest areas for research include authoritarianism, nationalism, democratization, post-Soviet states, and political extremism. In his time at FGCU, Eddie has been active in the Office of Housing and Residence Life, the Honors College, and the Office of Service-Learning, and has a passion for trying to connect students with ways they can engage with the community while doing research at the undergraduate level. When not in the classroom or the office, Eddie enjoys watching baseball, traveling, and golfing.
Kayleigh Heister | Social Sciences AMBASSADOR
Kayleigh is currently studying history along with medieval and early modern studies. When not busy in class you can find her at jobs on campus, both as a resident assistant in North Lake Village or the library’s archives. So far at FGCU, she has presented a poster board at Florida Undergraduate Research Conference 2019. She is excited to be a part of the FGCUScholar Ambassador team and to inform her fellow students about the opportunities the Office of Undergraduate Scholarship has to offer. When she has free time, she enjoys listening to podcast and reading.
OLIVIA ROMAS | NATURAL SCIENCES AMBASSADOR
Olivia is a senior majoring in Biology and minoring in Chemistry. Olivia is a pre-med student who plans on attending medical school in the near future. Olivia participates in undergraduate research that is focused on the benefits of treating breast cancer with certain essential oils. When she isn't studying for class, she is most likely mentoring students for SiHM or working out with some girls from CHAARG - both RSO's here at FGCU. Olivia cannot wait to serve another year as an FGCUScholars Ambassador!Location
Office of Undergraduate Scholarship
10501 FGCU Blvd. S.
Edwards Hall 214
Fort Myers, FL 33965-6565