Five Questions

Bonnie Yegidis' path to provost at Florida Gulf Coast University began humbly in the 1970s, when, as a social worker, she accepted a part-time teaching position at West Virginia University in Morgantown, W. Va. Yegidis quickly discovered her talent for research and problem solving-and her love of academia.

Following a full-time stint at WVU that ran from 1976 to 1977, Yegidis became a faculty member at the University of South Florida, where she earned her doctorate and rose though the ranks to become the assistant to the president. In all, she spent 18 years at USF.

For eight years after that, she served as dean of the school of Social Work at the University of Georgia, winding up as assistant provost in 2003. And in July of this year, Yegidis hit yet another career milestone by becoming FGCU's provost and vice president of Academic Affairs. There, she oversees faculty and students in five academic colleges, the library and research, technology and outreach programs. It's an important job in a time marked by rapid growth. And she's ready to take it on.

1.What do you see as your role and the role of the university in the community?
As provost of FGCU, my role is to ensure that the programs are state-of-the-art and are staffed by the finest faculty and staff who are responsive to the needs of the community and students. The university's role is to enhance the quality of life in Southwest Florida through teaching, research and community service.

2.How has the university been affected by the interests and career choices of its students?
As part of our growth and future planning, FGCU periodically reassesses the interests of its students and their career paths and plans on launching new degree programs in response to the changing needs of the economy. In 2005 we are planning on adding an undergraduate program in engineering, as well as a PGA-approved golf management program.

3.Where do you see FGCU going in the future?
Over the next few years, we plan on expanding our class offerings to off-campus locations throughout Southwest Florida. We are in the process of developing and expanding research partnerships within the community and with private industry that will bring together the intellectual resources of the university with entrepreneurs, biotechnology and environmental scientists to solve problems in our community.

4.What is the school's strategy for recruiting, serving and retaining new students?
This year, our fall enrollment was 6,400 students. Our projections show that figure doubling by the year 2010. Our goal is to add new curricula and to have the faculty and staff to support our efforts as a way to attract the future leaders of our community, region and country.

5.How does the university secure funding to keep up with the growth?
Tuition is only 25 percent of our overall funding. In addition to revenue from contracts and grants and state appropriations, we are grateful to have the generous support of individuals, foundations and local corporations. This support has enabled FGCU to add unique, niche programs to the university's curriculum. The coming years will present challenges and opportunities as we continue to grow our reputation as a nationally prominent institution.