Florida Gulf Coast University
IN-1: Innovation 1

FGCU Receives $200,000 grant award in support of Backe Chair in Renewable Energy and a $600,000 donation to establish the Sproul Chair for Habitat Restoration & Management. In November 2010 Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) received a $200,000 grant award under the New Florida Initiative (http://www.flbog.edu/new_florida/) Scholars Boost Program to assist FGCU in recruiting the Backe Chair in Renewable Energy. The Backe Chair is a highly significant hire for FGCU as the holder of this position will be expected to propel the advancement of sponsored research in renewable energy, cultivate existing strengths and partnerships, and significantly contribute toward the development of the FGCU Innovation Hub (iHub). FGCU has entered into a public/private partnership to build the iHub research park on 241 acres located near the FGCU campus. The iHub will include a new 50,000 sq. ft FGCU building dedicated to the study of renewable energy including solar, wind, bio-fuels and other alternative energy sources, and the integration of appropriate green technologies, and related science needed to support and exploit these sources in a sustainable manner. The Backe Chair will have a leadership role in the design and development of the FGCU building and will help lead our expanding initiative in renewable energy research. In addition to the Backe Chair, a $600,000 gift by Naples developer and philanthropist Judy Sproul will enable Florida Gulf Coast university to add a renowned authority on tropical systems and ecology to its faculty. The university will apply for a 70% matching grant from the state, bringing the gift’s value to $1.02 million. The eminent scholar who fills this position will provide leadership and conduct research aimed at enhancing the southwest Florida environment and enriching the education of students majoring in environmental science and environmental studies. He or she will also conduct lectures and seminars for the community. The person selected as the result of a national search will work primarily at the university’s new Harvey Kapnick Education and Research Center at the Naples Botanical Garden.