Welcome to Florida SouthWestern State College!
What an exciting time to be a part of Florida SouthWestern State College! For more than 60 years, FSW has served as a driving force for education, progress, and community impact in Southwest Florida. We’ve awarded more than 75,000 degrees and certificates-each one representing a personal journey of transformation and achievement.
As you begin or continue your own journey here, I invite you to discover all that FSW has to offer. You’ll quickly see that FSW is not just a place to learn-it’s a place to dream, to do, and to transform. Our mission is to transform your life.
At FSW, you’ll find countless ways to go beyond the classroom. Whether you’re participating in undergraduate research, exploring marine biology in Southwest Florida, writing and performing original works, or diving into our local archives to preserve community history-you’ll be supported and inspired by expert faculty who are passionate about your success.
FSW’s workforce programs continue to grow. We’ve recently introduced exciting new programs in entrepreneurship, supply chain management, cybersecurity, physical therapy assisting, and advanced medical assisting. These areas of study reflect the changing world around us and provide the tools you need to thrive in a dynamic job market. Our Career Connection Centers, now available on all campuses, offer personalized career support, internship connections, and pathways into in-demand industries.
Looking to see the world while you learn? Our study abroad experiences can take you to Italy, Spain, Costa Rica, and beyond. You’ll broaden your perspective while earning college credit-and with available scholarships and financial support, studying abroad is within your reach.
College is also about finding your strengths and creating connections. At FSW, you’ll find your place through student clubs, leadership opportunities, and on-campus events. With vibrant campus life and state-of-the-art facilities, there’s always something happening and always a way to get involved.
If creativity is your thing, our arts programs and cultural experiences are second to none. Visit exhibitions in the Bob Rauschenberg Gallery, attend performances at the Black Box Theatre or the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall, or become part of the show through our music, theater, and visual arts programs.
And let’s not forget our Buccaneers! It’s been another standout year for FSW Athletics, filled with championship wins, academic excellence, and meaningful community involvement. The 2024-2025 season kicked off with a historic achievement as FSW Volleyball became the first NJCAA Division I team to win three consecutive National Championships. FSW student-athletes continue to shine academically while earning national recognition, including the Men’s Basketball team, which saw seven players from the 2023-2024 squad move on to Division I, adding to the 16 former Bucs competing at that level this season. The Women’s Basketball team, led by new Head Coach Jamie Fisher, surged into the national Top 25, claimed the Citrus Conference title with a 17-1 record, and returned to the NJCAA National Tournament. Meanwhile, Bucs Baseball matched its longest win streak and climbed to a #4 national ranking, and Bucs Softball opened the season 25-0, building on last year’s 7th-place finish at their record fourth straight NJCAA World Series. This season, FSW Softball also celebrated Coach Robert Iamurri’s 500th win.
Choosing FSW means choosing quality, affordability, and a team that believes in your potential. Whether your path leads to the workforce, a university, or an unexpected new passion, our mission is to transform your life through education, experience, and opportunity.
So-what will your story be at FSW? We can’t wait to see where it takes you.
Go Bucs!
Dr. Jeff Allbritten, President
About Florida SouthWestern State College
Six Decades of History
As the largest institution of higher learning in Southwest Florida, Florida SouthWestern State College (FSW) has been serving the five-county region of Lee, Collier, Charlotte, Hendry and Glades for six decades, and currently has over 74,000 alumni serving in the healthcare, education, public service, and technology industries around the world. Originally founded in 1962 as Edison Junior College, FSW has developed into a leading provider of higher education opportunities for students from across the country.
From Edison State College to Florida SouthWestern State College
In May 2014, Florida Governor Rick Scott signed a bill to change the college’s name to Florida SouthWestern State College. On July 1, 2014, faculty, staff, students, administrators, and business and political leaders joined to celebrate the first day of the institution’s new beginning as Florida SouthWestern State College. Along with the new name, the FSW Buccaneers resumed collegiate athletic competition in fall of 2016.
FSW Today
Led by its fourth president, Dr. Jeffery S. Allbritten, the college remains committed to providing all of its students affordable educational access to a four-year baccalaureate degree, a two-year associate degree, or a certificate from one of its six schools:
- School of Allied Health
- School of Nursing
- School of Education
- School of Business and Technology
- School of Pure and Applied Sciences
- School of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences
FSW’s Center for International Education provides students with summer study abroad opportunities in Italy, Greece, Costa Rica, England, France, and Spain. Some FSW courses also provide students with opportunities to travel to locations like Ireland and the Galapagos Islands where they study the culture and conduct ecological research alongside FSW faculty and scientists. Additionally, the FSW Office of Sponsored Programs and Research provides even more opportunities for students and faculty to participate in research topics that are of interest to them.
FSW’s Honors Scholar Program offers students an enriched and challenging educational experience that extends learning beyond the classroom. The program strives to cultivate academic excellence, skillful leadership, and commitment to social responsibility. As a rigorous, transdisciplinary program, students are inspired to seek out transformative experiences and participate in the world in new ways.
Opportunities Abound
A fixture in Southwest Florida, FSW provides numerous educational, cultural, and entertainment opportunities for its students and the community.
The Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall, located on the Lee Campus, is an integral part of the college, hosting performances throughout the year, including fall and spring performances by FSW’s jazz band, symphony orchestra, and choir, as well as off-Broadway shows. Additionally, the college is home to the Bob Rauschenberg Gallery at FSW, where numerous exhibits are open to the public featuring artists of modern and contemporary art in all mediums, including the works of the late Rauschenberg and international names like Yoko Ono. Within our Richard H. Rush Library, visitors can also view the Rush Collections Gallery on the ground floor.
In the fall of 2016, the Suncoast Credit Union Arena, located on the Lee Campus in Fort Myers, opened as the home to the college’s men’s and women’s basketball teams and the women’s volleyball team. The arena also serves as a place for intramural sports and features a modern wellness center. Additionally, the arena hosts a variety of concerts, graduations, tournaments, and community events. The community can also catch an FSW Bucs baseball or softball game on the Lee Campus at our baseball and softball fields.
Faculty, staff, students, and the community can enjoy a game of pickleball at the Punta Gorda based Charlotte Campus’ PicklePlex and gaze at the stars during monthly events held at the James & Barbara Moore Observatory.
In LaBelle, the Hendry/Glades Curtis Center’s Education Hall, featuring the Barbara and Joe Marlin Hilliard Library, also includes three study rooms; the First Bank Community Room for community meetings and events; The Perry Family Galleria; a computer lab/classroom, six faculty offices, and a patio plaza.
On the Collier Campus in Naples, environmentally-friendly practices are abundant. In fact, the campus is the first in Collier County to have LEED-certified buildings, which are constructed with eco-friendly materials and are exceptionally energy efficient. The Collier Campus has also been recognized as the first Blue Zones Project-recognized college in Florida and only the second in the nation. The Allen & Marla Weiss Health Sciences Hall is home to one of the most sophisticated ER simulation suites, which prepares nursing and paramedic students to make an immediate and positive impact in healthcare. The college, in partnership with the University of Florida and the Healthcare Network of Southwest Florida, has a dental building that provides dental care to children who may not otherwise have the benefits of a healthy smile.
 Board of Trustees
Julia du Plooy, B.S., Hendry County
Julia Du Plooy, of Clewiston, is an independent contractor and owner of Julia du Plooy, LLC, and serves as the president of the Lake Okeechobee Business Alliance. She received her bachelor’s degree from Florida State University.
David Ciccarello, J.D., Lee County
David Ciccarello is in private practice. He received his bachelor’s degree from Florida State University and juris doctorate from Stetson University.
William Banfield, B.A., Lee County
Bill Banfield is the former President of Moran Wealth Management. He earned his bachelor’s degree in English from the College of the Holy Cross.
Kristina Heuser, J.D., Collier County
Kristina Heuser, of Naples, is an attorney at Kristina Heuser Law Firm. Heuser earned her bachelor’s degree in government from Georgetown University and her juris doctor from Brooklyn Law School.
Eviana Martin, J.D., Lee County
Eviana Martin, of Fort Myers, is an attorney at Martin Law Firm. Martin earned her bachelor’s degree from Barry University and her juris doctor from the University of Florida.
Lisa Metcalfe Swinto, M.B.A., Lee County
Lisa Metcalfe Swinto, of Cape Coral, is the Southwest Florida Regional Director of Associated Builders & Contractors Gulf Coast Chapter. Metcalfe Swinto earned her bachelor’s degree in English from Duquesne University and her master’s degree in business administration from Point Park University.
Denise Murphy, Collier County
Denise Murphy, of Naples, is the General Manager for The Players Club & Spa. Murphy received a certificate in hospitality management from eCornell University.
Tyler Patak, Ph.D., Lee County
Tyler Patak, of North Fort Myers, is an Architect and Principal at Parker Mudgett Smith Architects, Inc. Patak earned his bachelor’s degree in architecture from the Illinois Institute of Technology and his master’s degree and doctorate in business administration from California Coast University.
Florida SouthWestern State College will be a catalyst for educational success by providing innovative open-door pathways that prepare students to be knowledgeable, skilled and productive members of their communities.
We value student success, integrity, intellectual inquiry, and academic rigor.
The mission of Florida SouthWestern State College is to provide affordable and exceptional academic, cultural and workforce opportunities in a supportive environment that productively transforms the lives of our students and enhances the economic vitality of the communities we serve.
Strategic Directions
1. Expand Educational Access
Goals
- Work with regional partners to expand enrollment access to FSW degree and certificate programs through quality on-going avenues of communication, college readiness programs, articulation agreements and scholarships.
- Create a data-informed and seamless enrollment pipeline and increase the percentage of high school graduates from our service area who apply and enroll.
- Support students in goal identification and outline academic pathways to keep students on track to degree and certificate completion.
2. Advance a world-class educational experience
Goals
- Create and enhance relevant academic and co-curricular programming that develops individuals as well-rounded scholars and educated citizens.
- Support curricular and programmatic innovation to enhance the academic experience, facilitate transdisciplinary research and thinking, and advance student achievement.
- Create robust student engagement programs that support student connections and promote intellectual, cultural, and civic awareness in the broader community.
- Promote a culture of mental, physical and social wellness through student activities programs and events.
3. Innovate classroom and distance education delivery methods to support optimal learning experiences.
Goals
- Engage in best practices to expand educational delivery techniques and skills to make learning broadly accessible, and responsive to best practices in higher education.
- Identify and utilize innovative technologies and learning strategies across all educational programs to enhance academic support, and achievement of learning objectives.
- Provide on-going professional development opportunities to promote engagement with technologies and teaching techniques that bolster academic achievement.
4. Prepare students for a competitive, skilled workforce.
Goals
- Respond to community needs for postsecondary academic education and career degree education by identifying, developing, and appropriately expanding our workforce-related curriculum and industry certification, college credit certificate, and degree options.
- Develop and maintain relevant associate degrees, bachelor’s degrees and certificates as well as articulation agreements to provide opportunities for comprehensive credential attainment that promotes employability of graduates.
- Provide non-credit training opportunities and experiences to meet the needs of local businesses, establish internship/apprenticeship opportunities, and provide articulation bridge pathways into high demand certificate and degree programs.
5. Create a Culture Focused on Continuous Improvement
Goals
- Shape a secure and welcoming environment through strategic facilities planning, innovative technology and by maintaining a safe campus environment.
- Engage in ongoing professional development to create a positive, welcoming and responsive college climate that attracts a world-class faculty, staff and administration focused on ensuring student success.
- Provide support for emerging technologies that enhance learning opportunities and the timely delivery of services to all internal and external constituents.
- Develop self-supporting community education programs that highlight FSW’s comprehensive outreach and meet a broad range of interests/needs within our community.
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