Welcome to Florida SouthWestern State College!
Welcome to the Florida SouthWestern State College family. We offer the tools you need to help you realize your professional goals. With faculty who are passionate about teaching and sharing a wealth of knowledge for your benefit, you will receive an exceptional education that extends beyond the classroom. While you’re working on your professional certificate, Associate’s Degree or Bachelor’s Degree, we also offer a wide variety of student clubs and activities as part of a full college experience.
This is your time and your chance to grow personally and develop the skills needed to be a leader. When the day arrives that you put on your cap and gown, I’ll be there to shake your hand and congratulate you on a job well done.
Go Bucs!
Dr. Jeff Allbritten, President
About Florida SouthWestern State College
Florida SouthWestern State College has provided higher education opportunities to the five counties it serves for more than 50 years. It has enjoyed five decades of leadership and public service in Southwest Florida and the satisfaction of supporting the accomplishments of 35,000 graduates. It all began in 1962 in the vacant Gwynne Institute in downtown Fort Myers. The tiny but mighty faculty held classes in churches, theaters and even a bowling alley. One student emerged from the first graduating class of 1963.
A lot can happen in five decades.
Three Presidents have led the college. Over time, three campuses, one center and FSW Online took root. One small school transformed itself from a junior college to a community college to the state college it is today. The Fourth President, Dr. Jeff Allbritten, was inaugurated in May 2013.
Florida SouthWestern State College ended racial segregation in higher education in Southwest Florida when it opened its doors to all students. It broadened its reach from offering two-year degrees to implementing a four-year Baccalaureate program. Students can live on campus in a 400-unit residence hall, LightHouse Commons. High school students are reaching their potential at Collegiate High Schools on the Lee and Charlotte campuses. The Charlotte Collegiate High School celebrated its first graduation in May 2013. It’s open, accessible and a way for thousands to become “A Higher Degree of You.”
Florida SouthWestern State College is committed to providing an educational and working environment free from discrimination and harassment.
All programs, activities, employment and facilities of Florida SouthWestern State College are available to all on a non-discriminatory basis, without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, genetic information or veteran’s status. The College is an equal access/equal opportunity institution. Questions pertaining to educational equity, equal access, or equal opportunity should be addressed to Dr. Jeff Stewart, Vice President Research, Technology & Accountability, 8099 College Parkway, Fort Myers, FL 33919, (239) 489-9305.
Board of Trustees
Sankey “Eddie” Webb, III, CPA, MBA, Chair, Charlotte County
Sankey “Eddie” Webb, of Punta Gorda, has been a certified public accountant and managing partner of Webb, Lorah and Company P.L. since 1985. After serving as an officer in the United States Air Force from 1970 to 1979, he joined Blankenship, Livings, Lamar and Company in Montgomery, Alabama, and served as a partner in the firm from 1983 to 1985. Webb received a bachelor’s degree from The Citadel and a Master of Business Administration from Auburn University.
Brian Chapman, Jr., B.A., Vice-Chair Lee County
Brian G. Chapman Jr., of Cape Coral, has been an insurance agent and owner of Chapman Insurance Group since 2009. He received a bachelor’s degree from Florida Gulf Coast University.
Marjorie Starnes-Bilotti, J.D., Lee County
Marjorie Starnes-Bilotti, of Fort Myers, is a retired attorney. From 1994 to 1999, she was a member of the Florida State Board of Community Colleges. Starnes- Bilotti received bachelor’s and law degrees from Florida State University.
Tristan “Tris” Chapman, MBA, Hendry County
Mr. Chapman, of LaBelle, is Vice President and General Manager of Southern Gardens Citrus. Prior to that, he was an executive with Tropicana for over 20 years. He earned his bachelor’s degree and MBA from the University of South Florida.
Byron Donalds, B.S., Collier County
Mr. Donalds, of Naples, is the Director of Premium Management at CMG Life Services, Inc. He received a bachelor’s degree in Finance and a bachelor’s degree in Marketing from Florida State University.
Eric Loche, B.A., Charlotte County
Mr. Loche, of Port Charlotte is a Vice President with Morgan Stanley. He received his bachelor’s degree in Psychology and bachelor’s degree in Journalism from California State University.
Julia G. Perry, B.A.E., Glades County
Mrs. Perry, of Moore Haven, is a retired school librarian. She has served as a Trustee since 2002.
Braxton C. Rhone, B.S., Lee County
Mr. Rhone, of Fort Myers, is an Investment Representative at Fidelity Investments. Active in the community, his service includes being an inaugural member of the G.A.I.N. (Growing Associates in Naples) Program, and as a past board member of Youth Leadership Collier. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Florida Gulf Coast University, where he also served as student body treasurer and vice president.
Christopher T. Vernon, J.D., Collier County
Mr. Vernon, of Naples, is a founding partner of the business and investment litigation firm Vernon Healy in Naples.
Strategic Directions
Enhancing The College Experience
- focusing recruiting and admissions efforts
- creating a robust residential life experience on Lee to support our residence hall
- exploring the potential return of athletics as a component of student life / residential life
- increasing scholarly activity vis-à-vis the creation of sponsored programs
- expanding international education
- providing efficient processes that enhance or improve student, faculty and staff overall experience with the college
- exploring new workforce-related specific and degree offerings including additional $10,000 degree options
Increasing Community Connections
- rebranding and renaming the college to help with the external message (and to the efforts of residence life and athletics)
- emphasizing the arts as a community resource
- refocusing the direction for the Foundation and enhancing its role in the college
- increasing service area coverage through regional vice presidents and economic community development
- assessing and responding to regional workforce needs
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