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. Starting in the fall of 2015, atheletes will return to FSW with baseball and softball at City of Palms Stadium, and the Suncoast Credit Union Arena will be home to our men’s and women’s basketball teams in the fall of 2016.
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
Five 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 counties for over five decades, and currently has over 35,000 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 deserving 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, business and political leaders joined to celebrate the first day of the institution’s new beginning as Florida SouthWestern State College.
Today, led by its fourth president, Dr. Jeffery S. Allbritten, the college remains committed to providing affordable educational access to a four-year baccalaureate degree, a two-year associate degree, or a certificate from one of its five accredited schools:
- School of Health Professions
- School of Education
- School of Business and Technology
- School of Pure and Applied Sciences
- School of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences
Board of Trustees
Sankey “Eddie” Webb, III, CPA, MBA, Chair, Charlotte County
Mr. Webb, of Punta Gorda, has been a certified public accountant and managing partner of Webb, Lorah and Company P.A. since 1985. He 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
Mr. Chapman, 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
Mrs. Starnes-Bilotti, of Fort Myers, is a retired attorney. She received a bachelor’s degree and a law degree from Florida State University.
Tristan “Tris” Chapman, MBA, Hendry County
Mr. Chapman, of LaBelle, is Vice President and General Manager of Southern Gardens Citrus. He received a bachelor’s degree and MBA from the University of South Florida.
Byron Donalds, B.S., Collier County
Mr. Donalds, of Naples, is a Portfolio Manager at Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC. 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 a 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 received a bachelor’s degree in education from the University of Mississippi.
Braxton C. Rhone, B.S., Lee County
Mr. Rhone, of Fort Myers, is an Investment Representative at Fidelity Investments. He received a 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. He received a bachelor’s degree from Florida State University and received a law degree from Stetson University College of Law.
Strategic Directions
Enhancing The College Experience
- Focus recruiting, admissions, and retention efforts
- Create a robust residential life experience on Lee to support our residence hall
- Explore the potential return of athletics as a component of student life/residential life
- Increase scholarly activity vis-à-vis the creation of sponsored programs office
- Expand international education
- Provide efficient processes that enhance or improve student, faculty and staff overall experience with the college
- Explore new workforce-related certificate and degree offerings including additional $10,000 degree options
Increasing Community Connections
- Fund new initiatives that hold promise for FSW
- Emphasize the arts as a community resource
- Refocus the direction for the FSW Foundation and enhancing its role in the college
- Increase service area coverage through regional vice presidents for economic and community development
- Assess and respond to regional workforce needs
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