Michelle Mambuca, Marketing & PR Manager
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Florida Gulf Coast University is Southwest Florida’s leading university affirming its “idea to impact” contribution to the area and Barron Collier Companies’ CEO Blake Gable was integral to its growth during the past decade.
Gable’s first involvement with FGCU Board of Trustees began in 2013 when Senator Rick Scott appointed Gable to the position. The Board of Trustees plays a vital role in the University’s operations and management, performance, fiscal accountability, and compliance with federal and state laws and regulations.
Five years later there was an opening for Chairman and the Board of Trustees elected Gable, serving three 2-year terms as Chairman. “FGCU is a relatively new university, and while enrollment in universities across the nation is declining, FGCU is growing. Even through natural disasters, a pandemic, FGCU continues to be on the rise,” said Gable. “I am so proud of the university for continuing to provide the highest level of education to each and every student.”
During Blake Gable’s time on the FGCU Board of Trustees, he worked alongside three out of the five University presidents including Dr. Wilson G. Bradshaw, Ph. D., Dr. Michael Martin, Ph. D., and Dr. Timur, Ph.D. In addition, he was involved in two presidential searches, the most recent being Aysegul Timur, Ph.D., who became FGCU’s fifth president on May 4, 2023, following a unanimous endorsement from the FGCU Board of Trustees.
Over 20 current Barron Collier Companies’ team members have graduated with their undergraduate or graduate degrees from FGCU. The Executive MBA program has also been well received by the executive team, with Gable completing the program in 2000, followed by additional team members.
“Having a reputable university close to BCC’s headquarters has been significant in capturing talent for our organization,” said Gable. “We offer internships in engineering, finance, accounting, real estate, and environmental services.”
According to FGCU Fast Facts, “when students leave Florida Gulf Coast University, nearly half of graduates stay in the region and continue to serve the community as teachers and nurses, scientists and social workers, engineers and entrepreneurs. Through thousands of Eagle alumni and through the university’s rising profile in fields such as water research, FGCU’s impact continues to expand exponentially.”
