FGCU leadership institute expands partnerships, aims to shape 10,000 future leaders by 2036

Florida Gulf Coast University's Southwest Florida Leadership Institute is expanding its partnerships with organizations across the region while setting a long-term goal of developing 10,000 leaders by 2036.

The institute recently announced new agreements with Lee Health, Aurora Anguilla, the Charitable Foundation of the Islands and Sanctuary Golf Club as it grows its leadership development programs for health care, hospitality, nonprofit and private-sector organizations.

Lee Health has signed a two-year agreement to continue leadership training for managers and supervisors across its health system. The institute also expanded an international partnership with Aurora Anguilla, a luxury resort, following an earlier hospitality leadership program.

The institute plans to launch customized leadership cohorts for the Charitable Foundation of the Islands and Sanctuary Golf Club in 2026.

"Organizations are recognizing that leadership is no longer something that can be left to chance," said Meagan Baskin, Ph.D., director of the Southwest Florida Leadership Institute. "Whether we're partnering with a healthcare system serving millions of patients, a world-class luxury resort, or mission-driven nonprofit organizations, the common thread is a commitment to investing in people."

Baskin said the institute's broader goal is to help strengthen organizations across Southwest Florida by developing 10,000 leaders over the next decade.

"Our vision is bold because our region's needs are significant," Baskin said. "Every effective nonprofit, every public agency, every healthcare organization, every school, and every business depends on capable leaders. If we want Southwest Florida to thrive over the next generation, we must intentionally develop the people who will lead it."

Unlike one-time leadership seminars, the institute said its programs focus on cohort-based learning, executive coaching and practical application. In addition to customized training for organizations, it also offers open-enrollment programs for professionals from a variety of industries.

Institute officials said philanthropic support helps provide scholarships and expand leadership opportunities for nonprofit and public-sector organizations with limited training budgets.