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Former Florida Gulf Coast University President William "Bill" Merwin died Friday in Jacksonville after a lengthy illness. He was 71.
Merwin was FGCU’s second president, selected by the Board of Regents in 1999, and retiring in 2007.
During the years of Dr. Merwin's presidency, Florida Gulf Coast University saw growth in enrollment from 3,284 to 8,309 students; the percentage of students attending full time from 46% to 73%; the annual operating budget from $52 million to $110 million, and the number of campus buildings from 24 to 71. While he was president of FGCU, $175 million in private gifts and donations was raised for support of every University aspect from academics to students to athletics to campus buildings. President Merwin also is credited with growing student housing on campus, taking the intercollegiate athletics program from its infancy to NCAA Division I, and adding many new degree programs including engineering and music. (Read More...)
Merwin was FGCU’s second president, selected by the Board of Regents in 1999, and retiring in 2007.
During the years of Dr. Merwin's presidency, Florida Gulf Coast University saw growth in enrollment from 3,284 to 8,309 students; the percentage of students attending full time from 46% to 73%; the annual operating budget from $52 million to $110 million, and the number of campus buildings from 24 to 71. While he was president of FGCU, $175 million in private gifts and donations was raised for support of every University aspect from academics to students to athletics to campus buildings. President Merwin also is credited with growing student housing on campus, taking the intercollegiate athletics program from its infancy to NCAA Division I, and adding many new degree programs including engineering and music. (Read More...)
“Florida Gulf Coast University in 2011 is light years ahead of where it would be today without the leadership of Bill Merwin,” said Florida Gulf Coast University President Wilson Bradshaw. “Bill served as president of FGCU during a time of unparalleled growth and development, and he will be fondly remembered as a dynamic leader whose vision and many accomplishments significantly advanced our university.
Prior to Florida Gulf Coast University, Dr. Merwin held three university presidencies: Salisbury State University (1997 – 1999), State University of New York – Pottsdam (1989 – 1997), and Montana State University (1985 – 1989).
Services will be held on Monday, May 9 in Jacksonville. Anyone wishing to make a gift in President Merwin's memory may donate to Community Hospice Foundation, 4266 Sunbeam Road, Jacksonville, FL 32257. Condolences may be sent to the family in care of Mr. and Mrs. William Merwin Jr., 1422 Mallard Landing Blvd., St. Johns, FL 32259. Florida Gulf Coast University will honor President Merwin on campus at a later date.