FGCU considers Babcock Ranch expansion

Florida Gulf Coast University and Babcock Ranch are considering a partnership that would give students the opportunity to study resiliency and sustainability in a school at the heart of the Charlotte County community.

Syd Kitson—CEO of Kitson and Partners, which created Babcock Ranch—and the community’s residents are all for it.

“To be a truly sustainable community, education is such a key component of that—we’re very proud of our K-12 school,” Kitson said. “And sort of the next progression of that is higher education.”

Travis Walker just moved to Babcock Ranch with his wife and daughter.

“I think it’s something that could be good for the community and anything that would have options for kids to go outside of high school, or for another opportunity to advance their education,” Walker said.

Babcock Neighborhood School teacher Brandi Kirkpatrick likewise sees the potential.

“I think it’s going to give a lot more access to children, especially, you know, maybe that don’t live here,” Kirkpatrick said. “But we’re kind of out here. I think it’s going to just give them a lot more opportunities that they don’t have already.”

While the majority of FGCU’s board of trustees agrees, there are some difficulties, like FGCU welcoming a new president soon.

“At least from my perspective as the outgoing president, I wouldn’t want to… I would like to leave this option open to the next president as a significant initiative,” said FGCU President Mike Martin. “And I think we need to send that message now, that we have enough interest that the next president will have a chance to truly shape.”

As for trustee Erika Donalds, she has more concerns and was the only trustee to dissent the motion of support for this project.

“The bulk of the Charlotte County population that’s referenced in the narrative is not at Babcock Ranch,” Donalds said. “Obviously, it’s very far from there, and Babcock Ranch is very far from here. So, without the sustainable population surrounding this building, those beautiful classrooms will not be filled.”

But Kitson says the school will hopefully attract students outside of Babcock Ranch, too.

“Not necessarily to drive there, but to actually live there while they’re getting their education,” Kitson.

“That’s going to bring even more brilliant minds, so these children just [get] to keep expanding their thoughts,” Kirkpatrick said. “I think it’s an amazing idea.”

If FGCU does choose to pursue the project, Babcock Ranch has already committed $3 million to it. But the total cost is $8 million, so the community will have to request $5 million from the state.

Kitson says the potential expansion project may not have a final decision for another year or so.