Aysegul Timur selected as FGCU's next president. What we know.

Aysegul Timur was selected to become the next president of Florida Gulf Coast University in a 7-6 vote Thursday afternoon.

She is the first woman to hold the top position in the history of the university.

"I don't have enough words to say how honored I am to lead this great institution," Timur said after the vote. "This is — after my own family, my kids, my husband — this is really a life achievement for me to be considered president-elect of FGCU."

The selection was made after the four finalists were interviewed Thursday morning by the board of trustees. Twelve public comments were made and there was a board discussion.

All but one of the public comments were for either Aysegul Timur or Neil McKinnon. Three expressed that they did not want Henry Mack. One wanted either Mack or McKinnon. No one came forward to push for Joseph Morgan, but no one spoke against him.

"Dr. Timur is intelligent and hardworking, decisive, personable, and definitely has leadership characteristics that are quite attractive," said Trustee Peter Sulick. "There is no question about her work ethic, her dedication, extraordinarily impressive list of members of the community that have spoken on her behalf."

The board then voted 11-2 to move Mack and Timur to the final vote.

"Everyone loves her and there's a lot to love," said Trustee Luis Rivera II of Timur. "Everyone's going to continue to love her."

This was the second round of finalists for the university's president search. The initial search process, which started in April of 2022, resulted in three finalists. But ultimately, all of the finalists dropped out of the search by December.

More: FGCU president search: Four finalists announced. Here's what we know.

More: Cost of FGCU presidential search nears $125,000, search continues

Current FGCU president Mike Martin was initially supposed to retire at the end of 2022 but agreed to stay on through June 30 in order for the university to find its fifth president.

"For what I believe she lacks in presidential leadership and relationships in Tallahassee, I think she is so coachable, adaptable, her personality is just that," said Trustee Jaye Semrod.

What does Timur currently do?

Timur currently serves as vice president and vice provost for Strategy and Program Innovation at FGCU. In her role she launched the micro-credentialing and digital badges initiative and recently led the university to receive a $22.9 million grant through the U.S. Department of Commerce – Economic Development Administration’s Good Jobs Talent Grant for workforce development in Southwest Florida.

Where is she from?

Timur moved to Naples 25 years ago from Turkey. It was in her newfound community that she learned English and received a doctorate from the University of South Florida. Before moving to the U.S. she earned her master's and bachelor degree in business administration from the University of Istanbul.

What's next?

• Timur will go before the Board of Governors in June for confirmation.

• The transfer of duties to the new president will occur on July 1 following the retirement of Martin.

This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: FGCU board selects Aysegul Timur as next president. What we know.