Dr. William C. Merwin

Dr. William Charles "Bill" Merwin died on May 6, 2011 in Jacksonville, FL after a lengthy illness. Bill was born on June 25, 1939 in LaCrosse, Wisconsin to Donald and Effie "Pat" Merwin. He attended Aquinas High School, graduating in 1957. Bill earned both Bachelor and Master degrees at the University of Wisconsin-LaCrosse, majoring in History and Secondary Education. Bill was awarded the University of Wisconsin’s highest honor, the Maurice O. Graff Distinguished Alumnus Award in May 2000.

In 1966 he was awarded a Fulbright Scholarship, studying in Japan. Bill taught at Onalaska High School and West Salem High School in Wisconsin and was an assistant basketball coach.

Bill began doctoral studies after receiving a NDEA Grant at the University of Georgia. He completed his doctoral studies in 1971. Upon graduation, Bill took a position as an instructor at the newly founded University of North Florida in Jacksonville, FL in 1973, teaching Social Studies Methods classes in the Education Department. Bill advanced to Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs while at UNF.

In 1985 Bill moved north to become the sixth President of Northern Montana College in Havre, Montana. In 1989, he left Montana for the State University of New York (SUNY) Potsdam campus in upstate New York. As President, Bill oversaw an expansion of SUNY Potsdam's academic programs and its first fund-raising campaign. In 1997, Bill assumed the Presidency of Salisbury State University in Salisbury, Maryland. He left Maryland two years later to return to Florida to be near his adult children and grandchildren.

Selected by the Board of Regents in July 1999, Bill became Florida Gulf Coast University's second President. During the years of his Presidency, FGCU underwent tremendous growth, from 3,200 students to over 8,300 students. He is credited with growing student housing on campus, as well as taking the athletics program from its infancy to NCAA Division I status and raising over $175 million in private gifts and donations for the University. In addition, he served as President of the Florida Association of Colleges and Universities in 2003.

He Retired from Florida Gulf Coast University in 2007 but returned to higher education in 2009 as a consultant with Hodges University to develop Hodges’ planned or deferred giving program.

Bill was an avid reader and devoted history buff. He enjoyed playing golf, watching the Atlanta Braves and Green Bay Packers and other football, basketball and baseball games. He is survived by his sons John (Margie), Michael (Donna) and William Jr. (Netta) from his marriage to Patricia Merwin. He was the proud grandfather of seven grandchildren (Michael, Lindsay, Tyler, Jordan, Sydney, Mark, and Katelyn) and one great-grandchild (Jaden Jones), Sister Donna Collins (Clint), Brother Robert (Mary Jo) and several nieces and nephews.

The family wishes to express their appreciation to the many friends who were so supportive during Bill's illness. The wonderful care given by the staff at Carriage Club of Jacksonville, Mayo Hospital, Cypress Village, and Community Hospice of NE Florida provided much comfort to Bill and his family.

Services will be held on Monday, May 9 at 11 a.m. at Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home, located at 11801 San Jose Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32223, (904-288-5694). 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. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home of Mandarin, 11801 San Jose Blvd. Jacksonville, FL 32223. www.hgmandarin.com (904) 288-0025