SOUTHWEST FLORIDA - FGCU and BB&T are joining forces for business education.

On Tuesday, Florida Gulf Coast University announced BB&T Corporation established the "BB&T Distinguished Professorship in Free Enterprise" that supports the continuing high quality and growth of programs at the Lutgert College of Business. BB&T Corporation has committed $600,000, which qualifies for a 50 percent match from the state, bringing the gift to $900,000. The gift will fund initiatives that will enhance economic understanding both within the university and in the greater Southwest Florida community.

"We appreciate the confidence and support the BB&T gift shows for our programs in economics and finance," said FGCU President Wilson G. Bradshaw. "We are committed to deepening the understanding of how capital flows and markets develop to enhance economic growth and increase the quality of life locally, nationally and globally."

The BB&T Distinguished Professorship in Free Enterprise will enable FGCU to develop a new course for business majors that examines the philosophical basis for free market economics and the connection between capitalism and economic well being. The professor will be available for public speaking engagements and will develop a book club that focuses on free enterprise.

Susan Maurer, BB&T senior vice president and area executive, said, "We hope this program will create a long-term partnership between BB&T and FGCU, and show our commitment to this community. This program will also be a great opportunity for the University's scholars to encourage thorough discussions of the moral foundations of capitalism."

The Lutgert College of Business plans to create an annual lecture series aimed at bringing in prominent thinkers of national status to further explore the concepts of free enterprise capitalism.