Photo courtesy of Tyler Gibson
College is a place where students discover their futures. An unrecognized part of this process is the professors who introduce students to these topics. For FGCU alumnus Tyler Gibson, he wanted to make the same difference his professors made in his life, so he returned to the university to teach the same classes he took as a student.
His drive for success began early. At 10 years old, he created Tyler’s Bible Newsletter, a monthly Christian bulletin, and by 12, he was already interning for his local newspaper. Over the years, Gibson has continued to pursue freelance work alongside his full-time teaching career.
Gibson completed his undergraduate studies at FGCU in 2017, earning a bachelor’s in communications with a concentration in public relations before obtaining his master’s in mass communication from the University of Florida in 2023.
“I remember the first time I walked onto a college campus,” Gibson said. “My anxiety was overwhelming, and the thought of sitting in a room full of people I didn’t know felt like too much.”
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Gibson gravitated toward teaching after seeing firsthand the difference educators can make in students’ lives. Having been on both sides of the classroom at FGCU marks a significant and bittersweet milestone in his young career, with faculty largely unchanged since his student days.
“Now, I can look back, see the growth, and even laugh a little. Who would’ve thought that years later I’d have the honor of meeting and interacting with new students every semester?” Gibson said.
Gibson’s life changed when he came across an opening for an adjunct professor at FGCU and applied on a whim.
“One thing led to another, and just forty-eight hours after walking across the stage at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, I was back at my alma mater, teaching my first class in Merwin Hall,” Gibson said.
Gibson views teaching as a way of serving others and feels blessed to have the opportunity to do so at his alma mater. He calls the unique opportunity of teaching alongside his former professors a privilege.
“Even as colleagues, they continue to guide and mentor me,” Gibson said.
Colleagues describe Gibson as passionate about student success and eager to bring real-world industry knowledge into the classroom.
“It’s personally very rewarding to see Professor Gibson transition from being an Eagle grad to an Eagle instructor. It’s thrilling to see a former student become a colleague, but more importantly, I’m excited for our students,” said public relations professor Kara Winton.
He aims to continue to mentor his students after they graduate, as his professors did for him in the past.
“Seeing students grow and evolve, I love that I can witness that firsthand,” Gibson said. “Several come by office hours just to update me on what’s happening in their lives. My job is fulfilled not just by what I teach in the classroom, but also by learning how students are applying those skills in other classes or in the workforce.”
Gibson shies away from the traditional lecture-based lesson plan approach, opting for a more high-energy, open dialogue-centered teaching style to allow for greater connection, helping students to learn and absorb information more effectively.
“He makes class fun. It’s not daunting every time I walk in there,” said freshman Elizabeth Krizek, one of Gibson’s students.
Gibson’s work extends far beyond the classroom. He is also an entrepreneur, helping brands ‘tell their story with purpose’ under his business Eagle Marketing & Design. All this has culminated in him earning the 2025 Faculty Member of the Year as an instructor in the Department of Communication & Philosophy.
“He has boundless energy and a deep love of helping our students. His return to FGCU is a win-win for Professor Gibson himself, the university, our students, and his colleagues,” said Winton.