Anna Haney-Withrow Named Director of the New Institute of Innovative and Emerging Technologies at Florida SouthWestern State College

FORT MYERS, FLA / AGILITYPR.NEWS / August 12, 2024 / Anna Haney-Withrow has been named director of the new Institute of Innovative and Emerging Technologies (IIET) at Florida SouthWestern State College (FSW). In her new role, Haney-Withrow will play a pivotal part in fostering a collaborative and innovative culture within FSW and the broader community.

Haney-Withrow brings a rich background in teaching and learning design, with a proven track record of leadership in both the private sector and academia. Her deep thinking and boundless energy are directed toward educational innovation and the development of cross-sector partnerships.

Continuing her work in the humanities, Haney-Withrow integrates artificial intelligence and other advanced tools to deepen students' engagement with art, literature, and philosophy. Her commitment to education focuses on maintaining a dynamic relationship between students and teachers, ensuring that human-centered pedagogy and values remain central to technological advancement.

The IIET at FSW is dedicated to inspiring learning and fostering innovation by leveraging emerging technologies and strategic partnerships. The Institute's mission is to prepare our diverse community for an interconnected global workplace by empowering human-driven solutions and enhancing FSW’s agility and adaptability.

“As the pace of technological innovation accelerates, higher education institutions must become more agile and collaborate with industry to address skill gaps,” said Haney-Withrow. “The IIET aspires to be a multifaceted hub for research, development, training, and community engagement in emergent technologies. By fostering a collaborative and innovative culture, the Institute will promote skill development and streamline institutional processes, positioning FSW as a leader in the implementation of new technologies.”

The IIET will support FSW's strategic initiatives to advance a world-class educational experience and prepare students for a globally competitive workforce through investments in state-of-the-art facilities and technology infrastructure, comprehensive hardware and software resources, robust community outreach, and development of a cutting-edge curriculum.

By establishing the IIET, FSW aims to inspire learning, foster innovation, and form strategic partnerships to prepare our diverse community for an interconnected global workplace. The Institute will empower human-driven solutions, enhancing FSW's agility and adaptability while providing leadership in the Southwest Florida community and beyond.