Photo: Florida SouthWestern State College Director of Athletics, Kevin Lynum
Florida SouthWestern State College (FSW) has named Dr. Kevin Lynum as its new director of athletics, bringing to the FSW Buccaneers a leader with a proven record of strengthening athletic programs, improving student-athlete academic success, expanding athletic opportunities and advancing meaningful community engagement. Most recently, Lynum served as director of athletics at Jackson State Community College in Tennessee. Under his leadership, student-athletes achieved significant gains in team grade point averages and academic honors while the department expanded athletic offerings by introducing new sports and hiring coaching staff.
Lynum also oversaw the development of a $2.3 million athletic complex, launched new athletic camps, enhanced live-streaming and digital communications, increased fundraising efforts and improved student-athlete services, facilities and game-day experiences. "Dr. Lynum understands that successful athletic programs are built on more than wins and losses," said Dr. Jeff Allbritten, president of Florida SouthWestern State College. "His commitment to academic excellence, leadership and community engagement aligns perfectly with FSW's mission. We are excited to welcome him to the Buccaneer family."
Before joining Jackson State, Lynum served as assistant women's basketball coach at Norfolk State University, where he helped guide the Spartans to back-to-back NCAA Tournament appearances, conference championships and record-setting seasons.
His leadership experience also includes serving as director of athletics at Southeast High School, where he managed 28 athletic programs and 52 coaches, doubled fundraising efforts and helped 41 student-athletes continue their athletic careers at the collegiate level. As head women's basketball coach at Florida A&M University, Lynum improved the program's win totals while leading the team to its highest grade point average and a 100 percent graduation rate.
“I believe athletics should prepare students for success long after competition ends,” Lynum said. “I have always believed strong athletic programs must also deliver strong academic outcomes. My philosophy centers on leadership, accountability and creating opportunities for student-athletes to excel academically, compete at a high level and become engaged members of the campus and community. I am honored to join Florida SouthWestern State College and look forward to building upon the proud tradition of Buccaneer athletics.”
Lynum earned a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership from Southwestern College, a Master of Education from Florida A&M University, a Master of Business Administration from Warner University and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from American Military University.
Before entering collegiate athletics, Lynum served eight years in the United States Army as a staff sergeant, journalist and broadcast supervisor. About Florida SouthWestern State College (FSW) Florida SouthWestern State College serves nearly 20,000 students in Southwest Florida and around the world, offering a career-focused affordable pathway to higher education. With campuses in Fort Myers, Naples, and Punta Gorda, a center in LaBelle, and FSW Online, students are provided a broad range of academic opportunities. These include 29 associate degrees and six bachelor’s degree programs in high-demand fields such as nursing, education, technology, and public safety, as well as workforce certifications, continuing education, and study abroad experiences. Committed to student success and workforce readiness, FSW fosters a dynamic campus environment that prepares graduates to thrive both locally and globally.