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Florida Polytechnic University has reached on-campus housing capacity for the upcoming year amid record demand, with students placed on a waitlist as the University explores solutions to support its rapid growth.

Florida Poly reaches housing capacity as record growth drives need for strategic investment

May 6, 2026

Florida Polytechnic University has reached on-campus housing capacity for the upcoming academic year, reflecting continued strong demand and record student interest. As a result, students are being placed on a housing waitlist while the University evaluates immediate and long-term solutions to support its rapid growth.

The milestone comes as Florida Poly experiences a 39% increase in student net deposits compared to this time last year, a clear signal of the institution’s rising reputation and appeal among high-achieving students pursuing STEM degrees.

University leaders note that this growth aligns directly with the direction set by state leaders and the Florida Board of Governors to expand access to high-demand STEM education.

“Our growth is a direct result of the vision set by state leadership to expand opportunity in high-impact fields. We are delivering on that charge, enrolling more students than ever before without compromising the high standards and academic excellence that set Florida Poly apart,” said Beth Kigel, chair of Florida Poly’s Board of Trustees. “The demand we see reflects the rising reputation and great value of our institution. Now, it is critical that we continue working together to ensure the infrastructure and resources are in place to support this momentum and sustain the University’s trajectory.”

The Florida Poly administration is actively weighing all options to manage the current housing demand, including encouraging upper-division students to consider off-campus housing while additional capacity is explored.

“This level of interest speaks to the strength of Florida Poly’s academic programs, and the value students see in our STEM-focused education,” said Bryan Brooks, vice president of student affairs, enrollment management and strategic communications. “We are attracting some of the top students in the state, and as our reputation continues to rise, it is essential that we have the infrastructure to match that demand.”

“Having the funds to expand our housing capacity is key to ensuring we can fully deliver on our mission and provide the experience our students expect and deserve,” Brooks added.

Florida Poly remains committed to working collaboratively with state partners to align its growth with strategic investments that will allow the University to continue advancing excellence in education, workforce development, and economic impact across Florida.

 

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Lydia Guzmán
Director of Communications
863-874-8557

Session Details

This session will demonstrate that practical risk management is for everyone, regardless of a formal program. Attendees will learn actionable and simple strategies that are easy to implement, enabling them to start immediately by focusing on their top risks to build greater operational resilience and ensure the sustained success of their auxiliary enterprises.

Presenter Profile

Michelle Powell serves as the pioneering Risk Manager at Florida Polytechnic University, the state’s sole 100% STEM-dedicated institution. Having been with the university for nearly 11 years, Michelle transitioned from a leadership role in Admissions in October 2023 to establish and evolve the risk management function from the ground up. In this solo capacity, Michelle builds robust frameworks for our dynamic, young university, overseeing our insurance portfolio, consulting on third-party and event risks, and developing critical campus-wide training programs. Michelle has obtained the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations (COSO) Enterprise Risk Management certificate and the Associate in Risk Management (ARM) and Construction Risk and Insurance Specialist (CRIS) designations. Her distinct background in mathematics and engineering, combined with extensive higher education leadership, brings an analytical and strategic approach enhancing the institution’s resilience.

Dr. Lily Li is a Professor of Physics at Florida Polytechnic University, where she specializes in materials science, analytical imaging, advanced manufacturing, and biomedical devices. Prior to joining Florida Poly in 2025, she spent 11 years at SUNY Potsdam, where she advanced to Full Professor and developed a 3-2 Engineering dual-degree program with Clarkson University. Her work emphasizes experiential learning and research-driven education to prepare students for careers in STEM fields.