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Florida Poly extends six-year run as No. 1 public college in the South

September 22, 2026

For the sixth consecutive year, Florida Polytechnic University is the No. 1 public college in the South according to U.S. News & World Report’s 2027 Best Colleges Rankings, while continuing to gain national prominence in engineering and value. Florida Poly climbed 13 spots to No. 16 nationally among public engineering programs without a Ph.D. and ranked the No. 1 best value public school in the South.

Students participate in the first Engineering Olympics at Florida Polytechnic University.

Student clubs spark competition at first Engineering Olympics

September 18, 2026

Nearly 100 Florida Polytechnic University students put their engineering skills to the test at the University’s first-ever Engineering Olympics on Thursday, Sept. 17.

Alumna Melia Rodriguez is a software engineer at CoStar Group, a real estate technology company.

Alumna turns initiative into impact for real estate technology

September 16, 2026

Just two years after graduating from Florida Polytechnic University, Melia Rodriguez ’24 is putting her skills to work on technology used by one of the world’s leading providers of real estate data and analytics. As a software engineer at CoStar Group in Richmond, Virginia, she develops tools that help support critical business operations and the company’s expansion into new international markets.

Colby Manrodt is serving his second term as SGA president at Florida Polytechnic University.

SGA president’s second term to focus on student leadership, involvement

September 11, 2026

When Colby Manrodt ’26 stepped up to become president of the Student Government Association (SGA) at Florida Polytechnic University in the fall of 2025, he prioritized strengthening students’ sense of community and restructuring the organization. Now in his second term, the now graduate student aims to take those goals even further.

Detroit Tigers, Florida Poly join forces to advance player health and performance

September 8, 2026

The Detroit Tigers and Florida Polytechnic University are launching a new partnership that brings together data science, academic research and professional sports to tackle real-world challenges in player health and performance.

Florida Polytechnic University’s computer science and data science degree programs received top rankings from Research.com.

Florida Poly earns top state, national rankings in computer science, data science

September 3, 2026

Florida Polytechnic University’s data science and computer science programs are earning top recognition in newly released rankings from Research.com, including No. 1 spots among Florida’s public universities and a top 20 national ranking for the University’s undergraduate data science degree.

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Tabletop Club brings fun, fantasy to Florida Poly students

November 14, 2022

In a world of magic, dragons, and giants, students at Florida Polytechnic University immerse themselves in a fantasy adventure and band together to reach a common goal. The Tabletop Club invites all Phoenixes with a taste for fun, storytelling, battle, and friendship to join them. “Anyone who is interested in making friends and learning more about a cool way to

AdvancementJohnson ScholarshipScholarships

November 8, 2022

With the Johnson Scholarship Foundation’s financial support and a fervent belief that he can succeed, Florida Polytechnic University senior Graham Gilbert is determined to reach his educational goals. Gilbert, from West Palm Beach, Florida, is working toward a bachelor’s degree in data science with a concentration in quantitative economics and econometrics. “As college students, we probably all don’t have amazing

Electrical engineering alumna helps create next-generation medical devices

November 3, 2022

Chelsea Reeves ’19 always had dual passions for engineering and biology. Today, she fulfills both in her position as a product development engineer at Arthrex, a global orthopedic medical device company based in Naples, Florida. Reeves works on Orthobiologics and Vet systems at the company. “Orthobiologics is the new regenerative medicine of the world and as a team, we are

IFF launches Florida Poly partnership with $125K scholarship and research fund

November 2, 2022

IFF (NYSE:IFF) announced a $125,000 gift to Florida Polytechnic University, as both entities laid the foundation for a first-of-its-kind partnership between the University and the Fortune 500 company. IFF officials said the donation will be divided in two important areas: $25,000 for student scholarships and $100,000 for a new research fund to support faculty projects. The announcement was made during

Florida Poly team on way to fully autonomous golf cart

November 1, 2022

A project to turn a standard golf cart into an autonomous vehicle has made a huge leap forward at Florida Polytechnic University. The students and faculty have successfully transformed the golf cart into a drive-by-wire vehicle – one that can be controlled by remote control. The Florida Poly community can often see the solar-powered golf cart zipping around campus with

Industry partnership advances cybersecurity, high-tech career opportunities

October 28, 2022

Florida Polytechnic University students are gaining insider industry knowledge, improving career readiness, and finding valuable employment opportunities thanks to a partnership with KnowBe4, a global security awareness training and simulated phishing provider based in Clearwater, Florida. KnowBe4 has hired multiple University alumni and interns. Alyssa Nichols, global talent outreach manager at the company, said she has been impressed by their

Florida Poly president selected to prominent list of top influential leaders

October 27, 2022

For the fourth consecutive year, Dr. Randy K. Avent, president of Florida Polytechnic University, has been recognized as one of Florida’s most influential leaders by Florida Trend magazine. The publication’s annual Florida 500 list features the state’s top leaders and executives across major industries. “It is an honor to be included in the Florida 500 list among so many remarkable

IFF and Florida Poly celebrate construction of state-of-the-art Global Citrus Innovation Center

October 25, 2022

Today in a ceremonial presentation, IFF and Florida Polytechnic University laid the foundation for the nearly 30,000-square-foot Citrus Innovation Center, located on the University’s campus in Lakeland, Florida.

Avent appointed to Orlando Economic Partnership board

October 20, 2022

Dr. Randy K. Avent, president of Florida Polytechnic University, recently was appointed to the board of Orlando Economic Partnership. The board works to unify community strategies to build a stronger, more prosperous economy for the Central Florida region. The partnership is a public-private, not-for-profit economic and community development organization. In addition to Avent, its board includes members from organizations like

Transfer students reach for personal success at Florida Poly

October 19, 2022

Gabriel Pinson’s fascination with energy has taken him from a student at Pasco-Hernando State College to an oil and gas employee in Wyoming to his current role as a mechanical engineering student at Florida Polytechnic University. Pinson, now a junior, said Florida Poly is offering him the best education to launch him into a career in energy or defense. He

Florida Poly Foundation Board adds members with industry, University insight

October 18, 2022

The Florida Polytechnic University Foundation’s Board of Directors has welcomed the appointment of four members with expertise in engineering, information technology, law, and the University itself. The University’s Board of Trustees recently approved the appointments of Kristen Lowers, chief information officer at Saddle Creek Logistics Services, and Florida Poly student Madison Yonash to the Board. Dr. Muhammad Rashid, professor of

Students and employers connect at Fall Career and Internship Fair

October 14, 2022

Companies from all over the state looking for high-skilled interns and employees descended on Florida Polytechnic University’s new Applied Research Center on Thursday, Oct. 13, for the annual Fall Career and Internship Fair. About 65 employers participated in the event, hoping to win the attention of highly qualified and enthusiastic students. Some of the companies included the Walt Disney Company,