Florida Polytechnic University has named Jack Paris as the first head coach of its women’s soccer program as the University continues building its new athletics department.
Florida Polytechnic University marked a significant milestone on Saturday, May 9, celebrating its largest graduating class to date as more than 430 students crossed the stage at the University’s 2026 commencement.
Andrew McDonnell ’26 never stopped dreaming about the stars. As a child, he looked up at the sky, wondering what was out there, and that curiosity followed him to Florida Poly, where he pursued a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, took aerospace courses, and worked on a lunar mobility senior capstone project. He graduates on May 9.
Florida Polytechnic University has reached on-campus housing capacity for the upcoming academic year, reflecting continued strong demand and record student interest.
Florida Polytechnic University inducted 12 students into its highly selective Presidential Ambassadors program, where they will serve as official student representatives at key University events and engage with campus and community leaders.
Samantha Bentley ’26 didn’t always feel ready to step into leadership or research roles during her time as a computer science student at Florida Polytechnic University, but discovered she grew the most by doing it anyway. She will receive her bachelor’s degree on Saturday, May 9.
More than 360 Florida Polytechnic University seniors presented high-tech, industry-sponsored projects at the eighth annual Capstone Design Showcase on Wednesday, April 29, gaining hands-on experience and solving real-world challenges.
Florida Polytechnic University has named Mike Settle as its inaugural head softball coach, adding a veteran leader with deep Polk County roots to the University’s new Florida Poly Athletics program.
Nearly 150 Florida Polytechnic University students pledged to uphold the highest ethical standards of the engineering profession at the University’s fifth annual Order of the Engineer induction ceremony on Monday, April 27.
Harmful algae blooms in Florida’s rivers, lakes and springs pose a serious threat to public health, drinking water, tourism and the state’s economy. Now, a Florida Poly researcher is advancing a promising new approach to address the problem.
For James Young ’26, a love of math and curiosity about how systems work opened the door to an unexpected passion for cybersecurity. That discovery led to leadership roles, competitive success, and a clear path into the field after he graduates from Florida Polytechnic University with a bachelor’s degree in applied mathematics on May 9.
Florida Polytechnic University has named Stephanie Bylander as its inaugural head coach for men’s and women’s cross country as part of the University’s new Florida Poly Athletics program.
Reid Johnson, a senior and mechanical engineering major at Florida Polytechnic University, recently competed at the College Club Swimming Nationals for the second year in a row.
Dr. Devin Stephenson, president of Florida Polytechnic University, has been named one of Florida’s 50 most influential leaders over the age of 50 by the News Service of Florida.
Becoming a Presidential Ambassador set Jorgeandrés Alvarez-Lopez ’26 on a path leading to a professional internship, his “dream job,” and an opportunity to address his fellow graduates as the Class of 2026 student speaker at Florida Polytechnic University’s commencement ceremony on May 9.
Florida Polytechnic University will welcome renowned astronaut Dr. Koichi Wakata as its 2026 commencement speaker. Wakata made history as the first Japanese commander of the International Space Station (ISS) and the first from his country to spend more than 500 days in space.
At 17, Adrian Hernandez Vega is already making his mark in the world of mathematics. The dual-enrolled Florida Polytechnic University student recently earned top honors at the 71st Florida State Science and Engineering Fair, an accomplishment he said reflects hard work and support from his mentors at Florida Poly. Hernandez Vega won the Best in Fair Grand Award for mathematics
As Florida Polytechnic University prepares to debut its inaugural collegiate athletics program this fall, featuring eight sports, new coaches, and a roster of high-achieving STEM-focused student athletes, Derek Lower has been selected as the University’s first athletic director.
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.
