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.
The Phoenix Racing team at Florida Polytechnic University received a financial boost from Tampa Electric (TECO) to support its first-ever entry into the national collegiate 2024 Formula Sun Grand Prix solar car race in mid-July. TECO donated $7,500 in shareholder funds to the interdisciplinary student team, which has spent the last two years honing their ideas and constructing the car,
The Atlantic hurricane season starts on Saturday, June 1, bringing with it the potential for strong storms in Central Florida. While the exact timing and strength of storms can’t yet be known, forecasters at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Climate Prediction Center again expect an above-average hurricane activity in the Atlantic with 17-25 named storms this season. Of those,
In a prestigious international exchange of research, ideas, and culture, Florida Polytechnic University is again expecting robust participation in the U.S Fulbright Program for the 2024-2025 academic year. Fulbright Scholars are professionals like college or university faculty members, administrators, artists, and others who travel to other countries to reach, lecture, research, and exchange ideas. This year, Florida Poly will host
In the six years since Chris Dowdy ’18 earned his bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering as a member of Florida Polytechnic University’s inaugural class, he has built a solid career as a project manager at Whiting-Turner Contracting Company, a nationwide construction management, design-build, and integrated project delivery firm. Before joining the company’s Nashville, Tennessee, office two years ago, he was
In a display of generosity and commitment to education, Dr. Faeza Rashid Kazmier and her husband, Dr. Peter Kazmier, have each made significant contributions of $50,000 to Florida Polytechnic University. Their gifts have resulted in the naming of two classrooms in their honor, symbolizing their dedication to supporting the University’s mission and fostering a culture of philanthropy. “We cannot control
Dr. Ajeet Kaushik’s expertise in nanotechnology, sensors, biosensors, and nanomedicine for health and environmental management has carried his stellar reputation across the country and around the world. The assistant professor of chemistry at Florida Polytechnic University spent much of the 2023-2024 academic year sharing his knowledge both in the classroom and among his vaunted peers. “Doing research in a particular
The Florida Board of Governors (BOG) voted unanimously today to confirm Dr. Devin Stephenson as the next president of Florida Polytechnic University. Stephenson was selected as the institution’s second president by the Florida Poly Board of Trustees (BOT) on April 15. His selection followed a thorough presidential search which narrowed the field to five highly qualified finalists. “I believe all
Florida Polytechnic University celebrated the conferral of more than 200 bachelor’s and master’s degrees at its commencement ceremony on Sunday, May 5, capping off years of intensive coursework and the attainment of a high-demand STEM degree. The event, which took place at the RP Funding Center in Lakeland, marked the University’s 10-year anniversary and the end of a strong academic
Student involvement in Florida Polytechnic University’s Rotaract Club attracts community-minded individuals of all personal and academic backgrounds to come together to help improve the areas where they live. Two graduating club members recently received significant honors from its sponsor, the Auburndale Rotary Club. Thomas Risalvato, who receives his bachelor’s degree in business analytics on Sunday, May 5, was presented the
With a commitment to producing 100% STEM graduates ready to fill high-tech, high-demand jobs across the state, Florida Polytechnic University will graduate more than 200 students on Sunday, May 5 with many beginning full-time positions just days later. Korrie Smith, who is graduating with a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, will begin work as a technical specialist with Sarasota County’s
When Madison Yonash ’24 arrived on campus as an undergraduate business analytics major at Florida Polytechnic University, she immediately began discovering ways to get involved. Soon, she was not only plugged in, but she was making a lasting impact on her peers and her University. She will receive her bachelor’s degree on Sunday, May 5. When she wasn’t dedicating her
In a formal ceremony among their engineering peers, the newest mechanical, electrical, and computer engineering graduates at Florida Polytechnic University joined the Order of the Engineer on Wednesday, April 24. “Induction into the Order of the Engineer is an opportunity for engineering graduates to commit to maintaining the highest ethical standards and recognize their responsibility toward the engineering profession as
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.
