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Florida Poly fuels $952 million in annual economic impact

November 20, 2025

Florida Polytechnic University is fueling Florida’s economy with more than $952 million in annual economic activity, according to a new study by distinguished economist Dr. Rick Harper. The analysis shows the University contributes over $523 million each year to the state’s gross domestic product (GDP), including more than $117 million directly within Polk County. The University’s economic activity stems from

Florida Poly opens new hub for innovation: the Gary C. Wendt Engineering Center

November 18, 2025

Florida Polytechnic University celebrated a major milestone with the debut of its 40,000-square-foot Gary C. Wendt Engineering Center (GCW) on Tuesday, Nov. 18. The $15 million facility adds state-of-the-art laboratory space and equipment designed to elevate student learning, fuel innovation and solidify the University’s role as an economic driver for the state of Florida. The GCW features advanced research and

Florida Poly alum at the heart of bioprinting innovation

November 17, 2025

Dr. Steven Chisolm ’19 believes the future of medicine is being built layer by layer, literally. What may sound like science fiction, such as 3D printing functional hearts or kidneys for transplant, is quickly becoming possible, and he is among the innovators helping turn that vision into reality. A proud Florida Polytechnic University mechanical engineering graduate, Chisolm is now a

Florida Poly faculty joins national committee on recycling innovation

November 14, 2025

Florida Polytechnic University’s Dr. Malak Anshassi has earned national recognition for her research advancing recycling, solid waste management and sustainability. She was recently appointed to serve as a recycling expert on a prestigious committee of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine to address the pressing problem of waste reduction. Anshassi, an assistant professor of environmental engineering, was selected

From boot camp to Blue Origin: Engineering student builds future at Florida Poly

November 10, 2025

Celebrating Veterans Day Every Veterans Day, Florida Polytechnic University student Jonny Anderson can’t help but reflect on the journey that led him from serving in both the Marine Corps and Air Force Reserve to helping build rockets for space technology company Blue Origin. With determination squarely focused on earning a mechanical engineering degree, Anderson is living a dream many students

Florida Poly and South Korean university GIST team up to drive global STEM research

November 6, 2025

A new partnership between Florida Polytechnic University and South Korea’s Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST) is set to boost academic and research collaboration at both institutions, widely recognized for advancing STEM education. The partnership facilitates student and faculty exchanges as well as research initiatives, with the goal of elevating the quality and impact of each university’s scholarship and

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Chancellor Ray Rodrigues to inspire Florida Poly graduates as 2025 commencement speaker

March 14, 2025

Ray Rodrigues, chancellor of the State University System (SUS) of Florida, has been announced as Florida Polytechnic University’s 2025 commencement speaker. The event is set for May 4.

Florida Poly research tackles smelly water issue in Winter Haven

March 12, 2025

Florida Polytechnic University’s Dr. Jun Kim is stepping in to sniff out solutions to an unusual water problem in Winter Haven, Florida, through research that could have a global impact.

Kelli Stargel named VP at Florida Polytechnic University

March 3, 2025

Florida Polytechnic University has named former State Sen. Kelli Stargel as its new vice president for strategic initiatives, development, and external relations.

Florida Poly recognized as top producer of U.S. Fulbright STEM scholars

February 25, 2025

Florida Polytechnic University has earned the prestigious designation as a Fulbright Top Producing Institution, an honor awarded by the U.S. Department of State for its commitment to global academic excellence. Only 130 of the nation’s four-year institutions – just 5% – earned a spot in the ranking.

Families explore Florida Poly’s campus and vision at Phoenix Family Day

February 24, 2025

The Florida Polytechnic University campus rolled out the red carpet for students’ families and loved ones during the annual Phoenix Family Day on Sunday, Feb. 22.

Florida Poly global top scientist joins prestigious Fulbright Specialist Roster

February 17, 2025

Dr. Ajeet Kaushik, a leading researcher in nanotechnology and biosensors and recognized among the top 2% of scientists worldwide, has earned a highly prestigious academic opportunity.

Dr. Randy Avent honored as Florida Poly president emeritus

February 13, 2025

The Florida Polytechnic University Board of Trustees has honored Dr. Randy K. Avent with the title of president emeritus, recognizing his exceptional leadership and lasting contributions to the University. The designation, reserved for former presidents who have served with distinction, was conferred during the Board’s meeting on Feb. 12.

High-tech employers draw record crowds of students to spring career fair

February 12, 2025

With nearly half of Florida Polytechnic University’s student population in attendance, employers filled the University’s Barnett Applied Research Center on Tuesday, Feb. 11, to recruit, interview and hire interns and full-time employees at the 2025 Spring Career and Internship Fair.

Florida Poly hosts panel discussion on academic expression

February 11, 2025

The Office of Public Policy Events at Florida Polytechnic Hosted its first panel discussion of 2025 on Tuesday, Feb. 11. The event was the third in its Guardians of Democracy series taking place throughout the academic year.

Florida Poly tops the state for value, earns national top 10 spot in new rankings

February 7, 2025

Florida Polytechnic University is the No. 1 best value college in the state and No. 2 best value college in the South, according to new rankings released by Research.com, an online higher education resource.

New Electrochemical Society chapter to boost undergraduate research

February 6, 2025

Florida Polytechnic University launched a new Electrochemical Society (ECS) student chapter, empowering aspiring researchers with new opportunities to make a global impact.

Florida Poly and Catapult team up to ignite tech innovation and economic growth

February 3, 2025

Florida Polytechnic University has partnered with Catapult Lakeland, an entrepreneurial business incubator, to boost STEM education and drive innovation, entrepreneurship and economic development in Lakeland and the region.