Beth Kigel, the new chair of Florida Polytechnic University’s Board of Trustees, stands with Solaris, the University’s mascot. Kigel was appointed by the board in July and led her first meeting on Sept. 6.
Today, the Florida Polytechnic University Board of Trustees convened under new leadership. Beth Kigel, a renowned expert in intelligent transportation technology and smart city ecosystems, has stepped into the role of board chair, bringing extensive experience and a bold-thinking approach to advancing the University’s mission.
Kigel currently serves as vice president, national consultant and director of smart and connected solutions at HTNB, a leading national engineering and infrastructure design firm. She joined the University’s Board of Trustees in 2020 and served as vice chair since 2022.
"I’m incredibly honored to step into this role at such a pivotal time for Florida Poly. I also recognize the immense responsibility that comes with it, as we embark on our next decade with a new president,” Kigel said. “I’m eager to work closely with our University leadership to secure the necessary resources and build strong relationships that will drive our growth and impact. I’m passionate about this opportunity to go from the strong foundation we’ve built to a new period of transformation, inspiration, and innovation."
Florida Poly marked its 10-year anniversary in the new academic year with record student enrollment and exponential campus growth.
For Kigel, this is only the beginning, as she will focus on these key goals to guide Florida Poly through a new era of success: achieving academic excellence in STEM, driving enrollment growth, attracting top-tier faculty, and expanding research initiatives.
Another one of her goals is strengthening relationships with state and regional leaders, as well as industry partners, to foster collaboration, support and investment in the University. Additionally, Kigel emphasizes the importance of enhancing student life by prioritizing the development of the Student Achievement Center, which she envisions as the central hub for student activities and services.
“This student-focused facility is crucial to us as we grow and cultivate a vibrant campus community, so it is at the top of my list to ensure it comes to completion,” Kigel said.
Dr. Devin Stephenson began his role as Florida Poly’s second president in July, and Kigel said she’s enthusiastic about his proven track record as a higher education leader and his ability to connect with donors, industry, faculty and students.
“President Stephenson brings a fresh perspective and dynamic leadership to Florida Poly at a critical juncture in our growth,” she said. “His experience and leadership have earned him the respect of key Florida leaders, and his ability to engage with students and inspire donors is exactly what we need to continue growing Florida Poly’s success.”
Kigel succeeds Cliff Otto, who will continue serving on the board until next summer. Although she will hold the chair position for a two-year term, her vision and ambition for the University go far beyond that timeframe.
“I’m a big, bold thinker, and in 20 years I envision Florida Poly as a thriving campus that has achieved robust enrollment growth, attracted more world-class faculty, and emerged as the leading STEM institution in Florida,” she said. “We will have significantly expanded our research capabilities through substantial funding contributions, and our reputation will extend nationally and internationally, making us the top choice for STEM education and research excellence."
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