Dr. Devin Stephenson, president of Florida Polytechnic University, speaks to stakeholders on Saturday, Sept. 7, at the University’s first Strategic Planning Summit in Lakeland, Florida.
Florida Polytechnic University took a pivotal step in shaping its future by bringing together industry, education, and community leaders for its first Strategic Planning Summit on Saturday, Sept. 7, fostering innovative collaboration and a shared vision for the years ahead.
The event marks the initial step in the process of developing the University’s next five-year strategic plan.
Dr. Devin Stephenson, Florida Poly’s president, convened a group of 34 key influencers, actively seeking their insights on the University’s current state and future direction. Their input was instrumental in helping to refine Florida Poly’s priorities and shape broad strategies to guide its path forward.
The participants included current and former elected officials from Lakeland and Auburndale, industry leaders, law enforcement representatives, Florida Poly alumni, members of the University’s Board of Trustees, as well as faculty and staff.
“If we fail to plan, we plan to fail,” Stephenson said to the group. “It’s important that we have a strategic plan that is organic, and that we have both internal and external stakeholders take part in it. For the next five years, we want to move forward in the same direction, making things happen together.”
The daylong event was hosted at Catapult, an entrepreneurial business incubator in Lakeland, Florida.
Lakeland Mayor Bill Mutz, one of the participants, said he was happy to see the emphasis on community involvement.
“I am super encouraged by Dr. Stephenson’s ear-to-the-ground desire to listen to the stakeholders who care a lot about Florida Poly’s success and learn from the things that provide the greatest opportunity to move forward,” Mutz said. “I think he exudes the kind of confidence and listening ear that provides trust, hope and direction.”
Ana Kalman, vice president and chief information officer-chief application officer at Lakeland Regional Health, said the event was also important to ensure the University and community are working toward shared goals.
“At the end of the day, the students will actually seek employment with our organizations, and we will be aligned to be able to benefit from each other,” Kalman said. “I think Florida Poly is perfectly positioned to continue meeting the needs of the community.”
The ideas and suggestions provided by the attendees will now be assessed and utilized to begin developing actionable steps for the new five-year strategic plan.
Steve Scruggs, president of the Lakeland Economic Development Council, highlighted the importance of collaboration and mutual support among local leaders and stakeholders to help the University grow.
“I hope everybody felt heard today and I hope everyone walks out of here cheerleading each other’s priorities because we’re all in this together,” Scruggs said.
Industry, education and community leaders gathered on Saturday, Sept. 7, for Florida
Polytechnic University’s first Strategic Planning Summit in Lakeland, Florida.
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Lydia Guzmán
Director of Communications
863-874-8557