LAKELAND, Fla. – 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.
“It is an honor to be selected to address graduates at Florida’s only public university exclusively focused on STEM,” Rodrigues said. “Florida Polytechnic University leads the State University System with success after graduation with bachelor’s graduates earning a median salary of $65,000 and 85% employed or furthering their education.”
Rodrigues was appointed the SUS’ 12th chancellor in 2022. In this role, he serves as the chief executive and the principal liaison between the Board of Governors (BOG), the Florida Legislature and various agencies.
“Having Chancellor Ray Rodrigues as this year's commencement speaker is a tremendous privilege for Florida Poly. His bold leadership within the State University System, along with his commitment to innovation and student success, align perfectly with the values we cherish at our University,” said Dr. Devin Stephenson, Florida Poly’s president. “We are excited for the wisdom and motivation he will impart during this significant moment, as he will undoubtedly inspire our graduates as they step into the next chapter of their journey.”
Florida Poly is recognized nationally as a top academic institution and among the most affordable. U.S. News and World Report named it the No. 1 public college in the Southeast, a top 20 public engineering program without a Ph.D. nationally and the No. 2 best value public college in the Southeast. In addition, the University is boosting the regional and state economies by attracting high-tech companies and producing the high-wage, high-skill STEM professionals needed across all industries.
“STEM education equips students with the skills to innovate, think analytically, and tackle complex challenges, often while preparing them for careers that require complex technical expertise and creativity,” Rodrigues said. “Bachelor’s degrees in STEM fields lead to careers that address critical workforce shortages.”
As Florida Poly’s graduates get ready to launch their careers, Rodrigues said he hopes to convey to them the world of possibilities that await.
“I’d like them to know that their journey at Florida Poly has prepared them to think beyond the conventional and to reimagine what is possible. As they join the ranks of distinguished alumni, they have the opportunity to shape a legacy – both for themselves and for the University,” he said. “I want to encourage them to remember that the work they do will resonate far beyond their time here, creating ripples that inspire future generations of innovators and leaving a lasting impact on the world.”
Prior to becoming chancellor, Rodrigues had an extensive legislative career, serving in the Florida Senate from 2020 to 2022 and in the Florida House of Representatives from 2012 to 2020. During this time, he held key leadership roles, including chairing the Senate Reapportionment Committee, the Senate Government Operations Committee, and the House Health and Human Services Committee. Additionally, he served as the House majority leader.
Rodrigues’ career began in the corporate sector with General Electric, where he managed the U.S. import compliance team. He then spent 17 years at Florida Gulf Coast University, where he held several significant positions, including director of interagency partnerships, director of community relations, and business manager for the College of Arts and Sciences.
Rodrigues holds a bachelor’s degree from Berry College in Rome, Georgia. He later earned a Master of Public Administration degree from Florida Gulf Coast University in 2017.
For the most recent University news, visit Florida Poly News.
About Florida Polytechnic University: Florida Polytechnic University is ranked the No.1 public college in the Southeast United States for four years in a row and a top 20 public engineering program without a Ph.D. in the nation for two years in a row. It is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, and a member of the State University System of Florida. Florida Poly is the only state university dedicated exclusively to STEM and offers ABET-accredited degrees. Florida Poly is a powerful economic engine within the state of Florida, blending applied research with industry partnerships to give students an academically rigorous education with real-world relevance. Florida Poly’s iconic Innovation, Science, and Technology Building, designed by world-renowned architect Dr. Santiago Calatrava, has won more than 20 global awards and was named one of the 16 most breathtaking buildings in the world. Connect with Florida Poly.
Contact:
Lydia Guzmán
Director of Communications
863-874-8557 (office)
863-327-9762 (cell)
lguzman@floridapoly.edu
