Dr. Devin Stephenson, Florida Polytechnic University president, is inaugurated into the prestigious Royal European Academy of Doctors on Thursday, May 15, in Barcelona, Spain.
Dr. Devin Stephenson, president of Florida Polytechnic University, was formally inducted into the esteemed Royal European Academy of Doctors (RAED) this week, representing a defining achievement in his leadership journey and reinforcing the University’s expanding international presence.
The ceremony took place on Thursday, May 15, in Barcelona, where Stephenson delivered a powerful inaugural address on the evolving role of leadership in higher education. His induction into the century-old institution highlights the international appreciation of his contributions to academia and Florida Poly’s rising stature on the global stage.
“This recognition is not just a professional milestone but a deeply personal one for me, reflecting the collective influence of mentors, colleagues, and the many higher education leadership experiences that have shaped me and my abilities to serve the better good for mankind,” Stephenson said to the gathering of RAED’s influential members.
“To be among such prestigious academicians, innovators and thought leaders is a reminder that, while individual achievements mark our progress, it is our shared pursuit of knowledge and transformation that gives them true meaning,” he added.
Stephenson addressed the assembly with a speech titled “Reinventing the Future of Higher Education,” drawing on his deep expertise in leadership. He emphasized the importance of driving effective change by building a culture of excellence rooted in strong relationships, mutual trust and a commitment to innovation and adaptability.
“Change leadership, I have come to believe, is about navigating uncertainty with agility, about taking calculated risks, and about positioning ourselves to anticipate and respond to the forces that will shape tomorrow,” Stephenson said. “This approach demands a delicate balance between vision and execution. It requires the courage to venture into uncharted waters, to make decisions that may not always be popular but are necessary for long-term growth.”
Professor Jordi Martí Pidelaserra, a member of RAED’s Board of Governors, said Dr. Stephenson is a strong addition to the academy.
“Dr. Stephenson’s speech illustrates that the true meaning of leadership emerges in times of uncertainty,” Martí Pidelaserra said. “His vision serves as a guiding force to reshape the future trends of higher education.”
The Royal Academy was founded in 1914 with the goal of researching and disseminating knowledge in the health, social, human, experimental, and technological sciences. RAED membership is considered one of the highest honors in European academia, with members including Nobel laureates and former heads of state.
In addition to his formal inauguration as a correspondent academician of RAED, Stephenson met with Fulbright Scholars who have collaborated on research at Florida Poly; Mateo Valero, director of Barcelona Supercomputing Center; and executives from IDIADA, a global leader in engineering and testing services for the fast-evolving automotive industry, including autonomous and electric vehicles.
“I am honored to have joined the illustrious Royal European Academy of Doctors and to contribute to its enduring legacy of education and global service,” Stephenson said. “The connections forged with academy members, leaders of Spain’s technological sector, and other international partners will open new doors for Florida Poly, creating greater opportunities for our students, our University, and the state of Florida.”
Dr. Devin Stephenson (front, second from left), president of Florida Polytechnic University,
and Dr. Daniel Crespo (front, second from right), rector of the University Polytechnic
of Catalunya in Spain, stand with members of both universities’ communities in Barcelona
on Tuesday, May 13. The institutions have engaged in several international research
collaborations through the Fulbright Program.
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