39 Industry-leading Companies to Help Shape Florida Polytechnic Curriculum at September 17 Summit
LAKELAND, FL – More than 50 business leaders representing 39 firms focused on science, technology and engineering will come together next week at Florida Polytechnic University’s first Industry Partner Summit to help shape the university’s curriculum. Apple’s vice president of education, John Couch, will be the keynote speaker at a following luncheon, which is expected to draw more than 200 attendees.
“We are extremely excited that John Couch and Apple recognize Florida Poly’s potential to change the way university students learn about science, technology, engineering and math,” said Ava Parker, chief operating officer for Florida Polytechnic University.
Couch was one of Apple’s early leaders and is a widely recognized authority on using technology to revolutionize classroom learning. More than 200 people, including state political leaders, industry leaders and university leaders, are expected to attend his keynote address, hosted by Florida Poly.
Florida Polytechnic is the state’s 12th public university and the newest member of the Florida State University System. Dedicated exclusively to applied research in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), its curriculum will also emphasize business management and leadership to ensure students graduate with both the knowledge and experience needed to help businesses compete in a global innovation market.
“Working closely with business partners now and into the future will guarantee our curriculum prepares students to fill jobs and address real-world needs as soon as they graduate,” said Dr. Ghazi Darkazalli, Florida Poly’s vice president of academic affairs.
Florida Polytechnic will welcome its inaugural class in fall of 2014. The university’s board of trustees recently approved a four-year scholarship program for that first class of undergraduate, transfer and graduate students.
Sponsors for the Industry Partner Summit include Florida High Tech Corridor, Harris, Prolexic, Liberty Capital Advisors, Protected Trust and Bob and Carmen Stork. The summit takes place Tuesday, September 17, 2013 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Reunion Resort in Kissimmee, Fla. To learn more about the event got to flpo.ly/Summit