LAKELAND, Fla. – Florida Polytechnic University is on a path toward excellence by producing a highly skilled STEM workforce, fostering an innovation economy, and providing a return on investment to the state. This makes it an Engineering University of Distinction.
Universities of Distinction is an initiative by the Florida Board of Governors to recognize and invest in universities that show unique strengths within the State University System (SUS). Institutions had the opportunity to submit a proposal identifying their programs capable of attaining excellence at a national or state level.
“The vision for Florida Poly is to be an upper-tier engineering school for the state of Florida,” said Randy K. Avent, president of Florida Poly. “We have made great progress toward that vision in just five years.”
Florida Poly, the only 100% STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) institution in the SUS, recently received accreditation through ABET for its strong engineering programs. It opened its doors in 2014 with the purpose of advancing Florida’s high-tech economy, and it has already become a pipeline of high-skill, high-wage talent thriving in high-demand, low-supply fields.
In addition, a recent economic impact study by renowned economist Dr. Rick Harper found that the current annual impact of Florida Poly on the state’s economy is more than $161 million in gross domestic product at the local and state level, $98 million in labor income, and almost $290 million in overall sales.
“Florida Poly as a whole is achieving the goals of a University of Distinction,” Avent said. “The University is meeting state workforce needs with our highly desired graduates and our economic impact shows a clear return on investment to the state of Florida.”
Florida Poly presented a Legislative Budget Request providing a roadmap and funding details for the University to develop into a top 15 engineering school without a doctorate degree program in the nation. The budget request focuses on growing its distinguished student body and faculty, curriculum, and support services.
Contact:
Lydia Guzman
Director of Communications
