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Florida Polytechnic University Day at the State Capitol Celebrates the University’s High-Tech Industry Focus

March 24, 2014

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Florida Polytechnic University will host Florida Polytechnic Day at the State Capitol in Tallahassee on Tuesday, March 25, 2014. High-tech displays showcasing the University’s campus, curriculum and culture will be featured on the third floor of the Capitol rotunda, and University representatives will be on hand to share information about Florida’s newest state university and its focus on applied research and hands-on learning in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

The technology theme underscores Florida Polytechnic’s commitment to educate students in an innovative, technology-rich and interdisciplinary learning environment that emphasizes STEM fields and prepares students to become leaders in the competitive high-tech workforce.

“Florida Polytechnic Day is a great opportunity to share the University’s high-tech vision and innovative spirit with Florida’s leaders and our statewide community,” said Florida Polytechnic’s Chief Operating Officer Ava L. Parker. “We are committed to providing applied research opportunities and an industry-inspired curriculum that leads to innovation and assures Florida’s position as an economic leader in the global high-tech economy.”

Strategically located in Lakeland at the heart of Florida’s High Tech Corridor, Florida Polytechnic will welcome its inaugural class of 500 students on August 25, 2014. The University partners with industry leaders in advanced technology who help inform curriculum, provide internship opportunities and collaborate in joint research and joint teaching projects, ensuring the University provides students the most industry-relevant learning opportunities.

Florida Polytechnic University was established in 2012 as the state’s first polytechnic university. It is the 12th university in the State University System and the only one with a dedicated STEM focus.

“Florida Polytechnic University is a shining example of Florida’s commitment to growing the kind of environment and talent that sparks innovation, creates jobs and builds a strong, sustainable economy,” said Sen. Kelli Stargel of Lakeland.

“Our goal is to be more than just an institution of higher learning,” said Rick Maxey, Florida Polytechnic’s Director of Government Affairs. “We aim to be an economic engine for the entire state of Florida. We aim to be Florida’s heart of high-tech.”

Session Details

This session will demonstrate that practical risk management is for everyone, regardless of a formal program. Attendees will learn actionable and simple strategies that are easy to implement, enabling them to start immediately by focusing on their top risks to build greater operational resilience and ensure the sustained success of their auxiliary enterprises.

Presenter Profile

Michelle Powell serves as the pioneering Risk Manager at Florida Polytechnic University, the state’s sole 100% STEM-dedicated institution. Having been with the university for nearly 11 years, Michelle transitioned from a leadership role in Admissions in October 2023 to establish and evolve the risk management function from the ground up. In this solo capacity, Michelle builds robust frameworks for our dynamic, young university, overseeing our insurance portfolio, consulting on third-party and event risks, and developing critical campus-wide training programs. Michelle has obtained the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations (COSO) Enterprise Risk Management certificate and the Associate in Risk Management (ARM) and Construction Risk and Insurance Specialist (CRIS) designations. Her distinct background in mathematics and engineering, combined with extensive higher education leadership, brings an analytical and strategic approach enhancing the institution’s resilience.