Business leaders in innovation and technology from throughout the the Southeast traveled to Florida Polytechnic University’s campus Wednesday for Florida Poly’s Second Annual Industry Partner Summit.
The event brought together more than 100 professionals from industry-leading firms, including Nielsen, Tech Data, Florida Blue, Publix, Mosaic and Saddle Creek Logistics, to help inform the University’s curriculum and connect them with additional opportunities to collaborate with the University. The summit culminated with a keynote address by John Tonnison, Executive Vice President and Chief Information Officer of Tech Data, one of the world’s largest distributors of technology products and services and a Florida Poly industry partner.
“Our goal at Florida Poly is to prepare students to enter the workforce as innovative problem-solvers,” said University President Dr. Randy K. Avent. “Working closely with industry is the best way to guarantee our degree programs meet real-world industry needs, and our partners know that by helping to shape the next generation of STEM leaders they’re investing in their own future success as well.”
As part of its robust industry partnership program, Florida Poly works closely with more than 90 high-tech companies from across Florida and the United States to spur innovation and produce real-world solutions to problems facing government and industry. The partnerships also provide hands-on opportunities for students.
“Our students have the chance to work closely with companies that will potentially hire them one day, and that’s a major early advantage in today’s competitive workforce,” said Florida Poly’s Director of Industry Partnerships Sean Malott. “Offering internship and job opportunities to Florida Poly students also gives our partners early access to emerging STEM talent. So it’s a win-win opportunity.”
Industry leaders participating in the summit offered feedback on ways to enhance Florida Poly’s curriculum and received information about additional partnership opportunities with Florida Poly such as joint research, product development, service on advisory boards and internship programs.
John Tonnison, Tech Data’s Executive Vice President and Chief Information Officer, delivered the keynote address about the importance of collaboration between industry and higher education, particularly in regard to the rapidly evolving STEM fields.
Tonnison is responsible for the worldwide innovation strategy, IT capabilities and operations at global giant Tech Data. Headquartered in Clearwater, Fla., Tech Data Corporation is one of the world’s largest distributors of technology products, services and solutions. Its advanced logistics capabilities and value added services enable 115,000 resellers to efficiently and cost effectively support the diverse technology needs of end users in more than 100 countries.
“At Tech Data, we continually look to recruit and retain the best and the brightest employees,” said Tonnison. “That’s one of the reasons that we are thrilled to be an industry partner at Florida Poly—so we can work together to support STEM education programs and ultimately prepare graduates for high-tech careers.”
