The Florida Polytechnic University Foundation Board of Directors has new leadership, five new members, and five reappointed community leaders. The Florida Poly Board of Trustees approved the appointments on May 22.
Few coaches can match a resume that includes winning an NBA championship alongside Michael Jordan and leading a college program to sustained success on the national stage. Dennis Hopson has done both. Florida Polytechnic University has named Hopson as the first head coach of its Men’s Basketball program.
David Zambrano ’26 is on the pioneering edge of a field that has the potential to one day replace modern electronics. He is advancing research in silicon photonics – a technology that uses light instead of electricity to transmit and process data.
Florida Polytechnic University has named TJ Marik as the inaugural head coach of its baseball program. The addition brings another instrumental leader to the University as it continues to establish its new athletics program. Marik brings substantial head coaching experience and a strong background in player development to the new role.
Austin Lubetkin ’19 has built a career at the intersection of technology and creativity, balancing software engineering at Northrop Grumman with a passion for visual art. Now, the Florida Poly alumnus is bringing those worlds together in “Memories of Water,” an exhibit at the Orlando Science Center.
Florida Polytechnic University has named Clay Roberts the first head coach of its men’s soccer program, adding an experienced team builder as the University continues launching its new athletics department.
Florida Polytechnic University is poised to continue its strong trajectory of growth following the Florida Legislature’s approval of $19 million in the state’s 2026-2027 budget to support student success initiatives, infrastructure growth and strategic enrollment expansion.
Florida Poly senior Joseph Noble is taking on a global challenge that could help transform the use of generative artificial intelligence in mechanical engineering. Noble, a computer engineering major, is working at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) in Germany this summer as part of the country’s prestigious DAAD RISE program.
Florida Polytechnic University has named Nikki Jessee as the first head coach of its women’s basketball program, adding another experienced leader as the University continues to build Florida Poly Athletics.
Florida Polytechnic University has been recognized with the prestigious 2026 Ellucian Impact Award for transforming the student experience through advanced technology solutions that improve student success and operational efficiency.
Four Florida Polytechnic University esports teams recently donned their digital armor, stepping onto the national stage and battling top programs from institutions such as Purdue University, Georgia Tech, and the University of Michigan.
Florida Polytechnic University has named Jack Paris as the first head coach of its women’s soccer program as the University continues building its new athletics department.
Florida Polytechnic University marked a significant milestone on Saturday, May 9, celebrating its largest graduating class to date as more than 430 students crossed the stage at the University’s 2026 commencement.
Andrew McDonnell ’26 never stopped dreaming about the stars. As a child, he looked up at the sky, wondering what was out there, and that curiosity followed him to Florida Poly, where he pursued a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, took aerospace courses, and worked on a lunar mobility senior capstone project. He graduates on May 9.
Florida Polytechnic University has reached on-campus housing capacity for the upcoming academic year, reflecting continued strong demand and record student interest.
Florida Polytechnic University inducted 12 students into its highly selective Presidential Ambassadors program, where they will serve as official student representatives at key University events and engage with campus and community leaders.
Samantha Bentley ’26 didn’t always feel ready to step into leadership or research roles during her time as a computer science student at Florida Polytechnic University, but discovered she grew the most by doing it anyway. She will receive her bachelor’s degree on Saturday, May 9.
More than 360 Florida Polytechnic University seniors presented high-tech, industry-sponsored projects at the eighth annual Capstone Design Showcase on Wednesday, April 29, gaining hands-on experience and solving real-world challenges.
Dr. Lily Li is a Professor of Physics at Florida Polytechnic University, where she specializes in materials science, analytical imaging, advanced manufacturing, and biomedical devices. Prior to joining Florida Poly in 2025, she spent 11 years at SUNY Potsdam, where she advanced to Full Professor and developed a 3-2 Engineering dual-degree program with Clarkson University. Her work emphasizes experiential learning and research-driven education to prepare students for careers in STEM fields.
