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Florida Poly and Skyway launch strategic high-tech alliance

December 2, 2025

A pioneering new partnership between Florida Polytechnic University and The Skyway Organization, LLC aims to spark powerful developments in advanced manufacturing, materials science, aerospace and workforce development. Leaders from both organizations signed a memorandum of understanding to formalize the partnership at Florida Poly’s Barnett Applied Research Center on Tuesday, Dec. 2. Through the agreement, Florida Poly and Skyway will explore

Roadway cleanup reflects honor society’s spirit of service

November 24, 2025

Equipped with bright orange vests, litter pickers and a positive attitude, a group of Florida Polytechnic University students aims to give back to the community by keeping a two-mile stretch of highway near campus free from trash. The portion of State Road 33 near Interstate-4 is maintained by the Mu Omega chapter of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers

Florida Poly fuels $952 million in annual economic impact

November 20, 2025

Florida Polytechnic University is fueling Florida’s economy with more than $952 million in annual economic activity, according to a new study by distinguished economist Dr. Rick Harper. The analysis shows the University contributes over $523 million each year to the state’s gross domestic product (GDP), including more than $117 million directly within Polk County. The University’s economic activity stems from

Florida Poly opens new hub for innovation: the Gary C. Wendt Engineering Center

November 18, 2025

Florida Polytechnic University celebrated a major milestone with the debut of its 40,000-square-foot Gary C. Wendt Engineering Center (GCW) on Tuesday, Nov. 18. The $15 million facility adds state-of-the-art laboratory space and equipment designed to elevate student learning, fuel innovation and solidify the University’s role as an economic driver for the state of Florida. The GCW features advanced research and

Florida Poly alum at the heart of bioprinting innovation

November 17, 2025

Dr. Steven Chisolm ’19 believes the future of medicine is being built layer by layer, literally. What may sound like science fiction, such as 3D printing functional hearts or kidneys for transplant, is quickly becoming possible, and he is among the innovators helping turn that vision into reality. A proud Florida Polytechnic University mechanical engineering graduate, Chisolm is now a

Florida Poly faculty joins national committee on recycling innovation

November 14, 2025

Florida Polytechnic University’s Dr. Malak Anshassi has earned national recognition for her research advancing recycling, solid waste management and sustainability. She was recently appointed to serve as a recycling expert on a prestigious committee of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine to address the pressing problem of waste reduction. Anshassi, an assistant professor of environmental engineering, was selected

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Florida Polytechnic University Co-Hosts Robotics Camp

May 6, 2013

Florida Poly is partnering with the Robotics Institute and Center for Urology at Winter Haven Hospital and All Saints Academy to offer a four-week summer camp that gives high school students the opportunity to gain hands-on experience with robotics. The camp begins June 3. The innovative program named MERIT (Medical Engineering and Robotics Innovation for Tomorrow) teaches the future generation,

Florida Polytechnic University Proposes Non- Tenure Model For New Faculty

May 2, 2013

As Florida Polytechnic University begins its faculty recruitment efforts, the Academic Affairs Committee has proposed that the university adopt a non-tenure model. Instead of tenure, or tenure-track, new faculty members will sign fixed term, multi-year contracts. The contract length will be for either nine or twelve months and may be renewable. “This model ensures a fair and equitable review process

New Bill Will Help Florida Polytechnic University Prepare Students for College

April 24, 2013

Florida Governor Rick Scott held a press conference in conjunction with his signing of SB 1076 which will provide middle and high school students an opportunity to obtain certifications in various STEM related fields. Florida Polytechnic University COO Ava Parker participated in the event as did state university presidents Machen (UF), Baron (FSU), Robinson (FAMU) and Bense (UWF). The bill

Dr. Santiago Calatrava Attends Topping Out Ceremony

April 19, 2013

Our new Innovation, Science and Technology Building is one step closer to completion as the steel framework is now finished! To celebrate this milestone, a crowd of more than 250 people joined us for a “Topping Out” Ceremony. Florida Poly Board of Trustees Chair Robert H. Gidel gave the welcome remarks and introduced the keynote speaker – Dr. Santiago Calatrava,

Florida Polytechnic University Names Foundation Board

April 5, 2013

A group of eleven business, community and industry leaders have been named to the charter Foundation Board of Directors at Florida Polytechnic University. Members are responsible for managing foundation assets and soliciting support through private funding and other resources, as well as encouraging and assisting in the research and training activities of faculty, staff and students. “I am confident we

Florida Polytechnic University Chair Gidel and COO Parker Update Board of Governors on Progress of University

March 29, 2013

The importance of creating a polytechnic university in Florida, student recruitment and developing partnerships were among the topics discussed when Florida Polytechnic University Board of Trustees Chair Rob Gidel and Chief Operating Officer Ava Parker updated the Florida Board of Governors on the progress of Florida’s newest university. It was the first time the pair met with the Board since

Florida Polytechnic University Proposes Degree Programs Plans for Student Recruitment

March 25, 2013

LAKELAND – Following months of research and discussions with academic consultants, Florida Polytechnic University’s Strategic Planning Committee has recommended five degree programs in the College of Innovation and Technology and the College of Engineering. “After an extremely thorough market investigation, these programs were identified as meeting the real-time response to employer needs, and are in-line with the recommendations of the

Florida Polytechnic University Proposes Degree Programs Plans for Student Recruitment

March 25, 2013

Board of Trustees Pursue Organizational Structure Academic Vision

February 5, 2013

The Florida Polytechnic Board of Trustees held a retreat February 4th and 5th and the Hyatt Regency located in Orlando. This press release was issued afterward. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media Contact: Debbie Angleton Phone: 863.583.9057 LAKELAND, February 5, 2013 – Florida Polytechnic University’s Board of Trustees met in Orlando today to continue the task of developing a business plan, which among