
Florida Poly kicks off women’s soccer program with inaugural head coach
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 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.
Dr. Randy Avent (left) shakes hands with Florida Polytechnic Board of Trustees Chair Rob Gidel. Avent was selected Monday by the University’s Presidential Search Committee to be Florida Polytechnic’s founding president. LAKELAND, Fla. – Florida Polytechnic University’s Presidential Search Committee has selected Dr. Randy K. Avent, an accomplished academic leader and current Associate Vice Chancellor of Research Development at
LAKELAND, Fla. – Florida Polytechnic University’s Presidential Search Committee identified two finalists for the position of University President during a public meeting this morning, which took place at the University’s administrative office in downtown Lakeland. The committee, which is comprised of the University’s full Board of trustees, the chair of the Florida Polytechnic University Foundation Board and a representative from
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
Appointments Highlight Role of Private Giving to the University’s Future LAKELAND, Fla. – The Florida Polytechnic University Foundation has named four distinguished business and industry leaders as new board members, who will help support the University’s unique mission to educate and prepare students to be high-tech leaders. The four new members are: Jeff Clyne, President, Mid-State Machine & Fabricating Corp.
LAKELAND, Fla. — Florida Polytechnic University hosted its first virtual event, a Google+ Hangout, on Wednesday, February 26, 2014. The event featured a panel of Florida Polytechnic staff and faculty members who answered questions about the new University’s campus, curriculum and culture. Prospective students and their parents were able to submit questions live via Google+ and in advance through Facebook,
LAKELAND, Fla. – Florida Polytechnic University, the state’s newest university, today announced that it has signed Microsoft to its growing list of industry partners. Together, Poly and Microsoft will form a collaborative relationship to aid in providing practical, hands-on learning opportunities for students. “Microsoft is a globally recognizable and reputable brand and we’re happy they have chosen to partner with
LAKELAND, Fla. – Florida Polytechnic University’s distinctive classroom building under construction is the backdrop for a new TV commercial for Chrysler Ram trucks that began airing nationally on Tuesday, Feb. 4. Florida Poly’s Innovation, Science and Technology (IST) Building is featured prominently in the new ad campaign as an example of a “modern marvel” for its engineering and design. The
LAKELAND, Fla. – Florida Polytechnic University’s Board of Trustees has launched a search for the founding president of Florida’s newest public university. The search committee, comprised of the University’s full Board, chair of the University Foundation Board Cindy Alexander and Board of Governors representative Norm Tripp, held its initial meeting Monday, February 3, 2014. The University president will report directly
LAKELAND, Fla. – Two nanotechnology-based companies are recognizing the value of partnering with Florida Polytechnic University, as they grow a highly trained workforce to meet the diversity of industry needs for products engineered and improved with nanoscale technologies. Florida Polytechnic University is introducing an undergraduate program in the emerging field of nanotechnology, which studies and controls materials at the atomic, molecular
LAKELAND, Fla. – Florida Polytechnic University announced this week that DSM Technology Consultants, WellDyne and eight other companies have joined its growing network of industry partners. From IT management to health care solutions, the University’s newest industry partners are a diverse group of companies that share an emphasis on advanced technology, innovation and entrepreneurship. Established in 1986 by Internet technology
The view from my office at the Admissions Center is of construction crews building the Florida Polytechnic University campus. I am able to watch the Florida Poly campus rising from the ground up. It’s an exciting time to be admitting Florida Poly’s inaugural class for Fall 2014. The enthusiasm is shared by students we admit and their families, as deposits are pouring
LAKELAND, Fla. – Florida Polytechnic University announced this week that it has signed an industry partnership agreement with Bright House Networks. Bright House Networks is Florida’s second largest owner and operator of cable systems and is also the nation’s sixth-largest cable provider. Together, Bright House Networks and Florida Poly will work to provide students with real-world learning and applied research
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.