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.
I’m Richy Truncale, admissions counselor at Florida Poly covering the greater Tampa Bay area. I’ve worked for Florida Poly since July, spending most of my time on the road visiting high schools and speaking with students about the opportunities available at Florida Poly. I visit about 10 to 12 schools a week, speaking with counselors and answering questions prospective students
I’m Ryan Sullivan, an admissions counselor at Florida Poly working exclusively with transfer students to answer their questions and address their unique needs. I want our transfer students to know that our generous scholarship program is available to all students, both freshmen and transfers. This can be a game changer for transfer students, because the scholarship program may enable students
Hey everyone, I’m Cameron Newton, an admissions counselor at Florida Poly covering Florida’s eastern counties. My travel schedule has slowed down temporarily during the holiday season, but I stay busy helping students complete their applications and giving campus tours. We’ve had a pretty good response from our campus tours. It’s been great to show off the campus under construction and
LAKELAND, Fla. – Florida Polytechnic University cut the ribbon Thursday and welcomed supporters to its new Admissions Center, the University’s first on-campus building open to the public. Community, business and political leaders gathered inside the 5,000-square-foot Admissions Center on Research Way to experience the modern, energy-efficient facility firsthand. The high-tech Admissions Center features a video wall, roll-up insulated glass doors
Hi everyone, I’m Beth Pierpont, director of admissions here at Florida Poly. I oversee all student recruitment efforts, working closely with our counselors to ensure we reach every high school and college fair in order to spread the word about Florida Poly. I also work closely with Scott Rhodes, Florida Poly’s executive director of enrollment services, and will be heavily involved
LAKELAND, Fla. – Florida Polytechnic University today celebrated the opening of its new 5,000-square-foot Admissions Center, the University’s first on-campus building to be completed and open to the public. The Admissions Center will provide prospective students and their families an in-person opportunity to meet with Admissions staff, tour the campus under construction and learn about Florida Poly’s mission, curriculum and
LAKELAND, Fla. – Florida Polytechnic University’s Board of Trustees today approved the contract for development of a 90,000-square-foot, on-campus residence hall that will include at least 216 bedrooms. The contract was awarded to Jacksonville-based Vestcor Communities, Inc., a subsidiary of The Vestcor Companies, following a formal, competitive request for statements of qualifications. The RFQ asked companies to build the residence
LAKELAND, Fla. – Florida Polytechnic University today signed an industry partnership agreement with A•C•T Environmental & Infrastructure, Inc. during a special signing ceremony at the company’s corporate office. The partnership will help to ensure industry-relevant learning experiences for Poly students while connecting A•C•T with emerging high-tech talent. “We are thrilled to collaborate with A•C•T and are grateful for their commitment
WINTER HAVEN, Fla. – Protected Trust this week signed an industry partnership agreement with Florida Polytechnic University that will help to ensure industry-relevant learning experiences for Florida Poly students while connecting Protected Trust with emerging high-tech talent. As an industry partner, Protected Trust will support the University through activities that include providing industry insight and analysis, serving on University advisory
LAKELAND, Fla. – Officials from Florida Polytechnic University and Harris Corporation today gathered to sign the university’s first official industry partnership agreement during a special ceremony at Harris’ headquarters in Melbourne, Fla. The inaugural agreement follows Florida Poly’s successful Industry Partnership Summit held last month, in which 44 leading firms expressed interest in partnering with Florida Poly. “Collaborating with industry
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LT2_7my7fUk Ready to learn more about Florida’s most innovative university? Attend the Poly Premiere. The Poly Premiere is our way of bringing Florida Poly to you. We’re rolling out the purple carpet at movie theaters across the state to give potential students an in-depth look at what Florida Poly has to offer. You’ll hear from key members of our administration and
Audio courtesy of Hall Communications (www.halllakeland.com)
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.
