
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.
ORLANDO, Fla., — Prospective students at the new Florida Polytechnic University will get a clearer picture on Monday of the likely scholarships they would be eligible for beginning in 2014. The University’s Board of Trustees will consider a proposal to provide scholarships to the inaugural undergraduate and graduate full-time, in-state students during its August 26 meeting at the Orlando International
Where were you born? On the Air Force Base in Okinawa, Japan. My father was in the Air Force at the time. Where did you go to high school? I graduated from Glens Falls High School in Glens Falls, New York in 2004. Were you in any organizations in high school? I ran track and cross-country. Where did you go to college? I graduated
Where were you born? Franklin Square, New York Where did you go to high school? Nature Coast Technical High School Were you in any organizations in high school? Management Club, Key Club, Peer Helpers and Construction Club Where did you go to college? Saint Leo University – Saint Leo, Florida Which organizations were you involved in? Sport Business Association, Student Ambassadors What did you study? I
Where were you born? Fort Myers, FL Where did you go to high school? North Fort Myers High School Were you in any organizations in high school? Yes, I played Volleyball, and was in the Environmental Club Where did you go to college? I received my Associate of Arts degree from Edison State College and received my bachelor’s degree from Florida Gulf Coast University
LAKELAND, Fla. – Prospective students at Florida Polytechnic University and their families will be able to get an in-person sense of the campus, classrooms and curriculum at a new $1 million Admissions Visitor Center office opening in November. This will be the first building to open to the public at the new Polytechnic campus on Research Way. “Florida Polytechnic University
For the students who participated in the MERIT Summer Robotics Camp, the program may be over, but the memories will live on forever. MERIT, which stands for Medical Engineering and Robotics Innovation for Tomorrow, was a joint effort between Florida Poly, All Saints Academy, and the Robotics Institute and Center for Urology at Winter Haven Hospital. The program lasted four
The State University System of Florida Board of Governors (BOG) unanimously approved Florida Polytechnic University’s 2013-2014 Work Plan at a meeting at the University of South Florida. Approval of the plan was a major milestone, as it enables Florida Poly to move forward with its strategies to recruit students, hire faculty, develop curriculum and establish industry partnerships. Chairman of Florida
Thank you to all the business and community leaders from around Polk County who have shown their support for Florida Poly. Last month, the city of Lakeland, Florida Poly Vision and the Lakeland Area Chamber of Commerce held a special reception at the Lakeland Center to welcome Ava Parker, Chief Operating Officer. Lakeland Mayor Gow Fields spoke at the reception,
The Medical Engineering and Robotics Innovation for Tomorrow (Merit) Summer Robotics Program is in full swing, and the students are having a blast so far! The four-week summer program allows high school students to learn about medical imaging, radiation, pharmacotherapy, renewable energy, sterilization, and surgical robotics. Students attend lectures and learn about the latest medical surgical equipment including the DaVinci robotic
Students eager to apply to Florida Poly won’t have to wait much longer, as two seasoned professionals have been hired to head up the recruitment and admissions process. Scott Rhodes has been named the new Executive Director of Admissions and Beth A. Pierpont is the Associate Director. Rhodes has more than 14 years of experience in higher education, leading marketing and enrollment efforts for
Robert I. MacCuspie, Ph.D. a research chemist at the National Institute of Standards and Technology has been named the first faculty member at Florida Poly. He has more than seven years of experience working in government national labs and has held research positions at the Air Force Research Laboratory and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. In addition to his
Governor Scott Re-appoints Six Trustees Six members of the Florida Poly Board of Trustees were among 42 people re-appointed to boards and commissions throughout the state by Governor Rick Scott. The trustees include: Mark R. Bostick, of Lake Wales, is the president of Comcar Industries. He is reappointed for a term beginning May 16, 2013, and ending June 30, 2015. Joseph
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.