
Five Florida Poly faculty among world’s top 2% of scientists
Research advancing scientific knowledge and technology has earned five Florida Polytechnic University faculty members a place on Stanford University’s 2026 World’s Top 2% Scientists list.

Research advancing scientific knowledge and technology has earned five Florida Polytechnic University faculty members a place on Stanford University’s 2026 World’s Top 2% Scientists list.

Dr. Devin Stephenson, president of Florida Polytechnic University, has been named to Florida Trend magazine’s prestigious Florida 500 list for the third straight year, recognizing his leadership and growing influence in advancing STEM education and economic development.

Florida Polytechnic University’s new athletics program has received its first philanthropic gift, a $60,000 contribution from longtime Lakeland residents Bob and Deedra Knight. The milestone donation marks an exciting step forward for Florida Poly Athletics as the University builds its inaugural sports teams and gains support from the local community.

The Commission for Public Higher Education (CPHE) announced today that its Board of Directors has voted to grant accreditation to Florida Polytechnic University, marking the Commission’s first accreditation decision since its founding in 2025.

University and international leaders gathered at Florida Polytechnic University on Wednesday, Oct. 21, to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the U.S. State Department’s Fulbright Program alongside the nation’s 250th anniversary.

The Florida Polytechnic University Police Department has become the first law enforcement agency in the nation to integrate an electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) vehicle into its operations. The manned aircraft, dubbed Astro in a double nod to science and the dog from the classic Jetsons cartoon, marks Florida Poly’s entry into the rapidly developing field of advanced air
LAKELAND, Fla. – The Florida Polytechnic University Foundation has announced that it is the recent recipient of two major charitable gifts to benefit the University and student scholarships. Saddle Creek Logistics Services, a supply chain solutions firm and one of the University’s industry partners, has pledged $1 million to support scholarships and the University’s mission. Additionally, an anonymous donor is
LAKELAND, Fla. – The Medical Engineering and Robotics Innovation for Tomorrow (merit) program returns to Florida Polytechnic University for a second summer, introducing high school students to high-tech innovations with practical applications, from bio-energy to brain mapping. Partnering with Lakeland Regional Health Systems and All Saints Academy, Florida Polytechnic will host the four-week camp, starting June 2, at the University’s
LAKELAND, Fla. – Florida Polytechnic University’s Board of Trustees today approved a contract for employment for Dr. Randy K. Avent who was chosen by the Board in April to be the University’s first president. Dr. Avent is an accomplished academic leader and currently serves as Associate Vice Chancellor of Research Development at North Carolina State University (NC State) where he
LAKELAND, Fla. – Florida Polytechnic Chief Operating Officer Ava L. Parker has announced her support for a charitable cross-country, all-electric car trip that will raise money for men’s health and for University scholarships. The Drive for Men’s Health, set for June 12-13 in a futuristic Tesla vehicle, is being organized by Florida Polytechnic Foundation Board member Dr. Sijo Parekattil and Dr.Jamin
LAKELAND, Fla. – The inaugural freshman class for Florida Polytechnic University is set, following the University’s application deadline for freshmen last week. All told, Florida Polytechnic received nearly 3,000 undergraduate applications and has admitted 923 freshman and transfer students. Of those admitted students, 500 have already committed to attend the new University in the fall. “Florida Polytechnic’s first class is
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