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.
The Board of Trustees has approved several key recommendations that will impact faculty and student recruitment. Based on the recommendation of the Academic Affairs Committee, the Board approved establishing a non-tenure model. Faculty will be offered fixed term, multi-year contracts that will be renewed based on performance. This is a significant decision as Florida Poly expects the first faculty member
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,
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
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
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,
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
