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
Hundreds of students, families, faculty and staff gathered at Florida Polytechnic University campus on Saturday, Oct. 17, for Phoenix Family Day, exploring student life through hands-on demonstrations, games and fun. The annual event gave families an opportunity to experience campus, connect with the University community and see how their students are making Florida Poly their home away from home. Across
Florida Polytechnic University celebrated the grand opening of its University Safety and Operations Center (USO) on Thursday, Oct. 15, enhancing campus security, facilities services and emergency readiness as the University continues to grow.
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
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
